Prolapsed Bladder

Submitted by barrae on July 12, 2015 - 10:55pm
Body: 

I first discovered the beginning of a prolapsed bladder about 18 mos. ago when I was 79. I have all my female organs. The first Gyn. I went to tried to help me with kegels, which did not work. The next Gyn. told me kegels did not work and spoke of possible surgery. I told him that I did not want surgery. I went to a Urologists because I have been fearing a bladder infection. My urine was clear, but he told me that I have a complete breakdown in the pelvic floor. He told me that the surgery would be quite extensive and if I decided on surgery he would recommend a complete hysterectomy. I certainly do not want that at this stage of my life. I am now 81 and experience a dropped bladder most of the time while standing. I am working on the whole woman posture and a few exercises. Trying to correct my posture is hard. I watch Christine's DVD's daily and know that this will be a long process. I know I have much pressure coming from my colon when I have bowel movements and this causes the prolapse to get worse. I do not have much trouble with constipation, as I have been on a high fiber diet for years. In fact, I am complaining about too many BM's. I need help with a good well balanced diet that will keep me regular in a normal way. I feel very fortunate to have lived this long and had few health problems. I would love advice from anyone close to my age with similar problems.

Forum:

Surviving60

July 13, 2015 - 4:27am

Hi barrae and welcome. A prolapsed bladder can be managed at any age, and I'm glad you were able to see how totally irresponsible was your doctor's advice for a hysterectomy. This is certainly one reason women should not seek prolapse advice from surgeons! Shame on the whole lot of them.

Do work on the posture.....it takes time to make this change but you certainly sound healthy and energetic enough to find relief that way. Just walking very mindfully in great WW posture is one of the best ways to learn and reinforce this posture physically and mentally. Do you firebreathe? That's a great tool to have.

If you eat a healthy array of veggies and fruits, stay well-hydrated and are not too sedentary, you should be able to manage fine BM-wise without going overboard on extra fiber which just bulks things up needlessly. At least you are not constipated and I presume you understand not to strain. We do talk about diet a great deal here, what works and does not work for each of us. I would be interested to know what you consider too many BMs. I have several a day which I think is healthy.

Anyway, welcome to the forum and please keep us posted on your progress - Surviving

barrae

July 13, 2015 - 4:21pm

Thank you so much for responding and the encouraging words. Yesterday I had about 5 0r 6 small BM's without straining but still causing much stress on the bladder. I lean forward while urinating. What is the best position for BM's? Sometimes I hurt while trying to urinate and am unable to urinate even tho leaning forwad. I do try to eat fruits and or vegetables daily. I eat meat, but try to keep it to a minimum. Years ago a doctor told me to drink Metamucil (psyllium husks fiber). I seldom do that anymore, but sometimes use Benefiber powder stirred into coffee, but am trying to get away from that - just taking lactobacillus daily.

Thank you again - Barrae

Surviving60

July 14, 2015 - 5:14am

If you have difficulty urinating, even though lifting up and forward to tip the bladder into position, then you might try at least once daily doing it on hands and needs (in the shower perhaps). So important to empty completely! For BMs try to keep lumbar curvature while on the toilet, using the half-squat as pictured in Saving the Whole Woman. Some of us have also found a bit if firebreathing and jiggling prior to going can help get those organs forward and out of the way. Good for afterwards too. - Surviving

barrae

July 15, 2015 - 6:54pm

Thank you for the advice - I will try those things

GrammyH

July 16, 2015 - 6:46am

I cannot afford to purchase the program. What can I do? I feel like my pants are full and it scares me. I care for my 97 yr old mother and her knees are gone. So I have to get behind her and help push her up. Does this hurt my problem with the prolasped bladder? I see you mention about watching videos, is this in the purchased product? I just feel so helpless. When I sit down I can feel it go back up inside. Please tell me what to do. PLEASE :(

Snapcracklepop

July 16, 2015 - 7:13am

Perhaps you can share more of your history when you get a chance?

It sounds to me that you're anxious and this state definitely messes with your breathing, which messes with your organ positioning. For starters, I'd focus on paying attention to your breathing and making sure you are relaxing your belly.

Then learn and practice WW posture as soon and as much as you can. It takes awhile to get it down, but once you do, it helps keep your pelvic organs where you want them. When you're in posture, you can do almost anything you need to do.

Surviving 60 shares the links to the basic information in many of her posts so if you put her name in the search box you can find that information and get started.

Good luck!

Snapcracklepop

GrammyH

July 16, 2015 - 7:22am

It goes over my head. A little overwhelmed. Are you saying to put Christine's name in the search box? Not understanding the last paragraph. I am sorry. Who do I search for?

Surviving60

July 16, 2015 - 5:02pm

Hi Grammy - I too care for an elderly parent, and I do want to stress the importance of learning this posture correction and the right ways to lift. Important to protect the lumbar curvature because that's how you hold the organs forward in the belly, not crammed into the vagina. Correct lifting can sometimes actually help prolapse because your posture combines with gravity to close off the vagina against the encroaching organs. But this is a journey! So welcome to our world - Surviving