Healing support

Submitted by bad_mirror on February 8, 2009 - 12:43pm
Body: 

This is really a neither here-nor-there question -- more my musings in cyberspace -- and I don't really expect anyone to answer. I was just wondering this: when other tissues of the body are injured, they are given some sort of support system to promote healing. Bones get a cast, muscles get a splint, and cuts get stitches. All of which are designed to hold together the "broken" parts and give them the best opportunity to heal. Why then, when pp prolapse occurs, is there not some equivalent? Why not a pessary after lochia is gone to help hold the bits where they need to be in order to heal in place? I'm not saying that such a device should supercede the "physical therapy" of postural and lifestyle change where the real healing strength is gained. However, wouldn't the tissue around my bladder heal more "tightly" without my bladder forever pressing on it? I've worn a boot for a muscle tear, and all the tendons, ligaments, etc. tightened up so much that I had to have PT to regain mobility. Just a rambling, wayward thought . . . .

granolamom

February 8, 2009 - 4:26pm

very interesting points, I think.
what is the goal of a cast? to keep the bones in place so they knit back together properly. goal of a splint? to prevent straining or reinjuring an injured muscle. goal of stitches? to stop bleeding, prevent infection or scarring.

I think the best way to help a prolapse heal would be to support it, yes, but the best way to do that is probably from within. you know what I'm going to say: with the posture!
the problem with a pessary (and I'm not saying not to use one if its working for you) is that it keeps the vagina open. and the vagina is, ideally, a flattened tube. this is part of the pelvic support system.

in the case of excess tightening following immobilization of a muscle tear, what has happened is that the muscle and tendon lose range of motion due to disuse, and the same thing can happen within the joint capsule. but ligaments don't tighten, which is why once you sprain your ankle, your prone to sprain it again. being that there is no joint in the vagina, I'm not sure that the same thing would happen.

I do hear what you're saying, if there was a way to push the bladder into its proper spot while the fascia reshaped, that'd be cool. I only wonder if the pro/con of using a pessary for that purpose is a worthwhile trade.

bad_mirror

February 8, 2009 - 7:24pm

. . . totally makes sense about the support of a flattened vaginal tube, and I understand about the ligaments. Bummer. The preliminary posture to Nauli is quite exciting, though, and I can't wait to get strong enough to move on to "full Nauli". I feel my bladder suck right up! It's like the ultimate bladder kegel. If only there was a way to hold it there while moving about in the posture . . . .

louiseds

February 8, 2009 - 9:34pm

Alemama, you took the words right out of my keyboard!

Posture is the support needed.

I would add that after a sprain there is rest, ice, compression and elevation to prevent further damage and enhance healing. The last time I 'did' an ankle (really badly) I went in to the physio well-strapped and on crutches. I was given immediate ultrasound therapy, re-strapped more heavily, and told not to use the crutches. The physio wanted to re-instate a normal gait. I dutifully kept icing, and kept it up in the air when not in use, did the hot and cold packs later in the week, then the strapping came off after a week, to only be used over the next few weeks if I was doing strenuous exercise. The aim of the exercise was to get rid of the external support once there was structual stability and a degree of healing, and to keep using the injured limb in normal movement.

Yes, external supports have a role, but it is the body, used properly, that does its own healing. Overuse of external support can indeed cause damage.

Cheers

Louise

bad_mirror

February 9, 2009 - 12:04pm

. . . understand the rational and importance of not relying on a crutch. Alas for the marketability of my "'Cele Squidgy!" *wink*

granolamom

February 9, 2009 - 8:58pm

hey, listen, if you've got an idea for a better pessary, don't let me prevent you from developing it.

bad_mirror

February 10, 2009 - 11:29am

I hope I didn't come across as too flippant. That was not my intention. If only my brain did have an idea for a better pessary! :-)

louiseds

February 10, 2009 - 6:53pm

Hi Bad_Mirror

Life is too stupid to take seriously. We know what you mean about 'flippant'. ;-) There is a whole industry beavering away to invent a better pessary, but I don't think they are getting far, cos they are barking up the wrong tree.

Have you tried sea sponges? I am not a pessary user, and I haven't tried them, but some Members do use them.

Cheers

Louise

granolamom

February 10, 2009 - 7:59pm

I didn't think you were being too flippant and I'm half-serious, if you have any ideas for a better pessary, develop it!
a while back someone was talking about beeswax...

bad_mirror

February 11, 2009 - 8:38pm

Good to know!