[angelpie545]

Okay, I am kind of torn here. I have had two wonderful, natural deliveries in a very well-respected birth center here. I was TTC #3 and although we have stopped for the time being, there is a chance I could be pg already(we have decided to stop for a little bit b/c of some health problems that I have been having). Part of these problems relates to my neck and back, particularly in my lower left portion of my back. It feels as if something is growing in there, and creates tons of pain, and I'm never really comfortable b/c of it. Since it's appearance, I have also had recurrant UTIs and pain with intercourse. The back pain started when I was pg with #2 and hasn't gone away since. It hurts so bad all the time, I also have pain and pressure dizziness in my head from my neck hurting; don't know if it's related.

So..the thing is if I am pg, I was wondering how possible a natural childbirth would be, given the condition of my body. I am in SO MUCH pain with my neck and back, that even moving or laying still sometimes is very uncomfortable. My doc has dismissed the pain despite my efforts to tell her(I'm finding a new physician shortly if she doesn't start listening) but I'm wondering how labor would be like if I was pg, not to mention the pregnancy. Is it possible for women with back injuires to labor and deliver naturally without passing out from too much pain? Labor to me was very painful, despite efforts to relax, but I did my best and pushed through it b/c I had to do what was best for my babes, and them being born healthy and drug free, and to have instant bonding it was so worth it.

I know the risks of an epidural, and I would want to avoid one at all costs, believe me. It's just that with all the pain in my back, which honestly feels like a slipped disc or something to me, it's so hard for me to imagine dealing with labor when me body is already so weakened and in so much pain. Hopefully I'm not pg yet so we can deal with those issues, but I very well coudl be. I'm so torn..I want more than anything if I am to have a natural, normal, out of hospital birth..but I'm not sure if that would be the wisest decision. Does anyone out there have any experiences with this kind of thing? I know, it's not a common thing...

 

[pageta]

One word answer for you: chiropractor. Even if you aren't in great shape going into pregnancy, they can help you get into better shape and teach you exercises to keep flexible, all of which greatly increase your chances of delivering naturally.

 

[angelpie545]

Thank you..that's what I was thinking. I didn't know if a chiropractor would work on me if I am preggers. It sounds crazy..but I really, really want another baby right now, even though I am in poor health! Silly me...I just miss those baby days so much...

 

[sapphire_chan]

Some chiropractors specialize in adjusting during pregnancy, but at this point you're basically the same as not pregnant.

Even if you aren't pregnant (I hope you are!) you should have this pain treated.

UTIs and severe back pain on one side sounds like kidney stones, actually. In your position I'd find another doctor immediately. Actually as soon as a doctor ignored chronic and acute pain, I'd be out of there.

 

[angelpie545]

Quote:

Originally Posted by sapphire_chan Some chiropractors specialize in adjusting during pregnancy, but at this point you're basically the same as not pregnant. Even if you aren't pregnant (I hope you are!) you should have this pain treated. UTIs and severe back pain on one side sounds like kidney stones, actually. In your position I'd find another doctor immediately. Actually as soon as a doctor ignored chronic and acute pain, I'd be out of there.

Yeah, you've got a point. It's just that I've been through so many doctors that have just ignored my symptoms I'm kind of at a loss...I did a thread in health and healing about it though. Overall though I'll just plug through and definately see a chiropractor. I really do not want to have hospital birth and would like actually to have a peaceful homebirth if I am pg. Thanks for the advice though it makes me feel better.

 

[DreamsInDigital]

Yes, yes, yes to all that was said above.
And dump your doctor, get yourself a good homebirth midwife and enjoy life!

 

[sapphire_chan]

Multiple doctors have ignored this???? Washington is sucking more and more lately.

Have you considered calling an ambulance to take you to the ER? Maybe they'll take it seriously then. Normally I wouldn't suggest this, but I think there might be something very wrong. Even if this is "nothing" as soon as it lasts for several months it's a severe problem.

If you don't feel comfortable doing that, call your doctor's office, tell the receptionist that you are experiencing acute pain in your lower left back that it has persisted for more than a few days and that you need to make an emergency appointment with your doctor. Other good terms "agonizing" "incapacitated" "sharp" "stabbing".

If it is an organ problem, say from the blow you took that nearly caused a still birth (thank G-d your dd was and is alive), then you'll want someone who does both chiropractry and acupuncture. The chiropractor can put things into alignment so that everything can go where it's supposed to, and the acupunture will help any damaged areas repair themselves once they're in the right place.

 

[Emilie]

i think chiro too! and a massage therapist. many chiros have a massuse on staff. mine has helped me tremendiously.

 

[angelpie545]

Quote:

Originally Posted by sapphire_chan Multiple doctors have ignored this???? Washington is sucking more and more lately. Have you considered calling an ambulance to take you to the ER? Maybe they'll take it seriously then. Normally I wouldn't suggest this, but I think there might be something very wrong. Even if this is "nothing" as soon as it lasts for several months it's a severe problem. If you don't feel comfortable doing that, call your doctor's office, tell the receptionist that you are experiencing acute pain in your lower left back that it has persisted for more than a few days and that you need to make an emergency appointment with your doctor. Other good terms "agonizing" "incapacitated" "sharp" "stabbing". If it is an organ problem, say from the blow you took that nearly caused a still birth (thank G-d your dd was and is alive), then you'll want someone who does both chiropractry and acupuncture. The chiropractor can put things into alignment so that everything can go where it's supposed to, and the acupunture will help any damaged areas repair themselves once they're in the right place.

Believe it or not, I've actually gone to the ER with acute pelvic pain that had lasted for days and days. They did a pelvic exam and a pregnancy test said everything was fine and the preg. test was neg, and then they sent me home. Oh, and I've had my blood and urine tested multiple times and each time it all comes back normal. The only thing they noticed was my iron count was low, but otherwise the CBC was normal. I've been at a loss for a long time.

 

[Emilie]

i would look into seeing a naturopathic doc or homeopathic doc too along with the chiropractor.

 

[mzfern]

Where in Seattle are you? I can reccomend a good chiropractic practice.

 

[angelpie545]

I'm actually on the Eastside, but would not be opposed to traveling to Seattle for healthcare. At this rate, any help I can get I'll drive the distance it takes to get there.

 

[katt]

My Dh is a chiro as well (lynnwood area). So, even though I am a bit biased, I'd highly recommend you find a good chiro that you trust. Ask LOTS of questions and if they don't mesh well with you or set you up on a pre-paid treatment plan, walk (or run) out and find a new one.

 

[sapphire_chan]

Quote:

Originally Posted by angelpie545 Believe it or not, I've actually gone to the ER with acute pelvic pain that had lasted for days and days. They did a pelvic exam and a pregnancy test said everything was fine and the preg. test was neg, and then they sent me home. Oh, and I've had my blood and urine tested multiple times and each time it all comes back normal. The only thing they noticed was my iron count was low, but otherwise the CBC was normal. I've been at a loss for a long time.

Pregnancy is NOT the only cause of problems in women. Menstration is NOT the only cause of problems in women. Why on earth do doctors automatically blame the reproductive system for everything?!? And worse, when they can't figure out how to make the reproductive system be the cause of a problem they just give up.

Thank goodness there are other options. I hope you feel utterly marvelous after the chiropractor session.

 

[boscopup]

Quote:

Originally Posted by angelpie545 Thank you..that's what I was thinking. I didn't know if a chiropractor would work on me if I am preggers.

I started seeing a chiropractor around the beginning of my 2nd trimester.

Of course, if you're pregnant (and try to find out if you are before you go), they can't do x-rays, and thus it's a little more difficult to treat you. But it can be done. My chiro said that after the baby is born, we can do x-rays (she'll avoid the breast area, since I'll be bf'ing), and see what's going on with my back long term, as I have dealt with a herniated disc issue in my lower back for several years (before I got preg with DS #1 - preg actually helped that one, but now this time it's worse during preg). My disc isn't as bad as it was 3 years ago when I went to PT for it - had bad sciatica all the time. This time around, it seems to just be localized pain around the actual disc, and that's better than sciatica.

Before seeing the chiro, I could barely walk to and from the bathroom at night. I was in SO much pain. It was excruciating pain in my sacrum (pregnancy related), which sometimes caused me to not be able to even bare weight on my leg for a few moments. After 3 adjustments, I was able to walk easily to the bathroom at night! Yipee! I go see her weekly right now, as pregnancy keeps things moving around, so it's hard to really completely fix a problem during pregnancy. But after pregnancy is over, we'll be working on that lower back issue I've had for years, once she can see on x-ray what's really going on. It's amazing what she was able to figure out without x-rays though, as far as my pregnancy pain issues go. I highly recommend finding a GOOD chiropractor that is experienced with pregnant women. Unfortunately, it can be hard to find a good one. In my area, there are so many quacks around. I was lucky that the NFL type moms in my area all go to this one chiro, so I was able to go straight to her and get good care! I ran into a friend there, and she said I was lucky to have found her first, since my friend had been to 5 other chiros in the area and they all were horrible. Luckily, it looks like you've got some recommendations in this thread for your specific area.

 

[angelpie545]

Thanks, guys. I'll post in Finding Your Trible for a chiro reccomendation.

 

[Peppamint]

Good luck!

Chiropractic has been awesome for our family. Fixed my neck issues (I was holding my neck funny due to whiplash), reduced migraine frequency, helped with sciatic pain during pregnancy and helped with my pelvic separation due to pregnancy.

Oh- and an adjustment fixed Audrey's spitting up issues! She's started again though so I guess it's time to go back.