Mumsnet Talk

My bladder control which was not optimal after the arrival of DS1 has completely gone to pieces after the arrival of my 9.5lb baby boy back in September. I went to the doctors about it end of last year who sent off a referral to our local hospital but haven't heard anything back yet meanwhile i'm struggling quite a lot.

Most days I leak a bit of urine but at least once a week I lose complete control and totally wet myself. Today was a bad day - I was in a rush this morning and I forgot to put a pad on and I didn't go to the loo before leaving the house. I made it through my lo's toy library session but then on the way back to the car my lo tripped up and my bladder completely failed me. My jeans were totally soaked and I felt miserably embarrassed.

I'm not sure what's wrong exactly - sudden movements, lifting and stressful situations seem to trigger the problem. I feel like there is a slight prolapse going on and I can't wee straight anymore ( if that makes sense! ). I'm also getting a lot of UTI's. I've tried PFEx but they don't seem to be working - do you think I'll need to have an operation?

Well you can't go on like this ! See the GP as soon as you can. You might have a cystocele ( bladder bulging into vagina ) which might mean surgery - it's usually very successful, and a lot less awful than it sounds . You might be referred to a women's physio : mine is brilliant and very down to earth. It might be a symptom of something else . Go and find out - it needs sorting.

Thank you Footie you are right I need to go back and pester gp. Thanks for advice.

Also, there's another similar question on here today - I've said roughly the same thing but more so. Good luck.

Exactly what Footle said. Even if you do have a cystocele, you may find that you can get away without surgery. A specialist gynae/women's health physio will be able to do a proper assessment and you may find that exercises with an electronic probe to stimulate the muscles (the same idea as a slendertone, but obviously for a more intimate use!) kick starts things and you improve. If your muscles are shot to bits, no matter how hard you try to do pelvic floor ex yourself, it just won't work, you need the extra help.
So sorry you are having such a horrid time. I really feel for you. When you delivered did the hospital say anything about injuries/tears? I had a cystocele (amongst other things that I won't bore you with) but also tore my urethra, which contributed towards my urinary incontinence.
It's so horrid and I feel very for you. X

Thanks guys - I had 2nd degree tears and DS was a large baby which has shot my nether pieces to shreds pretty much. I can feel my muscle wall hanging down like a droopy hammock

At last got hospital referral through post for a group education session later this month where they will presumably educate me on PFEx's, cones and the like. Bit gutted really as I think things are more serious than this. No one has actually examined yet which i feel is needed in this case plus this session doesn't allow children to attend or offer a creche (doh!).

I can't imagine a group session being much help with such a personal issue. But it may be the hospital's way of seeing if it can screen out some of the less serious problems... you may just have to go through it to get to the help you really need. Did the doctor really listen to your symptoms and experiences ?