Sitting positions?

Hi Momto3,

Sit as much of the time as you can using the strength of your own spine. If you’re using a chair, sit away from the chairback so that your torso sits over your pubic bones. Relax your belly and pull up into the upper body posture. You may find that simply sitting in this way improves your symptoms. You have to “try” at first to pull up into the posture - but eventually it becomes completely natural and comfortable. Rest as much as you need to in whatever shape you want.

Almost all of prolapse, vaginal laxity, and urinary incontinence stem from the vagina and surrounding pelvic interior not being pulled tautly into their positions of stability. Muscles move bones and it is the shape of our spine and pelvis upon which the pelvic organs/fascia are suspended. With this work the vaginal walls become closed rather than gaping. Because prolapsed organs hold the walls open, it takes a while (a year on average?) for everything to pull toward ‘normal’ enough for women to notice a difference.

Try not to feel desperate. It is many women’s experience that once the organs fall back to a point where they’re noticeable, they continue to descend until they reach their level of stability. It’s scary though, because there’s no one (but us :) to tell them that it does get better - but you have to become conscious of the process. For sure stop all straining on the toilet - rock forward onto your feet with even small increases in pressure.

:) Christine

I find it useful to sit at the very edge of the chair and rock up on the front chair legs. my mother and teachers used to scold me for this, but I'm the boss of me now, lol.

can you do your read-alouds on the floor, lying on your belly? maybe tuck a throw pillow under your upper chest. or side lying on the couch? couch isn't totally off limits, we're human and comfort/cozy time is a need too. its very much a matter of balance. I'd say in the beginning to stay away from the couch until you have a better sense of what your body can handle. but maybe for you, it might be better to wean away from it so as not to get overwhelmed. there is no 'one' approach to making this work, just find the approach that works for you. your emotional wellbeing is important. managing/living with prolapse should not suck the joy out of life.

your situation very well may be worsening. mine got worse before it got better.
but there may be other (less frightening) explanations.
1- it isn't really worse, you're just more aware of it
2- you may be ovulating
3- you may be premenstrual
4- you may be coming down with something
there's probably more reasons, but those are the ones at the tip of my tongue

I relate to that desperate feeling. I've been there. I know it doesn't take away those (legitimate) feelings, but it gets better. I don't feel desperate anymore. I'm ok, really I am. and you will be too.
but it takes some time. and faith. things get worse and better for everyone. once you've been through the ups and downs a few times and keep seeing that you don't stay 'down', you'll be able to weather the next down cycle more easily without those feelings of desperation.

hang in there

if you have one of these it works well- so does a stool that you can straddle- like riding a horse- I find that if I have to sit for a long time it is much better if I straddle a stool and lift my bum to hover over the seat every ten minutes or so- I use my glutes, quads and hamstrings to do this lifting- Also if you put your hands on the floor and lift your bum every half hour or so it really feel great- stretch out your hamstrings and send everything forward.

great idea, alemama

Juat dropped into library for a look-see. I have books & now DVD. I will be checking back with pain management P.T. I must be more visual becauseDVD help me understand concept a little better but the book does have a lot of info.The PT for me helped with some allighment,but would not even discuss how we could use Christine's work.I need to loosen up, and hopefully stay intouch with site as much as possible.the info I have gotten here has helped,even though I can't share it with pain PT.Briefly saw info you got,and I benifit from everyones reply.I can't find anybody in community yet? that will discss this concept with an open mind. Too bad they are so locked in to system.I think it must be related to their not going along with what is accepted. good luck, Pat

Dear Pat,

Thanks so much for your comments and I’m glad you’re gaining benefit from the dvd. If there is anything specific we can help you with, please don’t hesitate to ask. I would say to just keep the posture in mind as you move about your day. Your body/mind will wrap around the concepts eventually and it will become easier over time. I’m sorry PT is so slow to catch on, but I am entirely amazed at your spirit.

Blessings,

Christine