ROLL CALL! Who's out there and how's it going?

usaukaus
Diagnosed with a rectocele in April after heavy lifting and a virus! Aged 55 years. Divorced. Changed diet, now more or less vegetarian. Using vaginal weights. Waiting for CD to arrive re more exercises. Dancing. Haven't seen a gynaecologist at this point, only a general practioner who prescribed use of oestrogen pessaries twice a week. WANT to heal naturally, dread the thought of surgery, so much could go wrong. Seeking any additional information I can get my hands on.

Well, I had a post partum prolapse of most noticeably my uterus which is now no longer prolapsed, or not so I would notice! I also have a small cystocele and rectocele which I also don't notice unless I exercise vigorously and then things just don't feel that good down there!
I work on the posture. I am doing three to four sets of ten kegels each day, each holding for ten seconds. I am also eating lots of fruit and veg, no meat, and drinking a pot of red raspberry leaf tea every few days. I am also working on my attitude to this thing and not letting the fear of what might happen rule my life. I also try to walk each day. I still lift my toddler, work in the garden, and do everything else I did before without any ill effects. I am planning to take some Alexander technique classes like Marie suggested. I think this is EXACTLY what I need in relation to the posture and body work stuff. (Oh and I am STILL dreaming of having another baby too!)
So thats me.................... :)

and I am originally from Finland (I moved to States 3 years ago).

I found this site only about a month ago, even thouhgh I had had my my universal prolapse some 11 months now. I discovered it two weeks after my son, my second child, was born. In the beginning I was like everyone I think, just really scared, depressed and in panic. Finding REAL information about this was so hard and I felt like a freak. I was told to consider hysterectamy (I'm 32, unbelievable!!!) or, at least, to think of a surgery to fix it all. Luckily I found another Finnish woman online who also had suffered a prolapse and was of my age, so I think I stayd sane greatly because of knowing at least ONE person who was "like me", "damaged".

I've been through lots of emotions, all sorts of them. After the beginning though, I have been able to be, at least mostly, with quite high spirits. And I think that this is because my son (who's labor contributed to my prolapse) is SO WONDERFUL! I had a hard pregnancy with him and there was also some little scary moments during his labor. Sometimes I think that "thank God(dess), it was ME who got damaged in the labor, not him!" I really think that this way of thinking has made it much easier to me to bare the situtation.

In the beginning I felt the prolapse all the time. I could not take a walk or anything without having the feeling of having something coming out...I am now much better. I think my uterus is maybe 1-2 degree prolapsed, rectum 2 (out of 3) and bladder also 2. This is my self diagnosis. But since I have started to do the posture I have't really felt it, except very few times... I have also noticed that if I exercice too much I start hurting or just feeling it more. I am also drinking rasberry tee and finding out about alternative exrecicing methods (Please tell me what you do for your exrecice???). I would like to start Alexander technique (inspired by Marie) and so also some Chinese herbal stuff...

What comes to the emotional side... of course there is some bad days too but I think that little by little I am learning to live with this. And I am learning to believe in my own healing power. Before finding this site I had considered a surgery as a serious option, even though intuitively it never felt like a good idea. Now after having read much more about it I don't even think of it any more...

And... I think I am learning a lot with this experience, in many levels... I also feel a strong call to talk and educate women about the whole issue of prolapse. I am thinking about the different ways to do that...

blessings to all,
maya

Hello,
My name is Sherry and I've been a member for just a few days. I am new to all of this and I'm searching for help. I've posted a few comments and I have read lots of posting. There's so much information out there and so many different ways to treat each condition. For right now, all I know is that I have prolapse of my vaginal wall. I am not sure of what other damage, if any has been done. I have my 6 week checkup next week and I am looking forward to spending time with my midwife to get some answers. For the last few days I have felt a lot better since I've taken some advice from this site. I've had one day where it seemed to flair up again when I went out walking. I am still wondering if I will ever be able to workout again. When I was told of my condition, I felt fear, cried a lot to my husband and was just overwhelmed. My lower back seems to be bothering me a lot. My midwife told me that my prolapse could be the cause of it. I'm looking forward to talking with everyone here and learning as much as I can about prolapse.

Thank you,
"Y"

I found this site in March of 2004. I was desperate because I had a surprise pregnancy and I was scared to pieces about what this pregnancy might do to universal prolapse.

I had a c-section birth for no good reason (you can read my post surgical report for the gorey details) with my first child and it left me feeling like I had a broken body. I researched hard, found great midwives, and had an awesome natural birth, but then I noticed I didn't look "right" down there and felt like a tampon was falling out about 2 weeks after the birth. Let me add that I was a mad woman during the postpartum period thinking that I could do aerobics, go grocery shopping, do cartwheels (I'm serious; I was trying to show my 2 year old how to) and lift boxes of books-- I'm talking about 2 weeks after the birth!!! What a fool!!!

My encouragement for anyone who discovers prolapse postpartum and for any mother in the early postpartum period (1 min to 10 months) to TAKE IT EASY!!! Your body has just created another human being, depleting you of nutrients to do it, stretching your uterus, abdomen,etc. to a great degree, and taken 3/4 of a year to do it. Pregnancy and birth will not leave you unchanged. You will be changed by it physically, just as motherhood changes you mentally and emotionally. Give yourself time to recover.

Through the encouragement of Christine, the information I found through researching, I decided that scheduling a c-section to protect my pelvic floor when it involved so many other risks was no for me (a friend of mine had just lost a dear friend when a blood clot broke lose during her c-section and hit her lung, leaving behind her new born twin boys and five year old son). I also found that there was no evidence to substantiate that c/s would indeed prevent further prolapse--so I went on to have the easiest, most worry free pregancy, labor, and birth in Oct. 2004.

After the birth I laid in bed for two weeks while my baby sitter cared for my two older children. I gave myself plenty of time to recover (I took 10 weeks off of work and then worked the next 8 part-time, before returning for the final 12 weeks of school full-time), treated my body well, practiced the posture (an exercise ball in my favorite seat, as well as the floor), and today almost 20 months post partum, I hardly notice prolapse.

Because of my growing family, I do not check here as often as I would like and usually only check the pregnancy forum. But I have found success with Christine's work and I am so thankful for her and all she has give here over the past two and a half years I have been here.
Jane

Jeepers Jane, I thought I had been bad a few days post partum steam cleaning carpets, but cartwheels!!!!!!?????? :)
Hugs,
Michelle.

I discovered prolapse about 2-3 weeks after my second child was born. Same old story, feeling like something was coming out and eventually realising it was prolapse. 1 midwife, 1 GP and 1 gynaecologist later I was diagnosed with mild cystocele although it never felt very mild when I was walking around! I was mortified by the whole thing. Was refered for physio which I've been doing for a month. Mostly based around pelvic floor exercises. Ten squeezes for ten seconds 5 times a day and some pilates moves. In the last three weeks I've had way more good days than bad, although I still get a few uncomfortable days every so often, especially when I'm hot and tired. I keep in posture when standing, walking and sometimes sitting. I try to keep a light bowel to avoid straining and avoid heavy lifting.

I'm now 5 months postpartum and I'm in faith that I'm still a work in progress! Most of the professionals have said it takes six months to get better and many women here have said it can take up to or even over a year.. so I'm just trying not to let the fear get to me and carry on with the lifestyle and exercise and enjoying my kids! I know I've improved, so to anyone postpartum who's just discovered a prolapse be hopeful! I have definately improved and I'm way more comfortable than I was but it's SLOW!

I joined this site when there were 400 and some people! Last March or so! I was diagnosed with 2nd and 3rd degree prolapse and surgery was set for May 9th, 2005! I cancelled it when I found this website! What a blessing it has been for me! I am 62, had 3 children naturally, and since last year I have been doing better! I decided that hotdogs and red meat bother me so I've given that up! I still eat too much junk but I make sure I take a stool softener every night! It's a hereditary thing as Mom was the same way! I want to keep my innards that God gave me as long as possible! Mom had hers when she went to heaven last November! I think the bowels are very important and diet! This site has saved me a lot of grief! I am very thankful for Christine and all the others that helped me through the hard times last year! I don't check in very often but if I am ever in Mexico I will stop to see my good friend Christine! All you new ladies take care, and keep the faith, Nancy

I joined this site about a year ago, when I diagnosed myself with a cystocele. I'm a 33 yo mom of three, and like the other moms here I believe some of the prolapse can be attributed to my deliveries (the first one left me with unrepaired perineal tears, for example).
Even though I have since developed a rectocele and my uterus is lower too, I am feeling so much better than when I joined. The posture has definitely improved my comfort level. And the comraderie and support of this forum is invaluable! I went from being completely disgusted with my body and feeling somewhat of a freak, to feeling empowered, vital and strong.
I am slowly coming to terms with this prolapse. It isn't going to go away any time soon, if at all. And that can be ok.
and I almost forgot...my dh and I always wanted four children. when I found this prolapse I said no way, we are done! I don't feel that way any more and we are very much hoping for another one (thank you Jane for sharing your birth story!)

hi im serena im 38 and live in the uk.i have 4 boys ages 18yrs ,17yrs and my little one who is 41/2,born after being induced.i also have a angel baby who was born at 18wks due to spina bifida and more fluid on his tiny brain than brain.
the reson i am telling you all this as i think all of my problems started after my angel left me.i have had two induced labours and i think this has caused my prolapse to get worse.
i had been sceduald to see dr about surgery ,but forund my prolapse had got a lot better(this was after my 3rd pgcy)so we never botherd with surgery just exercised.then i got pgnt with harry(my angel)continued with exercises during my pgcy,but as you can imagine everything went out the window when i lost harry in november 04 .
my prolapse has got steadily worse over the mths and now im looking for help from anyone and anywere.HELP
hope to chat or post or what ever you do.

thanks
serena

everything happens for a reason.

Wow - this can be such a rollercoaster... I'm 34, with one great 8 year old daughter.

6 weeks ago after a weekend of helping my dad moving furniture around (because I'm always one to hold my own with the guys), I discovered what felt like a hard boiled egg down there. I could push it back up, but any strain would bring it back down. So I did a little Net search and found this site which seemed to explain it to a T. I figured I was fortunate not to have the incontinence and other symptoms.

So I went to my doctor and she concurred but wanted a GYN to confirm since it wasn't her specialty. Unfortunately, I couldn't get an appointment for 6 weeks! Well, I could, but with a doctor I wouldn't feel very comfortable with... So I waited it out, and got Christine's book and practiced kegels - even bought a belly dancing book! Stocked up on Metamucil and Good Friends high fiber cereal... and am trying to change my very poor posture in front of my work computer!

So I finally met with the GYN today and after talking about all the options, she brought in a tray of pessaries and checked me out... only to tell me she didn't think it was cystocele - she thinks it's a liquid filled cyst! She said it was soft and she could indent it. So now I get to go to a urologist to determine whether it's a cyst on the bladder or vaginal wall.

Benign cysts are actually very common in my family. This bring up new issues! Do I have it lacerated? Anyone ever been misdiagnosed with prolapse and then discover it's a cyst?

If this turns out to be a cyst and not prolapse, it might be a blessing in disguise. I really do try to keep up with the guys, trying to carry ten bags of groceries at the same time, carrying the heavy furniture while the other women make snacks and pack boxes on move days...

I really wonder why women aren't given pamphlets after a birth discussing the symptoms and preventative management of health pelvic floors! I didn't even know this existed - or I might not have been so gung ho to always hold my own. Sorry this turned out so long, I'm so glad to have found this board, whether it turns out ot be prolapse or not.

I'm 34 and discovered prolapse after the birth of my 3rd child (3 weeks after). I FREAKED out. Even though my Mom has had 2 surgeries for pelvic floor disorder I had never heard of it. (Guess I was too wrapped up in myself during the time she had surgeries as I'd have been a teen or young adult). I'm still very, very sad about it, but am coming to terms with it. Thanks in part a lot to Michelle from this board who I've visited with via email a couple of times. Talk about a sweetheart. :)

I'm going to a GREAT physiotherapist, who herself has prolapse. So, that makes it more bearable as she is so real and honest and doesn't sugar coat anything. And, she is young too - 37 or so.

Oh - I have a diagnosed grade 2 rectocele, but also suspect a cystocele and maybe some uterine prolapse as well. But, to cheer myself up I only acknowledge the rectocele since that is the one the urgoyn diagnosed. And, it really doesn't matter as I'm going to do all I can for the rectocele (posture, diet, water, etc) and it should help all the rest if there is any other prolapse. So...in my mind it is only a rectocele. :)

I'm so thankful for this board and would LOVE to come take a class in the near future.
-Nikki

Bless you Nikki! I am so glad that you are doing better.

I know what you mean about feeling better when you meet someone else with this problem, not that we are wishing it on anyone! :) My super nurse practitioner here also has prolapse, and although she is older, she made me realise that it is quite common but often undiagnosed in many women, and that it can be stabilised without worsening significantly throughout our lives. This normalised it greatly for me. There is so much value in face to face contact even though the support here is also marvelous.

Anyway,Thinking of you as always and you know where I am!

Hugs, Michelle xxx

Do come to class, Nikki! We are on our way to normalizing prolapse, really an almost ubiquitous set of conditions amongst women! DOWN WITH WOMEN WHO CONTINUE TO NEGATIVELY INFLUENCE OTHERS THAT THESE ARE DREADFUL, TRAGIC, AND CURABLE-ONLY-THROUGH SURGERY CONDITIONS!!! Come to the Whole Woman Center and learn how to fly!!!

hi everyone...

i've not been around as much with a newly mobile little 8 month old and some wonderful and exciting travels to see family on the east coast and japan, but i have been checking in trying to at least keep up with some of the new posts here and there.

i'm 34 and am 8 months postpartum. we had planned a homebirth with a midwife, had to transport to the hospital and ended up with a horribly interventive birth with forceps. i ended up with a grade 1 cystocele and vesicovaginal fistula which we attempted to heal by 'conservative' measures...so i wore a foley catheter for 5 weeks. i was left with a pinprick hole in my bladder which was leaking constantly (think of a water balloon that has a hole in it...not fun!) i had surgery to fix the hole at 3 1/2 months postpartum and had both a foley and suprapubic catheter for a week, then just the suprapubic for another 3 weeks. i was able to start physical therapy after the catheter was removed, and have been able to address both the prolapse and my terribly weakened abdominal muscles due to being so sedentary after the birth due to the complications, which was very hard on my physically as well as mentally/emotionally because i am a very active person by nature.

i am still working on core strenghthening as well as specific exercises to strengthen pelvic floor. also going to see a wonderful chiro who adjusts my very unstable pelvis and a very kind and gifted craniosacral therapist who has helped me to re-establish a connection with my entire pelvic area and to heal from the trauma of the birth.

of course i need to mention the postural work that i've learned through this site and christine's input, and i am eagerly awaiting the release of the new dvd as well.

also, this forum and it's wonderful members has been such a source of strength for me. initially i was totally devastated about the prolapse but i am having virtually no symptoms from it, for which i am soooooo grateful.

anyways, just wanted to check in with the roll call, haven't been as active on the boards as i'd like to be but i'm here and listening to your stories, and sending out healing vibes to you all.

peace,
michele

Willowy

Hi,
My GP verified my prolapse yesterday and told me I had 3 choices, leave it, use a ring or have surgery - fix it or hysterectomy. So I hunted about on the net and found this site.

I am so glad I can now talk to some other gals experiencing the same and glean some advice.

I've been having lower abdominal pains for years now, my GP could find nothing wrong so I have put up with it and used yoga to keep it under control, now I believe the bearing down pains etc were from the prolapse.

What can I expect - will the prolapse get worse?

I have no children and I have been celebate for a few years as my boyfriend has lost the 'knack', if I ever get the chance of some nookie how will my prolapse affect sex?

hi willowy

so sorry to hear about you're prolapse and the problems you've had over the years and glad you've found christine's site. it really is a gerat resource here to talk to other's

It seems as someone said below that many people's do not significanlty change. This is what my gyne told me and i'm a year on from my bladder prolapse with no changes.

Not trying to flog christine's book to you but it is fantastic. A true resource you'll return to again and again.

Best wishes

Anne-helen

Chickadee_ So glad to have found this site. I guess I posted in the wrong place under pelvic health, I already had a hysterectomy years ago.-- I have been diagnosed with a cystocele and looking for answers as to treatment.....There is so much to read here, it will take days... Anyway, hello to all. Thank you for all your posts and sharing, it really is a great help!