Pelvic Floor issues - at what stage do you say this is not OK?

[Bozza]

I thought about changing my name but decided not to bother in the end. I have a weakened pelvic floor following the birth of my two children (well DS really, DD just slid out but there may be reasons for that such as the damage already being done). Usually it is bearable and I just have to brace myself when I sneeze etc. But the last week or so I have had a bad cough - it has been dreadful, proper leaking not just a bit. Yesterday I was walking home from school with the DCs and had a coughing fit, and couldn't walk/cough/hold it in so had to change my trousers when I got home. I also have a rash on my inner thighs - think this is from nighttime.

I have read past threads and all the advice is to do pelvic floors. But is that enough? Should I consider getting referred for physio?

You see what will probably happen is that in a few days I will get better. Go back to just having to tense when I sneeze and forget about it until next time I get a cough - I am prone to coughs though.

Bumping this Bozza. Will be watching the responses. I have the same problem, haven't been to GP though as I thought it was "normal".

This winter and all the coughs and colds has worsened it though and DH now refers to me as "pissy pants" at home - nice!

I am quite about it. But TBH the thing that is bothering me is the thought of it getting gradually worse - I am only 33.

It got to the point that the bathroom (with laundry basket) in smelt. And I am on that bad at keeping up with the washing.

Should I consider getting referred for physio?

yes, as you say it could get worse if untreated... but there is an excellent prognosis if you are seen by a specialist. i would say it is a no brainer.

hth and good luck.

Friend who had problems after birth of her ds had lots of physio. She mentioned a machine which can tell you if you're doing the exercises correctly. When it's really important to build up the muscles then getting it right is worth investing some time (and even some embarrassment) in. Why don't you approach your GP?

You can buy a set of weights that you use each day to improve the muscles. I bought one ages ago but have never got round to using it.

It was from Boots, will try and find it...

this one sorry the site is a bit dodgy

Top one is the one I got from Boots.

Would be interested to know if anyone has used one too.

My problem not as bad as yours but still happens from time to time and when I need to go for a wee I really have to get on with it!! IYSWIM!

You see usually I am OK and can hold it for a while. I don't have to get up in the night for a wee unless I have been disturbed by the kids already when I might go. It is more an issue of sneezing/coughing etc and I have had a really bad cough. Sunday night I coughed straight for 2 hours before I could get to sleep.

bossykate you are right. And I should know. My Mum had similar problems and it got worse as she hit the menopause and she ended up having quite a big operation and was laid up for weeks. I think I probably started this thread for somebody like you to come along and tell me that.

Do you have continence nurses in your area? Nothing to be embarrassed about - easier said than done I know, but it is their job to help.
Apparently in France they routinely do this thing with a probe to assess how strong your muscles are and to tell you where you should be exercising. Not done here unless a problem develops.
Maybe look at the continence foundation website. They have a helpline too.
Please see someone about it, because there's stilltime for you to do something about it - you don't want to be storing up problems for the future.
Hope this helps.

Please go and see your GP. There is a lot that can be done these days, you don't have to put up with it. The first step is to work really hard at the pelvic floor exercises, get advice/instructions/aids from physio. If that doesn't sort it out there is a very simple procedure that can be done to insert supporting "tape" to lift and support the pelvic floor. It is done under sedation - you don't even need an anaesthetic. It is a shame to suffer the discomfort and indignity of stress incontinence when you don't have to.

Message withdrawn

Definitely, definitely go to your GP and get a referral to a specialist physio. I had this problem really badly after dd's birth, but am now (almost) back to normal. Took a lot of hard work but it's really worth doing the exercises. The physio will show you exactly what to do. She also gave me something called a pelvic floor toner, which you put inside you while you do the exercises - it's got a stick thing that pokes out and bobs up and down if you're doing the exercises right (i can't quite believe i'm describing this to a total stranger!).

I was sort of reassured to hear that your second baby slipped out. Am about to start trying for number two and am terrified of the consequences for my pelvic floor. Did you find it got worse when you were pregnant the second time?

good luck and keep squeezing that PF!

get yourself off to GP and get referred now. no point waiting until it affects your life more - nip it in the bud now.