I'm New, Scared and Need Advice

Body: 

Today is my first day on this website and I'm happy to have found it. I was at my doc's yesterday and was diagnosed with a uterine prolapse. Ev erything feels like it's falling out and I'm worried and scared. I discovered the problem in March, but waited to go to the doctor. Anyway, the problem has really worsened lately. My questions: I am a runner and have been told not to do any more of it. Or walk outside, which I do quite a bit. I am a strength/weight trainer 3-4 times/week. In spite of my efforts, this problem has worsened, so what good is it to continue in these activities when it hasn't helped in the past? I'm so depressed and upset, because my workouts were very important in my life. Also, what weight bearing exercises are effective and safe? Thank you, Katie

Katie,

I'll let Christine handle the really grounding, meaningful response, but I see we're the only two on the forum right now, so I want you to get a quick dose of relief. I responded to your other post on the (I think) pelvic health forum so hopefully you're there now getting some bit of answer.

I fully understand and hear you and feel your despondence. I know what you're going through. But, please believe that it will get better. Not only your condition, but your mental ability to deal with this new path that you are on.

You will be able to continue exercising, but know that although those exercises will make your whole body health improve, they won't specifically aid in your prolapse recovery. You'll just need to learn to do them in a new way, i.e. the posture you keep while doing them.

Your life is changing with this prolapse, it has changed all of us, I feel safe in saying. But, you can deal with it. You can still live your life. You can feel better. I'm not trying to take your depression away from you. I'm a firm believer that depression is a process our bodies put us through in order to learn and heal. But, I hope hearing that there is a light at the other end of the tunnel will be enough to get you through today feeling hopeful.

Please sleep well tonight. If you're not already a tummy sleeper, try it tonight as long as you can, I find it puts the uterus back in place well. Coupled with a good night's sleep, you'll start off tomorrow feeling better.

Kelly

Dear Katie,

What beautiful words for you from Kelly!

Katie, I know the wealth of information here is difficult to grasp at first. I'll try to give you the basics.

and Katie...prolapse surgery is highly risky. We're seeing a lot of permanent fecal incontinence with the sacral colpopexies and it's unclear if there are ANY true "success" stories out there. Work with your body naturally. ;-)