Distention Cystocele or Displacement Cystocele

Submitted by Trixybell on March 11, 2011 - 12:31am
Body: 

Hello, this is my first post. I am scheduled for pelvic organ prolapse surgery in mid-April, but have just read the book Saving the Whole Woman. I first noticed my prolapse about a year after my third baby was born 15 yrs ago. Over the past 5 years have seen two gynaecologists. The first gynae (now retired) used words like 'torn ligamentous tissue' to describe my condition. On my most recent visit the gynae said I have a grade 2 cystocele, grade 2 rectocele plus a grade one uterine prolapse.

Fortunately, I have no incontinence, but I do find the pelvic organ prolapse impacts on a number of other areas of my life. In addition, I have recently been diagnosed with gluten intolerant IBS, which has caused issues in the same area. My hope was that surgery would repair the 'torn ligamentous tissue' (gynae's words) and stitch everything back in to place at least for the next 5 to 10 years. I knew there were risks associated with the anaesthetic as well as infection or even perforation, but I had no idea of the extent of the other problems caused by the surgery itself until reading the book. I am seeing my gynae in a little over a week and have pretty much decided to cancel the surgery, but I want to clarify a few things.
I am not sure whether my cystocele is a distention cystocele or a displacement cystocele. My cystocele presents as a smooth bulge in the vaginal wall (looks like a distention cystocele), but the first gynae's description sounds more like a displacement cystocele (i.e. 'separation of the vaginal sidewalls from their attachments to the fascial coverings of the obturator internus muscles'). My only reason for choosing surgery was because it made sense to me to repair (stitch) something that was torn.
Due to a range of back problems (including multiple back strains, SIJ problems, sciatica, etc.) I have taken up Pilates classes, which have helped strengthen my core. However, I do not want to do any Pilates exercises that may worsen my condition. I read in the book that acute angles and upright angles are ok, but that obtuse angles are not. Is there anything else in the Pilates floor mat work that I need to avoid?

Since reading the (borrowed) book I have had immediate success with firebreathing and have started doing the first half dozen or so lessons in the Whole Woman Workout. I have ordered my own copy of the book & CD and my hope is to use the Whole Woman Workout to manage my pop. Do you think this is possible given the description of my cystocele?

Trixybell

louiseds

March 19, 2011 - 1:10am

HI Trixybell

These are two labels given to prolapses by doctors. Yes, they are different, but they are both cystocele and they will both respond to Wholewoman techniques. Bringing your bladder forward will bring it back into line with its fascial suports that have torn. When your bladder is supported by your pubic bones and resting against your front, lower abdominal wall, instead of hanging over your vagina it will reduce the pressure feelings in your vulva.

This is what managing prolapse is all about. The workouts will strengthen your whole body and enable you to practise Wholewoman posture more easily, especially if you normally slouch, but it is the *posture* that is essential, not the workouts.

This is not one of those "Buy the DVD, do the exercises and achieve world peace" things. It is a new lifestyle, which includes appropriate exercise, clothing, posture, and new ways of using your body for the rest of your life. It is work you have to do for yourself, and the rewards can be amazing. Welcome to the journey. You will only know how much benefit you will get by trying it wholeheartedly.

Louise