Pelvic Health/ Emotional issues!

Submitted by doris on September 5, 2011 - 7:14pm
Body: 

Hi Ladies,
Well what a port in a storm this site is! I was feeling really battered by life and helpless, but spending time here has brought me to a place of calm. The wisdom and support offered here is amazing.

I am 44 years of age, single parent of 2 fantastic boys aged 11 and 7.
I am living in New Zealand and have a fairly active lifestyle and work as a massage and healing therapist.

I had a very long, difficult labour and birth with my first son. My midwife called in a Gynocologist, who managed to 'deliver' my 9lb 7oz boy with forceps and much force.
I think my pelvic floor was damaged during this time. My recovery was certainly slow.
My prolapse started to show itself 3 years later when I was pregnant again. I remember feeling so shocked and confused by what was happening. An unhelpful and quite rude gynocologist dismissed my concerns, said it was a very common problem that could be repaired with the help of mesh sling attatched to the bladder (which sounded horrific to me!) She fitted a pessary which I removed the next day. I havn't come across this yet on your site, but for me the pessary was unbearable. I could hardly breathe properly let alone walk!

Giving birth the second time was far easier, but the prolapse worsened and I was diagnosed again with prolapse and cystocele. Pelvic floor excerises were recommended and I was to return in 6 months to see if things had improved. Again a pessary was fitted with the same outcome!I never went back, and just put up with the prolapse. My marriage ended around the same time, so not lifting and taking rests didn't fit in to my lifestyle!
Through learning from here, I think I may also have a rectocele, as I can sometimes feel a full rectum through my vagina, and sometimes have to 'splint' (so thats what you call it!) so I can empty it.

This year, some difficult circumstances, gaining 9kg, depression, a 6 week chest infection with much coughing and my cervix now sitting outside of my vagina - led me to my GP, who said "it's finally time to get this hysterectomy sorted". I have always preferred natural options and alternatives so thought I needed to find out more, quick.
That night I googled hysterectomy and the first item I chose to read was Christines 'First Aid for Prolapse' which led me to this site, and I have been reading ever since.
I have adopted the posture, which has not been difficult as I have a kyphosis spine so sway back is natural for me! I have had some back ache, especially while working but am sure this will improve. Unfortunately, carrying the extra weight I now look about 7 months pregnant! Hopefully this will lessen now I am back on track with nutrition and exercise.
Christine, as soon as I can afford to I will be buying your book and dvd.
What a wellspring of knowledge you have already shared with me.
I feel like I have been putting myself back together and found my centre again. I am so very grateful, so thank you :D

granolamom

September 5, 2011 - 8:09pm

welcome to the site!
I'm glad you found WW before 'getting this hysterectomy sorted' (sends chills down my spine!)
sounds like you have a can-do attitude which will no doubt serve you well. WW works, but as you seem to understand, its not a quick fix- magic pill type of thing. putting yourself back together and finding your centre again is exactly what its about. so you are well on your way!

but for a moment....lets talk about your kyphosis spine. by that, do you mean your upper spine is kinda hunched forward? that's what I think of when I hear that. when I hear 'swayback' I think of low back excessively curved. if that's the way your spine has been for a while, then you've got some postural relearning ahead of you because swayback is NOT the same thing as the increased curve we see with WW. its hard to describe in words (louise is fabulous at this, I'm sure she will chime in soon!) but keep at it and you'll get the posture. if you have upper spine issues like a kyphosis, pay attention to what your shoulders are doing, they should be down and broad. you may very well find that your back aches as you stretch/strengthen areas into different patterns than the muscles are used to. too bad you cant give yourself a back massage!
ask any questions you have, we'll try to help. you'll see that as your spine stretches out into its intended shape, it will pull along your pelvic organs.

kiwigirl

September 5, 2011 - 9:44pm

Just wanted to pop in and say hi when I saw your post from my home country :-) and also the natural therapies you work with.I go to a healing group and have for many years, had reflexology this morning and feel much better for it.I am sorry to hear what you have been through with birthing and such,and marriage breakup, not an easy time for you.
Ther are some ladies here using pessaries successfully and others have used them for a short time, not me though.I feel sensitive enough inside without putting any more pressure of that kind in lol.
If your put the word ..pessary..into the search box, or similar, you will see posts about the topic of them, that may help.Also the names of any posters you feel in tune with, put their name, as seen at the top of their post to the right of the date..as you see mine saying kiwigirl.You will find lots of helpful info here with posters on the forum and in the library and Christines kitchen and theatre. All the best!

doris

September 6, 2011 - 3:04am

Thanks for your welcome and suggestions. Granolamom... regarding my spine. A trainee phsyio once suggested my curved lower back was due to kyphosis. Have just checked more about kyphosis, and I do not have the top hunch associated with that, just a pronounced lumbar curve, so maybe dont have kyphosis at all. (Should have checked it out myself earlier!) Hopefully with some guidance will get my spine and posture improved!
Hi kiwigal! Nice to know there's another out there! I have been suprised to find only one other woman I spoke to about pop, had ever heard of it (she is a nurse). I have been considering reflexology, so good to know you found it helped. It's really time for me to look after myself!
Thanks again for your help.

louiseds

September 8, 2011 - 8:18am

Hi Doris

Welcome. I wouldn't really worry about words like lordosis and kyphosis. All they are is a medical description of a shape of the lower and upper spine. They are not diseases.

I am wondering if the discomfort you experienced with the pessaries was due to constipation and the effect it has on a rectocele?

Yes, weight gain will not help your prolapses, and your body will probably like you a lot in many ways if you can rid yourself of some of it again. If you lose it quickly you can expect a temporary worsening of your POPs, but it will be OK again if you stick with the posture, a diet that keeps your bowel moving, POP-friendly clothes and wise use of your body.

I found this site originally when I was trying to get on top of asthma and POP that appeared as a result of several years of coughing and wheezing. Asthma's now gone, no more asthma drugs, and I haven't had a problem with coughing for more than a week since then, and my POPs only bother me now when I do something stupid, like not having access to my normal whole wheat bread for a week. You do have a good future in front of you which does not have to include a hysterectomy or mesh inside you.

Have a look at Christine's Youtube channel, wholewomaninc, which has excerpts of the DVDs. I am sure you will find it easier to understand when you have the book. Keep reading and posting.

Louise

doris

September 12, 2011 - 3:55am

Thanks Louise...I'm not sure if constipation had anything to do with the discomfort of pessaries, I really can't remember and didn't make a connection at the time. I do know that I was really uncomfortable and embarrased at both appointments, and my prolapse was new to me.
I'm on a waiting list to be seen by a hospital gyno and think I will ask to give them another try. I certainly am older and wiser about my prolapse now, so feel I may handle the appointment better! I certainly will not be talked in to any surgery, and I have this site to be grateful for that!
I don't have broadband at home so can't view any dvd clips, but will check them out when I visit my sister who does.
And thanks for your advice re spine...I don't need to think I have any more 'defects' :D