I downloaded the Squeezy App and started doing the pelvic floor exercise routine two days ago.
For those of you who don't know it...it sends you a reminder three times a day to do a set of 10 long squeezes and then 10 short squeezes.
Well.... I went at it with determination and it was a bit of a struggle to get thro the 10 long ones but I did it and squeezed for all I was worth. Did three sets yesterday thinking I was doing myself some good.
Now I think I may have overdone it cos I've been aching and feeling really strange.
I saw the physio at 3 weeks and we talked about it. I presumed it was ok to start. Are you thinking it's too soon? I've stopped it now as I've become quite tender/achy round the abdomen (no pain when I press it though). Just generally more aware of my abdomen than I was before I started (if that makes sense)
I know some physios are keen for patients to start asap but I think before 6 weeks it does cause discomfort. I do think 6 weeks when the swelling has started to reduce is much more sensible and what difference is 3 weeks going to make?
It could be that you did to many or it could be that kegels aren't right for you.
Pelvic floor exercises are not good for everyone and they can make things worse for the wrong person. I am one of those people. You can absolutely have a prolapse and tight pelvic floor muscles. Kegels can send your pelvic floor into spasm which feels very weird and uncomfortable. The blanket recommendations for all women to do kegels makes me nuts. They are not good for everyone.
if you search for "pelvicpainrehab why kegels are bad for you" (no quotes in search) you will, I hope, come up with an article by a pelvic floor physio on their professional blog about why kegels are not for everyone... Who they help and who they hurt. I suggested that link on the sticky on resources and hopefully it will make it through. I can also PM you the link if you want.
you can also find more information if you look up "pelvic floor dysfunction" or "pelvic floor in spasm". There are also relaxation exercises you can do though it is easier to learn with a physio.
it could also be that kegels are appropriate ( and helpful!) for you and that was just too much. That app is probably aimed at the general population of women, not people recovering from surgery. You are still healing and even if kegels are right for you, it makes sense to start slow. Maybe just 1 set and if 10 is too many, that's ok. You can build up over time.
I wasn't even told to do pelvic exercises Nd then read it online so I rang my physio who said it would be ok but to take it easy. She said it would get the blood flowing in that area.
I would listen to your body. I only do a few per day and I am 4wks post op.
App sounds great but maybe just too much too soon.
when I asked my consultant...as no advice on leaving hospital.. and she said just don't do too much. So take it easy and prob best wait til 6 wks as more comfortable. I am wary of them too as can do harm esp if there is still a prolapse . I've been told pelvic strength, slight squats , strong thighs etc are more important... After full recovery of course.
Hi I am in hospital now after hysterectomy information sheet I have says you can start gently after cathater comes out and work yourself up each day to what feels comfortable. So according to this straight away x
Hi Claire, I had permission of my consultant to do PF exercises at 40 days post op. Maybe it's too soon and your body has adviced you... Most women are anxious to begin squeezes but you can harm yourself if you start too soon. Hugs!!!! 😘
Urogynaecologists like all surgeons have their own way of doing things and some advice will differ. Where pelvic floor exercises are concerned Urogynaecologists give different advice because the degree of prolapse repaired and the type of sutures used can affect the timing of the exercises. Another thing that is important to consider is the number of repairs ie did a patient have more than one prolapse or is it a 2nd repair. When it comes to any exercise following this operation I always say listen to your body and don't push yourself. If something makes you tired, sore or uncomfortable you should stop immediately.
Hi I am in hospital now after hysterectomy information sheet I have says you can start gently after cathater comes out and work yourself up each day to what feels comfortable. So according to this straight away x
Post op care for a hysterectomy is different to a prolapse repair so the information for pelvic floor exercises could well be different. A hysterectomy is not classed as major surgery and recovery is much quicker.
Pelvic floor exercises are like any other exercise post surgery. We cannot do too much and need to build up slowly. Did your physio examine you to confirm that you have weak muscles?
I googled why Kegels are bad for you. I'm really surprised at the recommendation to do squats. Everything I've seen and heard says that squats put a lot of pressure on the pelvis and are really bad for you.