Exercises for symptoms worsening after BM

[anniepie1976]

Hi, I'm just wondering if anyone has any recommendations for any exercises that can help prevent my IC getting worse after BM. I don't have to be constipated for it or anything. It is the action that always makes me worse. Somehow the pelvic floor muscles don't like this or something! My old PT would tell my to squat for a little while before and after but it's not quite cutting it. Any advice?

[topcop229]

I have a similar problem with BMs...that is, when I can even have them! This might be too obvious to even count as advice, but I know that the same rule applies for BM as for voids...don't push! You should always try to just relax and let it happen rather than have to push. As for relaxing, I know it sounds stupid, but read a book or mag, take your laptop in there if you have one...whatever you can do to relax and not be in a hurry. You should elevate your feet slightly and try slow, relaxed, controlled breathing. Also, you can lean forward to help the BM without pushing.

Are you going to PT now for your pfd? Maybe your therapist could give you some other ideas as to what you can do afterwards to feel better. Another thing I do sometimes is apply heat after a void or BM to try and reduce the spasms and pain.

[Annie2]

Because I have colitis along with IC, I developed pretty severe PFD. Though I never ever strain or push in any way because colitis does the opposite to you, I always get strong muscle spasms afterwards. During a really bad day when I have many BMs, the spasms can last through the day and for several days afterwards. I am seeing a wonderful PT who specializes in PFD. She gave me many stretching exercises to get the involved muscles to lengthen and relax. Last week we began myofascial trigger point release. After that first session the relief I felt was phenominal. I had absolutely no pain or spasms for 3 days. I then had a bad colitis day and the pain and spasms returned. Because my strongest trigger points are in areas I can't easily reach to do trigger point release on myself, my physical therapist suggested I try the Miracle Ball Method to see if it would help. I tried it this week when things got bad again and it really did work for me.

I am not advertising or endorsing any product because we all know what helps one person may not work or be appropriate for someone else. However, you might want to check out this Miracle Ball Method and see if it is something that might help you. To learn about this, you buy the book, The Miracle Ball Method, by Elaine Petrone. It is a small book about 4 1/4" square and comes in a clear plastic box with 2 rubber balls that are a bit squishy (about the size of softballs) used for the exercises. You can find it online or in many bookstores. I found mine at my local Borders Bookstore. To put it in very simplistic terms, you follow exercises described in the book while lying on one or two of the balls. The placement of the balls is determined by the location of your muscle spasms. You just let yourself kind of relax and "sink into" the balls and the balls stretch the muscles and can act to put pressure on spasming muscles much as a therapist does while doing trigger point release. My PT told me if I couldn't find the book or balls I could try just using those really bouncy balls children often like. I don't know if this might help you or not, but you might want to look into it.

Another exercise that helps me when my pelvic floor muscles and lower buttocks and upper back thigh muscles are spasming is to lie down on the floor. Then I bend one knee up, grab it with my hands behind the knee and gently pull it towards the opposite side shoulder (right leg towards left shoulder and left leg towards right shoulder). While doing this I breathe deeply and let it out slowly. I hold for 2 breath cycles and then relax the leg back to the floor and breathe deeply again. I built up slowly so I could repeat this several times.

If you aren't currently seeing a PT experienced in treating PFD, I would encourage you to do so. There are several stretching exercises you can be taught to do that can help tremendously. I also have a T.E.N.S unit RXed by my PT that helps me a great deal with this problem and using heat also helps.

I hope you quickly find relief!

[ICB]

A great source of information on trigger points and tender points is www.roadtoslainte.blogspot.com. It is written by a sensational physical therapist that specializes in women's health. You can post questions on the site and she will answer them; she can also speak with your PT if there are any questions.

Since some of these trigger points are internal, it can be difficult, but not impossible to treat. Once treated properly, you will find much relief before, during and after a BM.

There are many articles for IC patients, including some on Pelvic Floor Therapies, Trigger Trauma, To Kegel or Not to Kegel, etc. Don't forget to check out their archived articles.

I suggest that you consult with your healthcare provider if you believe that the information above may be helpful; your healthcare provider will determine the appropriate treatment regimen for you.

Only your healthcare provider can determine if the above suggestions are appropriate treatment options for you; these are just some suggestions that you can discuss with him/her.

The contents in this post are provided for informational purposes only. The contents are not intended in any way to be a substitute for professional medical advice. Always seek the advice of your physician or other qualified health provider with any questions you may have regarding your medical condition.

Best wishes, ICB

[izazen]

I had a hell of a time with a very constipated BM today - thought I'd have to go to the ER as I was having intestinal cramps plus 'couldn't get the darn BM out!

Finally I had to press down around the surrounding area to manuever it out. Gross!! I'm still in the "getting dx'd" stage so I have no resources to help me.

[hollipop]

Another thing to try is to slightly bear down just enough that the muscles relax. Actually, if you hold your finger over your "bootie" and can feel it slightly poke out, as if passing gas, then you are doing it right. Just don't overdo it, or you will just cause the same thing that the BM caused. Do this while concentrating on the muscles "melting". I have found that taking 2 mg of valium 3 times a day reduces this spasming, but I've learned a lot about my body through yoga and pelvic floor physical therapy. Just don't try kegels....it's controversial even among the pelvic PTs, but I know too many people that have proven that kegels are a definite no-no.