Josee Archer was the marketing coordinator of SeekWellness.com, is the mother of two children, and a good friend to SeekWellness. She shares her personal story of her experience in dealing with post-pregnancy stress incontinence.
As a healthy 27-year old, I was thrilled to learn I was pregnant with my second child. At the time, I could not have predicted the effects this pregnancy would have on my body.
My pregnancy was filled with ice cream cravings and late-night snacks. I went into labor a week before my due date and after several hours, my baby girl was born. It was an amazing experience, but boy did I tear! Weeks later my stitches healed and I was happy to return to my normal life - plus one.
We were pretty well adjusted, but, there was one thing that wasn't right — I was occasionally leaking urine. I would leak when I laughed, leak when I cried, leak when I ran, leak when I coughed, leak when I jumped, and leak when I had to pee. Okay, I guess that's a little more than occasionally. It was usually only a dribble, but at times it was much more. I will never forget when I peed on the way to the bathroom. The worst part is that I didn't realize my body had released the urine — I thought I was still holding it. Thank goodness I was wearing one of those huge overnight maxi pads and nothing seeped through my clothes.
According to the doctor at my six week post-partum appointment, everything had healed well. I expressed my concerns about the leaking and was told that in time I would regain strength in that area. Talking to the doctor didn't make me feel better. I just went on with my life and secretly dealt with my problem. I wanted to cry in embarrassment every time it happened.
It wasn't until I leaked at a Christmas gathering that I realized I could not wait for "time" to fix my problem. At the party, I was very amused and started laughing hysterically, and then…(I'm sure you can fill in the rest). I only leaked a little, and I don't think anyone even noticed, but it was enough to make me feel very embarrassed. I was able to quickly change my clothes so no one would notice, but that was the last straw! I was sick and tired of not being able to enjoy myself and have a good laugh without worrying about some urine coming out. I couldn't enjoy and let go, because I would literally let go of my pee. I had to make it stop.
I started reading about urine leakage. Diane Newman has some great articles pertaining to urine leakage, incontinence and kegel exercises. Next, it was a matter of finding time to do them. With two children and a part time job, how would I find time to work on my own health? I read an article that suggested all sorts of times to do them - while brushing your teeth, when stopped at a red light, etc. I committed to doing kegels two to three times a day and after about 2 weeks, I saw great improvement. Before long, I had cured myself of the leaking.
It only took me a month or two and now life is really back to normal. I can focus on enjoying my family without the worries I had before. I have my life back. You can get your life back too!
See Also: printable exercise log, how to do pelvic muscle exercises, Kegel quick sheet
Posted May 2008
