hope for cystocel?

Body: 

Hi
I am a 35 year old who has a 6 month old and knew something felt different all along--it just goes to show that it is true that you know your own body better than you think! My family doctor finally diagnosed me with cystocel after 2 previous exams and him telling me everything looked "normal." I thought I was going crazy as if I was imagining things. I had been trying to self diagnose--everything from damage done due to having an episiotomy, etc., I feel I have been hanging on by a thin thread here since I just got word that my specialist appointment is in 4 months! I was a runner before and want to take some action but I feel I am in limbo. Is there any hope of this condition improving after I stop breastfeeding or as time passes? All my friends who have had babies recently seem to be completely back to normal and feel great.
Kay

Hi Kay,

As you can see, this is extremely common amongst women who have recently delivered. It is an issue of the weight of our organs and their connective supports having been pulled against the grain, so to speak, either acutely during the birth process or chronically through posture and lifestyle factors - or most likely both.

The new mommies here can totally relate to your feelings of isolation and frustration at not bouncing back like the others.

The only way to move your bladder back toward its natural position is by stretching your outer frame into its original shape - a shape it may not have been in for many years. It has nothing to do with hormones and breastfeeding and cannot be improved by kegels as they are traditionally taught.

Relax, make yourself a cup of tea, read through the FAQs, and begin to think how you might begin to support your body in this way. There are many here to help you with any further questions you may have.

Wishing you well,

Christine

blessings to you and your new baby relaxing at home. I have 3 children - the baby is 3 months now and I can fondly remember those 1 baby days-
Just wanted to day hi and tell you that I have plans to run again some day. for now though I just use the eliptical machine which works great for me. B

Hi Kay,

I can totally relate to how you feel right now. I was 35 when I gave birth to my 9.5 pound baby. I had a vacuum delivery after 3.5 hours of pushing. This most likely caused my cystocele. But I also had tight hamstrings, and a tail-tucked under posture (ie, no curve in my lower back). My prenatal yoga teacher would warn me about this, but I didn't feel like I quite understood what my posture should have been. Anyway, a rough delivery and my postural tendencies contributed to my cystocele.

At 6 months, I felt hopeless because I felt it wasn't getting better, even though I'd tried physical therapy and TONS of kegels. I was depressed because all the women in my moms' groups were bouncing around, back to normal, and considering second babies already. This was so hard for me because I'd always considered myself the most fit person I knew. I walked an hour a day and did yoga at least 4 times a week.

I'm here to tell you that, at 6 months, you still have LOTS of room for improvement. The things that worked best for me were: the posture (be patient with it. It took about a week for me to get comfy with it and feel it was working). Diet. Read all you can on this site about a healthy diet. Walking 30 minutes (briskly) a day. This gives me a lift and oxegenates the tissues in the area. Start with 15 or 20 minutes to guage the right amount for you. Firebreathing (read the FAQ on this site). Physical therapy with someone who specializes in pelvic issues. I find that maofascial release from my PT's massage makes my symptoms improve a lot. Release of unconsciously held tension improves the integrity of the connective tissues and fascia. On that note, I find restorative yoga incredibly useful.

My symptoms only bother me about every other menstrual period or so. And really, it just reminds me to be gentle and more inward with myself during that time. I try to look at that as a blessing.

Big hugs to you. Keep in touch with us.

Ann

Hi Christine, Ann, "B" and all
Thanks so much for your responses. I am motivated to continue exploring the issue and will take you up on your tips and advice.
Much appreciated!
Kay
PS-I feel a bit better and have since seen a naturopath. I will keep you posted!