I have a 'Physiotherapy Continence Group Appointment.' Can you tell me what one of these is please?

[muppetgirl]

Following on from my other thread.

Hi I have a feeling that everything is going to fall out my bits after having ds 2 5 months ago ( as well as other problems) I have been referred by the gynaecologist for physiotherapy and have this app through. Does anyone know what it involves? (I know they will discuss pelvic floor exercises but I have already been given a leaflet when I was discharged, how will this be different?) It is with 10-15 other women so I am wondering how they will help me when I don't even know what is wrong? It is also 2 months away so it will be 7 months since I had ds and I hate this feeling...

I wonder if you have prolapse as I have? This is my experience of it but you could and probably are having a completely different experience.
I have nerve damage so I can't feel the prolapse but apparently it feels as if there is something inside your vagina and it is falling out. Some people say its like a golf ball in your vagina. It can be helped with physio if its mild. I have bowel emptying problems (sorry if that is too much information but its a reality for some unfortunate women after childbirth which to tell the truth I haven't come to terms with yet.)
I have had several physio sessions and my baby is six months old now. I can't imagine it with even one other women there though. Its the same old exercise, the kegel and they can test how well or strong you are at doing it with a machine that is painless. The physio did an internal with her fingers to tell how weak my muscles were. They are still very weak but that is due to the nerve damage. You need your nerves to work your muscles. You have one small mercy -that you can feel it so hopefully you will recover better than me. I have been told that your body can get used to that feeling and that perhaps you won't feel it anymore.

It is said that they can eliminate alot of the problems in mild cases of prolapse with physio but can't get rid of it. Early days yet for you so hopefully you will make a good recovery. I hear a lot of this expression since the birth...Its takes a year to make a baby and a year to get over it. I think its rubbish but hopefully its true for you at least. I have been advised to lift any weight as little as possible until the muscles strenghten up and not cause the prolapse to get any worse. Its impossible to do with little ones and I think it has got worse.

I talked to a mother of a friend of mine and she had a prolapse during her third pregnacy after having 2 forceps deliveries but she did the exercises and as far as she is concerned the prolapse is gone. She is in her mid 60's now. She had serious bladder retention problems but that was completely solved with electrical muscle stimulation. There is a devise you can hire that can do that for you at home or perhaps the physio could give it to you if that is one of your problems.

I had a forceps delivery. Did you? I don't think they should be allowed to do those except in extreme emergencies as it caused so much damage to me. This is all new to me as well and it is difficult to get any information and it seems to be dependant on what degree of damage was done.

Anyway best of luck

Thank you so much for your reply... I did think it was just me!

I had big baby (9lb 15 1/2oz) he got stuck and I had a forceps delivery. No episiotomy and had a 3rd degree tear. I was told I was supposed to have been seen at the hospital at 6 weeks for a check up but wasn't and the same for physio. I've been told not to do any exercise till lo's 6 months (gyny couldn't belive I was doing any exercise at all, I didn't know, no one told me) My (now) physio app is with 10-15 other women so not sure exactly how anything will be diagnosed...

I had a third and after mine, I had an individual appointment, in which I had a physical examination and was assessed. I have to use a machine to repair the damage, which I should use daily (but finding the time is so hard). Personally, I don't see what you can effectively do in a group session and I would press for an individual appointment - you should have seen the consultant at the hospital after the birth. Fight for what you need to make it better!

My anterior wall has no substance and appears at my entrance IYSWIM. I was referred to a specialist nurse after my family planning doctor said I was very weak down there, plus having slight incontinence and when I need to go for no.2, I have to go now. Anyway, the nurse mentioned TVT (surgery)eeek! but referred me to have a test done(can't recall the name, but involves catheters and probes)...I have postponed this appointment once, but have to go in 4 weeks time.

I was given some birthday money and am thinking very seriously about buying a Cleo discreet. My friend says it's really tightened her pelvic floor muscles, so worth a try me thinks...it is just the time factor that is worrying me, busy mums don't have too much time do we? but it's preferable to surgery and tests. Has anyone else tried this machine?

Solo, Speak to your physio. I was told absolutely not to buy anything off the shelf, as they can do more damage than good. I was advised to buy a periform machine - which I am supposed to use daily. It seems that when I use it, things improve, but don't stay improved if I don't use it for a while. But speak to your physio - they will be able to advise! HTh

muppetgirl, the session will cover your pelvic floor exercise. personally i think that it's better to sit down with someone and be taught than to read a leaflet. thaeir are many different exercises.

trouble is though it's a general session. but then it all depends on your degree of prolapse!

go, you won't be the only person in the room with this problem, you can share in the fun of living with a prolapse!

Thanks Elkat. What does the periform do exactly, and can it be bought online?

Hi I also have a prolapse, happened when DD was 6 months old and she is 3 now. Still living with it. I had traumatic labour, ventouse, episiotomy and 3rd degree cervical tear.

Anyway GP referred me to specialist who basically wouldn't consider fitting a ring pessary or surgery till my family was complete. He referred me to physio who talked me through pelvic floors and other general advice. They also offered me a machine to use at home on loan (can't remember its name) but like a tens machine with electrical impulses which stimulate the pelvic muscles and supposedly strengthens them. Did this for two lots of 8 week slots.

Think it may have been temporary relief but hasn't really improved. I also am a keen runner, probably not the most sensible of sports to do with prolapse but I'm not going to let this get in the way!

I'm also scared now of trying for baby number 2. Concerned prolapse will become worse/ affect pregnancy/childbirth etc.

Anyone offer any words of wisdom? thanks

Clure, with your history I would imagine with any subsequent pg your mw would refer to you to consultant care, who'd offer you an elective.

Haven't had prolapse but do have muscle damage and fistula following amazingly straightforward birth - still can't work that one out. I'm scheduled for repair surgery in coming months (LO is 9 months).

Mainly replying to share my physio experience. I went one on one and like others had an internal exam, was talked through the exercises and used a Biofeedback machine to determine the strength and stamina of my pelvic floor muscles. I am very lucky to have a great physio and consultant, and both advised that the pelvic muscles need small bursts of regular exercise and that they do lose their tone if the exercises aren't kept up. They also fatigue easily, which means that if you try and cram your daily exercises into one go (which I always end up doing!) you aren't doing the best thing.

Solo, sounds like I have had the exams you describe(probes etc.), but for my rear end not my bladder. I was terrified before I went, but it was MUCH better than I expected and the people doing the tests were really sensitive to the situation. I hope it goes well for you.

Anyway, I'm waffling on. Really feel for you all (us all!). My consultant reckons everyone suffers damage to bladder/muscle/rectum due to vaginal births, but for that a small number of us, that damage is more obvious. It really bloody sucks!