Over the last year it would be fair to say I have been involved in many discussions about SPD as having a baby that is now nearly 7 months old they have presumed that I am now OK and its gone.
They would be so very wrong, mine developed with my first sons pregnancy in 2010/2011.
When I wrote about my condition back in 2012 it would be fair to say I had no real idea of just how much this debilitating condition would impact on me both emotionally, mentally and of course physically in the long-term but what has also been increasingly hard to deal with is the fact that so many people don’t understand the condition at all or presume it’s just for pregnant people.
My condition has not improved since my initial post (If you didn’t read my initial post about living with Symphysis Pubis Dysfunction you can’t read that HERE) I am still in agony on a daily basis and I would love nothing more than a full nights sleep without waking in pain or pins and needles, especially since Jacob is sleeping through the night these days.
I produced a post not long ago on things you can do to help stop putting strain on your pelvis that when you have SPD can be agony but even then the pain can be unbearable so I live by the list whenever I can but it’s not always possible with a 5-year-old and 7 month old at home.
After 5 years of suffering you would have thought I would be use to it but every once in a while it becomes even more painful. I have not worked out if its hormone related or if its something I am doing that exacerbates it but when it’s at its worst I can be found sobbing in a corner.
Although I developed my acute SPD through pregnancy Symphysis Pubis Dysfunction (Pelvic Girdle Pain ) is not just for the Pregnant and can be brought on through non pregnancy related causes.
After spending years researching this condition it has become clear that his condition can be developed by men and women through an injury to the pelvis.
Obviously for pregnant ladies the condition stems from a hormones released while pregnant that loosens the ligaments (effectively to allow baby’s head to pass through later down the line) however for me my ligaments and cartilage were so damaged that there is no chance they will now go back to how they were before.
Non Pregnancy
For me now being a non pregnant sufferer I still get frustrated with the misunderstanding around the condition and the support differences there are around for those that are pregnant compared to those that aren’t.
Even though I still suffer and will continue to suffer I get no actual support from my GP or hospital consultant, yet if I was pregnant there are lots more services in my area on offer such as water based pool activities and even physio.
If I could wave a magic wand I would love obviously to feel better and not suffer from this condition but I would love more people to understand that for some of us we don’t just suffer for a few months while pregnant we have a whole lifetime of pain and struggles to look forward too.
SPD really isn’t just for the pregnant.
I suffered terribly with SPD during both pregnancies. These days I still have a weaker pelvis and ache when I run up and down stairs.
Me too Rachel, but on only single occasion The suffering can be extremely frustrating sometimes. Thanks..
Amen to that. I’ve had pelvic girdle pain since a teenager but I’ve never been pregnant. I’m only 24 but I can barely climb stairs, it hurts to sit and stand and lie down, I click and clunk in places that shouldn’t and the displacement of my pelvis has recently started pressing on nerves causing yet more wondrous pain.
I’ve been given a pregnancy support belt, which doesn’t fit too well if you don’t have a bump but it’s better than nothing. I’m doing physio too, but that will only help with the weakness from the nerve damage that’s caused by the instability – not the instability itself.
The most frustrating thing though is that the “cure” is always to “have the baby” which is beyond unhelpful when you’re not pregnant! I only got diagnosed this year and I’ve been told that they simply don’t know what’s caused it, unless it’s some sort of hormonal issue to do with my PCOS (which reduces fertility). I can’t describe how horrible it is to have a pregnancy related pain condition but also be told I’m unlikely to ever actually get pregnant. Talk about rubbing it on my face…
aww lovely, you have my every sympathy. This condition can happen in men and women and babies are not the only reason it occurs but so many people dont believe you have it if your not pregnant!
I am sending you masses of cyber love to you and feel free to contact me anytime, sometimes its just good to know you are not alone x
My name is Jackie and I am 55 years old. I had 2 pregnancies and never experienced anything with regards to my hips, groin or pain until I tripped over a cable wire and came now on both knees and then my hands. I have had 13 previous back surgerys but never had pain in the groin like this before. After the fall I noticed this horrible pain in my buttocks and lower left cheek and in the groin area. But what was more noticeable then anything was the popping/clicking that started. I found it was hard to get up out of bed or stand up. When they finally took xrays they said I had what they called a dislocation of the pelvic symphasis. I am in pain all the time now and the clicking drives me crazy!
I feel your pain. I had it with My 2my pregnancy to the extent I was house bound at the end and nearly needing a wheelchair. My sons 4 and Iv had spd since I’m now registered disabled as got so bad I couldn’t work everyday is a struggle im lucky i have a stair lift and wet room to support me. Im now 21 weeks pregnant with my 3rd child I was alright to start with now the past couple of weeks the pain has set in and am worried how this pregnancy is gonna play out. Have been doing Physio to strengthen the muscles but not really seen a difference yet. I’m hoping it will go after this pregnancy as I’m 28 and feel like I’m an old lady
I have suffered terribly with this for three years. Have you tried prolotherapy?