howdidthishappen

Hello there!

Honestly, if we can't ask details of each other, what hope is there, you know? : )

I am most definitely much better and I'm sorry I haven't checked in to fill people in since every one was so supportive! The sensation I was having of bulginess is gone almost all the time (once in a very blue moon it happens again, though passes quite quite quickly!) It was a great reminder for me of how this willing be a life time challenge, but one that may go through cycles where it is more apparent but can definitely get back to baseline. I had so forgotten that and, in looking through some of my own posts from when I was initially diagnosed, I have to remember the VAST improvement I have experienced over this year. It really is quite quite stunning.

Please know, though, that I still do struggle with staying in posture. Just this very morning, I was sitting -- or I should say, slumping, at my computer -- and I really had to consciously remind myself to straighten up because even though nothing felt uncomfortable (though you would THINK that terrible posture would be uncomfortable, wouldn't you?) I realized how not good for my body it was and had to remind myself. Thankfully, I have given up the notion of perfection long ago or I would have been really disappointed with my merely human behavior!

Please, NEVER hesitate to ask anything...ask away! This site has been 100% supportive for me all the time and I'm only happy to help anyone out.

Take good care. Really and truly, things can get better. I am proof.

xo susan

Just to mention gastro issues...pretty shortly after discovering the rectocele, I did, in fact, get some puke-inducing virus. There is actually a post from me asking the best way to "puke" -- no joke. Let me say, though, that at the time, i just puked the old fashioned, over the toilet way and honestly? As I recall, the prolapses either felt no different afterwards or very minimally so.

I think my point is, although I do think in many ways, it serves us to pay more attention to our bodies, I do also think our bodies are deeply resilient. I remember at the start feeling like I was so fragile, that the slightest bump and something MORE would fall. Do also note that I am a KLUTZ and have taken two fat falls over the past year -- one last winter on the ice right on my rump and the other this summer when I tripped on a cord on a cement sidewalk....and save the very bruised ego involved, my actual body was fine. Please know that it's really good for me to recount this because it helps ME remember, too. I still forget that my body, frankly, is really strong -- it's human and alive and so subject to change, but strong nonetheless.

And just so you know, A, you do not add doom and gloom to this site. You add a real, honest voice of one going through a process and I, for one, find it invaluable. Thank you for sharing your own journey with the rest of us. Trust me when I tell you it helps me.

xosusan

hi ladies-
I am pretty freaked out right now. I have recently been diagnosed with a cystocele and can't understand how this has happened to me. I exercise almost every day, eat wholesome and organic foods, and take good care of my body. I am determined to do everything in my power to deal with this naturally, any suggestions??? Does anybody know how the exercising effects this? Should I eliminate things like running and trampoline jumping? (I think it actually might have gotten worse from the jumping so I'm off of that for now)
thanks everyone

have a look around the site- there is a search function at the left of the screen-
i don't want to discourage you from asking questions- I am just too lazy to answer right now (hehe)
sorry you had to find us here - but glad you did-

thank you-I will have a look around-I looked at the online store so far...unfortunately on a very tight budget but if anyone has had firsthand success with the book or dvd I would splurge...
on to the search-thanks for pointing it out!

My Gyno encouraged me to run. So I am. I also lift weights, do various cardio machines, and have just tried Yoga.

Everyone's situation is different though. I would encourage you to check with your doctor and to listen to your body.

- Lilly Anne

Are you serious ? I am absolutely in disbelief. About 5000 times
as surprised as Louise saying she dances . REALLY ?
I went Cross-country Skiing a couple weeks ago and it really
put me down. I GRIEVE my hiking. If I could just do that again
I wouldn't complain ever again. About anything. ( Are you listening
God ?) You RUN ? These are tears of hope.
Zelda

I do not myself run - But i walk on my treadmill when my MS lets me...

You can really do any exercise you choose to - You just hafta change it slightly to fit in with your POP

I also have done step aerobics (I do it differently to the stampy step others do tho)

There are many things you can do - All slightly changed to fit in with your POP

Excess weight does affect POP - Internal pressures are changed by say a flabby belly (of which i have one also lol) Getting fit is all about being in oxygen and moving within your bodys boundaries. Doesnt hafta hurt. (I also grieve being able to walk so many many miles - But MS took that from me not POP - I grieve alot cos MS had taken my whole world from me in some ways as I was training to teach aerobics - Then the world changed)

You really can do most things you want to do, you may 'fall down' with your prolapse for a while and may not be able to do exactly what you wanna do every day. But 90% of people really can do more than they think they can :-)

Happy Christmas

Sue

Look into the eyes - They hold the key!
http://www.bringmadeleinehome.com/img/maddy544x150Banner.jpg

thanks for feedback on the exercise. My best friend has been convinced that I have over-exercised and might be exacerbating this condition. I would lose my mind not being active. I do have a little winter belly which now I am even more determined than before to get rid of-ha ha.
winter blessings
Stella

ATS, I'm right there on the couch with you. I mean, I'm not lazy. I run after my kids, keep the house in shape, have a zillion hobbies. I'm just not one of those active types. a few years ago, however, I started forcing myself to walk. briskly. every day (well, 6 times a week anyway). no excuses. that was one of the first steps I took toward taming my anxiety.
the second was NO MORE CRAPPY FOOD. you are what you eat. mood swings make me want crap. but when I give in, guess what, I feel like....crap.

baby's up

I just wanted to add that I've found with my POP and what others have said that finding exercise that you can do comfortably is very much a personal thing.

I tried lots of things and now find I feel comfortable doing swimming, walking yoga and dancing. Interesting, that these are the activities I enjoyed most before POP too. I have also found the V2 supporter has been fantastic for exercising with.

I hope that's useful. I think testing your body out to see what it responds badly or well really helps.

I'm loving my prolapse. Since I first discovered it my sister and also my best female friend both died from breast cancer. I watched what they went through. Kinda made me thankful for the terrible diseases I don't have and accepting of a little vaginal bulge, poopy splint and bladder leak. I will take my prolapses ANY DAY now and be grateful for them.

what is the v2 supporter?

found it. in the files...

watching loved ones struggle with the big things puts prolapse in perspective. I'm sorry for your losses.

Dear AnneH,

I'm so sorry for the loss of your sister and your best friend. I am also happy you love your prolapse! I've been thru breast cancer twice and the prolapse is just no big thing to me. I don't mean to sound crass or uncaring, but I just flat out don't dwell on it. Yes, I have problems, bulges, ups and downs, but I just deal with it, research everything and try my best to have the best outlook that I can. I had about a week of frenzied fear and upset when I was diagnosed, then found this site, discovered I could manage it and the new journey began. The journaling I read here everyday is generally always uplifting to me, although I do sympathize with everyone, especially the newbies. God has always been right beside me - whether I knew it or not - His footprints were there. The health problems I have now are long term side effects of the surgeries and the chemo - I include the prolapse with this. I have to pay attention daily just to be aware of the workings of my body. This gets tiresome and frustrating, but I have the same strength I see in you and we both shall continue to persevere.

It's a pleasure to know you on this journey, and I hope you remember all the wonderful times you had with your sister and best friend. Memories simply mean they are close to you in your heart.

Love and blessings,
Grandma Joy

Thanks Granolamom and Grandma Joy. I don't mean to minimize the problem that prolapse is, but that was just my emotional experience between the time I was diagnosed and now. Grandma Joy I'm sorry you got that terrible disease too but I am glad you are continuing to fight it off.

((hugs))