Lidoderm patches are awesome

Also you don't want to push shoulders and down and back, That can actually cause traction

You should feel your shoulder wrap around your ribs and naturally move back. It's a really small subtle motion. I figured out how to do it by looking at my shoulders at the side in the mirror

There used to be something in the UK where, if you needed help and had children under the age of 5, there were volunteers who might be able to help in some way. Might be worth asking your health visitor re this. I asked, but my child was over 5, so not available to me. Don't know if that's still going. Can't remember what it was called, although have been googling. You could ask social services for a care needs assessment, and highlight the impact that your health is having on your relationship, too. Have found on other sites that they do try to keep families together, if possible. I empathise with the guilt re children, too - I can't do many things and get bad-tempered easily. But at the end of the day, they do still have you and I think that is the most precious gift you can give them. Lots of

p.s. I find Cordless T.E.N.S Mini Machine (I got mine from amazon, but think lloyds pharmacy do, too) a real help. I used Lidocaine patches for a long time, but find the TENS more helpful, for me, and couldn't use both at once (because in same place - very sticky!). I would push for urgent pain clinic referral. Don't know what your GP is prescribing for pain, but mine wouldn't go beyond cocodamol and tramadol (which I couldn't tolerate). There is much stronger pain relief out there, but my GP wanted the assurance to come via the pain clinic for those. Pain clinic likely to tell you to pace - do small amounts and then rest and don't push through. Sooo frustrating, but I have found that helps. And lying face down, periodically, like on a physio couch helps me. I have no idea why, but seems to rest the muscles a little. I don't know what would help with getting children dressed and pushing a buggy, both of which I really struggled with. I rely on Tesco's home delivery and they bring it right into the kitchen.

Bless your heart, too.

We have a Swanns truck round here, I bought groceries off of when I couldn't manage shopping.

It's good the UK offers help to children in these situations.

I couldn't imagine meeting their minimal needs t my worst.

I have two beautiful grandchildren that I spent time with, but afterwards, I paid a painful price. They're worth it, though. love them dearly.

Sorry its taken so long for a response! Not managed to be on the main computer long enough!

Thanks that was helpful. Will check out the website too.

Hopefully that is it... I wish they would tell you these things. I feel like I went into these surgeries blind and came out just as blind!
Thanks

I am looking into a trackpad mouse, but have to order from the States and that will only happen once the bank balance is a little happier!!

I will talk to my doctor about patches, see if it is something we can get over here... I remember when I wanted zofran patches it wasn't a possibility.

A mirror is a good idea... We have very few in the house!

Thank you for your kind words! It all helps I have the health visitor coming on monday and I am going to speak to her about any help/support that may be available... I am not good at asking for help. It feels like a failure on my part. I feel like I should be able to do more.

This is one thing I am finding tough... Not to pull my shoulders down! Thanks for the advice
Mirrors seem to be a recurrent theme.

I have health visitor coming tomorrow after my recent Dr's appointment... We will see if there is anything that can be offered.
I am such a private person... We will see though.
I have been offered something where someone can come round once a week for a couple of hours and look after the kids while you do something, or they can accompany you to a group or shopping... But I really didn't like the thought of that much.
I have a TENS machine somewhere, I will have to find it and give it a go. Thanks for the reminder!
I am only taking paracetamol... As I am breastfeeding. Which I don't want to stop if at all possible... But I am just going to have to see how it goes. Before I got pregnant I was prescribed Oxycodone, which helped more than anything else, but still not very effective. I don't really like to take narcotics much
Tesco home delivery here too! I couldn't go to the supermarket for a full shop, just pushing the trolley round would be very difficult.

Thanks again all