I have a spearated abdomen, also called 'Diastasis Recti'

[honeydew]

After giving birth to my third child a year ago, I have a post partum condtion known as 'Diastasis Recti' which means my abdomen has separated due to pressure on it from my uterus. I have had large babies in quick sucession. I have had 1 vaginal birth and 2 sections (1 emergency) I have to have major surgery next year as my body will not heal anymore by itself. My abdomnen needs stitching back together, my umbilical hernia popped back in and I get a free tummy tuck thrown in! I still look 4 months pregnant, have to wear large flowing tops or maternity clothes and am often in pain.It's not easy when you have three children of four and under to care for! My surgeon says he sees cases like mine every other week. Is there anyone else who suffers from this debilitating problem and what have been your experiences?

Ahhhhhhh I feel your pain so much!!! I am about a size 8/10 everywhere and run and cycle to keep fit but my tummy just bluges and domes because of the muscle separation. I still look at least 4/5 mths pregnant and my youngest is 1 in Jan. I am also lighter now (53 kgs) that before I had my children - its just the tummy that sticks right out. I hate it as I feel that noone else I know has this condition and my friends are all really surprised as I am so sporty but being sporty does bugger all - its just a big wrinkley bulge hanging over my trousers!! I am going to go ahead and have the surgery, a full tummy tuck and repair of the retcus. I saw the surgeon today in France (I am living here for a few years because of hubby's job) and I plan to have it in April 2017. I will take before and after photos so if anyone else is considering this then I am happy to share my story once I have had it done next year.

Hi Robbo, I'm currently having physio for my diastasis - which is pretty much just pelvic floors with your belly button pulled in. It's made some difference but I still have an inch gap. I also have a PT programme to strengthen my transverse muscles but still can't feel anything!

My cousin had a full tummy tuck after her two DC and has never looked back. I'd love another child hence the physio rather than surgery.

Please do let me know how you get on with surgery. Have you tried physio too?

Hello I’ve been suffering since my little boys birth 18 months ago. Does this look like Diasis reci? My phsio assed laying down and said I have a 3 finger gap but I think it must be bigger as my belly is huge and uncomfortable. I’m a size 8 but have to wear 12 trousers because of stomach and they are tight. I get really bad back ache and belly pressure in lower tummy and it’s worse when I walk around. Has anyone with severe cases had surgery through the nhs and is there scans to check the severity. I can’t live like tho any more x

Hey, It does look that way. You can tell if it is by lying on your back and slowly coming up to a sit up, if your belly goes into a dome shape then your muscles are definitely not activating the way they should. I had the surgery and although it was totally terrifying and a long recovery, I am glad I had it done. Not for the feint hearted tho!! It was pretty horrific! The last photo is 4 mths post-surgery. I had it done in 2017 and now the scar is not bad at all. There is so much to weigh up and the after care was pretty tough for example I could not stand straight and stretch properly for ages, I had infections and fluid pockets, the psycological trauma was mental! I did try physio for a whole year every week before I opted for surgery. Physio did very little. If the facia is broken it won't just knit back without surgery. Happy to chat if you ever want/need to o7724 nine 27 four65 Robyn

Apologies for the photos!! They are pretty gross BUT I would rather people knew what they were letting themselves in for! You can't dress it up at all! xx