New at WW

Body: 

I'm new here and newly diagnosed with bladder prolapse. I've lived with rectocele since the birth of my first son 33 years ago (4th degree tear thanks to an episiotomy I believe). I had no idea what it was until I read about it on this site. I've talked to doctors about the problem with BMs, but because it wasn't obvious on an exam they didn't seem concerned. I'm relieved to know that I'm at least in good company here! My mother has the same problem, as does my daughter (after one vaginal delivery), so I suspect that there may be a connective tissue issue also.

I'm overwhelmed with the thought of trying to care for my failing spine, my POP, the arthritis in my feet and hands, a hip problem, etc. I really need to find a program that works for me for all of these things. I'm hoping this is it!

Dear Finding Me,
I hope I am doing this reply correctly. Your post sounds as if I had written it. I have both a bladder and rectal prolapse. I think I would lose my mind if it were not for this site and knowing I am not alone. I am looking forward to the exercises coming in June. I don't know what else to do. As the day progresses I get more prolapsed. And I have trouble with BM's because of the rectocele. I have increased the fiber in my diet and it seems to be helping. I wish you well...
meribelle

Hey there Finding Me. You know, I bet the wholewoman program will be wonderful for your whole body and especially for your pops. So sorry the doctors were not helpful to you- the upshot is that no one pushed surgery on you all those years ago :)
The best thing is that you can share what you learn here with your daughter. We have talked about a genetic component to pop, and also a connective tissue issue- but I don't know that we have come to any firm conclusions. In a way it isn't that abnormal to image three generations having pop- most women do- to me, what seems surprising (and wonderful) is that your family is open to discuss it.

Just thinking about your other body pain, while wholewoman will not hurt your arthritis (motion is lotion) and eating an anti-inflammatory diet will also help, you might want to consider other therapies such a water aerobics in a heated therapy pool.
Keep us updated! I look forward to hearing how you go (especially since you have such a long standing case).

I think finding the"Whole" program is the most important part of this site. The women here are so open to suggestions. They are so willing to share what has worked for them. It is true, I am in better condition than I have been in probably 20 years. I want to stress that I believe it is many things I have tried that has gotten me to this place. Bio-identical hormones (under a doctors care, with saliva testing driving the dosages), Whole Woman posture, diet, and exercise, chiropractic support, mental health (to accept aging well isn't easy but not impossible). Having this list is good, but do not forget the real evil of all disease is inflammation. Christine has taught me this, and it drives all my efforts. Ask questions, the answers are here.
By the way, I love your name change, Geezer!
Also, Christine, the video for birth preparation from 1939 was such a find. Really says Whole Woman is right!
Melly

Hello and welcome, Finding_me,

Thank you for being here with us and thanks to the others for their heartfelt replies. I think Alemama's suggestion of a heated pool as adjunct to the postural work is just swell.

Try not to feel overwhelmed! This is gentle, easy, life-changing work that you have the rest of your life to do slowly and at your own pace. We encourage you to try to pull up into the posture every time you're on your feet and as much of the time sitting as makes sense to you. Alternate that with lots of lying-down rest.

This work most certainly can correct a "failing spine" and osteoarthritis. I have full use of hands I thought would be crippled by now. In my case, the upper body posture corrected slumped shoulders and my large, heavy arm bones pounding the joints at the base of my thumbs, which had become swollen, inflamed and oh-so-painful. That has completely resolved. Hips, sacroiliac joints, knees and ankles become aligned and strengthened in this most-natural posture.

Perhaps you can begin by simply finding a peaceful spot in your house to put down a warm blanket or rug and just sit for a few minutes twice a day in the posture, breathing deeply into your lower belly. It only makes sense to begin very slowly and to remember that the posture is the foundation of all other movement. Have fun with it by re-evaluiating your clothing and perhaps even how you sit while eating and working.

It really is lovely to come back to our rightful shape - so much damage will be reversed in the process.

Wishing you well,

Christine