pessary or ring for uterus prolapse - mild/moderate severity

Body: 

I am 54. I have had good health. I have been a yoga teacher & currently work as a psychotherapist in the NHS; v. rewarding at times, also stressful, sedentary & involves hours of IT p/day. I have 2 children, (16 & 19). Child no. 1: I had a 30 hr labour & an emergency caesarian. Child no 2 I had an episiotomy, extensive stitching, natural delivery of placenta (was told to squat over a bed pan to do so!
I haveen diagnosed with uterus prolapse, (mild/mod) triggered by a ski trip inc. long journeys & a car push!. Initially I couldn't be upright/sit over about 15' without discomfort & some sciatica down 1 bottom/thigh - and cried a lot! Since then I have tried to live within my comfort zone; rested, lain with hips raised/side/ front, practised postures eg shoulder stand/legs up the wall... The Dr has suggested the poss. of pessary/ring & hysterectomy. I see a gynecologist on 11/01/11. *QUERY:* I v. much want to avoid surgery/pessary if at all poss. (Thank you Wholewoman!) Would a pessary help/hinder the Wholewoman way?

Hi and welcome, WWUK,

I'm sorry you're experiencing these difficulties. Our recommendations are to avoid removing the "hub of the wheel" at all costs and to slowly, patiently bring your musculoskeletal system - and pelvic interior - back toward normal.

This work differs significantly from all the postures of dance, yoga and Pilates.

You will probably be offered the ring-with-support pessary, which is the one that women seem to have the most success with. If the thin pessary can lay vertically between your vaginal walls it will allow them to close most of the way against intraabdominal pressure. If you can retain it with activity and exercise it shouldn't interfere with the postural work.

Best of luck and please let us know how you do.

Christine