PGP / SPD My story:

..A noose that is unwanted and put there by so called professionals trying to help, who are just making things more complicated and causing more suffering if you ask me. (Don't worry was merely a metaphor.) I finally gained access to much needed services, i.e. Pain Management Clinic and Physio experienced in Manual Therapy, when we receive the initial assessment from Social Services, which *surprise, surprise* was based on some false information too! The ex consultant of mine and ex midwife accused me of 'exaggerating' my condition and stated that I sought access to Adult Services and additional help RE: my condition, without consulting them. Do these people NEVER write anything down? I asked, I begged, I screamed, I cried, I gave up and tried to help myself, as they refused me the help I need. So now I hope they are happy as Welfare have defined our young son as "a child whose vulnerability is such they are unlikely to reach or maintain a satisfactory level of health ...

" Background. Symphysis pubis dysfunction (SPD) is an abnormal stretching of the pubic joint in pregnancy, which causes distress and pain during and after pregnancy. Measures of its incidence varies widely, and most research has focused on identifying causes. Among healthcare professionals, there is evidence of low levels of awareness of SPD and a lack of sympathy toward women with it. Aim. To explore women's experiences of SPD during pregnancy and up to six weeks postpartum, with particular reference to pain. Method. A qualitative, phenomenological approach was used in conducting semi-structured interviews in a large maternity hospital in the north-west of England. A total of 28 women were interviewed during pregnancy and six weeks postpartum (51 interviews). Findings. The dominant theme to emerge was the women's experiences of pain. Pain was described in compelling language, and some women overdosed themselves on analgesics. Pain was sometimes accompanied by sounds that ...

On the 5th of August, a few things had happened since the enquiries. I am 23 weeks pregnant exactly today. My midwife was reluctant to make home visits in the first place and now I am seeing my consultant (who is now back from holiday) on Monday 10th August, my midwife has stated he will see to my ante-natal care. (Feel like her hands have been washed from me? ...yeah) So will I ever meet my midwife this pregnancy?? It is looking more and more unlikely. I still need to sort out a MatB1 form or something for SMP, get some stockings (as suggested by my Occupational Therapist 'E') and sort a few more things out like parentcraft/ante-natal classes. Luckily this time transport has been arranged via my GP for the 10th August. I will have to see what Consultant says in regards to referrals, as my midwife has said that PGP is more or less untreatable despite what page 77 of the NHS free book to all first time mothers states in black and white. So confused. I am anxious and scared as I...