New here 😕

[Jeharell123]

Hello - I'm new here and reaching out in the hope of managing 'early' symptoms that are beginning to make me feel quite low. Reading the entries I have so much empathy and am in awe of the courage and tenacity of those suffering over such long periods. I went to the GP in November with a distinct pain in my left lower pelvic area - I could pint exactly to the 'niggling pain' that I could feel when I walked (only). I was sent for an ultrasound and vaginal scan and all clear - they just picked up a small inguinal hernia with no bulge externally. Over the months the pain spread across my pelvis, into my lower back and left hip on standing and walking, initially when this was for extended periods, now I can only stand for a few minutes without feeling 'it' (the pain in the area I can point to on the lower left of my pelvis" and the pelvic, hop and lower back pain starts between 5 and 20 minutes after standing or walking. Over the past few weeks it's now happening when I lay in bed and waked me in the night repeatedly. I had an MRI on Monday and am awaiting results (full spine and pelvis). I have painkillers but Naproxen now doesn't touch it and Cocodomol upsets my bowel which impacts the pain further. I have no bleeding, spotting, or other symptoms, although have had some episodes of night time nausea and acid reflux in the past week. The pain is so uncomfortable and impacting daily life (showering, shopping and now working).I'm 46 and beginning to feel quite low after 6 months of it gradually increasing, medical professionals are a little dismissive, although I appreciate the MRI. Exercise is difficult to commit to because of the pain. If anyone has any advice on anything other than being either in the bath or keeping a burning hot hot water bottle on the area to divert my attention from the pain to another sensation I'd be interesting in hearing how to 'wait well' for results and next steps....Claire 🤞

[Jeharell123]

Sorry about the typos 🤦‍♀️ Also, should have said I've become increasingly bloated over this period (maybe look about 5/6 months pregnant), and the only thing that relieves the intensity from standing /walking is to sit immediately and pain relieves after a few minutes, however in recent week its becoming uncomfortable to sit /lay from the discomfort in the front of my pelvis. It's the intense increase of pain during prolonged standing and manoevering out during the night / getting out of bed though that is impacting life.

[Salmonfishing in reply to Jeharell123]

Hi Jeharell123So sorry to hear you are in pain. I also have chronic lower back pain, right hip pain and intense pain in my pubic bone, and been like this for over a year.☹️

I also suffer from interstital cystitis, vulvodynia and irritable bowel syndrome.

I've also done the rounds of x-rays and scans but been told everything looks ok and it's just natural wear and tear.

I live in the UK and seen a NHS physiotherapist who accessed me and gave me exercises to do.

The NHS physio said they don't do hands on. So no back massage or manipulating. I religiously do the exercises everyday, and to an extent they do help.

I felt as though I needed more than just the exercises so pay myself to see a private physio who does hands on, on my back.

I think they key thing is to keep moving but don't over do it and rest when you need to.

My personnel advice would be to see a physiotherapist and get checked out so they can give you medical advice and the right exercises for you to do.

There was a waiting list of six weeks before I could see a nhs physio, not sure what the wait time would be where you live? Maybe if you could afford it you could pay for a one off appointment with a private physio to get checked out but still put your name down to see a nhs physio.

I hope some of this advice helps.

Let me know how you get on.

Take care.

[Salmonfishing in reply to Jeharell123]

About the bloating.Have you had this checked out by a gp?

If not, that might be an idea.

Also, you could keep a food diary to see if you think any food or drinks are causing the bloating.

Hope you get the results from your scan soon. 👍

[Jeharell123]

Thank you for taking the time to reply Salmonfishing Sorry to hear your journey of over a year, I just don't know how you all manage reading these stories, I have so much heartfelt sympathy as it impacts so many daily choices and basic tasks, everyday I just hope tomorrow it will begin to pass. I appreciate how many people are managing worse medical traumas so not to dramatise but I'm struggling with the lifestyle changes when I feel I'm young and healthy. I was referred to MSK and have seen a physio after ending up in A&E with what I thought was intensifying hernia pain, but after seeing a surgeon he felt further investigation was needed and I should request an MRI through my GP- he said the route was physio first (?) and monitor the impact of physio over 8 weeks, then MRI if no impact,but after my first physio appointment the physio phoned and said MSK had decided to refer for the MRI straight away. I find it difficult to tolerate the 3 exercises, 2 of which are lunges which I struggle with, but attempt on days that are more comfortable. Hopefully once the MRI results come back I'll know whether I should explore something else and will definitely consider exploring private if others have found this to be beneficial. After 6 months last week I a few days off work and I really don't want to not be working, but the hour drive each way and demands of being on my feet between periods of sitting was too much to face - disappointed to feel I don't have the resilience at the moment to manage anticipating staff stopping me in a corridor or playground and needing to discuss something and the panic of knowing the trigger those few minutes will cause for the rest of the day/ impact on sleeping at night. It's just crazy isn't it, I can't get over up until a year ago I was visiting the lake district 3 times a year with the family and walking fells and pikes for days on end. I'll have a look at tracking food as you suggest too. Thank you again.Hope you get some relief and enjoy the Bank Holiday.

[Salmonfishing]

Thank you for that lovely reply and sharing your story with me. Like you, my life is not as it used to be. I love going out walking too, but can't do the longer walks anymore.😕 We usually have a little holiday once a year and do lots of walking, but that hasn't been happening for a few years.

Have you told your employer about your condition and how much pain you're in?

They have a duty of care to help you. Maybe they can refer you to occupational health? There may be some equipment (desk, chair,) that could make it easier for you.

Even though I am still in pain I feel as I have made some progress so, I hope that gives you a bit of hope.

Enjoy your Bank Holiday too.

Always staying strong. 💪