Physio- tell me what to expect!?

[Aspenn17]

I have a physio appointment on Thursday as I have a slight bladder prolapse. I am 5 months post partum and have no symptoms, things do feel ‘different’ but no pain/wetting myself etc. My surgeon spotted it at 7 weeks when she was sorting out some retained placenta. Been on a physio waiting list since then.

Can anyone tell me what to expect from the appt? Will they put things up there/want to examine me? Also am I mad taking my 5 month old daughter with me or should I try and arrange childcare so I can go alone? I don’t have family nearby and DH is working so I was planning to take her with me.

Thank you! x

Hi!
Sorry that you’ve experienced this but it’s very positive you don’t have too many symptoms!
You can expect lots of questions about toilet habits and sex life so be prepared for that. Also some info on the birth. Also hopefully you’ll be asked what it is you want to achieve ie get back to certain exercises etc.
You’ll give a urine sample and if no infections present will have an internal examinations.
This will involve removing trousers and underwear and lying flat while the physio will insert a finger inside you and ask you to perform pelvic floor squeezes. Long holds and fast squeezes: She’ll be able to guide you on what you can do differently to improve strength and then give you some sets of exercises to do.
She may grade your strength on scale out of 5. 1 being weak with lots of room for improvement and 5 being great!
I have heard of some women having a probe inserted to check the strength but I was told the manual hands of a good physio are just as good!

I hope I haven’t put you off with the above - no point sugar coating it as it is invasive. But also very necessary and important for improving your pelvic floor. It’s a skill you’ll have for life!!

Re your baby , I brought mine multiple times around the same age as had no choice....not ideal but I would try and have him nap if I could. Other times flashy toys would distract Or just chatting or singing to him. They’re very used to it with childbirth injuries!
Best of luck I hope it goes well x

Thank you SO much Tumon. Sounds a bit scary but tbh that’s sort of what I was expecting and I would much rather know what to expect and feel prepared!