Post-Hyst with Adhesions + Prolaspe

Submitted by UterusInSpirit on March 2, 2014 - 6:58pm
Body: 

Hello everyone!
4 years post-hysterectomy due to stage 2 uterine cancer. No chemo/no radiation. Had bladder prolaspe prior to surgery for years which I successfully dealt with via Christine's exercises in book one plus chiropractic and cranial sacral therapy. Fast forward to the past four years: Every year since the surgery a weird episode happens related to the surgery. I cannot wear pants or traditional underwear. Most recent "event" was during massage work around the lower belly to assist adhesions, organ motility and surgical nerve damage - which it was helping. Felt something tear and the rest is history. Several months later I continue to experience mild discomfort at the point of impact and what feels like potential pelvic floor prolapse issues. Pelvic floor hasn't felt the same since the "event" occurred. Surgical doctor examined me about a month after the latest episode occurred and said the surgery was "in place" even though my stomach is now not as tight, as big and round and my bowel movements have actually improved (all good things plus the lymphatic issues that developed after the surgery have also improved). Recently, got a second opinion from a ob/gyn who upon questioning after the exam told me there was an "insignificant level of prolapse" that would not be worth mentioning to the original surgeon. When asked where the prolaspe was the answer was: Right in the middle. Suggested acupuncture and kegels (10 kegels 3x/day for a total of 30 kegels). I am in pain every time I attempt to do the kegels. Something that did not occur prior to the surgery four years ago. There is a pelvic floor institute at the local major hospital with physical therapy available as an option. Has anyone tried vaginal steaming with mugwort to tone and strengthen the vaginal walls? That's another option. There's more details available but would certainly appreciate any suggestions, comments to consider as next steps as the discomfort needs addressed. Thank you all!

Forum:

Christine

March 2, 2014 - 11:57pm

Hi UterusinSpirit,

I am sorry to hear of this chain of events that has happened in your life, and very much hope we can help you move forward in a more positive direction. Frankly, there is probably nothing at the pelvic floor institute that is going to help, simply because physical therapy adheres to an old and dysfunctional model of pelvic organ support. Forget about toning and strengthening the vaginal walls, as this is just a wrong concept. Strength has nothing to do with it, for in normal anatomy the vagina is a closed, airless tube. The back wall clamps down tightly against the front wall and in doing so prevents surrounding organs from being pushed into its space. The pubic bones, which run front-to-back underneath you, are the true bony pelvic floor. The pelvic outlet is behind you, not at the bottom of a soft-tissue hammock.

Therefore, the goal is to hold the organs at the front of the body, and away from the outlet at the back of the body. You no longer have your muscular uterus to help pull everything forward. However, your vagina is still connected to your intestines at the top of your back vaginal wall. By learning to hold your intestines forward, you will pull your vagina into a more natural axis and keep your vaginal vault away from the opening at the back.

The conventional framework sees the vagina as being like a tree trunk holding all the organs above it. Therefore, it has to be “strong” and “tight” so the organs perched above don’t fall down the drain. It is simply a wrong concept. The organs are held at the front of the body and the opening is at the back. This is why kegels make no sense.

We keep the organs at the front of the body with WW posture, which you can find a demonstration of on YouTube. The abdominal wall is held forward by relaxing the belly and lifting the chest. We pull up into the posture every time we’re on our feet and as much of the time sitting as makes sense for you. Make sure you take the work very slowly and alternate with lots of quality rest.

It is necessary to understand that you are now at risk of vaginal vault prolapse, and this is what the OBGYN meant by “right in the middle”. The vault is the ceiling of the vagina - where your cervix used to be - and is easily pushed down and out of the vagina in the post-hysterectomy woman. On the other side of the bulge is your intestines, so you see it is really a closed evisceration we are talking about. This is a very serious condition that must be responded to surgically once it occurs. However, if you are constantly holding your intestines forward, how can they prolapse further out the back? This is crucial information every post-hysterectomy woman needs to know!

Unfortunately, there is a monkey wrench in the works, and that is low back pain. The uterus plays a major role in the stability of the lower spine so that many post-hyst women experience chronic low back pain. Take the WW work very slowly and gently, since your lumbar spine is not as flexible as it was before the surgery.

Please keep us posted on your progress.

Wishing you well,

Christine

UterusInSpirit

March 3, 2014 - 4:02pm

Thank you, Christine, for taking the time to respond with such detail and care. Blessings and wellness!