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The use of Pilates to help people
with stress incontinence is becoming more and more common. One of our members
tells us her story.
My problems started when I was 32, on delivery
of our first child. The birth was difficult and a doctor had to try and manually
turn the baby round, but she was stuck fast so they used forceps - huge things
- and I lost my pelvic floor!
At my six-week check-up, I told the doctor that
I couldn't hold urine, faeces or wind. He sent me back to the hospital that
did the damage: 'They made the mess, let them fix it!'
I went there for two years. I had physiotherapy
for my pelvic floor and twelve tries at biofeedback. I also had two urodynamic
tests which concluded I had an unstable bladder. I was put on Detrusitol which
helped greatly with discomfort and pain, and regulated how many times I had to
go to the toilet.
Around this time I started to get depressed and
felt totally isolated. I wasn't given any support group numbers and it was
left up to my husband to support me - he was wonderful and got me through it.
My continence advisor could only do so much as she wasn't in the same area as
hospital, but she helped me with practical matters.
My self-esteem dropped and I decided to lose
weight and get myself back in the swing of things - the battles against
doctors and hospital consultants had dragged me down. It was around this time
that I saw Pilates on 'This Morning'. I got a video and half-heartedly
started to do it.
I then had a second consultant take over my
case. He was younger with an ego the size of Jupiter! He couldn't even
diagnose urine burns, which I'd suffered from for three years. He put me on a
low dose anti-depressant, but I reacted to it so went back to Detrusitol. His
colleagues, who were meant to be expert in all bladder and bowel problems, also
dealt with my faecal problems. I saw three doctors - and each of them had a
different treatment for me! I ended up using Loperamide and suppositories and I
got a life! Not having to worry about soiling myself gave me freedom.
The doctor who was in charge of my urinary
problems went from bad to worse - I couldn't believe a word he said. He'd
changed his mind from a vaginal birth, if we had a second child, to caesarean
section and back again. I'd had enough - I wasn't getting anywhere and was
depressed and confused.
I changed hospitals so that my continence
advisor could help me fully, and to start afresh! I went on a diet and walked
everywhere. I pushed back my inhibitions of 'I can't do that, there's no
loo in sight', and set about my Pilates properly - I worked my pelvic floor
hard! I also lost five dress sizes - I still need to lose some more, but it's
going in the right direction!
I had a third urodynamics test and they didn't
find instability. I can hold urine, but not for long, so I'm being sent for
more physiotherapy. I feel healthier and confident and I know the trigger foods
that make my bowel problems worse. I've swapped to codeine phosphate, just in
case we try for another child, and together with my diet and Pilates, I feel
myself again!
-D. R.
What is Pilates?
Pilates is named after Joseph Pilates, the
German who first invented it. He studied yoga and martial arts and, from this
together with his work with health professionals, came up with the Pilates
exercises. His first book of exercises was published in 1945. They are still
used today by people wanting to tone their body and have even been included in
antenatal exercises by some healthcare professionals. They are used to help
improve the pelvic floor, which can improve some bladder problems.
Pilates exercises are carried out using your
'core strength' (lower back muscles, abdominals and pelvic floor) to ensure
that movements are smooth and controlled.
There are many Pilates books and videos
available. Alternatively, ask your local leisure centre or gym if they hold
Pilates classes.
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