Weird Kegel Question

[cjanerun]

I know Kegels cause flares for most of us with IC and/or PFD. Kegels have the same effect on me but my question is one I haven't seen here, or anywhere:

Has anyone like us tried Kegel exercises for 6 to 8 weeks, three times a day, in spite of the constant flare agony?

Admins, I've asked my docs this question and they don't have a clue due to the nebulous nature of IC/PFD. They would like me to try this if I
can handle the pain and are curious to see what happens. They hope getting this muscle into shape will help with retention, spasms, pain, etc.

I mention two months because my PT, docs and all available literature say it takes at least that amount of time to get that muscle into shape.

It sort of makes sense to me as PT generally causes pain of various sorts until our muscles adapt and strenghten. However, I'd love someone here to give me an excuse not to put myself through this

My background in a nutshell: I've had very complex case of IC & PFD (even on SSDI due to severity) for over six years, am finally getting better, but progress has stopped.

Thank you in advance for your thoughts, opinions, answers and help!

CJane

Current Meds: Avinza, Hydrocodone, Valium, Neurontin - I've tried them all. Stopped using my Estrogen patch a few months ago - now trying homeopathic supplements instead.

Medical History: Too long to list here Spinal surgeries, endometriosis, ovarian cysts, hysterectomy, pelvic nerve surgery, over 30 sedated procedures to block various nerves and more. Seen every type of specialist and had every test known to mankind.

[Mothergoose]

I don't think I would try this, as most ab exercises etc really cause my ic and retention to get worse, and it takes quite a while to recover from it. My experence it is not worth it.

In the spring my Dr. got me to try, slant exercises, so no cruching bending etc, but it really up set the apple cart for me.

Mg

[cjanerun]

Maybe exercise followed by instill?

Thanks, Mothergoose!

I tend to agree with you but am always hoping for some miracle answer.

I may try one time a day exercise followed by an instill to see if that helps prevent spasms before they start. I was reading about someone else trying that but can't remember if it was helpful or not.

It would be nice to have that muscle strong without having a uterus in place anymore - I'd like to avoid that sling surgery

Good luck with yours,
Cjane

[skybluesoul]

I did exactly what you described, maybe for even a bit longer, and I would definitely NOT recommend that. I did it before I knew any better. Theoretically, it sounds right that strengthening would help, but really, you have to lengthen the muscles first and get them to relax before you can hope to strengthen. Also, there are other ways those of us with IC and PFD should strengthen that will not cause harm in the long term.

In any PT program, you can expect to go through some pain on the way to healing. Kegels are just not the way to go for people like us. After seeing a PT who wasn't extremely knowledgeable, I sought out one who was more educated on the subject. She helped me more in 2 months than my old one did in a year. Search for someone closer to a city. I drove an hour to each appointment, but it was definitely worth the time to see someone who understands myofascial (sp?) release. I still see this PT when I can now (every month or 2 when I can get off work) and do her exercises every night.

Maybe that's more than you wanted to read, but I don't want you to go through the pointlessness and harm of kegels like I did!