advice on what to purchase

Hi duck and welcome. There are lots of posts on the forum, and blog articles, with encouragement for post-hyst women to pursue this work, though you will want to take it slow. I would recommend the First Aid for Prolapse basic dvd as you will learn the most about prolapse and posture by using that. Your specialist is likely to recommend further surgery and that is certainly to be avoided if possible. Your challenge now is to keep the bladder and the vaginal vault as far forward as you can; that's what this posture correction is all about. Do lots of reading here before you go to the doc. - Surviving

I'm 75. Twenty some years ago, I was told by my GYN that I had fibroids so needed a hysterectomy. Wish I'd followed my intuition instead of her recommendations. After the hysterectomy, she told me not to do any heavy lifting. How long, I asked. For the rest of your life. I've tried to exercise good judgment but recently joined a gym and hired a personal trainer. He worked me pretty hard, and taught me "proper posture." On the heels of this, I spent a month cleaning our attic, trying to be aware of the "good posture" which meant abs in, butt tucked under. All the wrong things! I have an appointment Monday with the Women's Clinic but after reading here about proper women's posture, and practicing it, I'm much improved and able to move about a little better without discomfort. I know the doc will want to do surgery for cystocele/rectocele and I don't intend to have it after reading this site. I think I can learn to manage the condition on my own. Any advice welcomed.

Hi LilyAnna and welcome to WW! Wow, nothing makes my day like hearing from someone who has found us at just the right time. For many of us (with or without a uterus) it took a long time for this posture to sink in and take over.......decades of sucking in our bellies and tucking our butts make those habits pretty hard to break. But time and practice eventually achieve the goal. It sounds like you understood the concepts and put them into practice and it didn't take long for you to start feeling a difference. Just keep doing what you're doing! Your task is to keep the remaining organs held as far forward in the relaxed belly as you can.

For exercise, you want to avoid those obtuse body angles that strain the pelvic organs. You want to be able to exercise "in posture" and work towards regaining and protecting lumbar curvature as much as possible. Visualize the organs held forward....that was always helpful for me. I have both 'celes and I started this work at 60. I know I'll never be able to fully restore the lumbar curvature I had as a kid, but every day (now 4 years later) it feels better and better. Christine's workouts are great - First Aid for Prolapse has lots of general information, and a great workout. Yoga First Wheel would also be excellent for you.

As you have already figured out, it's all about the posture, and if you can learn to stay in that posture as you go throughout your day, and favor your lumbar curvature as you bend and move and lift and carry, you will be on the best possible course for yourself. You won't learn this stuff from the folks at the Women's Clinic!

So glad to have you joining us! - Surviving

Surviving - I so much appreciate your suggestions and encouragement. As soon as I can, I plan to do a bit of shopping in WW's store, including Yoga First Wheel and First Aid for Prolapse. I also want to make sure my daughters and friends see this information.

The only reason I am keeping my Monday appointment is because my husband wants me to "in case there is something else going on". Not sure what. Cancer maybe? Even if there is "something else" I am reticent to take any medical advice from my doctor or the Women's Clinic. My knowledge is not that of a nurse, so I am treading lightly and will gratefully be in touch with this site!

Thanks again!

I'm just very devastated about what might be going on "Down there". I'm scared and depressed about how my world has changed in just one move that I made. I was very active and now I don't want to move at all. Like a deer in the headlights!

Hi dizzydee,
I know it can be overwhelming when we first discover that we are having prolapse symptoms, but don't worry that what is happening is an emergency situation. I remember being where you are now over a year ago when I found my cervix sticking out. I found this site, and just started reading everything. Go to the tool bar at the top. Christine has lots of information that will help get you started on the path of prolapse management. That was the best part for me when I came here thinking I would have to have surgery, and through studying Christine's work, and then practicing whole woman, I found that even profound uterine prolapse can be managed. It was such a relief!
Take a deep breath, and just start reading. We will be here to answer questions and help you through this.

When I first found out that something was sticking out down there I was already to have a hysterectomy...not even knowing what it was. I think I just don't want to disappoint my family in that we are very active and have a camping trip with hiking and all and just the thought of not being able to do anything made me literally sick to my stomach. I am 53 and I have my 13 year old grandson living with my husband and I and just the thought of not being able to do anything fun with him...when I used to ....just makes me sooo depressed!! I also have a 91 year old mom that needs me to help her out. SO I just kinda felt frozen ..I guess. She also has a prolapse bladder so I kind of thought well then that must be what I have....I know I'm rattling on and probably not making sense but it feels good to know someone is going through the same....she says it doesn't bother her....but boy does it bother me to the point of TEARS!!!!

My husband doesn't even know whats going on...I'm afraid to tell him..why? I don't know. Last year I had problems with my back and have a bulging disc....had epidurals and go to physical Therapy. Couldn't do anything last summer. Now this summer the same thing??? That's what depresses me. I love to camp, hike and garden but it's like life that a knew is gone. It is so good to read the posts and see that so many women feel the same and are making it.
I guess when I go to the doctor on Monday and find out the real truth I will tell him as I will know exactly what I have...although I'm pretty sure one of my organs has fallen out.

I know dizzydee,
I was the same way. But a calm came over me when I started reading and practicing Christine's work.
And, I didn't do very much at first. Afraid to move and have the whole thing just fall out of me. Well, that hasn't been the case. Yes, I still get bulgy. I still have bad days, but overall, I get to keep my uterus, and have many more good days. I do lots of things now, camping, hiking, anything I want to basically. But I do it in whole woman posture, and I know when to slow it down and rest, and take it easy on myself when I am symptomatic.
You can do this too!

I told my husband, and was in tears, and was very embarrassed. But, he was supportive to whatever I thought was best. I was too afraid to have sex even, for months after, but found that he didn't notice anything different at all, and it actually helped push my uterus up and over into my lower belly. All these things I worried about didn't come true. Everyone is different of course in how we progress, especially those of us who are older, but we find different ways of doing things, and it works for us.

I wouldn't want to advise you about the bulging discs and practicing whole woman. Christine or someone more knowledgable may be able to help you with that.

Thank you for understanding. I can't wait to purchase the materials and get going. I'm reading the posts and trying to stand correctly...it seems I'm not feeling anything..as of yet. I am feeling a little better..not so depressed..thank you soooo much!!

Hopefully one day I can help someone feel hope in their situation.

Like I said, I don't know how your bulging discs will affect your posture work. Take it slowly and carefully. It takes time to learn these concepts and apply them to your everyday life. It was almost a year before I started really noticing significant changes, although I had little changes all along. Be patient with this, it is what you will be doing the rest of your life. Starting to unlearn sucking in your belly was the hardest for many of us. Gotta just relax that belly! The basics are relax belly, shoulders down, lift chest up, but not out. There is more to it, but you will learn that.
And, don't get to discouraged with your doctors visit. Many women get disappointed that the doctors don't offer much except surgery or kegels. I didn't even go to the doctor, especially after reading some of the experiences of some of the women here. Doctors are good at what they do. I just don't think they really understand prolapse and what the true female form should be.

Thank you...I'm trying to incorporate what I do for my disc and what I need to do to keep my organs inside. Took a walk today and I didn't feel "it". I kind of walked like a duck. Hands on small of back to help my belly relax and arms looking like wings. This is the best day since "it" decided to peek out.

Hi dizzydee,
Walking like a duck is not necessarily the best way of going about posture. The natural lumbar curvature should come on its own, not be forced in any way. And, shoulders are held down, not back. It takes a bit to get all the posture principles in order and working together. The posture, when held correctly, is what creates the inter abdominal pressure the holds and pins our organs into our lower belly with each breath we take. The book and DVDs show really good examples and explanations to all this.
But, if you are feeling particularly bulgy, you can get down on knees and forearms, with your butt in the air, providing your back with the discs and all will allow that motion. That feels really good. Also child's pose feels nice too.

It might help you feel a bit more in command of the situation if you can figure out what kind of prolapse you have. Here is the self-exam article:

http://wholewoman.com/library/content/articles/prolapseselfexam.pdf

The management of prolapse is primarily postural, as AG has explained in detail - and this is the same regardless of whether you have a uterine prolapse, or the anterior/posterior type (rectocele and cystocele). I think it will help you launch yourself on this journey if you can get a handle on what's going on down there, and we can help you better if we know. It's really pretty easy to know the difference between bulges coming from the vaginal walls, and a tough muscular cervix peeking out. I never had a formal diagnosis myself, but I can feel and see the puffy bulges, and I can feel my cervix which stays fairly far inside. Start learning - you will find that life can get better, not worse, once you come to embrace your condition and the changes needed to manage it. Learn posture and firebreathing and you will be off to a flying start. Surviving

PS - please watch this video if you haven't already.
http://wholewoman.com/newpages/video/ww101.html

hi diz,

a few years ago, i wrote an article you can download from the library (in resources on the main menu) called a husband's guide to prolapse. my thesis was this: no married or partnered woman suffers prolapse alone. given the physical and emotional consequences of prolapse, it is a given that your condition is going to effect your desire for intimacy. if your husband is not aware of what you are going through, he won't understand this change in your behavior, and nothing good can come from that. if you don't know quite how to approach the subject with him, just print out the article and hand it to him with the request that he read it and then talk.

two of the challenges with men are that many men are squeamish about the mysteries of female reproductive anatomy and tend to want to avoid any discussion about them and two, when something is wrong with our women, we go into "fix it" mode. if the doctor says he/she can "fix it" then by all means, let's get started. obviously, we at whole woman strongly believe there is no effective surgical "fix" for prolapse, so however well-meaning, your husband going into "fix it" mode is not helpful. the article will help with both these challenges.

once you get your materials, ask him to read the book too and to watch the DVD with you so he can understand better what you are dealing with and you can take on this challenge to your lives and relationship together as a team. you will likely find it actually strengthens your bond whereas failing to communicate about this can put a terrible strain on your relationship.

you have enough on your emotional plate as it is. don't add worries about your husband to the mix.

best wishes,

lanny (christine's DH)

Thank you for explaining this to me...I know when I first felt it I was really preoccupied and didn't want to talk or do anything. Just told him my stomach hurts... of course he's worried and asks me everyday how I feel. I guess I'm waiting to see Doc tomorrow just so I'll have it in writing so to say. I'm thankful my doc is a woman so hopefully she'll be understanding. I will tell him and I hope that I won't fall apart and blabber. Thank you so much for all of the encouragement that everyone is giving. I'm feeling a little better day by day, bit by bit. Still feel depressed but fighting it.

Does anyone know if there is such a thing as a heated seat cushion? Now that I understand the reason why I feel cold when sitting is that internal organs are too close to the cold chair when I sit down. Little by little, I am beginning to understand my body's signals. It has taken a long time and the current crisis to get my attention so that I can research and study. I'm actually considering heated hand warmers tucked between two pairs of underwear, if they aren't too thick and are long enough. All I've found so far are heated car seats, and I just want a cushion. Ideas?

Hmmmmmm.....Can't imagine what you are sitting on that's making your vagina and rectum cold! I find that if I'm sitting in really good WW posture, with nice lumbar curvature and no slouching whatever, that my 'celes are pretty well pinned into position, and nothing's really that close to the opening. Can't speak for everyone, of course. But if you're sitting on a cold seat and want a little more warmth down there, I don't have any suggetions. I don't know of anything that's designed to bear weight and provide heat at the same time. In any event, don't sit on anything that hinders your posture. - Surviving

why I am cold "there." She suggested it could be because I'm not taking my thyroid as was prescribed. I'm going to try a warming cream. She has referred me for a pelvic ultra sound and a colonoscopy and indicated that, while I do have a rectocele it is a mild one. Glad I went. Maybe something else is going on other than the cystocele/rectocele my PCP thought was my problem. Also, will resume the thyroid medication. Every seat seems cold to me. Have no idea why but if I find out, I'll share with you.

Please do let us know, lilyanna. You are actually the first person I ever heard of being cold down there. Does it feel internally cold, or just at the surface? Thyroid may be the culprit. I have heard of people not getting warm enough. As we get older also, poorer circulation can be a culprit of making us feel chillier. I don't know. Hope you can find some relief from this though. When I worked in the nursing home, many ladies had these corn or bean bags that we heated up for them to put in their beds at night to warm them up. They loved those!

My bladder prolapse first showed up three months ago. Now I notice a slight vaginal discharge which I did not have before, not all the time but occasionally mainly during the day. Does anyone know if this is normal? I have not had menstrual periods in years, and this surprised me.

You got some replies when you asked this question the other day, including one from Christine, maybe you missed it:

https://wholewoman.com/forum/node/6057

I personally didn't notice any change in normal vaginal secretions when my prolapse became evident, but I'm post-meno if that makes any difference. - Surviving

Just wanted to check to make sure... Is the First Aid for Prolapse the best product to get for beginners generally?

My mother had a hysterectomy 4 years ago and is starting to have trouble again.

Thanks.

hi dot,

depending on your mother's general physical ability, i would recommend either the whole woman bundle, (saving the whole woman book, first aid for prolapse DVD and christine's exercise baton) or, if she is at a point where she has difficulty getting up off the floor without assistance, the whole woman elders bundle (book, first aid for prolapse for elders DVD and the whole woman way to vulva vaginal health DVD).

feel free to give me a call if you have further questions. 505-243-4010. thanks.

lanny (christine's DH and WW customer service)