Hi everyone,
I was wondering if anyone has suggestions for lingering SPD/PGP. I am now 9 weeks postpartum, and it hasn't gone away (had it since the 2nd trimester). I live in the U.S., where it is not well understood by the medical community, and the doctors I've seen either 1) think I'm psychosomatic, 2) think it just magically goes away on its own right after a baby is born, 3) give me exercises that exacerbate the condition (like the physical therapist I just went to, who "specializes" in women's conditions).
My baby was stillborn due to unexplained placental insufficiency at 41 weeks. So I have nothing to show for all this pain. No one knows why it happened, and no one caught it on any of my prenatal tests. I realize that depression can make existing chronic pain worse, but this is different: I've recently starting strain/sprain-type pain in my elbows (one hurts all the time and even clicks when I swing my arm), knee pain on either side of the patella, and popping ankles. My long-standing feet tendinitis condition is also back. I sound like a hypochondriac, but I'm not.
The SPD pain presents itself as SI joint pain, especially on one side, burning crotch pain at the joining cartilage, pain at the levator ani (feels like the innermost part of my buttocks), and strain on the inner thighs. I do all the suggestions about keeping the legs closed and things to avoid, but it hasn't helped heal the condition.
NO one seems to know what to do with me or how to help me, and I feel so hopeless because I need it to go away so that my husband and I can start trying for another baby soon. I'm terribly, terribly depressed and anxiety ridden because I CAN'T even take short walks, lie on my side with a pillow between my legs, gently paddle/kick in the pool (no breath stroke), or do much of anything without flareups the next day.
I look "normal." I don't use crutches or a walker. This is the worst part because everyone thinks I'm just exaggerating, like I'm just crazy because I've lost the baby, but I had the SPD/PGP all throughout the pregnancy, even when our little girl was alive and well.
Please help. How do I fix my misaligned pelvis? I think one side of my pelvis is further forward than the other. I went to a chiropractor, but when she lies me on my side to do the adjustment, my legs are very close together and it seems to compress and hurt my crotch afterward.
First of all so sorry for your loss.
I had this and it is very painful, what I found useful was to spend some time away from anyone, get into a meditative space or generally just quiet and then focus on the pain until you start to see or observe that you are watching the pain. This creates a gap between you and the pain, once you recognise there is a gap allow it to grow until you can clearly differentiate you and the pain as being separate. Almost as soon as this happens the pain will subside and go. As soon as the awareness of the separation arises the issues resolve.
It has worked for me for a number of issues where the medical profession have failed, including post c-section pain.
Hope this helps.
Cruiserlyn, my deepest sympathies go to you and your husband for your loss.
Have you tried massage with a specialist pregnancy massage therapist, who is experienced with SPD/PGP?, as this can help relax the tight muscles around the pelvic area, in conjunction with the exercises and manipulation from your chiropractor/osteopath. This will also give you some valuable time to help you to relax.
Hope you find something that will help with your pain.