Best apps?

Hi Trina try not to be nervous you will look back in a few weeks/months time and wish you had done it years ago. Not sure about the best iPhone app but re sitting on a chair I personally found a pillow from the best was best for sitting on a chair but found I was constantly adjusting my position the first few weeks till the stitches healed. Good luck xx

I could sit on any chair as long as it was padded. I was told.... We are not supposed to sit for more than a half hour at a time the first few weeks.  Circulation and probably gravity.  Am I right, ladies.?

Thank you; will keep a pillow with me!

If anyone else knows of any apps let me know, someone mentioned one on another thread but didn't say what is was called.

Hi Trina

I have got the nhs Squeezy app. It cost £2.99 but is good. It reminds you when to do them and also counts as you do them.

I was nervous too. My cons wanted me to have a spinal, but I really wanted a general anaesthetic as I didn't want to be aware of anything that we going on. Luckily I got my request.

I was in a lot of pain, immediately after but it has got less day by day. As for a cushion, I can't sit on a hard chair, like a dining chair but the sofa is ok, as long as you lean back a bit. But watch your back!

I can't stress enough how important it is to be off your feet as much as possible. This puts no pressure in your pelvic floor. I have also found it incredibly tiring! I can't believe how tired I am, so sleep when your body tells you to.

The main things I've been told is absolutely no straining so make sure they prescribe you lactulose and use a laxative like fybogel. The last thing you nees.is constipation!

Also, I was advised not to lift anything heavier than 2lbs. so no getting wet washing out of machine and don't over fill the kettle.

I'm only 9 days in but if there's anything else I can help you with, please ask.

Good luck for your op

Best wishes

Sue x

The pelvicfloorfirst website also has a free phone app.  It does have kegels, but it also has lots of other exercises that are meant to be less pressure on your pelvic floor, which is really important.

I haven't used the kegel section but I did look at the pelvic floor safe exersizes and I thought it looked helpful.  It's hard to know what is safe to do and what puts too much pressure on your repair.

Hi trina, "squeezy" is a brilliant app, recemended by my physio, you can set a program specifically for you and it reminds you and records your excercises.

I used a ring donut cushion-they are brilliant as relives the pressure from the correct areas in those early days.

Stock up on stool softeners and glycerin suppositories!

Good luck with your surgery and recovery, take care xxx

Hi Trina

The best pelvic floor exercise app I know is the Squeezy. Its been developed by an NHS Physiotherapist Myra Robson. It'll help if you get it now and start exercising asap, as all exercise helps to improve circulation in the pelvic floor area - this is vital to help with a successful recuperation.

You might want to purchase a donut cushion to take the pressure off. I also saw a product called a Claricare - its a soft latex shield from France, and it takes the pressure of the perineal area, relieves pressure on episiotomy stitches, scars and wounds while sitting, and prevents irritation from clothes and under garments. Quite unusual, but I find the French to be quite advanced in Pelvic floor rehab and care.

Good luck for Wednesday Trina.

S

Good luck

I have the squeezy nhs app. Great as you can start on with min and gradually build it up. Mentioned this to my physio and she said it's a good one to use. So gets their approval. Good luck for wed. I'll be well worth it in the end. But make sure you rest. I was told on here after my op that once home you have to pretend you're still in hospital for first 2 weeks. So little walks (around ward) no housework or cooking. Etc. Take care. X

I use Kegel Aerobics on my ipad. It takes you through 9 programmes of increasing intensity, and talks you through the contract/relax with a visual prompt so you could use it on silent. I would take it very gently at first though, you don't want to strain those poor muscles when there's still any inflammation from the surgery. I think I gave it 4 months before starting.

Be prepared to do absolutely nothing for the first few weeks. It is major surgery and really takes it out of you. I do remember sleeping a lot. Having said that, I don't regret for a moment having had it done.

I found an inflatable ring, from Amazon, very useful for sitting on hard dining room or garden chairs - inflate to a much lower level than you think you need. 

Thanks everyone, such helpful advice and thanks for all your support!! Will let you all know how I get on!! Trina x