Exercise and Prolapse

[Maralb]

I had my first child a year ago and at 6 months I was diagnosed with a bladder prolapse. I used to be incredibly active, running half marathons for example. I now feel pretty useless I can't do the exercise I used to do and I am feeling pretty fed up and overweight. Does anyone have any advice on how you have overcome this? Thank you! PS first time poster!

I’d be interested to hear too - any advice out there?

I'm 12 months PP and was diagnosed with a mild bladder and bowel prolapse. I had a 3b tear. I cycled (a lot) before and during my pregnancy and over the past 12 months clocked up 5,500 miles (that's about average for my annual pre-pregnancy mileage). I've been under the care of a WH Physio since about 4 weeks PP. I think the key is to find a sport that works for you, listen to your body and if your symptoms increase ease up - best to do it under the guidance of a Physio who knows your diagnosis, situation etc. My Physio hasn't ruled out me running in the future either - I've actually managed a few shorts runs recently but I had an increase in symptoms. I also do various yoga/ Pilates poses to aid with recuilding my core. I used to love long walks... but that increases my symptoms so I don't 'go' for walks. I also spend a large amount of time laying down, preferably on my tummy which helps take the weight off my pelvic floor.

PS! I just remembered something (as a runner) you'll find useful. In the early days my Physio suggested swimming and aqua jogging - so both were fine for the ruined state of my pelvic floor/ prolapses. Again you'd need to check with a WH Physio. But I had exercise options. Apparently Aqua jogging is something runners with particular injuries do, you may have come across it already. My Physio Also said Aqua Fit was fine too (but that was me and my circumstances).

Cycling wise I just started off with an easy 20 minute easy spin on my rollers (like a treadmill for a bike), then gradually increased each day if I didn't have any increase in symptoms. Eventually I went out on the road for an hour (climbing puts pressure on my PF) and again built from there according to my symptoms. It's been a very gradual process, some days I get symptoms and others not. I view it like an injury that I'm recovering from, which it is really. It can be deeply frustrating at times.

Do you have an indoor / exercise bike you could use (once a WH Physio has cleared you)?

Sherrie Palm, the founder of Association for Pelvic Organ Prolapse Support (APOPS) will be on a Mumsnet Webchat on Tuesday. She will definitely talk about exercise!
You can post your questions for her here:
www.mumsnet.com/Talk/mumsnet_live_events/3144287-Webchat-with-Sherrie-Palm-of-Pelvic-organ-prolapse-support-organisation-Tuesday-23-January-9-10pm

Thank you ladies for your advice. I will check out the q and a on Tuesday! X