So this journey is mine.
Where am I at now?
So here’s the low-down. I am 40 (closer to 41 now), I have my own business that I hope allows me to connect with business owners and make a difference. I am a runner – this is newly found and a new love. I get to the gym twice a week for Group Personal Training – and I love it. I love how I feel after a good work out or run. I love the strength I feel in my body and the overwhelming knowledge that I can truly do anything if I set my mind to it. (just as my mom told me when I was young girl).
I am also dealing with a prolapsed bladder and stress incontinence. (Oh the joys of being a girl and having children,said sarcastically.) This issue is a nuisance, is embarrassing and not something I will let take away my runner’s high or the strength I feel. Last year I had a hysterectomy and thankfully healed with no complications. I am almost 12 months post op and I feel amazing. My body feels strong, I feel lean and like I am make good decisions about where I am heading with regards to my healthy lifestyle.
So – what are the fixes for a prolapsed bladder and stress incontinence?
Physiotherapy (yes there are physiotherapists for the pelvic floor muscles) or surgery. Once I wrapped my head around seeing a physiotherapist for ‘those’ muscles, I knew it was the first choice for me. I am working on the muscles in my body when I work out – its about time to do the same for the muscles that helped me birth my two kids. Away I went…and continue to go once a week. I have homework, working on focusing and visualizing as I contract muscles, lift and contracting to help strengthen and tone muscles that will combat my issues. I have had 3 appointments so far and some progress has been made according to my therapist. At the next appointment we assess how much progress has been made and if other types of therapy might be of more assistance. The option spoken of most is using electrical currents to help the muscles get to work. You see, I struggle to get the ‘right’ muscles to do the job they are required to do. I visualize, I breath, I contract and lift without squeezing my thighs and abs…but its not always effective. My understanding is that using electrical currents will help muscles that I need to get moving, move…and also make me aware of them, therefore giving me the awareness of where they are and what they should be doing.
Seriously – its not a fun 30 minutes. It was uncomfortable at first, but after giving birth to two kids, having doctors and nurses between my legs and assessing how far dilated I was – I was able to get past the discomfort. After having a hysterectomy last year, doctors and nurses checking on my incision, making sure I was able to go to the bathroom, again – this is minor and has a good chance of being the solution to my problem. I am taking control of my body, doing the ‘exercises’ I need to do to take care of ALL parts of me so I am not kept at home due to my discomfort or loss of control.
Taking care of me means I am better able to live my life to its fullest. That’s life…that’s my life…its about living it to the fullest and I am committed to making the most of it.
mylifeat40startsnow 