I used to really like running.
Then I had a massive baby via forceps, 3rd degree tear, rectocele, enterocele, mild cystocele - fucked, basically. I was very lucky not to become faecally incontinent. Just another centimetre and it could’ve been a different story.
Had nine months of physio on my pelvic floor and was told never to run or do heavy lifting again, because if I did I could have a prolapse and be incontinent.
So for seven years I haven’t run at all. And I miss it.
Four years ago I had private surgery to repair everything. But my surgeon gave similar advice - avoid any exercise that has micro impacts, like running. Don’t lift weights, etc.
Thing is, I hear anecdotally that it’s fine to run if you’ve had prolapse or rectocele surgery. A few women I know have had birth injuries and kept up running.
But I have my physio’s words ringing round my head. She told me even if I was okay running now, when I hit menopause and all my ligaments lose their flex, that’s when those chickens can come home to roost and I’ll wish I’d never started.
If you were me would you risk running again? Have you been in a similar situation and it’s been fine? Or did you go back to running and regret it? I would love to be able to run again but am terrified I’ll end up pissing or shitting myself uncontrollably. It’s already touch and go as it is!