Exercise with dodgy PF

[Crankycarp]

Since ds2 was born 3 years ago I've had a very weak pelvic floor and have had to rely on wearing pads almost constantly. I Find exercising really embarrassing and uncomfortable as I'll often leak so much even the largest of pads are failing (even a fast walk makes me wee :( ) I'm also putting on weight very rapidly whivh is not helping matters. I've finally tried to face the problem by buying a Tens machine thingy to try and tighten my muscles up but can anyone offer any exercise advice to help me lose weight meanwhile? I've thought of something low impact like swimming but I'm terrified in case I wee in the pool

Ps I've seen a Dr about guys but I've only a slight cystocele apparently which they are reluctant to operate on :(

This not guys!!!

I wouldn't worry about seeing in the pool. It's not as though anyone would know!

If you're not suitable for surgery, Have you been referred for physio? You shouldn't have to put up with that degree of impact on your life.

Weeing in the pool, obv. I wouldn't worry about seeing in the pool either.

Thanks guys - I can lose a lot of urine though even if I've just been - so yucky for other swimmers even if they are not aware ( I know there's chlorine but it just feels so wrong to me :)! ). I think I need to see the Dr again as it's been over a year and things are markedly worse and it is impacting on my life / sex life quite considerably :( :(

Definitely see the doc again. There is lots that can be done. Poor you- sounds rotten.

I agree about going back to the doctor as i think you should be seeing a proper pelvic floor physio who can help you get your muscles working again and will give you a proper exercise programme. You will need to take your pants off if she is to do her job properly though! i had just the same problems as you and my physio was wonderful and my pelvic floor is so much better now. I actually had surgery in the end (TVT) as i had structural damage to my urethra too, which was confirmed by urodynamic testing. If you do a search against my name, you can find my thread about it. Good luck!

Look online for the info by Michelle Kenway- an Oz physio. She has some great DVDs and exercise stuff for women with weak PF and also shows you how to do the PF exercises here. well worth looking at her site.