Virtual wine date
[It’s 5 o’clock somewhere, right?]
Hi friends! It’s been a while since we’ve had a little wine, coffee or tea date… so here we go. 😉
If we were having wine right now, it would probably be somewhere we could share some delicious appetizers. Seasons 52? Done.
If we were having wine right now,
I’d love to hear about what you’re up to! How’s the New Year treating ya? How’s the family and kiddos (or fur kiddos)? Any fun travel plans or things coming up this spring?
I’d probably tell you about a girls’ trip some friends and I are planning for Palm Springs. We’ve all lived in the same city at one point or another, and are currently scattered all over the US. Since we’re all about to head into “moving season” again, we decided we should plan a weekend getaway. Any recommendations?? I’ve never been, but can’t wait to check it out. More than anything, I’m excited for a little refresher and chance to sleep in, catch up with my friends -we usually text on and off throughout the week- and lounge by the pool.
If we were having wine right now,
I’d probably take a small sigh and tell you about what’s been going on lately. I’m dealing with some prolapse issues after the birth. The doctors have said it’s relatively common with large babies, and the fact that I had to push her out so quickly. My symptoms vary from being in a ton of pain/discomfort, to feeling absolutely normal. I’ve been to the ER twice since we initially discovered it. Since the birth, things didn’t feel *right* but I brushed it off, mostly because I was so worried and concerned with helping P and her reflux. Eventually, I noticed that it wasn’t improving and had a pretty scary incident on Christmas night which was my first ER trip.
This is why I’ve been taking it super easy with the workouts, sticking with low impact and light weights until we know exactly what’s going on. I hesitated to write about it, because the symptoms of prolapse aren’t *pretty* in the least, which I think hinders people from talking about it. I had no idea how common it was, and that it affects 1 in 3 women over the course of their lifetime. Sometimes it heals over time with physical therapy, and other situations require surgery. I may have to have surgery anyway for another issue related to the birth.
As you can imagine, it’s a sensitive issue for me, but I’m putting it out there so anyone else who is experiencing or has experienced it will know they’re not alone. It’s a pretty frightening thing, but I’ve been trying to stay present until my specialist appointment tomorrow. As usual, I’m blending Eastern and Western medicine techniques with my care, through acupuncture, Mayan abdominal massage, herbs, Urogyn appts, and physical therapy. If I think about it too much, I get so sad, scared, and anxious; it makes me feel a little sick. Needless to say, I could really use some exercise endorphins right about now, which is reason #28372 I’m thankful for hot yoga + the low impact options in the PBB plan.
*Takes a giant sip of wine*
I obviously wouldn’t want to end our friend date on a downer note, so I’d probably switch it to something a little more lighthearted.
Can we talk about the movie Train Wreck? I finally got to see it a couple of nights ago, and it was everything I hoped it would be. Amy Schumer girl crush for life.
xo
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I am so so sorry you’re dealing with that. I just had #2 myself! I was dealing with a diastasis recti after last pregnancy and I’ve discovered so much…along with your (awesome) therapies you’re looking into, could I please suggest the book Diastasis Recti that Katy Bowman just came out with? It addresses all sorts of diastasis, prolapse, etc issues and how to heal them and make some lifestyle changes to prevent/heal. I think you’d be really interested. No matter what – you are an amazing inspiration and such a wonderful mama 🙂 sending lots of healing love and I wish you all the best!!! http://www.amazon.com/Diastasis-Recti-Solution-Abdominal-Separation/dp/098965396X
Haha I JUST commented almost begging Gina to check out Katy Bowman. I’m so happy to bump into another Bowman-ite somewhere far from Katy’s website! 🙂
i’m so excited because i have her book on my nightstand! guess i need to crack it open
Ahh that’s awesome! She changed my way of thinking so much that I’m in the second year of her RES program 🙂
i just got her first book a couple of days ago, and will definitely order that one. she is such a wealth of knowledge! sending love to you <3
Hi Gina, if I was having a cup of coffee I never had the chance to have today, I would tell you how stressed I am about baby #2. It is our happy surprise, but your post earlier had me thinking of what I need to do to not have any more, I’m 37. There isn’t an easy answer, but Hubby and I are through with two and we haven’t had the baby yet! On a good note, I’m working on decluttering our home to help ease some anxiety.
Gina, I’m so sorry to hear your problems, but also so thankful for you being honest with your readers. I pray your situation gets better including P’s reflux.
thank you- i appreciate it so much<3
decluttering always helps me with anxiety, too!
sending love to you <3 i was super stressed about having 2, but even with everything going on, it's been amazing
You always handle everything with so much grace. Virtual hugs and a virtual friendly smile while I virtually refill your glass!
cheers <3 thank you, friend
I love Palm Springs! Definitely go to Cheeky’s for breakfast or lunch, and the pizza place next door I can’t remember the name of is great. I think the best way to stay in Palm Springs is in a rental house, especially if it has a private pool. I like the Sundance area because it’s really close to downtown and full of private pools…I’ve done multiple girl’s trips to this property https://www.vrbo.com/4064560ha
thank you! we will definitely check those out!!
Oh gosh, what a shame you have all of that to deal with, plus reflux. This has not been an easy winter for you! Isn’t it crazy how it is so traumatic having a baby? SO wonderful but so traumatic, I can’t think of a better word to describe it. Good luck with your healing, and thank you for sharing!
i want to throw this winter in the trash can haha.
thank you for the sweet wishes- i appreciate it so much <3
Oh my gosh. If we were having wine, I would give you a giant hug and say a giant thank you for your vulnerability and authenticity. Yours is not a situation I have been through, but I can only imagine the women you are helping by talking about what you are going through. Sending lots of light and positive, healing vibes. I am dealing with some knee/IT band issues, and a phrase that has been so helpful to me is actually from your site, on the knee pain post–“Knee pain is not the boss of you, and you have tools and resources that can help.” It’s seriously like my new mantra. My hope for you is that you find the tools and resources you need so that this issue won’t be the boss of you. <3
thank you so much for the amazing comment and mantra. i will keep it with me, and needed that <3
xoxo
If we were having wine — I’d tell you that I so admire your authenticity about sensitive subjects and your willingness to share your story to help others!! Then I would be transparent and say how difficult it has been for me lately to have grace for myself and others and how badly I’ve handled the emotions that go with unrealistic unattainable expectations — I think I’ll always be a recovering (or lapsing) perfectionist…but self-awareness is half the battle, right??!
Have a wonderful weekend — 🙂
thank you, friend. i hear ya on that. it can be tricky to tell the inner perfectionist to let it rest
sending love to you <3
Hi Gina, I’m not a regular commenter here or on the internet in general, but I can’t stop myself from sharing Katy Bowman and her website Nutritious Movement–rather shouting it from the rooftops! She’s a biomechanist and natural movement expert. She talks a lot about pregnancy issues and explains how they aren’t just a sucky part of pregnancy that we have to accept, but the result of ways we’ve moved or not moved our entire lives and resulting pelvic floor (and other muscle) weakness and imbalance. She has a lot of restorative exercises meant to strengthen the muscles back up and get everything where they go (and you won’t find any kegels there.) Since you seem open to trying things beyond your standard modern medicine approach, I decided to share in case her message helps you (she goes way, way beyond pregnancy too!).
Her way of thinking and talking about movement and exercise has literally changed my life, and I’m not using “literally” in the incorrect way here—I think about the whole world differently after reading through her stuff for a couple of years. There’s a lot to dig through, but here’s just the first page of results for a pelvic organ prolapse on her site: http://nutritiousmovement.com/?s=pelvic+organ+prolapse&x=0&y=0
I know I sound like a paid spokesperson, but I’m not. She has inspired me this much. I hope it can help you too 🙂
Peace 🙂
i’m so happy you reminded me! i ordered her book this week on amazon, and will definitely start reading it now
thank you so much for the link. i dug through all of it during my hair appointment tonight haha. thank you SO much for sharing. i can already tell she is going to help me (and has helped others) significantly
xoxo
Long time lurker here, but I wanted to speak up and say that I prolapsed my bladder with the birth of my now-23 month old (she was sunny side up and a vacuum assist). I am a runner and a lifter and I was absolutely devasted, felt hideous, was convinced I would never run again safely, etc. However, I was one of the lucky ones, and after months of doing PT exercises as well as Kegels using a feedback machine I ordered on Amazon (just a little Gameboy sized device with a piece you insert to monitor your squeeze on the screen), my symptoms became very minimal and I was able to more or less (mindfully) resume my exercise routine. Now I’m 7 weeks postpartum with my second baby, a 9 pounder who was born in 10 minutes or so of pushing, and I can say that while my prolapse is worse again, I can already tell my muscles are responding and it is getting better.
While I was fitted for a pessary the first time around, I never ended up consistently wearing it. I see how they could be helpful, though. I’m sure your urogyn has mentioned all your options.:-) I will say that I never stopped doing the deep core and other PT exercises, as well as squats, etc., after I initially began working on my pelvic floor and core.
I am glad you posted about your issues. I have made it my mission to discuss pelvic floor health loudly and unashamedly as much as I can with the women in my life. So many women have pelvic floor dysfunction of some sort and aren’t treating it because they barely realize it is treatable.
thank you so much for leaving a comment <3
that is so great to hear you were able to see such amazing improvement. i'm the despair pit right now, and just hoping i'll be able to live *normally* (but mindfully) and this will just be something that happened to change how i approach things. right now it sucks though haha
i'm going to try and avoid using a pessary if i can. i'm interested to see what urogyn says about it tomorrow
thank you <3 i'm on the same mission. i had no idea it was so common, and it's because it's not discussed, ever.
xoxo
Yeah, I went with the idea that the pessary might be a crutch that prevented my muscles from having to fully engage, but there are different (valid) lines of thought there.
I almost forgot, I got many of my exercises from this woman’s DVD, and found her site helpful as well:
http://www.hab-it.com
Hang in there! It was definitely six months or so before I started feeling much improved (though I was nursing so the estrogen deprivation didn’t help). It was weeks and weeks after diagnosis before I didn’t cry everyday, but I promise, even after a subsequent pregnancy and birth, I feel much better now.
While not my experience, I have a friend who ended up with a surgical repair, and she reports that it has held up to her satisfaction at 5 years and counting. So that too. <3
If we were having wine, I’d tell you too that I’ve had some health scares lately and more doc appointments to come. Thanks for sharing, Gina. Please also know that the breakfast cookie and chia pudding are rocking my week!
And Palm Springs! Yes, the best way for a bunch of gals to experience it is by renting a house with a pool. The bar (El Jefe) at the Saguaro Hotel makes awesome drinks.
so sorry to hear you’re going through some medical stuff, too. i’ll be thinking about you <3
Thanks, mama. <3
I am so sorry you are experiencing anything that even slightly hinders your sweetest new addition and all the joy that should follow. Just imagine all the mamas who have gone through what you’re going through standing together in a crowd cheering you on! This will soon be behind you and you have a force behind you to get you through.
Have you ever tried reiki? My mom does it and even though we don’t live close to one another, she’ll “send” it to me and I feel just as good when she does as when I receive it in person. Definitely something to look into!
thank you for the image- it was like a great hug <3
i haven't! i've wanted to, and now i'm convinced i have to try it
I’m so sorry to hear that you’re struggling with this. My husband works for a company that makes a kegel exercise aid called kGoal, and I’ve thus heard lots of stats about how many women suffer from prolapse, urinary incontinence, and so on. It’s really heartbreaking.
I just gave birth to our first baby in August, and I was shocked to learn that the problems can work the other way around. I was stitched up “really tight” — too tight for pain-free sex — so I actually have been instructed by my pelvic floor PT to stop any exercise that triggers the pelvic floor — squats, Pilates, burpees, spinning, etc. We also had a relatively big baby with a really short window of pushing (5 minutes?).
I just wanted to share my experience for a few reasons:
1. To say that kegels are NOT the right answer for everyone. Thus, see number 2 🙂
2. To encourage mamas everywhere to please, please see a pelvic floor PT if you are having any pelvic floor dysfunction postpartum. These things can be fixed, and often they can be fixed without surgery. There is absolutely no need to suffer in silence.
Hugs. This, too, shall pass. Thanks so much for your honesty about a difficult and personal issue.
ohhhhh man. i’m sorry to hear that happened to you! did you have to have any repairs done to it, or was it ok when you relaxed the pelvic floor a bit?
i couldn’t agree more about #2. it has already helped SO much
hugs to you <3
I actually just started the PT. It’s hard to say how long it will take, but she thinks I’ll see big improvement if not complete healing within a couple of months. Fingers crossed we’ll both be looking back on this period as a small blip in our lives very soon! I really hope 2016 has some great happiness in store for you. You’ve gone through a lot. I hope you can take gentle care of yourself until things start looking up again.
Hi Gina! I too have suffered (well not suffer but it is quite annoying and embarassing) from prolapse after the birth of my daughter. I had many sessions with a Pelvic floor physiotherapist and it wasn’t until I started the hypopressive method that I had some success. I am still not 100% but am much better than before. There is not a lot of info on it, but if you can find someone who teaches it in San Diego, I would highly recommend it. Here’s a website that explains it: http://coresetfitness.com/hypopressive-method/
I hope you find what works best for you 🙂
interesting! i looked into that a tiny bit, but then i got sucked down another google black hole. i’m happy to hear it helped you! i’ll definitely see if we have anything like that here.
xoxo
Sending hugs and good vibes your way! Someone close to me has been dealing with similar issues, so I know how horrible it can be. Hopefully it can be resolved without surgery!
i’m sorry to hear they’re going through something similar. thank you, friend <3
Love your honestly! I am currently 28 weeks pregnant and this is a topic I am not educated on. I feel like women hide so many of the ‘gross’ or ’embarrassing’ aspects of pregnancy! A simple one I had to learn the hard way was with discharge. I was like wow! LOL <—-TMI? =)
You guys should do Lake Tahoe! It's beautiful! " Moving season" is tough! I totally understand!
Hi Gina,
I have commented to you once before about big babies – mine were 10.3 and 11.12. I too had several issues after my second birth, and while it’s a slow process, it will get better. Having a big baby is super intense, and we’re kinda unique in that way. Hugs from Ontario!
wow! you are a rockstar. it is super intense!! thank you for the hope <3
hugs back to you <3
Trainwreck is AMAZING! I hope you find a treatment that works best for you super soon!
Thank you for this! Experienced prolapse with my last one and now pregnant again and I’m so worried about it. I really appreciate your honesty because it’s something that isn’t talked about much and it feels very isolating. So sorry you have this going on; it’s so hard! But thank you, thank you, thank you for writing about this
isolating is the perfect way to describe it. it’s like this weird and scary thing is happening, but since it’s not discussed, it’s easy to feel alone. sending lots of love to you <3
I am so so glad you chose to share your prolapse with us readers. It is so hard to talk about but I have already read some great info from previous commentors. My prolapse is mild but it makes me feel so old and unattractive. I hope you continue to share your experience because it really does help us all to know we are not alone. You are awesome 🙂
hugs to you <3 it is so hard and scary, and i think even worse because NO ONE TALKS ABOUT IT. i feel very much the same way. i cried my heart out when i first discovered it because i felt like my body was broken. thinking about you, and we'll get through it together, k?
Gina,
I’m so sorry you are going through all of this. If it makes you feel any better–you’re looking amazing–really teeny and lean and toned. Your body will heal don’t worry. The body is really resilient and you’re still so young and healthy. Just give it time. I know it must be so frustrating. But it sounds like you have a good team of doctors working with you. You’ll be killing those workouts in no time. Maybe take some swimming lessons and also do water aerobics? Swimming is so good for you and it feels really good on your body. All the times that I’ve been really injured–I was able to keep up my fitness with swimming. You can even get a water proof ipod shuffle–I have one–and still rock out to a good playlist. Praying for you and sending you healing vibes and warm energy!! 🙂
thank you! that’s sweet to hear, because i feel like i’ve already lost a lot of strength and muscle
i love the swimming idea. maybe i’ll look into that… i know it would be a challenge for me
xoxo
I’m sorry you’re going through this friend! I will be praying for you. On a positive note, you get to go to Palm Springs with the girls and you will have fun! What’s new in my life? I quit my corporate America job and start school next week to become a holistic nutrition practitioner. I’m also attending IIN. I’m going to be teaching group fitness at the Y and studying for my CPT. I also have a major surgery late this year. It’s a lot of change to go through at once I wish I didn’t feel like I’m going through it alone.
thank you, friend. i’m still looking into IIN. i’ve heard mixed things about it! some people LOVE it and others don’t think it’s worth the $$
If we were having wine- I would get up and give you a hug. I send my prayers and thoughts out to you, Tom and the girls. You are strong, lady- a badass women.
I would probably tell you that I am nervous that my husband is going to be switching schedules again (1 year of marriage and 3 different work schedules), I am nervous how to mesh our crazy work schedules together. I would probably sigh and open my heart about my fears of failure and I would cry.
thank you, friend. i appreciate it so much <3
we could cry together. and then drink more wine. hope the work schedule change is as seamless as possible
Sending you lots of love and good vibes. Being vulnerable (especially in the online world) can be tough but through sharing you will help many others…and hopefully feel held up in support yourself.
And yes, Trainwreck = lots of laughts.
thank you, lovely friend <3
Oh Gina… I’d give you a big hug if we were having wine together. I’m sorry you are dealing with so much. You’ve mentioned lots of appointments and I’ve wondered what all is going on. I can definitely relate. I had very difficult reflux babies and pelvic floor issues postpartum. Having kids was very hard on my body. I’m very thankful my urologist suggested a women’s health physical therapist. I’ve been through therapy a few times (kids are 8&5) and it has been a life saver. I didn’t have significant prolapse but painful bladder syndrome and pelvic floor dysfunction resulting in major pain. Keep at it and don’t give up hope. You will get better! Women don’t talk all these things but it really is more common than we think. Also, help is out there. I absolutely advocate for a good pelvic floor physical therapist.
Right now, I’m dealing with back issues and doing PT to built up core and back strength. Hubby just broke ankle while running and is on bed rest waiting for surgery. It’s a busy time! Would love a trip to Palm Springs. That will be so great for you! Girlfriends are the best!! We will head to Hawaii after hubby is recovered. Take care! My thoughts and prayers are with you.
thank you so much, leah. i really appreciate <3 so sorry to hear you've been through it too, but thank you for the hope that it will get better. i'm kind of in that despair point right now, and waiting for the upswing. sending lots of love to you! happy to hear you'll be getting an awesome hqwaiian vacay. xoxo
Gina,
Bless you for being open and sharing your experience. I think so many women are ashamed to talk about stuff like this… I know with a relative of mine, their first reaction was embarrassment and shame, but it’s totally a common thing that can happen post partum or with age. Good luck to you!! 🙂 I hope you heal well.
I’m gearing up to run my first race of the year, a 10k. I’m super excited for it, but also nervous about it, because I’ve had a return of some cardiac symptoms. Never good to end up in your own ER as a patient! Just saw cardiology today and they want me to go for a CT scan that my insurance may be a little sticky about. We’ll get it figured out eventually. I also have a whole week off, which I haven’t had in a good long while, so some R and R is in order.
No matter what your physical dysfunction is… you have to just keep moving forward and live your life, and don’t be too mad at your body for too long. Just a bump in the road of life, ya know? Strength and love to you, sister…
If we were on a wine date I would tell you that this is a ‘gift wrapped in sh*t’ as my boyfriend likes to say – the blessing is on its way and you are so calm and graceful and composed through the storm. Thank you for sharing; sometimes that’s the reason things happen to us, so we can help and share with others through it.
Re Palm Springs! Workshop Kitchen + Bar is AMAZING! It won a James Beard award for the ambience and the food is off the charts good. Swanky girls dinner sorted 🙂
And for healthy easy meals, check out Palm Greens Cafe – they do all the kinda food you like to eat: smoothies, gluten free things, omelettes, etc.
With love and blessings 🙂
Hey Gina,
Just to let you know, you are not alone as so many others have attested too. I had my only baby at 38 and she was sunny side up and they used forceps to get her out. After a bunch of drama, including telling me she would be lifeless, she came out just fine and is 3.5. However, the doctor tore a hole in my urethra. Yes you heard correctly. Very rare. I went home with a new born, a catheter, and broken tail bone as a first time mom. I had surgery to repair the tear within a week but had to have a catheter for about 3 weeks. Ridiculous. I thought I would never be normal again. I tried the crazy contraption you insert to strengthen your pelvic floor and the readings didn’t even register due to zero strength. I had a bladder sling about 7 months later since I was still peeing all over myself. No breast feeding happened as you can imagine with all that stress. I can say I am on the other side and I don’t even pee when I jump like so many mamas do! Hang in there. It does get better.
Hey Gina! I’ve been reading your blog FOREVER. sorry ur dealing with prolapse. I’m a women’s health PT and we see prolapse patients all the time. PT can help so long as you see a PT who is qualified to treat you. If you want to avoid surgery and try conservative treatments first, see a PT! And you have my email if you have any questions!
Yes PLEASE can we talk about this!?! I’ve dealt with minor prolapse since my pregnancy with my first (I’m now pregnant with my third). Years ago I was so depressed and wondering why none of my favorite fitness bloggers who were also moms never discussed or mentioned having difficulty resuming their previous high impact fitness activities. The worst part about it all was telling doctors how depressed I was about this issue and having a few tell me “Well that is just what happens when you have kids.” Thankfully I was aware that there are women’s health PTs that can help. I had to demand that my doc write a prescription for PT I think it is so important that all women are aware that there is a potential solution and that in some European countries, women are automatically sent to PT after birth to get everything back in shape.
You also may want to check out Sahrmann exercises, developed by a female PT. Do some googling, but here is a video that I found – https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=U87i7QVa17I
I am so sorry to hear you are going through something scary and stressful, but I thank you for such an honest and vulnerable post. Real life is not always peachy and perfect and it never ceases to amaze me the wealth of information and support that can show up in your comments section! I am positive that you will find what works for you and wishing you all the best. Enjoy that girls’ trip — you have earned the R and R! (And your two girls are beautiful!)
Ohhh man ok so I don’t comment here often but I am so, so glad taht you brought this up! I do not have kids, but my husband and I are trying, and these are all things that I had NO CLUE about! I had to look this up to even know what you were referencing. Thank you for saying something and bringing awareness to those of us who just have no clue 🙂
Hang in there, mama. You’re doing a great job and you definitely deserve that biggo glass of wine. I’m having one with with you <3 xo
i had no clue it was so prevalent! it’s crazy
thank you for joining me in the wine 🙂 have a wonderful weekend!
Thanks for sharing something so personal with us, I’m sure it will help a ton of other mommas feel less alone. In France (where I’m from) all women get offered pelvic floor care after giving birth which probably helps find out about these issues quicker. IT must be a tough time for you just now with P’s reflux and your own body… But you’re strong and surrounded a family who loves you, so you’ll get though it.
If we were having that kind of wine date, I would tell you that it’s hard for me to still be battling infertility, and that I thought at this point of my life I would have a little one
i read about that in bringing up bebe and though it was fascinating!
sending so much love to you with everything you’re going through, too.
xoxo
So much love, hugs and well wishes to you!! You’re strong, and you’ve got this! Thanks for being so open – I had no idea what prolapse was and googled it. The more aware we are, the better off we’ll be. 🙂
And thanks for saying “fur kids” – proud doggie mom here 🙂
I’m so sorry Gina for what you are going through. I don’t have children yet, and I was clueless about this issue, thank you for sharing real life., it’s not all sunshine and unicorns. You deserve the most relaxing vacation and a never ending glass of wine the whole time. You look amazing and are doing a stupendous job taking care of your beautiful family! If we were having wine, I would share than I’ve been reading a lot, but have noticed anxiety creeping in, so I’m trying to find ways to combat that at home, trying mediation and more yoga. No spring travel plans for me, your girls weekend sounds awesome! I hope to do something like that some day when my friends are a bit more financially stable :). We are planning a fall trip, hopefully to Peru and a family summer trip to Alaska.
anxiety is a tricky beast. i hope you find some relief soon! it can be so hard to live in the future all the time (i definitely empathize with you)
sending lots of love to you <3
Gosh I’m sorry to hear you’re going through this! I haven’t myself, but I do have a very good friend who did. I can’t send any real exercise endorphins (wish I could!), but I will say some prayers that you do get through this quickly! Then you can get back to those endorphins on your own!! xoxo
Pouring you a shot of tequila to go with that wine.
Hugs to you.
this is why we’re friends.
xoxo
After 3 difficult births (vacuum assist with 1 and forceps on the other 2) I ended up with a badly prolapsed uterus. After 2-ish years of several therapies/medications/exercises, it was recommended by a specialist that I have a hysterectomy. It wasn’t a decision that I made lightly, but it’s 10 years later and I’ve never regretted it. I hope that you find a solution that works best for you and your family soon, Gina. These big babies are no joke! 🙂
I’m sorry you’re going through such a difficult time. Thinking about you and wishing you a speedy recovery 🙂
thank you, friend!
Girl, between giving birth, dealing with P’s reflux, and the prolapse issues, you better get one hell of a Mother’s Day gift this year! Haha
In all seriousness though, I’m glad you have such a great support system to help you through this. I didn’t have prolapse, but I did suffer a broken hip and a few other minor problems from giving birth and I just remember feeling so alone. I was in so much pain that I couldn’t even enjoy my sweet baby and I didn’t want visitors. I felt like a failure and I didn’t except any help from friends or family, which, looking back, was so stupid on my part. I’m having such a hard time deciding on whether or not to try for another baby because that was such a traumatic experience.
So my advice is to please except help from others while you’re healing so that you’re not too overwhelmed. I regret not excepting help. I truly believe that would have given me a much better postpartum experience, even with a broken hip.
palm springs is my gift! is it bad that leaving for a little while is a gift? haha
thank you so much. it’s really hard not having the fam around, but i am so so blessed to have tom and our amazing friends here. thank you for the advice. it can be challenging to ask for help. i’m so sorry to hear you went through all of that <3
xoxo
Hi Gina,
Thank you so much for sharing. Like you said, it’s actually a very common condition, yet very few women know about it until they or someone close to them experiences it. My sister had her first baby last February and had stage 3 prolapse, however she didn’t share this with me until after I had my first baby two months later (she didn’t want to make me more anxious than I already was). She has been seeing a physical therapist ever since and has continued to improve, and I pray for the same for you. I shared me sister’s frustration that such a common condition is not more well-known and that preventative measures (such as physical therapy) aren’t in place in the U.S. during pre- and post-natal care, as they are in other countries.
Love and Hugs!!!
Kristen
Gina – sorry to hear about your recent issue. Unfortunately, its one of the most overlooked medical issues women face. I’ve been teaching a barre method, Fluidity, for over 10 years that has recently been getting a lot of press for healing a range of pelvic floor issues. There was an article published in the Chicago Tribune on December 31, 2015 – you can search for it online. Please, please, please take a look at the site and see for yourself – http://www.fluidity.com. I truly believe in this method of healing – happy to email / talk further.
It sounds like you’ve had quite the challenges with this birth. I’m sending lots of love your way.
Hi Gina,
I’m a LONG time reader, but rare commenter I had to today as I read this. I also have a prolapse following the birth of my second daughter 3 1/2 years ago. I was devastated and isolated when I found out and cried every night for a month. (I too, was very active was/am a fitness instructor weight lifter, etc.). Coming from 3 1/2 years out, it does get better. I still have it and do make some modifications (I will never do regular sit ups RA work, or jump on trampoline, jump rope) I do still teach Insanity Live classes, can do box jumps and am probably in better shape now in my 40’s than I ever was. I did PT for 2 months, but elected out of surgery since there was so much varying outcomes. I live in Scottsdale Az and travel to San Diego a few times per year. I have always felt like we have a lot in common, even though I’m older than you Please email me if you want to chat. I know when I first learned of it, I felt like there was no one “like me” that had to go through this. I guess there is, it’s just not talked about!
Thank you for sharing xo. You’re so real, Gina! Love that about you & your blog 🙂 Wishing you a speedy & safe recovery. Hugs.
I’m currently sitting my the pool on vacation in Palm Springs (catching up on blogs) and couldn’t help but chime in on your upcoming trip here!
To do:
There are a million hiking trails around here. I recommend Indian Canyons for great hiking with a choice of toughness. Murray Canyon trail was easy, but unique because you hike along a creek that leads to a little water fall from snow runoff (Seven Sisters).
To eat:
Brunch: Cheekys (delish food), Farm (pricier, but fab food and ambience, especially for a girls weekend).
Dinner: Birba (good cocktails, food and atmosphere), Rooster & the Pig (fresh Asian fusion)
We’re off to your neck of the woods tomorrow through Saturday in search of many tacos and margaritas. 😉
Enjoy Palm Springs!
Gina,
So sorry you are dealing with prolapse. I know that I have found comfort reading blogs who discuss struggles that I thought I was alone in, so I know you will be able to reach and help someone who is also struggling. As a woman, who did not realize how common prolapse is, I thank you for shedding light on an issue that woman should be aware of! It is so important to get rid of of the stigma surrounding woman’s health issues. Sending good thoughts your way and hope you find comfort and healing soon!
You are incredible brave and I applaud you for sharing your story. I have been preaching pelvic health in pregnancy for many years and it has been a slow process because it is not easy to talk about. Someone else mentioned hypopressives – this is a must for you to check out and here is the US site http://www.lowpressurefitness.com/. You can also check out my sites http://www.pelviennewellness.com as I have some blog posts and also http://www.belliesinc.com for more blogs. A pelvic floor PT is essential for you. Another site to check out is http://pelvicguru.com/ A pessary, while it can sound scary, can be protective and supportive and is worth checking out. I will be sharing your post and am grateful for people like you who share their story as it helps so many.
and to add to that…. we go to Palm Springs all the time – I LOVE it there….lot’s of opportunities for wine drinking! 😉 and I am also married to a pilot – oh the joys! and one final thing… a course you may be interested in from Bellies Inc (my other business) http://www.belliesinc.com/courses-2/
i will check it out- thank you so much!
Sending healing vibes your way!!! ???
thank you!
Dear fitnessista,
Biiiiiggg huuuugs. I’m so sorry you are having to deal with prolapse and after baby #2 as well. I am two years into dealing with it. At first, it is soooo disheartening. I also felt “broken” over time though it gets better. I personally had to back off all physical activity since it caused issues and are still unsure of what to do now to get back in shape. You cannot imagine what an incredible blessing it would be to sooooo many women if you combined your experience of healing with your fitness know how and create a program or even just continue sharing your journey to wellness! This is soooo much more common than anyone can imagine and there is just not much out there in terms of fitness programs safe for prolapse. I was interested in your use of acupuncture. Did it work for prolapse symptoms? Again, so sorry and thank you so much for sharing about this. Just knowing other young, fitness minded women and mothers out there are dealing with this is so supportive.