Hi all,
When I went in to see my midwife for my 6-week postpartum check, she mentioned that my bladder was hanging down a little. She didn't make it seem like a big deal, but she's kind of like that (which was great during delivery!). Now that she mentioned it, I can feel what she means. She told me to Kegel on my hands and knees (to get the bladder out of the way) for 5 minutes each, four times a day. I'm not really finding the time to do that though I do Kegel at various times during the day (at a stoplight, during storytime, whatever!). I feel like I am getting better toward the back end, if that makes sense, but I still don't feel like I can get a really tight squeeze up front. My question is, are these Kegels really going to fix it? I really hate to just take time out to Kegel four times a day for five minutes each (I know that might sound stupid, but it's boring! I'm busy!) if I'm still going to have this problem anyway. I'm really hoping that I don't have to have surgery to repair it though (no time, no fun, and I hate catheters!!). BTW, this was my first vaginal delivery, and it was natural if that makes any difference. Any advice/insight from someone who's been there would be appreciated.
Thanks, mamas.
My bladder sags also and has for quite a few years. I thank my 2 children who were very big babies :) When I mentioned it to my gyn, she said it can be fixed when I was ready to. She mentioned doing the Kegel's also. So I guess it does help. I've chosen to not get it fixed until I absolutely have to. I just try to make sure I don't leave going to the bathroom too long !
I do not know where you live I lived in Baton Rouge at the time but I had a vaginal wall prolap and my ob sent to physical therapy it. I went to a special therapist and they specialize in women issues. I was a bit nervouse at first but my therapist was GREAT!! I have exercises and most are some form of kegal and my prolaps is basically gone every now and then I will feel it starting to fall and if I do my exercises for a couple of weeks it tightens back up. I would ask your ob or midwife if you could go there for a couple of sessio. I beats surgery in my book!
My mother had the surgery to repair the 'saggy bladder" a couple of years ago. This was about 19 years after the delivery of her last child. (One vaginal birth, two c-sections.) She said the recovery from the bladder surgery was quite unpleasant and encouraged me to do my Kegels so as to possibly avoid the same issue later in my life. So I say, it's worth a shot.
good luck to you.
I'm a physical therapist and I also recommend (of course) that you try PT before surgery. A PT can make sure you are doing the kegels right. You'd be surprise how many people actually do them wrong. Since you mentioned that some areas are getting better but some are still feeling weak, they can also make sure you are hitting all the right muscles and not just some. You will have to find a PT who specializes in women's health though, not all PTs do. Good luck!
I would really find a Urologist and make an appointment. They can tell you the benefit of the exercises and also the long term outcome. They may also have other options for supporting it and lifting it up naturally.
There are many serious long term side effects of not doing it right. Ask a professional. he doc may have lots of good ideas and answers for you.
