First Post Op Physio

Posted , 7 users are following.

Hi all

So I had my first physiotherapy appointment yesterday, 8.5 weeks post SSF, Anterior and Posterior repair.  My consultant recommended this particular physio to me and I must say she was excellent, much better than any physio I've seen in the past!  I am writing this post as it may help some of you who are still in recovery.

I'm 8.5 weeks post now and had a few concerns  which she helped me with yesterday

First concern - The Lump!  The lump is NOT my cervix, it is the back wall which faces my bladder and its barely a lump now, its just where the stitch was and how it has healed, she said perfectly normal.  I can't 'feel' it anymore when walking/sitting etc and could only 'see it'  - this is all fine so a real relief

Second Concern - Bladder.  I didnt have problems with my bladder pre surgery but now I will go for a wee and I think I have finished, stand up and then leak.....very annoying.  She reasssured me that this is totally normally and could be down to a kink that has been ironed out since the surgery or just weakness of the pelvic floor which we are going to work on.  I've got a 'bladder diary' to fill out-  oh joy!

Third Concern - The VAGINA....and laxacity... One of my problems pre surgery was not being able to feel sex as I was 'too large' and was worried tht this hadn't been fixed.  When she examined me I could feel her fingers, but its not the '17 year old vagina' i was expecting and there is definitely still some laxacity.  She told me that  they assess pelvic floor strength on a scale of 0-5  - From what I had told her she presumed that pre -surgery I would have been a '1' but now i'm at '3' and she will work with me to get me to '5'.  This she said will also 'tighten' things up....I hope!

4th Concern - Exercise.  She assured me that I could start light exercise now, but be careful not put pressure on my pelvic floor.  She is going to write a plan for my personal trainer - which will include interabdominable exercise, cardio and body weights.  I asked her about 'core exercises' and she told me to be careful not to do anything that causes your abs to 'dome' - which is most of them!  No sit ups. leg raises etc... She is going to show me some exercises next week!  No Tennis until the 3 month mark as its 'high impact'

I hope that the above helps some of you - but those at the start/middle of recovery please take it easy and don't beat yourself up - every week is different, its bloody tough!!!  Stay strong, there is light at the end of the tunnel!!

K x 

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  • Posted

    It's lovely to read someone has been referred to a specialist physio who knows what she's talking about and is so professional. I'm really pleased for you KJ and I was interested to read your concerns about your cervix were unfounded. This has been mentioned a few times lately on this forum and I've had some private messages regarding it as well so I hope that reassures the ladies concerned. 

    You are right about recovery from this surgery being tough but you are doing so well xx

  • Posted

    Excellent to hear that you have had such a positive experience. And great tips for us ladies worrying about similar things. Keep recovering well.
  • Posted

    KJ1234

    thank you for your post, it was helpful and informative, I'm doing physio at home and have no date for physio as yet, I've been diagnosed 6 weeks. 

    After my bladder TVT op I had no pain no complications. I rested up to 10 weeks before I went back to normal. I'm not so sure it will be the same for prolapse op. good luck. Xx

  • Posted

    Dear KJ1234 I'm happy for you, you sounded very concern about the lump... What a relief!

    As for second and third concerns, it happens the same to me. When I get up after wee I feel a little leak just before cleaning myself with the toilet tissue. It's not always and it's just drops. I'm not worried about it, my physio said the same as yours.

    Vagina: my dr told me before the surgery that I will have the vagina of a teenager. It's true that now my vagina is narrower that before surgery but still a bit opened.

    please share with us the routines that your physio is going to set for you. I'm under physio treatment also but I think it's interesting to compare treatments.

    Hugs!!!

    • Posted

      Hello Hijadeonagro. Sorry but here I go again in nurse mode but I'm sure you will know this already. Exercises are patient prescribed so what is ideal for one lady may cause problems for another. It's good to compare I totally agree but I'm always over cautious when it comes to pelvic floor exercises as I've seen the harm some can do. xx
    • Posted

      You re right Matron, it's just that I think it is good to have as much info as we can, of course I will follow just my physio program, each woman is different and each of us are in a different stage...Thanks though for the advice!
    • Posted

      I agree, like I said before knowledge is powerful and by sharing information on this forum we all learn something. I just go into nurse mode all the time....it's a habit which I know some ladies don't like which is why I'm taking a break from the forum. Take care x
    • Posted

      I personally think that your nurse point of view has only benefits for us... Hope break is not too long... Take care you too!!!!
  • Posted

    Hi

    I've got to do pelvic floor contractions starting from the back to the front holding for 9  -relax for 4 and repeat 7 times.  I've also got to do 10 'fast' contractions.  I have to do both of these 3-5 times a day

    How did you know you are now narrower?  Through sex? Does the pelvic floor exercises make a noticeable difference?  

    thanks

    K x

    • Posted

      Hi kJ, I'm also on kegel also slow and fast contractions but only for 15 days so far, so I haven't seen a difference yet.

      Before the surgery I had a big hole vagina and now it looks smaller. Before surgery the gyn could insert three fingers and now he only can insert two fingers. It's narrower now but with a lot of laxity and vaginal flarting because of weak muscles... I've a lot work to do...hope exercises help...

      I think physio will make a difference, I thought surgery was going to make my vagina perfect and I was completely wrong, before the surgery I had weak muscles and now I continue having them weak, I still feel weird down there, and some days it seems like I have again prolapse cos I feel the weight. My gyn sais everything is fine and tells me not to think too much in it...and my physio says I will get better with time and exercises. Fingers crossed...

  • Posted

    Thank you for posting it is really positive and your care sounds first class.  Are you in the UK?
    • Posted

      Yes I am.  I have been very lucky, I really did luck out with my Consultant. I used my private medical from work for the surgery and saw a consultant at Blackheath BMI hospital who then reffered me to Mr Gupta at Fawkham Manor BMI hospital as I didnt want a hysterectomy as I am only 37and Mr Gupta specialises in SSF surgery, which means I got to keep my womb.  He has been amazing throughout my recovery, always on the other end of email if I had any concerns and sorted out my early recovery urine infection very quickly.  He referred me to Stephanie Edmonds physiotherapist at the Postive Health Centre in Borough Green as she is a specialist and always refers his post op patients to her.  Very lucky!
    • Posted

      I just think it's sad that in some areas you have to pay, or let your insurance pay to get the best treatment.
    • Posted

      He sounds amazing, thank you for sharing and very best wishes for your continued recovery.  I am rather envious tbh.  I had A&P and SSF and have also kept my womb.   My treatment was via the NHS with no follow up appointment following surgery.  Please keep posting ref your physio as any tips are warmly received.    
    • Posted

      I echo that Matron but love to hear of the treatment that is available out there and welcome the feedback and tips from it being shared on here.
    • Posted

      I'm all for sharing. Knowledge is powerful. That's why I still keep my hand in and lecture to nurses and medical students on a regular basis. This forum has been very useful for me as a professional because I'm seeing it from both sides x
    • Posted

      Well said Matron, this forum has got me through my recovery to date and I am so happy I found it.  You are such a key player on this site sharing your experience which comes across above and beyond and is so very welcome, thank you.     
    • Posted

      That's kind of you SMM but I'm learning so much from all you ladies which I incorporate in the training to improve patient care in gynaecology because I think it is one area of nursing/medicine where we have to be particularly sensitive. The thing that has stood out for me is lack of communication which I am determined to improve before I fully retire! 
    • Posted

      It is definately needed, good luck I am sure you will succeed! x

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