An observation, of sorts.

[oh_kimberley]

As someone who suffers from an 'invisible' illness, I often struggle in coming to terms with the use of crutches for necessity. When I first started requiring additional support for getting about, I was about thirteen years-old and it was more a matter of if-and-when I needed them, rather than consistently. When I relapsed several times over a

Comments

[kashinthegreen]

I feel your pain. I'm a closet cripple too (dodgy joints) and go through periods where I need to use a stick. I only use it when I have to make a trip, and I couldn't do it without, mostly because I hate the thing, it's cumbersome and it makes me feel self concious. The longest period I consistently used it for was when I was recovering from appendicitis (the surgery damaged my psoas muscle and various other bits of lower abs required for controlling my right hip). I always felt a bit guilty about the doddery old men who would hold doors open for me! I can agree with everything you said above, plus, the really irritating bit for me was people asking me why I needed a stick *all the time*, mind your own sodding business! I assume it is because I am young and fairly healthy looking, but it's such an intrusion

[oh_kimberley]

Oh, goodness - I can imagine pregnancy and using a stick is terrible. I've been told I'm at risk of developing SPD early on if I get pregnant. Apparently, the hormones released will make my Hypermobility Syndrome worse. I already suffer with horrendous pelvic discomfort so I can sympathise to an extent - obviously, I'm not carrying a wee one. I agree with the bus-stops too. The slanted benches and the veritable likelihood of sitting on them without falling off alongside attempting to support oneself is ridiculous. I've given up and, on occasion, enjoy protesting by sitting on a wall nearby or sometimes on the floor (though I usually get up five minutes before the bus is due because it takes *five minutes* to get up

[kashinthegreen]

Yup, I am afraid to say I think it is my hypermobility that brought mine on too. I have never had pelvic issues before, just hips, knees, wrists hands and back, it is a new and interesting game, the best rounds of which include the turning over in bed game (must not twist, must not lift weight on feet) and trying to get up after sitting on a hard chair.

[oh_kimberley]

There is some evidence online to suggest that Hypermobility and SPD are linked. If you've ever found your problems exacerbated during your periods/ovulation, that's an issue too. I've done the turning over in bed game with a broken pelvis and, as it is now, with dislocations and it is ow, ow, ow! Luckily, I get my blokey to give me intense massages to manipulate the bones back into the joints so I can hobble rather than stay stuck in bed. Fingers-crossed you'll have a noticeable improvement as soon as little Nate is born! :)

[kashinthegreen]

I know a few people afflicted with both. Whether there is a direct link or not I don't know (well I doubt it as the causes are different, BJHS is caused by dodgy collagen, SPD is hormonal) but the relaxin in pregnancy definitely aggravates it. Normal people get a lot more flexible in pregnancy, so if you are already "too flexible" then being pregnant is only going to make it worse.

[trialia]

Not to butt in, but having HEDS/HMS I actually find my dislocations etc. get much worse during my period, so I can absolutely understand how pregnancy would Not Help with that kind of thing!