Cystocele and Exercise

Submitted by jerseygal on July 18, 2011 - 3:19pm
Body: 

I am a newbie. I am 72 yrs old. I have been doing Christine's DVD exercises (not the one for seniors), as well as the fire breathing and posture for 8 days, which have really helped my symptoms. I read her book from cover to cover. I was diagnosed with a bladder fistula 4 weeks ago. Dr. said my uterus has not prolapsed, and I should do nothing. After reading Christine's book, I truly believe the Dr actually meant cystocele and not fistula. From the info and picture in the book, I believe I have a Stage 2 Cystocele. I am in great shape physically and have been going to gyms my entire adult life. I have never been overweight. My highest and present weight is 130 lbs. I gave birth (vaginally) to two children. The first was a difficult delivery. The last child was born 43 yrs ago. After avoiding the gym for 4 weeks, I went back today and took a Zumba class. When I got home, I felt a little "droopy", and my cystocele was again "peeking" through the introitus of the vagina. Should I stop all other exercises and cancel the gym. Should I now only be doing the DVD exercises?

Christine

July 20, 2011 - 6:40am

Hi!

It's great to hear from you. I had to chuckle at the "diagnosis". Ha!...eh, fistula, cystocele, what's the difference!

You probably understand now, but in time you will know that you control your symptoms with how you use your body. I can do my own WW exercise with great benefit and comfort, but have tried both aerobics and African dance with disastrous results. One time I shook my bladder down to a very uncomfortable place and was unable to wee, which took an entire weekend to resolve.

The Zumba class sounds fun and we do have women here who do Zumba. Alemama is one, but she is postpartum at this time. The all-important factor is keeping WW posture while dancing. We are fond of saying, you can do anything you want, as long as you do it in the right shape.

A little caution is necessary when you realize you may have been holding classic, "good" posture all these years, when in fact pulling in your belly has had a damaging effect on your natural pelvic organ support system. If this is the case, you may want to take it easy for several weeks - keeping a walking program to learn the posture and some of the WW exercises (firebreathing on hands and knees, etc) to reinforce it.

I wouldn't cancel your gym membership if it is something you like doing. Just be mindful of what you do while there. Wish I could offer WWYoga in your neighborhood, but maybe some day!

Wishing you well,

Christine

jerseygal

July 20, 2011 - 7:43am

Thank you so much, Christine. Your book, your tape, your website, all your information has been very, very valuable to me. I thank God I found your website. I have been doing your DVD exercise everyday for the past 9 days. I am still struggling a little with the moves since I never took any type of ballet classes. I also haven't taken any Yoga classes. Since you mentioned Yoga, I will order for Yoga DVD. I am also planning to arrange a telephone consultation with you when I get all my questions written down. Meanwhile, I am planning to drop my gym and join my husband's gym where I will ONLY be doing the treadmill and some weight circuit. Since treadmill is walking, I presume that will be OK for me. Thanks again. I will be calling you soon.