Need some encouragement

Hi Luuk and welcome back! We all go through periods of setback. The life of a young working mom can be so complicated (I know!), and even when you think you are taking care of yourself, at times it is practically impossible. Consider this a wakeup call to devote more time and attention to WW principles. When people around you are talking surgery, you need to remember why you've chosen not to go down that path right now. Remind yourself that it will always be an option later, but once done, cannot be undone. There are so many young moms on this forum who have had multiple babies after discovery of prolapse. Why not do a little catching up with them? Use the search box or just click on the "forums" link on the left, go to the pregnancy topic and browse away. Don't be discouraged. - Surviving

Dear Luuk,
Just to let you know I had rectocele appear during my 2nd pregnancy & went on to have a 3rd baby.
My rectocele has also acted as " nature's pessary" by helping my cervix from prolapsing too far - I have searched for a natural solution for 16yrs.
I'm not sure about the pain - you are still in recovery from giving birth & have a lot on your plate, so if you can, delegate so that you can rest more. Find out exactly what your role @ work is & don't take on more than that - often because we are new we take on more than we should.
A WWteacher may be able to advise you on the pain - you don't say whether you are having difficulty going to the bathroom - I have given up straining & am retraining my body to eliminate more naturally, with gradually more success.
Christine advised a forum member to sit in WWP & do belly breathing in & out to calm & sooth the body & soul.
Wishing you all the best
((( big hugs )))
Aussie Soul Sister

Hi Luuk,
Oh I think the discouragement you described is something that many many of us can relate to at somepoint or another. So you're not alone. I think survivng60 may be right; when we're busy it can be easy for us to not be aware of our posture or have the time or wherewithall to look after ourseleves as well as we might. I can certainly relate to that anyway.

You said you were tired which is your body's way of saying you need to rest. Prioritise rest for yourself when/if you can. I have different symptoms but also have a dull ache when I'm more prolpased. I now treat this as one of my warning signals that I need to take care of myself. It's one of my monitors. On a positive note, I am now grateful I have a condition that gives me several warning signals that I need to look after myself (ache in the butt, feel really tired, prolapse...)

The pelvic organs exist within quite a fluid environment and are designed to be able to move around a bit. They need to be during pregnancy. So prolapse symptoms can improve and worsen according to various different things, such as good/poor posture, diet, stress levels etc. If your symptoms have got worse it is probably worth checking what might be contributing to that and what you can do about it.

I wish you every success with haivng another baby at some point. I hope you don't mind me saying in my opinion if possible I think it might be an idea to wait until you feel a little less tired and more in control of your prolapse symptoms and how to manage your prolapse. You may find it helpful to refer to the pregnancy and post partum sections of the forum for other people's expereince around prolapse and pregnancy.

Everyone's different and it is definitely worth exploring and experimenting what works for you, within the ww information and suggestions. What makes a positive difference for me is a regular ww dvd practice. I know it can be difficult to practice when you have a baby. However even a little input can go a long way.

You may also find the book really helpful. I find it helpful to refer to when people ask me questions about the ww theory. This may be helfpul if you're facing people who are sceptical of this way of working.
The book and dvd/s can be life-long resources and supports.

Please remember that surgery is no miracle cure. Far from it. In many cases surgery does not cure prolapse and for many women causes further and sometimes far worse problems as a result of surgery. Christine's book 'Saving the Whole Woman' describes these surgeries and some of the negative outcomes some women expereince in detail. It is simply not the cure all people think it is or have been told they are.

I totally support you desire to not have surgery and give you every encouragement to perservere with the WW way, which is safe, natural and leads you towards holistic health. This is a life-long commitment - and as with all life long commitments, it can be challenging at times!

Sometimes I have to laugh that I have a condition that pretty much forces me to maintain a healthy practice and lifestyle!

Wishing you all the best.
xwholewomanuk

I haven't been here for ages, but am determined to return to the forum that has given me so much encouragement at times like yours! Prolapses aren't always a one way journey. I'm five years on, and yet over the last few weeks started to feel my rect getting worse for the first time in ages. It was a reminder to get back into posture, do the breathings, and very quickly i'm back to base.
It sounds like you've had an adjustment getting back to work. Are you on your feet? Sitting at a desk? Look at your posture, and ways to remind yourself to stay in it in this environment. If you sit a lot, breaks to talk around are super helpful. Also are you drinking more tea / coffee at work? EAting differently? have a look at what changes you've made--you may find an answer.

Your consultant may suggest surgery--they don't know what else to offer. But it doesn't mean you have to take the offer. I saw a top consultant in the UK, who said the best is to learn to live with prolapse--that the surgery should only be considered if you truly can't live with it.

Lots of women here have had more babies, so don't be disheartened. But, know that there is a lot of healing ahead. I know that at a year things really took off, and didn't really plateau till about 2 years PP. then a year later I visited Christine in NM and working with her for a few days had another huge impact on me. So let your body guide you. Does it feel strong? Is your base a strong place to start pregnancy from? You may decide you want to give it a bit longer to get to a good base, but don't worry that it means you can't grow your family!!!

:-)

Hi Luuk

I think it is more that the rectum sits low in the the pelvis and impinges on the vaginal space, rather than the stool bulging low in your rectum, though it could be a combination. The lead apron will pull your upper back forwards and straighten your lumbar curve, which will tilt your pelvis back and make it easier for your rectocele to cause symptoms. I would like to see you trying to keep your apron closer to your body, by adjusting its straps, if possible. The further out from your body that you carry a load the harder it will be for your POPs. Building up your upper body strength with baton work and wing flapping will make it easier to wear the apron, if the apron is similar to the one I used to wear as a vet nurse.

Louise

Luuk, is your apron somewhat heavy? If you are in really excellent WW posture, and if as Louise suggests, you can keep the extra weight as close to your body as possible, then the extra weight can actually help intensify the dynamics of pelvic organ support. Helps to keep the vagina as that flattened, airless space that protects it from intrusion by the organs, which are hopefully nestling in the rounded lower belly. I don't know anything about lead aprons. I know they are to protect you from repeated exposure to Xrays, but do they also carry a risk which dictates that you wear them a certain way to minimize lead exposure? - S60

Hi Luuk

It is probably a good time to mention that Wholewoman work is active work. You have to do it all the time, kind of like you have to eat the right foods regularly, in order to have a healthy gut.

It is not something you read or buy, that, having made the investment, will automatically work. Being lazy about posture or food, or how you lift loads, is simply self-defeating. You just won't get anywhere with it if it is not a part of your life 24/7. Sure it can take a while to get to the point where WW posture comes naturally, or until you don't buy junk food. You can get some discomfort while your body is adapting to new ways, but you just have to wade your way through it to get the benefits.

I am not growling at you, Luuk; just pointing out that it is work, and it can be hard work. You may not see immediately noticable results, but the rewards will come.

Louise