Barb's Story*
Step 1
Barb discovered what mattered
Barb (she/her) is a 70-year-old avid gardener who was referred by her GP after experiencing worsening vaginal heaviness and dragging for twenty years. When she was 55, pelvic floor exercises had improved her prolapse symptoms and delayed surgery. In her sixties, she unfortunately experienced significant constipation despite trying many laxatives. Working together, we discovered her constipation combined with heavy lifting in the garden led to worsening anterior (bladder) and posterior (bowel) prolapse. We got her back on track with a physiotherapy program and pessary, which helped for about 12 months. However, it became clear that conservative measures weren't enough to overcome the connective tissue stretch and poor bladder and bowel support. We strongly encouraged Barb to see a Gynaecologist regarding surgical options, reassuring her that her improved pelvic floor muscles would help with surgical recovery and long-term success. Barb decided to have prolapse surgery but was nervous about recovery and hoped to return to her beloved garden.
Barb's Pelvic Health Goals:
- It would give me peace of mind to know that I’ve done everything I can to ensure this is my first and last prolapse surgery.
- Understand how I can help myself to recover from my prolapse surgery.
- Be confident that I can return to my gardening activities safely.
- Make sure my bowels behave themselves and my tendency to constipation doesn’t interfere with my recovery.
- To not live with constant vaginal heaviness and dragging so I can choose what activities I do without worrying.
Step 2
Barb restored what mattered
Pre-surgery, we optimised Barb’s pelvic floor and abdominal muscle function and addressed her constipation through bowel retraining and dietary changes - crucial for preventing strain during the healing phase. Education about surgery, recovery timelines, and post-operative lifestyle modifications helped Barb plan effectively.
Post-surgery, we designed a graduated pelvic floor and abdominal strengthening program and whole-body fitness targeted to her physical gardening needs. She had some issues with her bowels and straining which we addressed through dietary modification and effective evacuation strategies.
Step 3
Barb enjoyed what mattered
Barb was extremely diligent with following the post-op instructions from her Gynaecologist and returned six weeks after her surgery. She expressed how helpful it was to know that her exercise commitment before the surgery had helped to ensure her recovery had been smooth. Despite her bowels playing up, she knew how to get them back on track and had the skills to ensure she wasn’t straining. At 10 weeks post her prolapse surgery, Barb was back in the garden planting her annual bulbs with no prolapse symptoms. She understood the importance of ongoing pelvic floor exercises and what she could safely do in the garden, which was more than enough to keep her garden the envy of everyone in the street.