will they think I'm lying re my pelvic floor?

[itsblackoveryonderhill]

I finally went to the doctors before Christmas to discuss my weak pelvic floor which has never been right since having DD 5 years ago. The problem is, is that it is only really an issue for about a week to 10 days prior to my oeriod arriving.

I do my kegels and I also do the burrell method for PFE. Ive tried the vaginal tens stimulator. All with some amount of success, but none have ever really allowed me to gain enough control prior to my period.

When I went to the docs, it was well timed because I had only just started spotting for the start of my period, so I ws able show that I leak even laying down through the cough test when she was checking for a prolapse.

My oack has arrived fro the gyneaurology department, where I have to do a 3 day measurement of fluid in and fluid out alongside having to wear and save incontinence pads 24 hours prior to going for my appointment.

My periods aren't regular, my cycle can be anything from 5 to 8 weeks, but a 5 to 6 week cycle is the majority. Therefore I might be seen and doing the paperwork when I'm actually fine with regards the leakin
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So, will the continence nurses brush me off or will they understand that my problemis related to my cycle. Ive read up on incontinence websites etc., that incontinence related to hormones is ot really recognised, or is this not the case now.

I really want to get sorted, but I'm worried they think that I haven't really got an issue, when infact I have.

I also have questionnaires to answer with regards the 'last 4 weeks'. Should I answer these thinking about my worst times even if mt last 4 weeks have been ok?

Sorry for the long post, but I'm sure those of you that have this issue are well aware of my need to get it sorted.

TIA

I think I would be tempted to phone the hospital and see if ou can speak to a continence nurse to get clarification.
I don't see why they wouldn't believe you- why would you make it up? Also you may find that although the literature doesn't support hormone related issues that they see it quite often.

Thank you for your replies. I suppose because the GP has seen that I do leak, then that should count for something.

Hopefully i'll be due a period when I go so that I am getting the poor control. If not I will make it really clear in the discussions I have with the nurse (I assume their will be a consultation?) That my issue is more pronounced at certain times in my cycle.

Sorry I forgot to ask homebird with you saying you had 2 sets of test was this due to differences in your control during your cycle or because the first tests didn't really show anything of significance?

I should think pelvic floor strength being across tote cycle is common. I say this because I notice this, too. before my period my pf is noticeably weaker.

I am 27w pregnant at the moment and its bad again, I also had a three week cough, which has wrecked my pf again. so your pf strength can be affected by all sorts of things.

my problem is the gynae I saw about a prolapse and continence issues LAUGHED at my pelvic floor tone and was dismissive of me. he clearly felt I had wasted his time, the arse.

my chat with the continence nurse on the other hand was great. they only cared about what my needs were, no question about what might be my fault or if I'm telling the truth. I think confidence nurses are quite sensitive roti the fact that people find these things difficult. it can't be uncommon for continence issues to come and go. mine certainly do.

Thanks homebird. I will try all that they offer me, but I honestly think that the operation is the only way that I can be fixed properly unless there is something else that they do which I haven't read about - no that I hope that im operated on. For example, just after my period I can run, sneeze, cough, jump on a trampoline etc, but a few days before I start when I'm at my worst I can have a constant trickle when I walk even if I regularly go to the loo.

I'm looking forward to being 'fixed' in whatever way that is. I'll do anything to not have that worry anymore and the panic I feel once I know i've started leaking.

I can't help re the continence issue as I've not suffered from that in itself, but I had surgery to fix an anterior and posterior prolapse last Feb. The dragging sensation was significantly worse the week before my period. When I mentioned it to my surgeon he said it was well known that the symptoms could be worse prior to a period. So I think it unlikely they will be dismissive of what you're experiencing.