GP has just referred me to a surgeon about my tummy muscle wall... SCARY!

[shrinkingsagpuss]

the muscle wall never healed after DS, but no-one told me until I was already pg that it should have done. So it has divided really badly with DD, and mu stretchmarks are terrible. My tummy is all bumpy where the muscles have divided, and the GP said I may need treatment to prevent a hernia.

Now she has referred me to a surgeon (no physio) for possible surgery to correct it. This scares the shit out of me - not only do I hate hospital, but who would look after the children (DH is hopeless, he even went to work when I had my appendix out!)?

Has anyone had it done? did it work?

Hi, I have 3 children and my tummy muscle stretched after my first and never returned tgether. I've just had my 3rd DD and its now about a hands width apart (DD is 6 weeks) Im also a physio too so should know my stuff about this condition!!

Its called a diastasis of the rectus abdominus muscle and is fairly common.

I was referred to a surgeon after DS2 and basically it is a fairly big op, they have to attach each side of the muscle to a mesh-like structure to hold it in place. The surgeon basically advised me gainst the procedure and said it was mainly for cosmetic reasons only. Your GP was correct not to refer you after your first child as there is no point having it done until you have definately finished having children as it will likely rupture again.

Physio can help but only if your muscle is a few finger breadths apart. But physio is useful anyway as it can help you strengthen your core abdominals which are essential if you have this condition as it can cause strain on your back.

I would certainly ask for a referral to an obstetric physio as well and get there opinion as well as a surgeons. A hernia of abdominal contents is extremely rare with this condition so dont worry too much about it.

HTH

bump

I had similar problems, but I see that you have received some excellent advice, though not acknowledged it, only bumped, so good luck.

I haven't ignored the advice, just haven't had time to properly read, or acknowledge it!! I'm toddler free today, so planned a response later!!

Can I piggyback this conversation?

Jemimap, can I ask what sort of physio exercises would be recommended? I have a small gap, probably about a couple of fingertips across and sometimes I get a small hernia by my tummy button which I can easily put back in.

It varies in severity, but have been loathed to go the GP because the op sounds quite scary. It did seem to subside after some intensive (callanetics-style) sit ups, but then I lapsed doing them and I've started to notice it again.

Would be interested in what exercises genuinely help and if the physio can help the muscles knit back together... or if it's just something you have to keep on top of for the rest of your life.

yes i am interested in this too, something often goes 'twang' in my stomach when i am bending over and needs to be sort of poked back into place. agree general exercise does mitigate it but would love something specific.

my friend had the surgery (she had twins) it all went much as she'd been told. bloody nightmare with small children though.

Thanks for the info Jemimap - I appreciate that it is fairly major surgery - and that there is an element of cosmetic appeal!!

I am a rower, and I thinkn (although I may be wrong) that rowing could make it worse, by strengthenig the muscles and them pulling further apart. I was told ages ago not to do sit ups - well rowing does pull your muscles like a sit up.

You said you have a gap still - is that when your tummy is relaxed or when you tighten up? Mine has a 2 inch gap when relaxed, but it tightens upinto a funny hump with about a fingers width when I lie on my back and do a sit up.

bump

Hi all.. just to let you know am not ignoring this post. I had my gallbladder out on wed and just came home from hospital this am so will post lots of info on this condition over next couple of days when less groggy and in less pain!!

Just to say.. in reply to original message - I did actually have an abdominal hernia which I didnt know about due to my split of tummy muscles!!! The surgeon found it when he removed gallbladder on wed and repaired it at the same time thank goodness.

will post details later off to sleep zzzzzzz!!

Blimey, you take care, and look after yourself!!