I'm new and this is my story

Submitted by maxine peachey on May 1, 2010 - 11:18am
Body: 

My name's Maxine Peachey, I'm from London U.K.
My bladder prolapsed about 10 months ago. I am 45 and not yet menopausal. I've never had a pregnancy, I am atheletic and run 5 days a week and have never been over weight, I've never suffered from constipation and have been a vegetarian for 25 years and have a very healthy diet. So I don't fit the prolapse profile.
The first thing I noticed was that I had difficulty using tampons as they would not stay in. Then one day as I removed a tampon suddenly there was a bulge at the front of my vagina which was almost sticking out. I have a reasonable understanding of anatomy, and with a little research I concluded that I had a bladder prolapse. This was confirmed by my GP who referred me to a urogynocologist.
In the mean time I learned how to do pelvic floor exercises from the internet, and within a week my prolapse had improved to the point where I was hardly aware of it.
The urogynocologist discussed surgery with me, but did not in any way try to persuade me to go down that road, (I guess that's the joy of a free health service) I was also referred to a physiotherapist who checked my pelvic floor muscles which are apparently very strong, which did make me wonder why my bladder had prolapsed if my pelvic floor muscles are strong.
I have continued to run 5 days a week, although I've moderated some of my stomach exercises and have continued with the pelvic floor exercises, and my prolapse is held at bay.
I have yet to read Christines book or see the DVD, which I intend to do. I do think posture could be a factor, although I've always had a curved back and a sticking out bottom and stomach. I also wonder if weakened collagen is a factor, as we get older the tenacity of our muscles weakens due to worn out collagen. There doesn't seem to be any history of prolapse in my family, but I'm adopted and only have contact with my mother's side.
I'd really welcome any comments or advice.

alemama

May 1, 2010 - 8:53pm

Hey there. If your real name is Maxine Peachey it would be best for you to get a new username. Otherwise everything you write will pop up on a google search. Thank you for giving such a thorough introduction. We sometimes talk about "the mature vagina" and that some degree of prolapse must be 'natural'
I wonder if this is what you are experiencing?
Do you do heavy lifting for work? That is the only thing I can think of that you didn't mention.
I'd like to write more but I am dead on my feet. You have come to the right place to get the answers you need. I am already looking forward to hearing how well your body responds to the posture, exercises, and other lifestyle changes you will learn about through this forum, the book and the dvd.

Christine

May 2, 2010 - 12:30am

Hi Maxine,

Welcome to Whole Woman. I gather the kegels didn’t fix you up completely, as you are still searching for answers. It is not surprising that your prolapse reversed so easily for all the reasons you mention regarding common profile. Our youngest member is 17, so you see this happens at all ages. It might be easy at this stage to move your bladder above the pelvic floor with kegels, but won’t necessarily remain so as the fascia continues to stretch. We are returning women to the natural pelvic organ support system and I, like Alemama, look forward to hearing how you respond to the work.

Best wishes,

Christine

Rosebud1224

May 2, 2010 - 8:53am

I am still pretty new to all this too. I am starting to think that there is not a set "profile" to this condition. There are so many women on here that have had kids, no kids, run, don't run, diet, don't diet, etc. & still have POP. That is also one of the first things my doc told me too was that having kids is not always what could have caused it. She has several patients who have just been very active....ie running etc & are still young who are dealing with this. After reading Christine's book you might find better insight into it all. It's a lot to take in & I'm glad you've found us. STAY STRONG!!

maxine peachey

May 3, 2010 - 3:38am

Maxine Peachey isn't my real name, thank you for your concern about that.
I do from time to time lift heavy weights, but since my prolapse I've been careful. I do stand pretty much all day and always have had jobs that keep me on my feet. First a primary school teacher and now a mural artist, so I know that doesn't help. But I'm looking forward to learning more about posture so I can at least stand correctly.
I am lucky in that my prolapse isn't too severe, so I'm really just wanting to keep it that way.

maxine peachey

May 3, 2010 - 3:45am

Hi Christine, thank you for your reply. I am lucky that my prolapse isn't severe, and that it has improved since it first occured, I really want to keep it that way, so I'm keen to learn about what excersises to avoid, new ones to do and how to improve my posture. I will be ordering your DVD and/or book.

maxine peachey

May 3, 2010 - 3:52am

My doctor and urogynocologist were both quite surprised when they diagnosed my prolapse so it's quite comforting to know that there are more exceptions to the set 'profile' than I thought. I'm looking forward to reading Christines book.