Ever since DD2 was born I have been getting some leakage when I do certain things, I can't go running - running on the spot is fine, I can't do tuck jumps and sometimes when i'm in a class and I make the transition from something to say, star jumps I can feel it happen.
I mentioned it to the Dr last week and she asked me how I was doing my PF exercises and I told her I was holding them for 10-15 seconds. She told me to do those but to also do really fast little ones as well. She said to do that for a month and if that doesn't work then to come back and she will get the ball rolling for an operation At the time I was a little shocked and she is quite hard to understand so I didn't ask any questions, just sort of mumbled ok.
Does anyone know what the operation is? How invasive is it? What can go wrong etc...
I have heard of the operation, but haven't had it done myself. I know my mum knows a fair bit about it as she has issues in that department. I'll ask her today and get back to you.
Make seek a second opinion about it before agreeing to it?
I find myself posting quite a bit about this lately as I'm struggling with similar problems myself.
Did the doctor say it was a prolapse? Prolapse of various types (uterine, bladder, bowel etc) can cause incontinence. Basically its caused by a weakness in the pelvic floor - often caused by vaginal births (exacerbated by large babies, difficult deliveries etc).
I find it amazing that the doctor suggested surgery right away! My understanding is that the surgery is quite invasive and not always successful. I see a post natal physio and gynae about mine and they both recommend conservative measures first (pelvic floor exercises, oestogen cream, pessaries).
Also - are you still breastfeeding as this can affect the symptoms too. Are you planning other babies in the future as they will usually not perform surgery until you have finished your family.
Incidently my physio says latest recommendations are the pelvic floor squeezes be done for at least 20 seconds per squeeze (rather than short sharp ones). The duration is the most important factor in strengthening these muscles according to her.
Do you see a gynae or can you access a women's physio. I'd be gathering more info from the experts - I'm doing it at the moment too!
Rachel, a friend of mine had the op and things have been much better for her. But it doesn't always work and can make things worse in about 10% of cases I think. The best thing is to really work those PF muscles first. The standard PFE are great, but if you see a physio (some specialise in these "women's issues") they can give you a range of targeted exercises. I strongly recommend trying this before having surgery. Pilates is also great as it helps you work the PF. GL.
Sophia - The Dr didn't really say much about what is was, I think she suggested surgery as i'm about to go for my group fitness training and she knows how important it is for my career that I have perfect technique in say, scissors or jumping jacks, also I'm going to have so many other things going through my head that "sqeeze in" isn't going to be one of them
No i'm not still breast feeding and god yes i've finished having babies
Thanks for the advice, i'll get a referrel to a Physio first
Thanks MR - OMG at making it worse, that would be the end of my career
I don't do Pilates but I do Body Balance which is a mixture of Pilates, Tai Chi and Yoga.
Should have asked more questions
At the time I was a little shocked and she is quite hard to understand so I didn't ask any questions, just sort of mumbled ok.
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