Older SheGroks: Pelvic organ prolapse and exercise HELP WANTED page 2

[Goldie]

I had bladder prolapse with stress incontinence starting around age 52 (from childbirth, the doc said). I was already pretty primal, and I added in the kegel exercises with no improvement. When I was 54 (a year and a half ago) I had the TVT surgery, and it was the best thing I ever did! No lifting for one month after the surgery, but then my doc allowed me to gradually return to my usual schedule. I haven't had a single problem since then, and my deadlift 1RM is 1.5 times my bodyweight. ((Not terribly impressive, but it's heavy to me!)

I've been lucky that I've never had a UTI/bladder infection, nor have my daughters, but from what I've heard from others, it's incredibly painful and (also mentally) stressful. My sympathies are with you. Depending on which organ is prolapsing, you might find that surgery is a big relief.

[EyeOfRound]

All looked 'fine' with a pelvic exam at urgent care, but I've since heard that means nothing because I was lying down and everything would have retracted

Yeah, everything 'seems' fine during a pelvic exam when you're laying flat on your back. It's when you stand-up that it becomes most apparent.

That's not the case, you can diagnose prolapse with a regular stirrup exam and in 90% of cases that's all that needed. The mild prolapse would be tougher to see, but all you have to ask of the patient is to strain a bit/cough and it becomes obvious.

[AuroraB]

That's not the case, you can diagnose prolapse with a regular stirrup exam and in 90% of cases that's all that needed. The mild prolapse would be tougher to see, but all you have to ask of the patient is to strain a bit/cough and it becomes obvious.

Really... I suppose if you ask the patient do a valsalva you'd be able to diagnose a prolapse in stirrups. My cervix is at the vaginal opening and was absolutely NOT able to be diagnosed while in stirrups.

[JoanieL]

Just a quick note on hysterectomies. I know they are performed too often. I know that women who don't want them are bullied into having them and women who do want them are told they are too young - because doctors (male and female) often think they are gods.

I had to have a hysterectomy at 40 (fibroids). I did my research and found what are called supracervical hysterectomies. While these are quite common today, this was the first one my doctor ever performed. He was excited to be doing it and excited to be able to do these for his patients in the future.

What I want you to know is that this type of hysterectomy only takes the uterus. You are left with your cervix, ovaries, and all the ligaments that keep you from peeing uncontrollably. You will not dry up. Neither the quantity nor the quality of my orgasms changed. Sex was exactly the same except I could no longer get pregnant - at 40, this was only a relief. You will not grow a beard - that only happens if they take your ovaries, and there are meds for that, and it doesn't sound like ovaries are your issue.

Of course, major surgery is a last resort, and believe me, I waited 'til I was bleeding almost half the month before I finally agreed. I should have done it sooner. It didn't affect my life adversely at all. In fact, the worst result of the surgery was that I couldn't drive a stick shift for about 8 days without pain.

I just wanted you to know this in case a hysterectomy becomes your only true recourse. I was lucky that my OBGYN was also board certified in plastics, and my scar was so faint that even though I keep the muffin fairly bare, no one has ever mentioned even noticing the scar, and that was 17 years ago, so at least a few have gotten close enough to get a bird's eye view. lol.

Good luck to you.

[LissaKa]

I have read on the t-tapp forums that some of the women were helped by t-tapping. I believe they did "organs in place". You can call the office and ask.

[jkr]

I don't have direct experience but consider pelvic bowl work. Several people I know (med students and providers) are receiving this and raving about it. Tami Kent is a leader in this work and is a teacher too. If you can find someone that has trained with her, you'll likely be in good hands. At minimum, it's worth a shot before surgery.

[Caz1969]

My sister had surgery for this last year, but did not have a hysterectomy. She just had everything stitched back up into place. As far as I know she has had no further problems.

[upupandaway]

T-Tapp organs-in-place (actually an exercise which strengthens the transverse abs, especially effective if you do a kegel at the same time): Flat Stomach Secrets by Teresa Tapp

I've only used it to flatten my stomach, although I've read a lot of mothers do it twice a day to avoid prolapse.

I've also heard of something else called the Tupler method, but I think it's quite time-consuming.

[PHaselow]

I so appreciate the stories and the advice and the words of encouragement. This issue is so damn frustrating. I went from sprinting and sledgehammering with the 20 year old to prone on the couch popping antibiotics. Hard to stay Primal when you feel sorry for yourself, but I am strangely still committed.

I do know hysterectomies are not what they were when Phil Donahue vilified them back in the 1980s. I honestly just want to avoid anesthesia, really.

Yesterday I did planks and leg lifts and will today sit on my Bosu or other ball and do some upper body with lighter weights. It is difficult to plank when two big dogs decide you are on the floor to play with them! I feel the need for cardio, but that will have to wait.

Enjoying the last of my decaf with ghee/heavy cream and really appreciating everyone's input.

[namelesswonder]

I'm 24, but I've experienced weakened pelvic floor muscles. I believe it was a round of terrible UTI's and yeast infections in college that started messing things up, along with not doing kegels (and I was not capable of orgasming at that time due to my anti-depressants). I remember this topic coming up some time ago here on MDA and the Kegelmaster was recommended. When I kept feeling urgency without any actual need to go, I got an appointment with a specialist and they told me my muscles were weak and stringy, and that I should see a physical therapist.

I had physical therapy for my issues for a while in college. Hated my PT. I was not comfortable (at that time) doing the manual stretching she wanted me to do, and she was not very good at explaining to me how to do it or putting me at ease. I think it would be best to involve a specialist and/or physical therapist for this so they can tell you how much is too much work given your progression and the intensity of your issues.. I know I've heard from other women that something like the Kegelmaster, some kind of progressive stretching/stimulating device, can be used, but that most doctors will encourage PT. It really depends on what you are more comfortable with.

When I started, I was told to do 10 kegels 3x daily, and sometimes hold it for 10 seconds. I've definitely noticed improvements with just bodyweight squats, too. My issues flare up every now and then because I'm lazy about the "exercises" and constipation messes me up if I don't work really hard not to strain.