ready to have surgery for prolapse has the video changed anyone's life enough to postpose the surgery?

but was pretty despondent only seven short weeks ago. Since getting Christine's dvd and book, I feel very liberated from the despondency on most days, and the sypmptoms of pelvic organ prolapse.

I was just out walking in the beautiful No. Cal. sunshine this afternoon, recalling the days that I took my kids to the park and felt horrible because it felt like I was squeezing my thighs together to hold things in. It takes a toll, not only physically, but psychically. Most of the time, those days are gone. Thanks, in large part to the work I've learned here.

It's very simple in many ways. I recommend you get the book and dvd. It's worth every penny. It'll also open your eyes regarding why surgery, in many many cases, results in more trauma and chronic dysfunction.

There's a lot of support here. Wishing you healing.

Marie

My hope for you is that you actually find relief from your symptoms and are able to live actively and well, which many women here are. I hope some of them chime in.

There is a wealth of information contained in many of the past posts, which you can scroll through and read at your leisure. Even befgore you get the book, look in the body work forum under posture and you'll get a sense of the standing and sitting postures, hwich you can begin to do immediately.

What are your symptoms? Diagnosis? I'm so glad you found us and will read Christine's book and all the info about surgery to make an informed choice. I sort of just thought after my childbearing years were over I'd have to have surgery, although I didn't like the idea; that's just what I heard. Boy, now I'll avoid it at all costs.

I really know what you mean about having to accept yourself as different than before. That's the hard part. I've cried about not being able to do certain things that I did before. But, as I said, now, on most days, I feel as capable, active and vibrant as I did before. Ironically, on some days, I feel MORE that way due to some of the lifestyle changes I've made.

Sending you blessings and healing.

Marie

When I went for treatment for piles after my last son was born 4 years ago, the surgeon commented that I had a degree of rectal prolapse, but I know it can vary a lot as to how extreme it is. Luckily I seem to have healed there very well, though the piles can be dreadful at times. But I have to say, for me, the advice Christine gives about keeping a "light bowel" is absolutely right. After a month of sticking to whole foods and steering clear of caffeine, alcohol, and cutting right back on sugar and avoiding anything processed I haven't had any problems with the haemorrhoids, even during my last period (which is usually when everything flares up). Everything I've read on women's health, balancing hormones and improving pelvic problems advises pretty much the same thing on diet. Oh, and drink plenty of water, that's the other universal tip!
I don't know if the dietary advice would also help you, if you're not already following it?
Have you had the prolapse for a long time? What triggered it?
Wendy

Hi Penngwenn,

I hope that the support and info you're getting from this site will at least help you put off the idea of surgery until you you've incorporated the lifestyle changes detailed here. I bet you'll notice some improvement in how you feel.

I'm 36 and was told I had a "minor" cystocele after I had my baby nine months ago. The doctor told me that if the symptoms didn't go away within a year, I would need surgery. At first, I really hung on to the "minor" part and prayed that by 12 months, I'd be symptom- free. Meanwhile, I did a lot of research and learned that surgery could bring on problems much, much worse. So, I've switched my focus, and with the help of Christine's video, the postures and this web site, I feel sooo different. My symptoms are MUCH improved and I've started to develop a different understanding of the cystocele, that the symptoms are cyclical (get more pronounced with ovulation and period)and related to diet and whether or not I have a cold, etc. I think of it now as a sign to take better care of myself when I need to, which is kind of a good thing.

I definitely still get sad when I realized that my favorite yoga poses are now bad for me, or that I can't do certain other things as much as I like, and then I come to this site for support.

I really hope you find some comfort here and realize that there is a new you within this condition, and she may be stronger and more "able" than you were before, in some ways.

Peace and hugs,
Ann

I haven't gotten the video yet, I haven't time to exercise much. but the book and this site have absolutely changed my life enough to postpone surgery....hopefully forever!
I completely hear what you are saying about being yourself again. the problem with that is that surgery cannot do that for you. unfortunately, the pre-prolapse me is gone forever. which, honestly, isn't as bad as it sounds. since finding this site I am actually learning to live with the prolapse, and even though its been getting worse (sorry Christine, I'm not trying to bring anyone down, just keeping it real) I'm doing alot better.
how bad are your symptoms? I hope you can find some info here that is helpful. you will definitely find support. the women here are incredible. hold off on the surgery a bit longer. give this a try.
((((hugs))))

Hi! You sound like you need some encouragement right now. We so understand what you are going thru. I feel like i can't go thru the day without think of pooping or peeing.

From what I gather, you don't seem to want any surgery. I don't blame you. Surgery does not mean you will not have to think about your prolapses anymore. It won;t bring you back your preprolapse body. My urogyn said that if I wanted to feel as good as new he can take care of it. I don't think he can even understand what i am going thru right now!

There is not enough professional medical advice about prolapse management by nonsurgical means. My gyn did not even know about pelvic pt and couldn't give me any referrals. I think that is so ridiculous. We need a WWcenter to learn how to take care of ourselves.

Life is so busy and I am guilty of putting myself last too. I end up drinking all my liquids at the end of the day. Well, after another recent progression with my rectocele, I have forced myself to eat a quick high fiber cereal with soy milk. Then i drink a huge glass of water before I do anything else to start the day. It really takes discipline b/c i just don't feel like there is time to breathe when the kids are awake!

But just try changing your diet and be strict about it everyday so you make it a routine. Take care of yourself b/c you are important. Your family and children will understand. When you're healthier they will be happier too!

Many hugs to you.

welcome, penngwen. you've reached an amazing community of women.

i just wanted to say that if you're dedicated to not have surgery, a whole world of healing opens up for you. it takes determination and mindfulness to stay off of the operating table, and i truly hope for you that you are able to achieve relief and vitality through the techniques that are offered in Christine's work.

many, many hugs to you.

peace.
michele

I wonder how many women have this problem (or some degree of it) as part and parcel of prolapse? Your case does sound severe and very uncomfortable - you have my sympathy. But it sounds as if balancing your digestion so that you don't suffer the extremes you describe might go a long way to improving things.
Personally, I feel so much better than I did a couple of months ago, when I was spending so long on the loo, and bleeding so frequently, that I was getting worried. I was referred back to the rectal surgeon recently (because of the haemorrhoids), and had a couple of tests to rule out anything nasty going on further up the colon; and a pelvic ultrasound to check there were no fibroids in my uterus, or problems with my ovaries that might be causing additional pressure; all the test were normal, thankfully.
What kind of work do you do? I ask because there are certain things that I know cause flare-ups for me in the rectal area, such as sitting in one spot for too long (long-distance driving is the worst), or standing in one spot for a long time (eg ironing), or if I don't get enough exercise, or, as I've already mentioned, if I eat processed foods, drink caffeine or alcohol, or forget to drink water and/or herbal teas regularly.
You're so right that it's difficult to look after ourselves first when we have to think of work and family also. One good thing I've found to the shift in diet is that the entire family is now eating more healthily, and feeling the benefits.
It made me smile to read of your family meetings held in the bathroom! My little boy can't understand why I have to spend ages in there sometimes, when for him it's so straightforward!
Oh, speaking of toilets, I've found the advice to squat more, with the feet flat on the floor, very helpful. The easiest way to do this for me is simply to lift the seat up and sit on the rim (making sure it's clean!), which is low enough for me to get more of a squatting position. Don't know if this would make things any easier for you.
I really hope you find ways to improve your condition. There's nothing to lose.
Good luck,
Wendy

I just lift off the toilet seat a little, the advice from Christine's book. I don't know if squatting would affect my cystocele which is already bulgy at the opening?

I so appreciated your letting us know the difficulty of your situation. I don't know whether the "herbs" you've tried are Chinese herbs? In addition to incorporating Christine's work, I have met practitioners of Traditional Chinese Medicine who have had success with women and prolapse with Chinese herbs. Another potential avenue of healing.

I recommend beginning to use Christine's sitting and standing postures, and also to do the exercises in her dvd. She's coming out with a whole workout on video this summer. I have found doing the exercises on the dvd each night to be helpful in lifting things.

Sending you healing thoughts. How old are your kids? Mine are 7, 4 and 1.

Marie