Thank you for your videos. I had a hysterecotmy and a posterior repair 12 weeks ago and I keep finding myself back tracking in my recovery. Each time I ask what my limits are I was told "your body will let you know when youve done to much" Your videos helped me learn how to safely start excercising and what procotions to take. This is information I thought I would get from the doctors.
Glad this helped you out! Yes agreed it can be a little vague to be told to listen to your body without more concrete guidelines. Listening to your body is part of protecting your pelvic floor long-term but in time post op discomfort settles so what are you then listening for? The symptoms to return? That's not the ideal - after prolapse surgery women can benefit from pelvic floor safe exercises (see www.pelvicexercises.com.au) and pelvic floor strengthening. All the best to you!
I had dealt with complete prolapse for 15 yrs. I felt like a freak. I withdrew from life. Lots of uti issues, bleeding, pain. I wore pessory all that time. It caused major problems. I had surgery 1 yr ago. Was doin well for @ 9 months. Now I can feel something has fallen down Again. It is so far stay on the inside. I am beyond devastated I can't live with prolapse again. I don't want to wear pessory again. I don't have a life. There seems to be no help anymore. My muscles are weak in there
I had rectocele prolapse and a partial hysterectomy 6 days ago. I put it off for a year because I feared the surgery. Women do not be afraid of this surgery. it's not near as bad as I thought it would be.
Hi Sally - this will depend on your surgery and the strength of your pelvic floor. The main issue I see will be carrying a heavy back pack, if this can be avoided walking is usually not an issue. This is well worth discussing with your specialist post op as he/she knows your surgery best as well as ensuring you can get a really good program of pelvic floor exercises underway after your op. Best of luck! Michelle
Hi yes my pleasure! 1. Safety - all surgery carries risks, your mum's risks need to be assessed by her specialist 2. Hospital stay- usually around 3 days in Australia all going well 3. Pain-yes some discomfort, normally on light pain killers at discharge, again varies according to specialist technique 4. Post op-usually walking day 2, light activity for 6 wks according to specialist pref. See the prolapse surgery library at my site for much more free info Cheers Michelle
Hi Mathew yes this can be an awful condition. Laying legs elevated with a pillow under your knees can provide relief. It doesn't matter what position you rest in lying down whatever feels most comfortable is fine. Also try to sit rather than stand when possible, avoid prolonged standing. Important to do kegels, never strain to empty bowels and get good medical help especially at your age. Pelvic floor muscles need to be exercised to maximise support for your insides. Hope this helps you Michelle
Great news that you are exercising and doing the right thing to manage your prolapse, thanks for posting your comment. So glad you feel encouraged - prolapse such a big under discussed issue that women can do often do something about to help better manage, keep up your great work!
Yes this is a struggle I understand - I do believe that with a sensible approach to pelvic floor safe exercises and pelvic floor strengthening women can take more control and feel more empowered to cope after prolapse surgery
Dear Michelle, what weight is the maximum I can safely carry after healing from surgery? I used to train Brazilian Jiu jitsu, a self-defense sport that involves grappling on the ground. Can I return to it after healing without risking a second prolapss? What can I do to recover fully from the surgery? Thank you so much for educating us!!
I just caught a factor I had not been cautioned about: rest on your back - lying down with elevated knees. I have been sitting to be "off my feet" - now doing full rest positions expecially after extended walks. Patience is not easy yet necessary.
Hi Michelle when is it usual to resume kegels following cystoceole and rectoceole PFR surgery? I've been given conflicting info - the hospital says do them straight away but I've read they should be avoided for 3 months to allow the scars to fully heal.
Hi Michelle it's usually between 4-8 weeks post op depending on your specialists protocol. Contact his/her rooms and ask the receptionist or ask at your post op appointment. It's very important to start these exercises slowly and gently and make sure your technique is correct (lifting inwards rather than bulging downwards which many women tend to do). All the best
A lady in APOPS group thinking her pelvic floor can’t be helped since surgeon said her tissue was shot. She got many surgeries including suspension with cadaver tissue. She can still strengthen her own tissue can’t she? Especially with PFPT exersize?
I’m really worried about how to prevent a prolapse from reoccurring because I’m a caretaker for my husband who needs assistance with transferring to wheelchair, bathroom, shower, & car. I also have to lift his manual wheelchair into the trunk of the car. Do you have any ideas on how I can lift his chair & transfer him without causing damage to myself?
@Dee4424 this is a challenge for you and I understand your concern. Without knowing the details involved I can only make some general lifting recommendations for safe lifting including; use of a lifting hoist if possible, when lifting anything get as close to the object/person before lifting, lift with a lunge technique rather than a deep wide leg squat where possible, seek assistance of others to help lifting where possible, try to lift with the legs rather than the back or belly, breathe out during lifting to reduce the load on the pelvic floor and avoid holding the breath and last but not least activate the pelvic floor muscles ie Kegel immediately before and during lifting. If you are able to see a pelvic floor physiotherapist who can assist you with lifting training this may be beneficial too - all the best to you🙏
I'm 6 months post op hysterectomy, cystocele, and rectocele repair. Yesterday I lifted 2 tires without rhims so they weighed about 27 pounds each. Do you think I may have caused some damage?
@Romma Jiwan unfortunately I can't answer this question and there's little way of knowing without a medical examination. Often symptoms such as those experienced prior to surgery can be an indication. Best to rest up if you can, do Kegel exercises and see your doctor if you're concerned about reinjury. I hope this helps 🙏
Yes usually gentle swimming and water walking are good pelvic floor friendly low impact exercises for women who've had prolapse surgery however only when your doctor tells you it's safe to return to swimming and this can vary from one woman to the next.
@Widow’s Watch good question. I can't comment on Vitamin E however there are estrogen receptors in the pelvic floor muscles that may respond to estrogen suppository. They can definitely benefit thickening the vaginal tissues but needs to be prescribed and supervised by your doctor of course. All the best 🙏
I had anterior prolapse repair with apical suspension through vagina 6 days ago. Should I be doing Kegel exercises right away or wait a few weeks? I was told no lifting over 10 lbs for 12 weeks and never to strain or hold my breath to lift. I have no issue with incontinence before or after surgery. Had trouble voiding before surgery as bladder was lower than urethra but seem to be doing fine now. The first few days I did Kegels but felt like they might affect stitches so stopped.
It's good that you stopped your Kegels. Most women commence their Kegels from around 4-6 weeks after surgery however this can vary depending on your surgeon's preferences. It's best to contact your surgeon's rooms and ask for this information for your rehab or wait and ask your surgeon at your post op review. All the best for your recovery
@ pearl errol just for as long as it takes to provide you with relief. Some ladies find that this is most beneficial in the afternoon after prolonged standing perhaps for an hour or so. You will soon know the length of time that provides you with most relief through trial and error, I hope this helps pearl 🙏
im only 16 and i got this heavy lifting and its absolutely terrible any tips michelle on how to rest should i lay on my stomach,back, or side, and also did u say i should elevate my feet while resting ?
hi michelle im 25 male was really fit until got ibs and started staying constipated n now im diagnosed with anterior and posterior rectocele ther is not much info for men on internet kindly help me will the surgery fix it since my docs say surgery aint necessary n nw i suffer incomplete evacuation wateva happens
Thanks. I am pretty sure my anterior and posterior repairs were a complete failure since I feel way worse (symptom-wise) than before surgery.. but my followup on Monday will tell for sure. PT wasn't even suggested to me.. I feel like I wasn't given all the info that would have made my decision different.
steppedonalego77 Hope all went well with your review! Yes agreed there is often a lack of info for women post op pelvic prolapse surgery. Some specialists are very supportive of post-operative physiotherapy while others are not too concerned with it which is a shame. Most women can benefit from pelvic floor physiotherapy information and exercises that can reduce the load on their pelvic floor and increase their pelvic floor strength helping women to recover and stay active long-term. All the best, Michelle
Dear Michelle I m from Pakistan,I got rectocele and cystocele repair surgery 3 weeks ago,but still feel heaviness in vagina like before surgery, I’m still in pain and swelling in urine , I can’t walk only for five minutes as feel something coming out from vagina.I am so tired from prolaps please guide me what i do for it as I am tired 😢😢😢 thanks Dear Michelle..
@MsRayyankhan Hello there, I'm so sorry to read that you are suffering after your surgery. In this situation it's very important to contact your surgeon. He/she will likely want to see you for assessment. While you're waiting to see him/her rest when you feel tired, avoid constipation and straining with bowel movements, keep your movement within your range of your comfort; if you feel tired/symptoms at 5 minutes then sit/lay and rest. It's important to move after surgery. This will be something to discuss with your surgeon after your assessment. I hope that you can see your doctor soon, and receive the advice/management that you require 🙏🏽🥰
I have a connective tissue disorder and have had rectal, uterine, and bladder prolapse with three reoccurances. Is there anything I can do to strengthen my tissue while I recover?
Hi Suzanne the best strengthening will come from regular Kegel exercises. Most women are able ton start these around 4-6 weeks post op however check with your specialist before commencing. This video shows how to commence strengthening your pelvic floor after prolapse surgery it may give you some more information Kegel Exercises to Prevent Prolapse after Prolapse Surgery or Hysterectomy Some women are provided with vaginal oestrogen pessaries to strengthen the pelvic floor tissues. When recovering its also important to include protein in your diet to help tissue repair. Hope this gives you some ideas Suzanne all the best
Have you had surgery? I also have a connective tissue disorder that gave me prolapse since 13. Having surgery at 16 yo in 4 days. Trying to see if the surgery was successful in others with connective tissue disorder
Thank you for this. I got surgery 4 days ago and my doctor told me i should be walking as much as i can tolerate which i have been doing a lot of walking. I mean 6-12 hours a day. Did i mess up my prolapse surgery?? 😭😭 I’m in pain still. I can’t tell if it’s from surgery or if It dropped again.
I had bladder and scar tissue cleared up..this surgery hurted very badly. Luckily I do not work and used a gravity chair watch list of Netflix. Yes use stool softeners and miralax 3 times a day. But the softeners makes sure your organs can handles it mine cant. Ear soft food. Do not go mall walking. If you do hour or less. Do not life heavy lifting or pulling. Take it very easy. It is about 5 weeks I am still healing from between the anus and virgina. It takes 3 months. Please take it easy lay down like she said. Light light work outside. Ask therapist. Thank you
![3 Things NOT To Do To Cause Prolapse [Or Make It Worse!]](http://i.ytimg.com/vi/HQva50kcS9M/mqdefault.jpg)
Thank you for your videos. I had a hysterecotmy and a posterior repair 12 weeks ago and I keep finding myself back tracking in my recovery. Each time I ask what my limits are I was told "your body will let you know when youve done to much" Your videos helped me learn how to safely start excercising and what procotions to take. This is information I thought I would get from the doctors.
Glad this helped you out! Yes agreed it can be a little vague to be told to listen to your body without more concrete guidelines. Listening to your body is part of protecting your pelvic floor long-term but in time post op discomfort settles so what are you then listening for? The symptoms to return? That's not the ideal - after prolapse surgery women can benefit from pelvic floor safe exercises (see www.pelvicexercises.com.au) and pelvic floor strengthening. All the best to you!
I had dealt with complete prolapse for 15 yrs. I felt like a freak. I withdrew from life. Lots of uti issues, bleeding, pain. I wore pessory all that time. It caused major problems. I had surgery 1 yr ago. Was doin well for @ 9 months. Now I can feel something has fallen down Again. It is so far stay on the inside. I am beyond devastated I can't live with prolapse again. I don't want to wear pessory again. I don't have a life. There seems to be no help anymore. My muscles are weak in there
I had rectocele prolapse and a partial hysterectomy 6 days ago. I put it off for a year because I feared the surgery. Women do not be afraid of this surgery. it's not near as bad as I thought it would be.
how are you doing now? Any regrets, issues related to surgery?
Hi Sally - this will depend on your surgery and the strength of your pelvic floor. The main issue I see will be carrying a heavy back pack, if this can be avoided walking is usually not an issue. This is well worth discussing with your specialist post op as he/she knows your surgery best as well as ensuring you can get a really good program of pelvic floor exercises underway after your op. Best of luck! Michelle
Hi yes my pleasure!
1. Safety - all surgery carries risks, your mum's risks need to be assessed by her specialist
2. Hospital stay- usually around 3 days in Australia all going well
3. Pain-yes some discomfort, normally on light pain killers at discharge, again varies according to specialist technique
4. Post op-usually walking day 2, light activity for 6 wks according to specialist pref. See the prolapse surgery library at my site for much more free info
Cheers Michelle
Hi Mathew yes this can be an awful condition. Laying legs elevated with a pillow under your knees can provide relief. It doesn't matter what position you rest in lying down whatever feels most comfortable is fine. Also try to sit rather than stand when possible, avoid prolonged standing. Important to do kegels, never strain to empty bowels and get good medical help especially at your age. Pelvic floor muscles need to be exercised to maximise support for your insides. Hope this helps you Michelle
Great news that you are exercising and doing the right thing to manage your prolapse, thanks for posting your comment. So glad you feel encouraged - prolapse such a big under discussed issue that women can do often do something about to help better manage, keep up your great work!
thank you for the information you shared. I have undergone surgery 1 week ago now and just worry about many things you ansewered here..
You are so wonderful, thank you! I had surgery almost 5 years ago I am struggling.
Yes this is a struggle I understand - I do believe that with a sensible approach to pelvic floor safe exercises and pelvic floor strengthening women can take more control and feel more empowered to cope after prolapse surgery
i am about to have the surgery in few weeks… are you doing better?
Most useful advice I've received yet. Thank you so much. Well done.
My pleasure, I hope this video help you Michelle
I just had pop surgery a week again today. How much walking is too much and for how long
Dear Michelle, what weight is the maximum I can safely carry after healing from surgery? I used to train Brazilian Jiu jitsu, a self-defense sport that involves grappling on the ground. Can I return to it after healing without risking a second prolapss? What can I do to recover fully from the surgery? Thank you so much for educating us!!
I just caught a factor I had not been cautioned about: rest on your back - lying down with elevated knees. I have been sitting to be "off my feet" - now doing full rest positions expecially after extended walks. Patience is not easy yet necessary.
Hi Michelle when is it usual to resume kegels following cystoceole and rectoceole PFR surgery? I've been given conflicting info - the hospital says do them straight away but I've read they should be avoided for 3 months to allow the scars to fully heal.
Hi Michelle it's usually between 4-8 weeks post op depending on your specialists protocol. Contact his/her rooms and ask the receptionist or ask at your post op appointment. It's very important to start these exercises slowly and gently and make sure your technique is correct (lifting inwards rather than bulging downwards which many women tend to do). All the best
I started mine around 5/6 weeks. Just slower and not as strong as usual, which is understandable.
A lady in APOPS group thinking her pelvic floor can’t be helped since surgeon said her tissue was shot. She got many surgeries including suspension with cadaver tissue. She can still strengthen her own tissue can’t she? Especially with PFPT exersize?
Can do weight training??
Thanks as always Michelle!!
@naturegirl4074 You are so welcome!💖
I’m really worried about how to prevent a prolapse from reoccurring because I’m a caretaker for my husband who needs assistance with transferring to wheelchair, bathroom, shower, & car. I also have to lift his manual wheelchair into the trunk of the car. Do you have any ideas on how I can lift his chair & transfer him without causing damage to myself?
@Dee4424 this is a challenge for you and I understand your concern. Without knowing the details involved I can only make some general lifting recommendations for safe lifting including; use of a lifting hoist if possible, when lifting anything get as close to the object/person before lifting, lift with a lunge technique rather than a deep wide leg squat where possible, seek assistance of others to help lifting where possible, try to lift with the legs rather than the back or belly, breathe out during lifting to reduce the load on the pelvic floor and avoid holding the breath and last but not least activate the pelvic floor muscles ie Kegel immediately before and during lifting. If you are able to see a pelvic floor physiotherapist who can assist you with lifting training this may be beneficial too - all the best to you🙏
I'm 6 months post op hysterectomy, cystocele, and rectocele repair. Yesterday I lifted 2 tires without rhims so they weighed about 27 pounds each. Do you think I may have caused some damage?
@Romma Jiwan unfortunately I can't answer this question and there's little way of knowing without a medical examination. Often symptoms such as those experienced prior to surgery can be an indication. Best to rest up if you can, do Kegel exercises and see your doctor if you're concerned about reinjury. I hope this helps 🙏
is swimming something that could be helpful or something that would harm me after 3 months after surgery?
Yes usually gentle swimming and water walking are good pelvic floor friendly low impact exercises for women who've had prolapse surgery however only when your doctor tells you it's safe to return to swimming and this can vary from one woman to the next.
I have undergone surgery for prolapse bladder repair
What would be a safe way to do bending and squatting exercises?
I need exercise for utrine prolapse and rectocele that prevent surgery.. plllllllz
when may i drive a manual car after surgery?
Do you suggest using any vitamin E suppository or estriol suppository with the kegals to strengthen that area with a stage 2 prolapse
@Widow’s Watch good question. I can't comment on Vitamin E however there are estrogen receptors in the pelvic floor muscles that may respond to estrogen suppository. They can definitely benefit thickening the vaginal tissues but needs to be prescribed and supervised by your doctor of course. All the best 🙏
Better to have it sone before you get older. I am 55. I said this is time to endure the pain.
I'm 2 weeks post op. Been kinda rough so far
how are you doing now?
I am going to have my operation this month thank you your advice going to help me ❤
Pleasure Melissa! All the best for your surgery 🙏
@@michellephysio thanks alot 🙏☺🌹
@@beautifulsoul8432 Hello Melissa, how is your recovery going? I had posterior and anterior repair July 20, 2021. I hope you're doing well!
@@Lyddiebits How is your recovery? I hope well!
did you have it? how are you now?
I had anterior prolapse repair with apical suspension through vagina 6 days ago. Should I be doing Kegel exercises right away or wait a few weeks? I was told no lifting over 10 lbs for 12 weeks and never to strain or hold my breath to lift. I have no issue with incontinence before or after surgery. Had trouble voiding before surgery as bladder was lower than urethra but seem to be doing fine now. The first few days I did Kegels but felt like they might affect stitches so stopped.
It's good that you stopped your Kegels. Most women commence their Kegels from around 4-6 weeks after surgery however this can vary depending on your surgeon's preferences. It's best to contact your surgeon's rooms and ask for this information for your rehab or wait and ask your surgeon at your post op review. All the best for your recovery
@@michellephysio Thank you. I see him next week and will discuss it.
hedmanpharis how has it been since? I’m curious to know as this has been an option offered to me
Very informative
How long to lie down pillow under buttocks and under legs?
@
pearl errol just for as long as it takes to provide you with relief. Some ladies find that this is most beneficial in the afternoon after prolonged standing perhaps for an hour or so. You will soon know the length of time that provides you with most relief through trial and error, I hope this helps pearl 🙏
@@michellephysio thank you so much for my seeking advice,but now I suffering with urine infection 😢
im only 16 and i got this heavy lifting and its absolutely terrible any tips michelle on how to rest should i lay on my stomach,back, or side, and also did u say i should elevate my feet while resting ?
You're my daughter's age💔how are you doing now? I'm 47 and had surgery end of July. I am much better!
hi michelle im 25 male was really fit until got ibs and started staying constipated n now im diagnosed with anterior and posterior rectocele ther is not much info for men on internet kindly help me will the surgery fix it since my docs say surgery aint necessary n nw i suffer incomplete evacuation wateva happens
I had surgery Dec 20 along with sacropexy and it's been brutal :(
Hi yes it can be really hard going after prolapse surgery for some women, thanks for your comment wishing you well
Thanks. I am pretty sure my anterior and posterior repairs were a complete failure since I feel way worse (symptom-wise) than before surgery.. but my followup on Monday will tell for sure. PT wasn't even suggested to me.. I feel like I wasn't given all the info that would have made my decision different.
steppedonalego77 Hope all went well with your review! Yes agreed there is often a lack of info for women post op pelvic prolapse surgery. Some specialists are very supportive of post-operative physiotherapy while others are not too concerned with it which is a shame. Most women can benefit from pelvic floor physiotherapy information and exercises that can reduce the load on their pelvic floor and increase their pelvic floor strength helping women to recover and stay active long-term. All the best, Michelle
Michelle, I got post partum disposable underwear that gently supported. It was great. Thanks as always dear ❤
@naturegirl4074 my pleasure! I'm glad to hear that you found the postpartum disposable underwear helpful. Wish you all the best!🙏
MY VGG FELL DOWN AGAI N NOT SURE IF I NEED SURGERY AGAIN.
Dear Michelle I m from Pakistan,I got rectocele and cystocele repair surgery 3 weeks ago,but still feel heaviness in vagina like before surgery, I’m still in pain and swelling in urine , I can’t walk only for five minutes as feel something coming out from vagina.I am so tired from prolaps please guide me what i do for it as I am tired 😢😢😢 thanks Dear Michelle..
@MsRayyankhan Hello there, I'm so sorry to read that you are suffering after your surgery. In this situation it's very important to contact your surgeon. He/she will likely want to see you for assessment. While you're waiting to see him/her rest when you feel tired, avoid constipation and straining with bowel movements, keep your movement within your range of your comfort; if you feel tired/symptoms at 5 minutes then sit/lay and rest. It's important to move after surgery. This will be something to discuss with your surgeon after your assessment. I hope that you can see your doctor soon, and receive the advice/management that you require 🙏🏽🥰
@@michellephysio Thanks A lot.. Really you are A good , Cooperative and friendly Doctor..once again thanks
I have a connective tissue disorder and have had rectal, uterine, and bladder prolapse with three reoccurances. Is there anything I can do to strengthen my tissue while I recover?
Hi Suzanne the best strengthening will come from regular Kegel exercises. Most women are able ton start these around 4-6 weeks post op however check with your specialist before commencing. This video shows how to commence strengthening your pelvic floor after prolapse surgery it may give you some more information Kegel Exercises to Prevent Prolapse after Prolapse Surgery or Hysterectomy Some women are provided with vaginal oestrogen pessaries to strengthen the pelvic floor tissues. When recovering its also important to include protein in your diet to help tissue repair. Hope this gives you some ideas Suzanne all the best
Thanks so much for the help. I am doing kegels per my Dr . The vaginal estrogen comment made me laugh. I forgot to mention that I am 30
Suzanne Youngblood ah you're a spring chicken Suzanne, may be worth remembering this in years to come all the best to you! Michelle
Have you had surgery? I also have a connective tissue disorder that gave me prolapse since 13. Having surgery at 16 yo in 4 days. Trying to see if the surgery was successful in others with connective tissue disorder
@@gimygaming8655how are you know ? I’m 21 and have prolapse
Thank you for this. I got surgery 4 days ago and my doctor told me i should be walking as much as i can tolerate which i have been doing a lot of walking. I mean 6-12 hours a day. Did i mess up my prolapse surgery?? 😭😭 I’m in pain still. I can’t tell if it’s from surgery or if It dropped again.
Hi Stephanie here are my guidelines for walking after hysterectomy ua-cam.com/video/gQNaUm_CDwY/v-deo.html
What do you mean about support underwear
Can I have children after surgery?
It will most likely come back if you do
I started eating regular food after 5 days after surgery 💯
I had bladder and scar tissue cleared up..this surgery hurted very badly. Luckily I do not work and used a gravity chair watch list of Netflix. Yes use stool softeners and miralax 3 times a day. But the softeners makes sure your organs can handles it mine cant. Ear soft food.
Do not go mall walking. If you do hour or less.
Do not life heavy lifting or pulling. Take it very easy.
It is about 5 weeks I am still healing from between the anus and virgina. It takes 3 months. Please take it easy lay down like she said. Light light work outside. Ask therapist.
Thank you
M
So basically don’t do anything. Thanks
That’s not what she said. She’s trying to help.