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Pregnancy

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Original poster

Diastasis recti repair via the NHS

10 replies

Smendz · 04/08/2023 09:13

Hello all (1st post) I’m a mother of 4 and have a huge diastasis recti. My oldest is 10 is 4.4 kg and all my babies after were 4 kg and an over.

My youngest is two years old but after having my 3rd baby I noticed a significant difference in the symptoms I was getting from the diastases recti, which were pain when with any pressure to the centre part of my belly, urine incontinence, lots of back and chest pain due to using other muscles in the body other than my core muscles and just general aches and pains all over my body for trying to compensate for such a weak core.

Since then, I contacted my GP and explained all my symptoms and he has referred me to a surgeon in one of the biggest hospitals in London and then had a CT scan which I haven’t heard back results from yet and now have a follow-up appointment with the surgeon. I’m extremely worried about my Results and what the plan is going forward but I’m hoping the CT scan showed the extent of the gap and that they are willing to preform the surgical procedure to put this right.

I’m not sure how much longer I can cope with the issues. Does anyone have any experience with the NHS and regards to a diastases recti or who had actually gone down the same route that I’m going down currently and if so what’s your experience?

😚

OP posts:

SouthwestSis · 04/08/2023 09:38

Have you also been referred to a physiotherapist in the meantime, it might be that lots of improvements to your symptoms could be made that way

Toloveandtowork · 04/08/2023 10:16

I was referred to a surgeon about mine. Was told they only do it on the NHS if you also have a hernia. I might have had a small one.
Surgeon advised not to go ahead with the operation because of the risks of surgery and said the gap is relatively harmless.

I've lost weight and am exercising more and my belly had gone down a lot.

RugbyMom123 · 04/08/2023 10:30

Sorry if a stupid question but have you tried Pilates 1-1 with a really good instructor?

diastsis recti is a problem but that’s your abdominal muscles (the ones which make a six pack). The ones which control pelvic floor and a lot of your symptoms are as much the corset muscle as the ab muscles.

Pilates 1-1 with someone good will fix that up in no time.

Original poster

Smendz · 04/08/2023 12:52

Yes I forgot to mention. I have been referred to Physiotherapy and it was unsuccessful. I then went on to a hire a personal private trainer for over £400 and that was also unsuccessful in that the gap did not improve in over 12 months.

OP posts:

Original poster

Smendz · 04/08/2023 12:56

My gap it about 5 fingers wide and causes me issues. Can I ask did u have the CT and did you have any symptoms like pain or incontinence which you informed the dr about??

OP posts:

Original poster

Smendz · 04/08/2023 13:04

I have not explored palates at all. I will have a look into it befor my appointment. Thank u 🤗

OP posts:

Boriswentcamping · 04/08/2023 13:32

I would try a women's health physio. Pilates can also be useful but needs to be modified as many of the exercises are contraindicated. 1:1 pilates would be best. Katy bowman's book diastase's recti is a really good resource. Diastasis recti is a whole body issue and is pressure related. You need to address the underlying cause rather than just spot treat the gap, otherwise it will return. Try not to focus too much on the gap.... you don't necessarily need it to close. You just need to address the symptoms you are having. You can have a gap but still have a strong and functioning core. It's about the quality of the supporting tissues. Exercise can help a lot with symptoms and with minimising the gap. the urinary stmptoms may or may not be related to the diastasis? And may or may not be fixed with surgery? I don't know a lot about surgery but I would definitely want to know the risks, especially if mesh is involved - given the recent NHS scandals with mesh for other surgery's.

Cdoc · 04/08/2023 19:57

I would second a women’s health physio, or a Mummy MOT (they have lots of physios around the country).
I’m currently having visceral therapy by an osteopath for diastasis recti, and have an exercise plan to follow at home to help

Rocket1982 · 04/08/2023 20:11

Have you tried mutu system? I found it good. It is designed for this specific issue.

discomoves · 04/08/2023 20:37

I doubt you'll get it done on the NHS unfortunately. I went back to see various consultants after trying physio, Pilates etc. but none would agree to do it even though I Gad a small hernia too.
I went privately in the end. The recovery from the op was pretty awful (worse than a section) but it has helped my back ache significantly.

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