This is an interesting, to-the-point, understandable blog post about PSD. I found it very helpful (although lacking in great English grammar/spelling) when I was trying to understand what had happened to me, and what my doctor might suggest by way of treatment.
http://bumpmoves.com/pregnancy/diastasis-symphysis-pubis/
Tuesday, June 21, 2016
Wednesday, June 8, 2016
Rolling Over, Starting Therapy, Etc.
Time for an update (again, as R snoozes).
This marks the 6th week of outpatient PT for me, and nearly 4 months since my injury. I'm still out of the pool (although my nipples are finally better - hooray for steriod/anti-fungal cream!), but am making some progress. During my sessions, I now practice rolling over (from my back to my sides), with a pillow between my knees. This was the move that I absolutely COULD NOT do without excruciating pain a mere month ago. With the blessing of my PT, I tried laying on my side for 10 minutes in my own bed here at home three days ago. It was easy-peasy, but I've suffered bad SI joint pain since then... whoops. I have PT again today, so I plan on mentioning that... seems like I should practice for less time, the next time I attempt that particular move. As it turns out, little R can roll over, too! Only from back to belly consistently, but... he's definitely better at it than I am at this point!
I've decided to see a therapist. Now that R is under control (as much control as a 4 month old can be, hah!) and my physical recovery seems stable, I feel like I have the energy to put into my mental health. I'm not doom-and-gloom 24/7, but - hands-down, this has been the most difficult time in my life to date. Life with baby has been nothing like I expected, thanks to my pubic symphysis rupture. The simple act of walking around the house with R in my arms is one I long for. I'd love to load R in the car and go for a stroll in the park, browse around TJ Maxx, etc, but that's not something I can do alone yet. I know I'm making progress to that elusive full-recovery, but I definitely need to take some time and learn some more coping mechanisms for myself.
I've also stopped breastfeeding - log this under "another unplanned event in life with an infant". It was a hard decision to make, but so far it's been a good one. R has been weaning for over a month, unintentionally: my supply has always been low (thanks to my injury), and R's demand has recently sky rocketed. I would breastfeed him, he would empty them, cry, and then either myself or my hubby would offer him a bottle of formula, from which he would happily drain at least 4oz. R hasn't skipped a beat since I stopped offering him the breast, and (no surprise here!) by body seems to be easily slowing its milk production. I would guess that it'll take me 2 weeks max to dry up completely (it's been nearly a week now). A definite bonus to stopping breastfeeding is that my body will stop producing the hormones that relax my pelvic region, which should make it easier for my symphysis to stitch itself back together. It's pretty crazy how the female body makes all of these insane changes while becoming/once becoming a mother. Speaking of mothering - baby boy is awake! Later -
This marks the 6th week of outpatient PT for me, and nearly 4 months since my injury. I'm still out of the pool (although my nipples are finally better - hooray for steriod/anti-fungal cream!), but am making some progress. During my sessions, I now practice rolling over (from my back to my sides), with a pillow between my knees. This was the move that I absolutely COULD NOT do without excruciating pain a mere month ago. With the blessing of my PT, I tried laying on my side for 10 minutes in my own bed here at home three days ago. It was easy-peasy, but I've suffered bad SI joint pain since then... whoops. I have PT again today, so I plan on mentioning that... seems like I should practice for less time, the next time I attempt that particular move. As it turns out, little R can roll over, too! Only from back to belly consistently, but... he's definitely better at it than I am at this point!
I've decided to see a therapist. Now that R is under control (as much control as a 4 month old can be, hah!) and my physical recovery seems stable, I feel like I have the energy to put into my mental health. I'm not doom-and-gloom 24/7, but - hands-down, this has been the most difficult time in my life to date. Life with baby has been nothing like I expected, thanks to my pubic symphysis rupture. The simple act of walking around the house with R in my arms is one I long for. I'd love to load R in the car and go for a stroll in the park, browse around TJ Maxx, etc, but that's not something I can do alone yet. I know I'm making progress to that elusive full-recovery, but I definitely need to take some time and learn some more coping mechanisms for myself.
I've also stopped breastfeeding - log this under "another unplanned event in life with an infant". It was a hard decision to make, but so far it's been a good one. R has been weaning for over a month, unintentionally: my supply has always been low (thanks to my injury), and R's demand has recently sky rocketed. I would breastfeed him, he would empty them, cry, and then either myself or my hubby would offer him a bottle of formula, from which he would happily drain at least 4oz. R hasn't skipped a beat since I stopped offering him the breast, and (no surprise here!) by body seems to be easily slowing its milk production. I would guess that it'll take me 2 weeks max to dry up completely (it's been nearly a week now). A definite bonus to stopping breastfeeding is that my body will stop producing the hormones that relax my pelvic region, which should make it easier for my symphysis to stitch itself back together. It's pretty crazy how the female body makes all of these insane changes while becoming/once becoming a mother. Speaking of mothering - baby boy is awake! Later -
Monday, May 16, 2016
BS!
As I sit here with a napping R in my lap (we just passed the 2 hour mark!!), it's a good time for an update. I'm sad to report that I'm not doing PT in the pool right now, and possibly ever again. I developed a nasty case of contact dermatitis on my nipples, and my PCP is certain that it's from the chemicals in the pool. I saw her almost a week ago, and have orders to apply lanolin, air-dry as possible, and stay out of the water. So. To put things bluntly, I find this turn of events to be complete BS and am feeling bummed. As I wrote in my last post, I was really enjoying my time in the pool, in addition to it being the best possible PT for healing my PS... gahhhhh! So frustrating! I'm not sure that getting back to pool PT (and risking more nipple issues) would be worth it to me. We shall see.
In the meantime, I'm still going to PT, but am doing "dry" activities. A new one is "tummy time". No, but really: just like R, I now have this on my daily to-do list! My PT has me laying on my stomach for 10 minutes. While I'm down there, she helps me do other stretching-related exercises, but the tummy time is apparently helping my hips stretch back and realign themselves. Not too shabby.
OK, the boy seems to be stirring. More later.
In the meantime, I'm still going to PT, but am doing "dry" activities. A new one is "tummy time". No, but really: just like R, I now have this on my daily to-do list! My PT has me laying on my stomach for 10 minutes. While I'm down there, she helps me do other stretching-related exercises, but the tummy time is apparently helping my hips stretch back and realign themselves. Not too shabby.
OK, the boy seems to be stirring. More later.
Saturday, May 7, 2016
Pool PT Review
So far, so good!
PT in the pool has been REALLY great. I've had a total of 3 sessions so far, and am scheduled for 8. Not only am I doing exercises to strengthen my core and hips (which will help my PS slowly stitch itself back together), I am also getting the benefits of good old exercise. After each session, I'm feeling muscle soreness that's just from doing ANYTHING exercise-related, and I love it. Here's what my last session looked like:
* Total time: 35 minutes
* With a pool noodle, walk forward 4 lengths of the pool (focusing on heel-to-toe stepping).
* With a pool noodle, walk backwards 2 lengths of the pool (focusing on toe-to-heel stepping).
* Holding on to the pool deck for balance, march in place for 20 steps total.
* Stand without holding on to the pool deck (so, with arms at my side) for 10 seconds. Do this with feet together, left foot forward, and right foot forward.
* Laying/floating in a recliner position (with the pool noodle supporting me behind my arms), do flutter kicks, pedal pushers, and legs in/out. Do 20 reps of each.
* Traction float (i.e. floating with the pool noodle supporting me behind my arms) for 5-ish minutes.
The above workout definitely made me sore later that afternoon. Today (the day after), I'm feeling the usual pains and aches, but nothing too crazy. It's pretty easy to differentiate between PS pain and regular, healthy soreness. I hope that I continue to make progress... I suppose that plateauing is a fear of mine. Time will tell!
More later, gators.
PT in the pool has been REALLY great. I've had a total of 3 sessions so far, and am scheduled for 8. Not only am I doing exercises to strengthen my core and hips (which will help my PS slowly stitch itself back together), I am also getting the benefits of good old exercise. After each session, I'm feeling muscle soreness that's just from doing ANYTHING exercise-related, and I love it. Here's what my last session looked like:
* Total time: 35 minutes
* With a pool noodle, walk forward 4 lengths of the pool (focusing on heel-to-toe stepping).
* With a pool noodle, walk backwards 2 lengths of the pool (focusing on toe-to-heel stepping).
* Holding on to the pool deck for balance, march in place for 20 steps total.
* Stand without holding on to the pool deck (so, with arms at my side) for 10 seconds. Do this with feet together, left foot forward, and right foot forward.
* Laying/floating in a recliner position (with the pool noodle supporting me behind my arms), do flutter kicks, pedal pushers, and legs in/out. Do 20 reps of each.
* Traction float (i.e. floating with the pool noodle supporting me behind my arms) for 5-ish minutes.
The above workout definitely made me sore later that afternoon. Today (the day after), I'm feeling the usual pains and aches, but nothing too crazy. It's pretty easy to differentiate between PS pain and regular, healthy soreness. I hope that I continue to make progress... I suppose that plateauing is a fear of mine. Time will tell!
More later, gators.
Tuesday, May 3, 2016
Assistive Devices
I've had to rely on an assortment of assistive devices since coming home from the hospital. Here they are, with reviews and all:
* A Rollator walker: This has been my most used assistive device. Before getting a Rollator, I was using a less heavy-duty, 2-wheeled walker. The Rollator has 4 wheels, ergonomic handles, brakes, and a seat that also functions as a place to store/transport things. These days, I don't use the Rollator when I'm moving around small areas in my house (like the bathroom, the walk-in closet, etc.). So long as I have something to balance myself on nearby (counter tops, door frames, and the like), I do OK. The Rollator also easily folds up and fits in the trunk of my small SUV for transport. I have it in a bright blue color, too, which adds to its appeal in my mind.
* A grabber: This is used to (what else!) grab things that are out of reach. There are TONS of affordable grabbers out there - I have an EZ Reacher that I found at Rite Aid. I don't need to use it anymore, but it was most helpful to pull up my pants (TMI? Maybe. Oh well!) and pull down shades in my living room.
* A raised toilet seat: A completely necessary item! When I first came home from the hospital, sitting down was NOT easy to do. Both the pain and the unsteadiness of my core contributed to that. I have a Drive Medical Elevated Toilet Seat, with the padded arms. It's still installed in our guest bathroom, although I could probably sit and stand without it now.
* A rubber ring seat: I didn't start using this until a few weeks ago, when I started sitting at the kitchen table again. It's literally a rubber, blowup ring that you sit on - VERY comfortable. I also picked this up at Rite Aid.
These were all things that my PT suggested I use. They all definitely helped my functionality around the house. Even though I paid out of pocket for a few of them, I figure I'll use them again when I reach the geriatric stage of life! :)
Also, for the record: it took me 3 days to write and publish this post, thanks to the presence of my little R. He'll be 3 months old next week... time is FLYING, in that regard!
* A Rollator walker: This has been my most used assistive device. Before getting a Rollator, I was using a less heavy-duty, 2-wheeled walker. The Rollator has 4 wheels, ergonomic handles, brakes, and a seat that also functions as a place to store/transport things. These days, I don't use the Rollator when I'm moving around small areas in my house (like the bathroom, the walk-in closet, etc.). So long as I have something to balance myself on nearby (counter tops, door frames, and the like), I do OK. The Rollator also easily folds up and fits in the trunk of my small SUV for transport. I have it in a bright blue color, too, which adds to its appeal in my mind.
* A grabber: This is used to (what else!) grab things that are out of reach. There are TONS of affordable grabbers out there - I have an EZ Reacher that I found at Rite Aid. I don't need to use it anymore, but it was most helpful to pull up my pants (TMI? Maybe. Oh well!) and pull down shades in my living room.
* A raised toilet seat: A completely necessary item! When I first came home from the hospital, sitting down was NOT easy to do. Both the pain and the unsteadiness of my core contributed to that. I have a Drive Medical Elevated Toilet Seat, with the padded arms. It's still installed in our guest bathroom, although I could probably sit and stand without it now.
* A rubber ring seat: I didn't start using this until a few weeks ago, when I started sitting at the kitchen table again. It's literally a rubber, blowup ring that you sit on - VERY comfortable. I also picked this up at Rite Aid.
These were all things that my PT suggested I use. They all definitely helped my functionality around the house. Even though I paid out of pocket for a few of them, I figure I'll use them again when I reach the geriatric stage of life! :)
Also, for the record: it took me 3 days to write and publish this post, thanks to the presence of my little R. He'll be 3 months old next week... time is FLYING, in that regard!
Friday, April 22, 2016
Starting Outpatient PT Today
... and I'm admittedly a bit nervous. I had such an amazing experience with my in-home PT, I'm worried that my new outpatient PT will somehow mess with the progress I've made. Ever since my diagnosis/in the time before starting PT anew, I've continued to do my exercises at home. All of them center around my pelvic floor muscles. When I'm home alone with R, I find that I can get away with doing standing exercises most easily - no extra time needed to situate myself on a bed or on the floor. Other than standing exercises, I also do bed exercises (which, yes, all start with me lying on my back on the bed) and floor exercises (all of which start with me on hands and knees on the floor). I do the standing exercises at the kitchen sink, or really anywhere where I can balance my hands on something that's at about waist height. If anyone is interested in more information about the specifics, just comment below.
While none of the exercises are vigorous, I always feel a sense of accomplishment when I do them. Before my injury, I was a very active person: Frisbee, field hockey, running, biking - all of it. My postpartum months have definitely been the most inactive of my life to date. It's such a downer... but thankfully PT is something that helps lift my spirits, while at the same time enabling me to make physical gains, too. #staythankful!
While none of the exercises are vigorous, I always feel a sense of accomplishment when I do them. Before my injury, I was a very active person: Frisbee, field hockey, running, biking - all of it. My postpartum months have definitely been the most inactive of my life to date. It's such a downer... but thankfully PT is something that helps lift my spirits, while at the same time enabling me to make physical gains, too. #staythankful!
Saturday, April 16, 2016
Doctor, Doctor, Give Me The News
After meeting with the ortho doc a few days ago, I've got some more information on my situation. Here is what I found out:
* I won't be needing surgery. Apparently, surgery to fix a pubic symphysis rupture is relatively rare, and this doctor told me that, while he has done the surgery before, he "regretted it". It can make for a faster recovery time, but it can be extremely painful and complications are possible (as with any surgery, I suppose). Also, by inserting a plate between the pubic bones, you can cause more SI joint pain... no, thanks.
* I'm going to restart physical therapy. As of my first week postpartum, I had in-home PT 2-3 times per week. We stopped after I got my diagnosis, but before I spoke with the ortho doc. While the progress was s-l-o-w, there was definite gains over the past 2 months: I went from not being able to lift my legs onto the bed, to using a leg lifter, to now being able to do it independently with minimal discomfort. During PT, I did light stretching, standing exercises, floor exercises, and bed exercises, all of which focused primarily on core strength/the SI area. I'm looking forward to getting back into it.
* I won't be wearing a binding belt. According to the doc, wearing one is hit-or-miss, as far as helping with the pain goes. I wore one for about 40 minutes during the MRI of my pelvis, and I was back to a pain level 8-9 (out of 10) for the next 48 hours. Given that info, the doc said I should skip it. He didn't need to tell me twice!
* I'll continue taking ibuprofen and a NSAID as needed for pain. I've been trying to taper (before this, I hardly EVER took OTC pain meds), but I find I need to take a full dose overnight (sleeping for even 3 hours in a row in the supine position bothers me).
* Other than PT, "patience, my dear, patience!" is the primary ingredient of my treatment plan (quote the doc). It'll take me 4-6 more months to recovery fully.
* "Recover fully" for me means back to my old-self, at 100% functionality! I was REALLY worried about asking the doc if that was even a possibility: I know from my internet research that, even years after an injury that caused PSD, people live with chronic pain. Even though I'm hesitant to set myself up for failure - to believe that I WILL get better, all the way - I need to focus on it, in order to keep my spirits afloat.
SO, there you have it. Writing here with a newborn on my hands is turning out to be trickier than planned, but I'll update as much as the little man allows (for example, right now R is sleeping in his Rock 'N Play - I'm rocking him with my foot as I type)..... and he's awake! More later.
* I won't be needing surgery. Apparently, surgery to fix a pubic symphysis rupture is relatively rare, and this doctor told me that, while he has done the surgery before, he "regretted it". It can make for a faster recovery time, but it can be extremely painful and complications are possible (as with any surgery, I suppose). Also, by inserting a plate between the pubic bones, you can cause more SI joint pain... no, thanks.
* I'm going to restart physical therapy. As of my first week postpartum, I had in-home PT 2-3 times per week. We stopped after I got my diagnosis, but before I spoke with the ortho doc. While the progress was s-l-o-w, there was definite gains over the past 2 months: I went from not being able to lift my legs onto the bed, to using a leg lifter, to now being able to do it independently with minimal discomfort. During PT, I did light stretching, standing exercises, floor exercises, and bed exercises, all of which focused primarily on core strength/the SI area. I'm looking forward to getting back into it.
* I won't be wearing a binding belt. According to the doc, wearing one is hit-or-miss, as far as helping with the pain goes. I wore one for about 40 minutes during the MRI of my pelvis, and I was back to a pain level 8-9 (out of 10) for the next 48 hours. Given that info, the doc said I should skip it. He didn't need to tell me twice!
* I'll continue taking ibuprofen and a NSAID as needed for pain. I've been trying to taper (before this, I hardly EVER took OTC pain meds), but I find I need to take a full dose overnight (sleeping for even 3 hours in a row in the supine position bothers me).
* Other than PT, "patience, my dear, patience!" is the primary ingredient of my treatment plan (quote the doc). It'll take me 4-6 more months to recovery fully.
* "Recover fully" for me means back to my old-self, at 100% functionality! I was REALLY worried about asking the doc if that was even a possibility: I know from my internet research that, even years after an injury that caused PSD, people live with chronic pain. Even though I'm hesitant to set myself up for failure - to believe that I WILL get better, all the way - I need to focus on it, in order to keep my spirits afloat.
SO, there you have it. Writing here with a newborn on my hands is turning out to be trickier than planned, but I'll update as much as the little man allows (for example, right now R is sleeping in his Rock 'N Play - I'm rocking him with my foot as I type)..... and he's awake! More later.
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