WHHHHAAAAATTTTTT?

Submitted by Tamara on May 21, 2006 - 6:26pm
Body: 

I'm 31, never had any children, ride, break, and train horses, and do Pilates and other stretches using the Pilates methods. I have always been very active, the "he- woman" type- able to lift anything and do anything. Extraordinary stamina, pain tolerance, etc. I've hiked, backpacked, track, volleyball, softball, weight lifting- the list goes on. I've never ever been a healthy eater- all I want is chocolate, and I've never been much for drinking water either. Then I turned 30 ... and since then I have been dealing with some strange things happening to my body.

First my organs felt like they were all turning to rock- naturalist told me it was a wheat/gluten allergy- so quit eating anything with those in it. And no more processed dairy- has to be all organic- same with sugar/chocolate. Okay- so I've been working on that dietary change constantly, with lots of falling off the wagon in between. Then a lump developed in my breast that comes and goes with my periods- started progesterone therapy to help with that. NOW- in the last several months, especially when my period is coming due- I can't pee, my rectum has sharp pains, and my husband is hitting something inside of me when we have sex. Plus both ligaments or whatever they are on either side of my hip bones (inside) hurt with sharp pains too.

When I get sick- which may be once a year- I have a horrible tickle in my throat which sends me into awful coughing spasms- it has since childhood. I've also been chronically constipated due to my horrible diet- never having a clue that it was bad. I was too focused on outward life- no one taught me about inside things. So straining to have a bm was a regular thing for me. I mean all of these things and here I sit, because I have a pretty good indication that what is happening to my body now is pelvic prolapse.

I haven't seen a real doctor in over 6 years- the last time was because my periods are so painful with cramps that I had an exam- nothing found. Have kids and it will go away. Well I'm guessing I'm infertile or something too. My husband I haven't used protection in years and I've never even had a possibility of being pregnant. I still have horrid periods and no answers, but now all of this other stuff is happening during menstration too. I'm sure this latest problem with my body will be what finally sends me to the doctor. I live an hour away from civilization, way up in the mountains of Colorado. Driving to town for anything is the last thing I want to do, much less go see a doctor- which will actually take me a couple of hours to drive to. But I guess I should get an exam just to be sure it is prolapse and not some tumor or something else going on with my reproductive system.

But I'm in shock over all of this. My research says that it is becoming more and more common to find women in their 20s and 30s with this problem. But I've never had any kids! Could Pilates, coughing, straining, lifting, and poor diet really cause this? From my research I would diagnose myself with 1st stage uterine prolapse- the cervix is in the vaginal canal, a drooping cystocele, and something related at least to rectocele- though I'm uncertain here because I can't find anything that talks about sharp pain when trying to sit. I've already ordered the Whole Woman book and diet book and I am trying to scrape together the money to buy the 1st Aid video so I have a clue as to some exercises I can do to treat this. Should I buy something like the Kegelmaster 2000 also?

As you can see- I have an aversion to the whole insurance, medical, hospital thing. Every wierd thing that has come up in my body since I turned 30 I have researched and talked to/seen a naturopath. I'm trying to do it all on my own which is why I really like this website! I decided to log on and write this not because I've been actually diagnosed with this, if you don't count self- diagnosis, but because of my situation. If this is really happening to me then I would think other girls and women need to know what sports and diet and the "lifestyle" we are all driven to attain (at least in America, not sure about other countries) can actually wind up doing to you! I should be healthy as a horse entering my 30s! Not falling apart!!

So I'm in total shock, looking for answers, looking for support, for someone out there who has a clue what it's to suddenly feel like you are falling apart for no apparent reason. Can I still ride horses? Is that too strenous for the lower abdomen? I've been walking around for years with my tummy tucked, my navel to my spine, erect, military stance, etc. What do I do when a coughing fit comes? Watch my organs get pushed out? And this lower back pain thing- how is that related? I've had that forever but thought it was due to a fractured lumbar I got while weight lifting. Is it some other sign of internal trouble?

I would think I were a hypochondriac if I weren't actually dealing with all of this. I wish I was. I wish all of these strange things would quit happening. I want to go back to health and feeling good. So now I have to figure out that path- that's all right? Until the next thing falls apart. UGH.

Anyway- if anyone has anything they can say to or about me- please do. I don't really know where else to put this stuff. I feel like I'm in my own personal war and I don't know where the next bullet is coming from.
Thanks,
Tamara

UKmummy

May 21, 2006 - 10:04pm

Hi Tamara,
Sorry to hear that you are going through this! You sound like a very independent spirit and you have come to the right place for that I think. There are lots of us here with these problems at a youngish age too, though most, (not all), have had children. I too have at times felt like I am in my own personal war. I was just thinking (again), before I read your message, how amazing it is that this is such a "secretive" subject about which we know nothing until we are in the midst of it all. I was reading some silly article in a magazine about "uncomfortable intercourse" and it listed all the usual suspects but not one mention about prolapse, not one!!! Even with the Drs it still seems to be something they aren't wanting to really discuss or something they dismiss as "minor". Good job someone is willing to get this stuff out in the open.
Not everyone here has gone to a Dr to be diagnosed formerly, but if you do feel there are lots of things happening it might be wise to get a check up. Read all you can here from the posts and FAQ'S too as it is very interesting and you will learn a great deal to help yourself even if you don't have prolapse. (Of course, I am hoping you are wrong with your self diagnosis! :)
Take care.
Michelle.

rosewood

May 22, 2006 - 7:34pm

it must be to be experiencing this when you have been so active and fit. Here's my thoughts to some of the questions you've asked:

first, there's a lot of healing potentialities out there in many varied forms. You are on the brink of a journey which, unfortunately, is a difficult one to come to terms with at first, for many of us. There is loss involved. That's hard.

I put off seeing an ob for awhile, but decided to on the advice of a wise woman friend -- the knowing, for me, was hard to face, but once I had some knowledge of what I was dealing with, it actually gave me some relief and direction. My ob is great -- only sees surgery as a very last resort. And, I knew I didn't want to go that route.

You asked the question about the KM2000. I personally use it every day and have for about 3 months. My experience is that due to use of it, I no longer have any stress incontinence at all, which I've had on and off for 7 years after the birth of my first child. It has not "cured" my prolapse. For me, it also helps somehow psychologically. I feel stonger exercising this muscle. I also have read Dr. Kegel's medical paper on use of proper kegels, and it had an impression on me. There are others on this forum who have said that use of it has worsened their prolapse. I guess you have to trust your instincts on this one.

I would definitely get Christine's book and dvd. I know she's working on a whole woman workout dvd and new edition of the book. I look forward to them. Incorporating the postures and doing the exercises is a focal point of my own healing.

I also am using traditional chinese medicine and herbs. There's other things out there to try to aid in healing: Alexander Technique, Osteopathy or Cranial Sacral therapy, Auyervedic medicine.

It is scary and being out of control of a part of our body can bring fear. For me, being with that fear, and learining how to move beyond it and live with it at times, is part of my healing.

Every cloud does have a silver lining, I think, even though on some days it doesn't seem so.

Wishing you healing.

Marie

granolamom

May 23, 2006 - 6:52pm

I'm so sorry you're going through this. I do believe that all of your 'ailments' are related somehow. And I do believe that you have the power within you to figure out what your body is telling you.
A year ago my body was falling apart too (I was 32). Fibromyalgia, a breast lump, crazy periods, flu and then I developed an occipital neuralgia (which I wouldn't wish on my worst enemy!). And then the prolapse. I was ready to call it a day, roll over and die. but you can't you, know. Not when you've still got spunk in you.
cry, yell, scream at the heavens. take a deep breath and pray/meditate/do whatever brings you peace and hope. I think that you will begin to unravel this mess and bring your body to a state of health. why the progesterone again? Is it a bad thing to leave a lump that comes and goes with your period alone? progesterone made me NUTS by the way.
I think the posture and most of all the philosophy here will be as healing for you as it is for me.
and we are all here for you when you're feeling low or need support.

Intrinsicat

May 23, 2006 - 9:43pm

Hi Tamara… just joined this site myself after a bizarre weekend. I discovered the unfamiliar feel of a hard-boiled egg-like protrusion last Saturday night in the shower. So I found a bunch of websites, including this one, and set up an appointment with my doctor this past Monday. She confirmed that it’s cystocele. Not seeing a doctor wasn’t an option for me – I need confirmation that I’m going in the right direction.

I’m 34, and this was quite a shock. I completely empathize with your comment about the American he-woman. I was always the tomboy keeping up my end with the guys, I have that high threshold of pain you mentioned and roll my eyes about the girls who would fix snacks and drinks while the guys moved the heavy stuff. I had one child about 8 years ago, and pushed so hard my eyes got bloodshot and I probably do the same straining in the restroom (well, not anymore!). I’m also an extreme sloucher – especially at my computer job where I rigged a backless chair as an ottoman and reclined with it each day! I am currently in the process of getting my house up for sale – and between moving lots of things and fighting a cough-inducing sinus infection, I guess I exacerbated a condition I didn’t realize was developing. I had no idea any of this existed, or I might have spent more time getting to know my feminine side.

So… I have an appointment in July (hard to get a gyn appointment around here!). In the meantime, I’m changing my diet from what I’ve read here, taking out the caffeine, sitting ON the “ottoman” without a back, and ordered a belly dancing DVD (that one hasn’t been mentioned here, but I’ve read elsewhere that it’s excellent for the pelvic floor – anyone know anything about this one?)

Funny, now that I think about it, I was having what can only be described as ligament pains over the past year or so… if I turned while lying down in just the wrong way, it would shoot pulling pain on that side, My doctor and a gyn follow-up with sonogram couldn’t find anything out of the ordinary aside from a, I can’t recall what she called it, lazy uterus? Or forward leaning? But I’ve had that since after having a kid. Makes me wonder if it’s all tied together. But I’ll read Christine’s book (it’s on it’s way) and do the things listed above… then consider the GYN appointment a follow-up. It’ll probably be just like going to my Lamaze class after reading about the Bradley method – I argued with the midwives about everything from episiotomies to epiderals!

Grandma Joy

May 24, 2006 - 12:21am

Hi Tamara,

I'm so sorry you're going through this, too. You will be on the right track if you do all the alternative things everyone has posted here and as you mentioned in your post. You mentioned the sharp pains inside your hip bones. I have that also, and will be returning to another town for more therapy just as soon as I recover from a broken rib. Connective tissue can sometime cause those pains and it could be you may have some scar tissue (maybe in the area of the fractured lumbar?) that is pulling on the connective tissue in that area. Maybe something got "pulled" with all your activities, horse handling, etc. I finally did remember sliding down a hill in Colorado in 1984, flying off the saucer and landing on my tail bone right on a rock! Ouch! Couldn't sit properly for weeks! Plus, that was the year I learned to snow ski, that is, after taking numerous falls. I feel as though my prolapse is due to surgeries I've had, but that one spill could have had something to do with it. If you live close to Boulder, there is a clinic there that does myofascial release, I think. I'd have to look it up to see if they do the pelvic floor releases. But you still have to do the posture. Christine's advice is excellent as is everyone else's on this site. You can email me if you have any questions and don't hesitate to keep posting here. Grab an oar - we're all in the same boat! Wish I still lived in Colorado!

Best of luck and keep dodging the bullets!

Grandma Joy

Ms. Cutie

February 28, 2007 - 7:16am

Hi,

I know I’m a year late and hopefully your still around and a member. I actually found your post by looking for this health food diet from Grandma Joy

I unfortunately am very single by force and never married, and thusly, I too have NO kids and never even been pregnant. I also don’t care for the traditional way of medicine. Outside of this stupid country not offering universal health insurance for self employed, part time, or contract workers – the hospitals, clinics, etc. seem to not really give a hoot about women’s issues in the first place. I was told by Christine Kent that hysterectomy’s are a very common procedure for this.

I was diagnosed with prolapsed overseas. I was first told that my uteres was ?I think falling? by my gyn at a Kiaser health center – I had insurance then. In Japan, I thougt I somehow got a tampon stuck inside me. I went to the gym and she said prolapse, I need to lose weight. WAY EASIER said than done. I was walking over a mile daily and actually cooking my own food – I don’t care for Japanese food. By the end of the year I only lost about 10 to 15 pounds and I STILL HAD MY GUT!! I have been fat since 8 and no matter how much exercise and dieting I do, I can’t seem to get rid of this annoying belly. Perhaps having a weak pelvic floor – I think female issues run in my family – and having a 6 month looking gut for 15 years no matter what exercise or diet I do, produced pelvic prolasps.

I also was about your age when I first found out. I’m almost 35 now (and still single and waiting ) but it was around 2002 when I noticed this weird smelly discharge laying on my underwear. When I went to Kiaser for the final time (I was paying out of my pocket then) she said prolapsed again and told me to do Kelgins. I asked her what other cure is there and she happily offered a hysterectomy. I think a time or 2 before this visit I went for a sonogram for fibroids. She offered me those metal balls to go up me to keep my uterus up and offered me a hysterectomy on the first occasions. When she offered it the second time – and me never even having kids – over a simple operation to take out the fibroids, I thougt she was just being an asshole. When I hear the medical industry commonly offers this as a regular cure, I want to go back ALL THE LESS!!!

UKmummy wrote,
“I was just thinking (again), before I read your message, how amazing it is that this is such a "secretive" subject about which we know nothing until we are in the midst of it all. I was reading some silly article in a magazine about "uncomfortable intercourse" and it listed all the usual suspects but not one mention about prolapse, not one!!! Even with the Drs it still seems to be something they aren't wanting to really discuss or something they dismiss as "minor".”

JUST MY POINT!!