I want to have a dry run again- is this an impossible dream..?

[MsF1t]

Hello fellow Mumsnetters: I would be very grateful for some advice here, or shared experiences.

I had been working with a pelvic floor physio with the aim of getting into running/dancing etc again. Having had an emergency forceps delivery eight years ago, I have suffered from stress Incontinence ever since, but last year decided to try to deal with it properly.

I also have depressive episodes which previously I have managed with exercise. Nothing works as well as running or other aerobic and higher impact exercise; I do do yoga as well though.

I had be prescribed an insert thing to wear while running but then tore some ligaments on my hip which prevented me from trying it- meanwhile, I fell off the physio's list, and then lockdown happened. Hip is finally better, do I decided to try the Couch to 5K.

The first three weeks went ok, with me getting up early and going out without drinking anything first. A bit of leaking last week, but nothing major. Graduated to Week 4 today, and after about 4 minutes of the longer run the wee was starting to run down my leg.

I don't run with an especially bouncy gait, and I'm not sprinting or anything. I have been doing pelvic floor exercises. But it seems like I might never get a 'dry run' again.

Has anyone else been through this? I'm frightened of having an operation and it going wrong, and I really don't want to make it worse by continuing on with a pad, (if that's likely).

In case it's relevant I have slight prolapses of both the bladder and rectum, the latter is really noticeable if my bowel is full (sorry if that's TMI!).

Thanks in advance...

No? Just me then...

Bumping for you OP - I really need to see my GP regarding this issue after two giant babies and getting into running over lockdown so I’m interested to know if anyone has any answers.

If @gussiegrips is still around on MN she may have some advice

Hey there, I had a forceps delivery and have mild prolapses. I’ve found some good pelvic floor friendly workouts on Instagram. Try popuplift or hab-it. I think you can work up to running with the right strengthening exercise. I haven’t leaked when I’ve had the odd run for the bus, but it doesn’t feel comfortable for me any more and I worry about making things worse. I find it a bit depressing too, maybe when I have more time I’ll try to work up to it. Good luck!

Not a permanent fix but I wear a contiform when I run. Definitely helps, no longer need a pad and has really boosted my confidence.
I have a fibroid pressing on my bladder so likely I'll need surgery in the near future but in the meantime thus has been a good solution for me.

@NoImNotEntertained that's good news re the Contiform- that's what I have in my bedside drawer! Tried the medium during a home workout and it was uncomfortable and worked its way out, but I will try it again. Possibly I need the BucketFanny size or just to improve the technique of getting it in right...

Thanks everyone for the responses so far. Will try the Contiform tomorrow again and update on either my success or crushing public humiliation ...

Seeing a pelvic floor physio worked for me. I only had a couple of sessions and then did the exercises like mad ... and then haven't done then for about 5 years. I can't go on the trampoline but can run. A sneeze or unexpected cough can cause me a problem but otherwise, I'm usually OK.
As well as the exercises, she explained that I essentially had a little pouch below my bladder which caught wee and then the wee sat there and it was that which was leaking when I was doing normal activities. I now wee, think I'm done, pause, tilt a bit and a bit more dribbles out and that's the little pouch emptying.

@MsF1t yes there is no dignified way to put the contiform in! It has definitely helped though, I wouldn't run without it now. I'm a medium and it does need to be pretty well "in there", basically until you can't really feel it. The pelvic floor exercises were less successful for me but I think because my pelvic floor is actually ok, it's more the fibroid that is causing the problem the physio said that my pelvic floor basically needs to be super-strong to withstand the exercise.

I did buy some kegel machine that I've been too chicken to try, I think it uses a mild current to stimulate the muscles like a slender tone or something. Haven't felt desperate enough to brave zapping myself in the fanny just yet.

I also stopped using the clear retrieval string as it was irritating.
Now I'm just grateful there are no cameras in the room when I'm fishing it out again...

Ah, dignity. I think I once had a shred of that, but alas- long gone, now...

Yesterday I had a go with the Medium, thought I had it right up there but had to run into some bushes after the first 5 minute run in order to shove it back up again. Next few runs I did round a small kids' play park that's mercifully quite shielded by bushes. By the end of the next 5 minute run it was like trying to run while birthing a waste paper basket. Back into the bushes again to unceremoniously remove it and shove it in a pocket. Now feel as if I've been brutalised with some sort of spiky sex toy.

Somewhat afraid to try the next size up, if that's what I need to do...

(@alphabetspagetti by the way, thanks for reminding me of that tip, been making sure to do that 'tip forward' thing, too...)

I occasionally have mild stress incontinence when running or jumping so I bought some ModiBodi knickers to wear for exercise. They're suitable for use during periods and/or for bladder leaks and I really like them.

Sorry I can't help with advice with the medical side of things, but these knickers have definitely helped my running!

More of a long term solution but I’ve found the Evie pelvic trainer good for toning muscles and reducing stress incontinence. I can do star jumps again!

@Lovelydovey embarrassingly, I have got an Elvie but got out of the habit of using it when I was seeing a physio last year who gave me separate exercises. Picked it up again last night though.

@QueenOfToast - I was looking at those, turns out Cheekywipes are doing them now for about £10, so I ordered a pair today.

Seems like the odd sprint is fine (did one without thinking today to catch a runaway greyhound heading for the road- no embarrassing leaks!). It's just longer jogs that seem to do it.

Anyway, ventured out with the Bucket Fanny size Contiform inserted this morning, and it seemed to work. Bloody nippy getting it out again though...