Is pelvic floor exercises my only hope for weak bladder? Is there other help out there?

[DarentCoughorSneeze]

Hi, I have name changed as I find this embarrassing. Even DH doesn't know the extent of my poor bladder weakness and the amount of Tenalady I get through.

Since the birth of my 2nd child 6 years ago (yes 6 years folks!) I cannot run, jump, sneeze etc without wetting myself.

During the pregnancy I suffered allergic rhinitis and went through hideous sneezing fits which I think has shot my pelvic floor.

Since then exercise,running,jumping, coughing etc is a nightmare. I wear a Tenalady (have even graduated to their pants) if I know I am going to do exercise, but cannot 'run'/jog without one, on the spur of the moment (eg running to catch kids up etc) without peeing myself.

I have got back into horse riding and have to pad myself out beforehand (double thickness). I am always worried during a ride that I will leak and people will notice.

I am only 38 FGS. Is this my life, incontinence until I become old and wrinkly?

Pelvic floor exercises have not done a thing, think I am beyond that.

I have not seen the doctor re this. Is it worth me paying them a visit? Is there anything they could do? Is there hope for me or should I just buy shares in Tenalady now?

Any encoraging words of advice would be wonderful (either that or lie convincingly).

Thanks all

go to the GP - they can refer you for physio and/or to a suitable specialist. In some cases some sort of operation may be appropriate if you've finished with having children.

loads of help available.
just tell you GP and you can get the help you need.

1 in 3 women suffer from incontinence at some point in their lives

Why don't we talk about it & take action

I have been fixed - once a temp fix until I finished my family & then a permanent fix

Yessss! Definitely see your doctor.Theres tablets that help, and other avenues,and if nothing helps there always an Anterior Vaginal Repair.

I've just had Posterior Repair on 10.2.09 and am recovering really well.It is far more common than you'd think.

Theres a big Thread about it,if you want to read about peoples experiences.I'll post the link.

Bedtime reading??

Thank you so much everyone.

Tears have come to my eyes. I've got all emotional that help is out there. I just thought that was it and I had to deal with it and there would be nothing a doc could do. I just can't bear the thought of making an appointment for them to tell me to do pelvic floor exercises.

I had no idea there were tablets/surgery options.

Will read the link Sawyer, thanks.

Just don't be put off by the extreme cases,mine was relatively mild in comparison,but the support and advice on this thread is great.

I can't tell you the relief I feel.

Like I say its not something I've discussed with friends or even DH other than the odd jokey comment.

No one (apart from a load of strangers on MN ), knows how bad it is.

Will make a docs appt for next week. Will it involve internal exams or anything? (just so I can prepare myself fanjo-wise)

This also explains in more detail the options available

It may involve (worst scenario) using the instrument they use for smears,and asking you to cough,and then lay on your side and cough.

At least thats all my Gynaecologist needed to do.

Hi, Darent, yes, I am in same boat, too.
Go and see doc as you are planning.
It is very likely to involve an internal exam. Maybe take a urine sample as well.
You may be referred to a gynae/urology clinic where you may need further tests.
There is loads of us out there, and there is lots of help available.
Keep doing pelvic floor exercises because even if you do need to have some kind of surgical procedure, your chances of success are better with well-toned pelvic floor muscles.
Good luck !

Thanks mummyfor3.

Its strange because I'm quite an outgoing person yet find the whole thing really embarassing. I have never discussed it with friends/family/DH. I have just been pretending and coping with it as best I can. Will be cringing at the docs next week, have to bite the bullet and go though.

Its nice to know there are others in the same boat and that SOMETHING CAN BE DONE.

Thanks for your kind words everyone.

i swallowed my pride and went to my gp, it isnt severe in my case and i am being referred for physiotherapy i may need an op when i have finished having babies

Hi there I just found this thread but wanted to reassure you that this is INCREDIBLY common (I'm a specialist personal trainer for preg & P/N). Don't underestimate the effect that pelvic floor exercises can achieve - but consistency & correct technique is key (if anyone wants any pointers just let me know!). In less severe case, kegels will get you there, if more severe & medical intervention is advised(great advice already posted on what this involves) then they will help the process to be more effective & recovery too.