From all that I have read, it isn't about running in the family, it is a part of our cushy lifestyle. Slouching, bad birthing positions (not always the cause, but doesn't help), not being taught correct posture, picking things up incorrectly, picking up things that are too heavy, straining when you "sit." These make the most sense to me...most of the other ones don't hold water, because people will tell you different things, such as you are too fat, runs in the family, big baby, birthed too fast, etc. Yes, and most of the medical profession takes a one sided approach, unfortunately. I also agree. It should be talked about just like birthing or anything else.
DON'T do surgery. I have read consistently that their idea of a successful surgery is 1 year. Then you need to go in again and again... With a pessary, you are possibly looking at fistulas, which can be life threatening. I know it is tempting, but I hear once you go down that road, you don't ever really come back. Even if it is awful (and don't I understand that!), it is not life threatening as is, so why make that a possibility?
I have been finding that walking daily, up to 1 1/2 miles (40 min.), and/or doing lunges, squats, and using the squatty potty technique (and NO straining...yes, it really is possible) is *starting* to help. I feel improvement in my urine elimination and other, my legs are strengthening, and I am losing 1 lb./wk as a bonus. It has taken 3 wks to get here. When I can't walk (like when there is extreme cold...-41* windchill), I have found that adding a cat stretch (kind of like a bow) and crawling around with a bowed back and my bum in the air, has helped. I am hoping to go to a PT one day, but I don't know when that will be possible. I know that you can do some of these things...they are all gentle. I would say start with the crawling and cat stretches here and there in your day, with the potty thing, then move on to lunges, squats, then walking. The first two things don't take much time. The potty position makes you feel odd for the first while, but you get used to it. This may be TMI for you, but when I wipe, I use moist wipes, After getting the main off with paper, I squat on the floor and use those. I squat in any situation that I can think of, and I think that I am finally seeing some results. I can't wait for the warmer temps to come back this weekend, so I can walk again.
I have heard that for vacuuming, consider getting and using a canister style, because the pulling back of the upright vacuum pulls on the pelvic region. I have been wondering about a hand held one lately. We only have one large area rug to do.
Please try the Hab-It DVD again. You said that it helped last time. I want to know how you find it this time. I think the key is to continue doing exercise...every day and not just until you feel better. You have to take the time for it if you are to be of use to your family. Don't feel guilty about taking time to take care of you. I don't anymore. I used to.
Someone on here or somewhere else mentioned how the enzymes from eating some of her placenta helped hike everything up, and how everything fell again when she ran out. I plan on taking what is left of mine (powdered, encapsulated) when I hit menopause and take sheep placenta capsules when those are done, but not while I am breastfeeding or wanting to have more babies. I found them online, recommended by someone. They are pure, from grass grazed sheep. I have to say, though, that I feel badly for those lambs who are not getting that good stuff from their mom. They are actually recommended to help with menopause symptoms, and somehow I think it will help this too: http://shop.placentabenefits.info/placenta_capsules.asp?utm_source=PBi+News&utm_campaign=1187cf7c1e-JUL_2012_News-20120717&utm_medium=email Huh, now after reading it I wonder if I should try it anyway.
@ quantumleap:
I am not panicked, just frustrated that nobody agrees and as much as some say ___ works, there are still the naysayers who say differently.
I will not change my mind on pessaries/surgery. What I have now is certainly already prolapse, just not stage 4. My aunt had stage 4 uterine prolapse. It was hanging out. She since has had 5 babies with & without midwives at home (oldest of those is 17, youngest is 10), and she is a hard worker and lifts heavy things. She says she does not remember what she did to correct it, and that it was before she had midwifery care. She says it hasn't bothered her since. I try to keep that in mind as a positive hope.
Don't believe what "they" tell you. They don't give you permanent hope, but are all doom and gloom, and they will follow through making it that way if you let them, giving you bits of false hope along the way. Did you know that even ripped ligaments can heal? My husband has experienced that in his hand. Why can't ours in our bodies? Take charge, give yourself hope and fight for your body. Give it all you have. Don't give up. I have fought for my body and health in the past (with homebirthing...no inducing, cancer, other things...), and will continue to do so.
I will have good and bad days, but I won't give up, and neither should you. We CAN beat this into submission.
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