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gully's pilot
Apr. 4, 2009, 09:20 PM
I'm a happy middle-aged mom, and, like many women of my age and status, have the occaisional problem with stress urinary incontinence--that is to say, if I sneeze very suddenly, or something like that, I will, occaisionally, and only a tiny bit, pee my pants. This stinks but is a common side effect of childbearing. Back when I first gave birth I did a bunch of kegels, which helped.

Lately I've been having a very similar problem while riding cross country. Cross country only, never sj or dressage, and only lately, even though I've been eventing for years. I can't quite fathom why. I've been doing a lot of yoga and definitely am stronger now, especially my core muscles, than I have been, but why this would make me more likely to pee--no idea.

So--anyone have similar problems? If so, what did you do? I'm not thrilled with the idea of going xc wearing a maxi pad, but it would beat coming through the finish flags with a wet saddle. I rather like my saddle.

I tried to put this under an alter but couldn't figure out how to do it. Shrapnel, I'm aware you're laughing your a$$ off right now, but hey, I live to serve. Be glad it's never gonna happen to you, and don't go looking at my crouch next event, either.

Kairoshorses
Apr. 4, 2009, 09:51 PM
Hope this isn't TMI; I apologize in advance if it is!

I had two kids late in life, and the last one, which I had NATURALLY, was 10 lbs....and I had your problem and then some (in SJ, too, sometimes). I am the Kegel QUEEN. My core is really coming along. And I should have bought stock in super long maxi thin pads with wings (my favs). Because NOTHING made it better :winkgrin:

BUT--my story has a happy ending!

I got the surgery to tighten up the muscles that had been stretched out, and now I'm just like I was before kids! I can even jump on the trampoline w/ the kids! It's SOOOOOOOOOO worth it!

It's easy, covered by insurance, and I only was off the horse for 3-5 days. I wish I hadn't waited so long! :lol:

AKB
Apr. 4, 2009, 09:54 PM
Some women will insert a super tampon before activities that might cause loss of urine. The rationale is that it changes the position of the uterus and the bladder. I don't know if it works, but you might try it.

joharavhf
Apr. 4, 2009, 09:56 PM
:eek: I've had a kiddo but have not had this issue at all.....Please don't tell me it will start when I hit "middle age" (what IS middle age, anyways???).

Seriously, I have ALWAYS heard kegels help with this problem, but have no experience whatsoever with excess dripping so far.

joharavhf
Apr. 4, 2009, 09:57 PM
Some women will insert a super tampon before activities that might cause loss of urine. The rationale is that it changes the position of the uterus and the bladder. I don't know if it works, but you might try it.


Huh???? The use of a tampon might CAUSE urine? And this is a good thing? Gosh, I hate riding with a lite tampon let alone a super one!!!!!!

Sorry, TMI, I know. I just don't what this means?

Aharoni
Apr. 4, 2009, 09:58 PM
Sounds like whatever membrane you had left has succumbed to gravity. Cross country is more jarring and your muscles are more taxed therefore more leakage. Kegels will not help at this point because it is probably not musculature that is the problem. You should see a urogynecologist who can place a bladder sling as an outpatient procedure. However there is a six week period where you would not be able to ride, lift heavy weights or perform strenuous excercise. But it is so worth it because the problem will only get worse. Gravity sucks...

EventFan
Apr. 4, 2009, 10:00 PM
Have you tried the little pads made just for such leaks? They are shaped differently and are way absorbant and the smaller ones are more comfy than a maxi pad.

SevenDogs
Apr. 4, 2009, 10:01 PM
Thank god I found one thing I don't have to worry about on cross country! :)

Seriously though, isn't there a RX drug that helps with this? I would definitely see your OB/GYN and start asking about your options. You may decide to do nothing, but it would be good to have all the info/options.

Kairoshorses
Apr. 4, 2009, 10:01 PM
It has to do w/ loss of muscle elasticity, so it does get worse in "middle age" (which I'm going to say is around mid 40's). But it's worse if you have large kids, and if you have large kids late in life when the muscles are losing their elasticity, that's bad. And if your uterus prolapsed, you're toast.

My waist came right back after kiddo #1. Still waiting for it to come back after kiddo #2 (who's going to turn 11 during Holly Hill!).

lizathenag
Apr. 4, 2009, 10:03 PM
what event fan said. they are much better than maxi pads. . .

I had that problem. It went away as I got even older. . .

mswillie
Apr. 4, 2009, 10:08 PM
Huh???? The use of a tampon might CAUSE urine? And this is a good thing? Gosh, I hate riding with a lite tampon let alone a super one!!!!!!

Sorry, TMI, I know. I just don't what this means?

No, it's the activity that causes the urinary leakage, not the tampon. In cases of mild stress urinary incontinence the tampon pushes against the vaginal wall and compresses the urethra reducing the leakage.

A lubricant like K-Y applied to the tampon can help prevent the fibers from sticking. This method is quite effective for mild incontinence. The tampon should only be worn for a short time but if it's just for the xc that shouldn't be an issue.

A trip to a urologist gynecologist wouldn't be a bad thing either.

TMI= Too Much Information :winkgrin:

gully's pilot
Apr. 4, 2009, 10:18 PM
Oh, thanks, everyone! Really glad to know I'm not alone....

SmallHerd
Apr. 4, 2009, 10:29 PM
I had that problem. It went away as I got even older. . .

It goes away as one gets older?? Please tell me this is true!!!

RiverBendPol
Apr. 4, 2009, 11:13 PM
It goes away as one gets older?? Please tell me this is true!!!
Lies!!! Altho I am ONLY 55.

LexInVA
Apr. 5, 2009, 01:39 AM
Fascinating...:lol:

2ndyrgal
Apr. 5, 2009, 09:17 AM
it happens if you've had a hysterectomy. Ask me how I know. The urinary incontinence pads do work, aren't uncomfortable. Dressage is worse for me than jumping or galloping. My "tuck it back up" surgery is scheduled for after the last competition in our area, til then, the pads are the answer. It's not bad unless I try to run to do something, then it's a disaster. You are NOT alone.

Thomas_1
Apr. 5, 2009, 09:26 AM
It's a gynaecologist you need not a horse bulletin board.

Bobthehorse
Apr. 5, 2009, 09:28 AM
Some women will insert a super tampon before activities that might cause loss of urine. The rationale is that it changes the position of the uterus and the bladder. I don't know if it works, but you might try it.

That seems really dangerous, what with the risk of toxic shock.

merrygoround
Apr. 5, 2009, 09:34 AM
Anterior Colporaphy is I believe is what you are looking for. You may want to Google it.

Some things do not improve with time and kegel. :no: :(

FootPerfect
Apr. 5, 2009, 09:34 AM
Thanks for the info. This is a subject not covered in the "So you want to start eventing" clinics held locally. :lol:

sunnycher
Apr. 5, 2009, 09:45 AM
I don't have the problem, even though middle age, thankfully. But just wondering 'where the guys are'? My hubby would be like 'what??????..... good luck.

P.S. I do get the sweaty butt crack, though, so it's dark britches for me all summer!!!

Bobthehorse
Apr. 5, 2009, 09:55 AM
P.S. I do get the sweaty butt crack, though, so it's dark britches for me all summer!!!


Oh I HATE that! My saddle has a calfskin seat too, so there is like a dark skid where the sweat always soaks in. Classy!

sunnycher
Apr. 5, 2009, 10:03 AM
I've thought of putting the mini pad up the back???? That could work.

Kairoshorses
Apr. 5, 2009, 10:53 AM
It's a gynaecologist you need not a horse bulletin board.



Sorry, T-1, but I'm afraid this IS an eventing issue....for WOMEN. I know, I know, usually it's only YOUR "yardstick" that everything is measured according to, but believe it or not, some peoples' experiences, questions, and needs are--GASP--"other" than yours. Thank goodness we HAVE a horse BB to figure this out!



(apologies if the comment was made tongue-in-cheek, but it sounded rather cheeky instead...thus the rant)

Bobthehorse
Apr. 5, 2009, 10:56 AM
^ there was a thread on another horse board about the Diva Cup and a bunch of boys got their briefs in a knot over it too. Im sorry, but menstrual solutions are a huge topic for female riders. Its in the title, uninterested parties can just not open it.

FootPerfect
Apr. 5, 2009, 12:22 PM
Plus, since it's girl parts that touch the saddle, there are many girl-questions only riders can answer. The gyno isn't going to "get it" unless they ride as well.

What I want to know is how you all avoid the chafing and irritation from the mouse tail. Especially after a lot of sitting trot.

AlfalfaGirl
Apr. 5, 2009, 12:39 PM
Nice to know I am not the only one. My is caused from middle age - 3 kids - and massive coughing all the time. LOL I have acid reflux that make me cough and coughing weakens the muscles for overuse! I will wear pads and that bites but it is a necessary evil. Hugs to all of you who are sharing this unfun problem.

sunhawk
Apr. 5, 2009, 01:38 PM
I just about pee'd my chair in front of the computer.

I think the guys should have a discussion on the bb of what they do with their gonads when they are going x-country and jumping.

I'm 54, have had two kids, and I've never that problem, so wasn't aware that it could be a problem. I have had a problem though, with lengthy warm-ups and needing to pee before I get to the start box. That can be a bit awkward.

Janet
Apr. 5, 2009, 01:52 PM
Plus, since it's girl parts that touch the saddle, there are many girl-questions only riders can answer. The gyno isn't going to "get it" unless they ride as well.

What I want to know is how you all avoid the chafing and irritation from the mouse tail. Especially after a lot of sitting trot.
Suggest you search the archives for the "Inverness problem"

WorthTheWait95
Apr. 5, 2009, 01:54 PM
That seems really dangerous, what with the risk of toxic shock.

Actually they're teaching us in class now that TSS isn't a very big risk at all anymore. Especially for such a short amount of time, you'd probably only wear it for about an hour or so if you were going to use it for xcountry. We talked about it in my pathophysiology class and the reasons had to do with advances in materials and removal of the problem types from the market.

It's still possible to get TSS of course but it's very rare assuming the immune system/health is in good order according to my prof who has done a lot of repro research (multiple doctorates, etc)....of course its still not a good idea to wear one all day everyday ;).

Also, I'm very glad I'm only in my twenties and have no plans for children in the future! My mom had an issue with this when she started riding and would just wear a pad. She had a hysterectomy and that actually fixed the problem which I think is the opposite of what most women experience after that surgery.

spook1
Apr. 5, 2009, 03:07 PM
Thanks for posting this subject!! I am middle aged,with kids and had a hystrectomy and I started having this issue recently. Though I don't event I endurance ride. But a hard spook or a full bladder and a bump or sneeze will cause a little leak. Though I was the only person!:eek:

citydog
Apr. 5, 2009, 03:19 PM
Actually they're teaching us in class now that TSS isn't a very big risk at all anymore. Especially for such a short amount of time, you'd probably only wear it for about an hour or so if you were going to use it for xcountry.


Right, but you'd abrade the hell out of your tissues trying to remove a superplus tampon (or any tampon, really) after just an hour or two with no flow. A Diva Cup could produce potentially helpful pressure but without the absorbency/abrasion issues and string problems. :yes:

twobays
Apr. 5, 2009, 03:47 PM
It's a gynaecologist you need not a horse bulletin board.

Because women talking about girlie parts is icky! :D

Kyzteke
Apr. 5, 2009, 04:10 PM
Sorry if this has been suggested, but couldn't read all the threads -- need to get to work.

I am a nurse, and this is not an uncommon problem with "women of a certain age" who have had children.

There are several meds on the market you can try, or the surgery.

Go to your Ob/gyn and talk to them about it. Also, start up with the Kegels again -- see if that helps.

Oh -- and tell your kids regularly "what I did for you!!"

kookicat
Apr. 5, 2009, 04:26 PM
Right, but you'd abrade the hell out of your tissues trying to remove a superplus tampon (or any tampon, really) after just an hour or two with no flow. A Diva Cup could produce potentially helpful pressure but without the absorbency/abrasion issues and string problems. :yes:

Ooh, ouch! Yes, I have to agree with Citydog here.

What I'd love to know is what you girlies do when you have to go XC during that time of the month, especially if you have a stronger flow? (And with cramps that bad you can't stand up somedays.) :no:

Sorry if that's too much of a TMI question! :cool:

WorthTheWait95
Apr. 5, 2009, 04:32 PM
Right, but you'd abrade the hell out of your tissues trying to remove a superplus tampon (or any tampon, really) after just an hour or two with no flow. A Diva Cup could produce potentially helpful pressure but without the absorbency/abrasion issues and string problems. :yes:

Oh for sure. I was just responding to the poster that was worried about the TSS being an issue.

alter pain
Apr. 5, 2009, 04:49 PM
I have the same problem and am currently wearing the "Depends". It really sucks. They bunch up. I am already on the meds. I've tried the exercises and I'm still having a problem.

Does anyone have a solution to the bunching up problem? I have tried putting on my regular undies under the padded pants as well. I have tried every brand.

I'm a dressage rider and sitting the trot and canter is excruciating. Has anyone looked at what kind of gear the cyclists use?

I hope the guys will understand that this really is a riding problem. As I was getting dressed the other day and grumbling about my F...ing diaper my husband was not as sympathetic as I would have wished. I just told him to remember to tell me how he felt the first day he had to wear one.

yellowbritches
Apr. 5, 2009, 05:26 PM
Ooh, ouch! Yes, I have to agree with Citydog here.

What I'd love to know is what you girlies do when you have to go XC during that time of the month, especially if you have a stronger flow? (And with cramps that bad you can't stand up somedays.) :no:

Sorry if that's too much of a TMI question! :cool:
For me, it is no different than riding at home during that time of the month. If I'm having a particularly heavy day at an event, I might make a point of getting to the restroom for a change right before I get on, and occasionally I'll use a little back up with a panty liner. I've never had a big issue, but I think I'm pretty blessed in that department (my biggest gripe with my cycle is the raging headaches/migraines and my homicidal/suicidal tendencies. I've got it pretty easy in the flow and cramps department). My cramps are never so bad that 4 Advil won't knock them out, so as long as I go to the event prepared (Advil, girly stuff, chocolate), I'm good.

bornfreenowexpensive
Apr. 5, 2009, 05:31 PM
Ooh, ouch! Yes, I have to agree with Citydog here.

What I'd love to know is what you girlies do when you have to go XC during that time of the month, especially if you have a stronger flow? (And with cramps that bad you can't stand up somedays.) :no:

Sorry if that's too much of a TMI question! :cool:


Drugs...and tampons. I've not had any problems riding with tampons (but do have to change them often when I have a heavy flow)....but also get massive cramps. I have basic pain meds from my Dr. nothing too strong but easier on the stomach than popping 6 Advil ;) I actually feel better once I'm moving around and riding....and the adrenaline kick for xc makes me forget about the cramps.

An advantage to being on the pill is that you can adjust it so that your period doesn't happen over the weekend.

birdsong
Apr. 5, 2009, 05:32 PM
I got a chuckle with seeing Thomas 1 had checked out the thread and replied!!

I worked for surgeons many years ago, and the solution then was a procedure referred to as a bladder tack. Not sure its the same now...Things shift after a hyster. and this helps to get it back in place and relieve the pressure somewhat .

rally
Apr. 5, 2009, 05:48 PM
Hopefully this is not TMI, but I was fortunate to solve this problem for myself a few years back. My urologist said the kegels were never going to make a difference for me(thanks to my kids) and suggested out-patient surgery mentioned on the first page of this post, a PV sling, which basically provides artificial support using an sling of threads. They make 2 small inicisions on either side of your abdomen and thread the sling through. I am sorry this is not a more precise description, but once it was done the details weren't too important to me. It is suppose to last 10 years and then may need to be redone, I am only 4 years in and it has been a life changing event for me for riding, other sports, laughing and the classic problem-sneezing. I do remember that there was a limit on some activities for a few weeks, but can't remember the specifics. I will definitely do this again when the sling stretches too much or whatever happens that makes it less effective. I am not saying this is the solution for anyone else but may be worth asking your doctor about it and other exercises and procedures for this problem.

purplnurpl
Apr. 5, 2009, 09:20 PM
I got the surgery to tighten up the muscles that had been stretched out, and now I'm just like I was before kids! I can even jump on the trampoline w/ the kids! It's SOOOOOOOOOO worth it!



Well, I'm 29, never had kids and I can't jump on the [large] trampoline. I just made an appointment with Urology and when they asked me why I was scheduling I said, I pee my pants when I try to jump on the trampoline. The receptionist didn't laugh but there was a long pause and I new she was holding it in. Heck, I have to hold it in!! (good pun)

Thank goodness I can jump on my little tramp. I can't run so my tramp is my new way of cardio. I play on it when I watch TV at night. : )

FootPerfect
Apr. 6, 2009, 11:26 AM
For bad cramps and a heavy flo my Gyno told me to take 3 Aleve and keep it up while I need it. It has worked wonders for me.

FootPerfect
Apr. 6, 2009, 11:27 AM
Oh, and on the first page someone suggested KY on the plug when you don't have your period.

Bobthehorse
Apr. 6, 2009, 04:28 PM
Ooh, ouch! Yes, I have to agree with Citydog here.

What I'd love to know is what you girlies do when you have to go XC during that time of the month, especially if you have a stronger flow? (And with cramps that bad you can't stand up somedays.) :no:

Sorry if that's too much of a TMI question! :cool:


Wellllll, I take my BC pills for 3 months at a time, so I only get a period every 3 months, and can usually delay it or bring it on early by a couple days to avoid the shows. Most people freak when I tell them this, they assume it must be horrible for you, but its completely safe according to several gyn's Ive spoken to. Maybe its the thought of a woman controlling the one downfall of being a woman is too much for people :D.

But when I do have to bite the bullet and deal with it, I use the Diva Cup. It lasts all day without having to change it, which rocks when your only bathroom is a boiling plastic port a john.

Romany
Apr. 6, 2009, 07:18 PM
I have the same problem and am currently wearing the "Depends". It really sucks. They bunch up. I am already on the meds. I've tried the exercises and I'm still having a problem.

Does anyone have a solution to the bunching up problem? I have tried putting on my regular undies under the padded pants as well. I have tried every brand.

I'm a dressage rider and sitting the trot and canter is excruciating. Has anyone looked at what kind of gear the cyclists use?

I hope the guys will understand that this really is a riding problem. As I was getting dressed the other day and grumbling about my F...ing diaper my husband was not as sympathetic as I would have wished. I just told him to remember to tell me how he felt the first day he had to wear one.


What about Spanx undies? They have a great selection, so maybe there'd be something in their line that would help stabilize things for you?

www.spanx.com

luise
Apr. 6, 2009, 07:38 PM
Okay, I'm an ob/gyn, and I ride, so here's what you need to know. If you are losing urine when you are doing activities (lifting things, jumping, etc), coughing, sneezing, etc, then you have stress incontinence. Basically the pressure in the bladder is higher than the pressue in the urethra (opposite of what it should be), and so if you remember physics, the urine wants to go from an area of higher to lower pressure. In some people who are very heavy and then lose a lot of weight, the problem may go away because you have removed that added pressure on the bladder. Being pregnant and having babies can contribute to the problem, but a lot of it has to do with genes. I've seen women who've had one baby and everything is falling out, and other women who've had 6 babies and have no problems. So blame your parents! Kegals are more likely to work in a woman who experiences this shortly after delivering a baby. If you are middle aged, they probably won't work. Stress incontinence is treated either surgically or with a pessary.

The surgical procedure is called a sling--it is placed under the urethra and changes the angle of it to change the pressures. There are 2 types of slings--one goes in and out just above the pubic bone, another goes in and out through the groin. It is same day surgery. You would need to take time off to heal because you want the tape to become incorporated into your tissues.
The second option is a pessary. This is a silicone ring that can be placed in the vagina. They actually make something called an incontinence pessary. You could put it in just before riding and take it out when you are done. It may not be comfortable, but you won't know until you try. I did this for one of my patients who leaked when she ran.

Medications are only indicated when you have urge incontinence--i.e. you have to run to the bathroom because you can't hold it. Medications won't fix stress incontinence.

I recommend you see a urogynecologist to discuss you options. Good luck!

fivehorses
Apr. 6, 2009, 07:48 PM
I just so happened to have a gyno appt yesterday. I discussed with my doc the fact that now I am post menopausal, I seem to have leakage problem.

His response was some of the problem is lack of estrogen and that did something to the walls of the whatever, whatever. I just heard "lack of estrogen' and kind of thought, great welcome to mid life/old age.

I have never had kids. I asked about doing kegals and he told me it won't help in this instance. He said there were meds for it, but advised against them.
Told me not to go to frequently so the bladder gets use to being empty, drink plenty of water, etc.

It may not be stress incontinence, but I find if I lift things, or do something strenous, I find I leak.

tikidoc
Apr. 6, 2009, 08:10 PM
Okay, I'm an ob/gyn, and I ride, so here's what you need to know. If you are losing urine when you are doing activities (lifting things, jumping, etc), coughing, sneezing, etc, then you have stress incontinence. Basically the pressure in the bladder is higher than the pressue in the urethra (opposite of what it should be), and so if you remember physics, the urine wants to go from an area of higher to lower pressure. In some people who are very heavy and then lose a lot of weight, the problem may go away because you have removed that added pressure on the bladder. Being pregnant and having babies can contribute to the problem, but a lot of it has to do with genes. I've seen women who've had one baby and everything is falling out, and other women who've had 6 babies and have no problems. So blame your parents! Kegals are more likely to work in a woman who experiences this shortly after delivering a baby. If you are middle aged, they probably won't work. Stress incontinence is treated either surgically or with a pessary.

The surgical procedure is called a sling--it is placed under the urethra and changes the angle of it to change the pressures. There are 2 types of slings--one goes in and out just above the pubic bone, another goes in and out through the groin. It is same day surgery. You would need to take time off to heal because you want the tape to become incorporated into your tissues.
The second option is a pessary. This is a silicone ring that can be placed in the vagina. They actually make something called an incontinence pessary. You could put it in just before riding and take it out when you are done. It may not be comfortable, but you won't know until you try. I did this for one of my patients who leaked when she ran.

Medications are only indicated when you have urge incontinence--i.e. you have to run to the bathroom because you can't hold it. Medications won't fix stress incontinence.

I recommend you see a urogynecologist to discuss you options. Good luck!

Another riding OB chiming in. You beat me to it Luise, LOL. The only things I would add is that someone mentioned an anterior colporrhaphy (also called an anterior repair) earlier. There are much more effective procedures now, including a variety of sling procedures that have already been mentioned. Anterior repairs are pretty crappy incontinence procedures in most cases.

FYI, Gully'sPilot, we (ETSU OB/Gyn) are hiring a urogynecologist who is starting this summer. If you want, I can let you know when his schedule is opened for appointments. He's a good guy and very well-trained. PM or call me if you have questions.

luise
Apr. 6, 2009, 08:54 PM
Another riding OB chiming in. You beat me to it Luise, LOL. The only things I would add is that someone mentioned an anterior colporrhaphy (also called an anterior repair) earlier. There are much more effective procedures now, including a variety of sling procedures that have already been mentioned. Anterior repairs are pretty crappy incontinence procedures in most cases.

FYI, Gully'sPilot, we (ETSU OB/Gyn) are hiring a urogynecologist who is starting this summer. If you want, I can let you know when his schedule is opened for appointments. He's a good guy and very well-trained. PM or call me if you have questions.

Oh, I agree--that's why I didn't mention it. Not for incontinence in my opinion. A cystocele, yes.

Kairoshorses
Apr. 6, 2009, 09:31 PM
The Sling's the THING! I love it! I even got to have my surgery with a local, since I get sooo queasy. I even got to cough so the doc could tighten it "just right". :lol:

Seriously, it's changed my life. I can lift things. I can ride. I can jump on the trampoline. I LOVE it.

Shrapnel
Apr. 7, 2009, 12:37 AM
Shrapnel, I'm aware you're laughing your a$$ off right now, but hey, I live to serve. Be glad it's never gonna happen to you, and don't go looking at my crouch next event, either.

OMG! TMI, TMI, TMI!!!!! :lol: :lol:

I think I will just avoid this thread from now on. Haha...shew...way TMI! :eek::lol:

riderboy
Apr. 7, 2009, 10:16 AM
Yes, Shrapnel, but they never have to worry about the occasional awkward landing on Big Jim and the twins!

Shrapnel
Apr. 7, 2009, 10:20 AM
Yes, Shrapnel, but they never have to worry about the occasional awkward landing on Big Jim and the twins!

Very true! :yes: haha.

goeslikestink
Apr. 7, 2009, 05:09 PM
I'm a happy middle-aged mom, and, like many women of my age and status, have the occaisional problem with stress urinary incontinence--that is to say, if I sneeze very suddenly, or something like that, I will, occaisionally, and only a tiny bit, pee my pants. This stinks but is a common side effect of childbearing. Back when I first gave birth I did a bunch of kegels, which helped.

Lately I've been having a very similar problem while riding cross country. Cross country only, never sj or dressage, and only lately, even though I've been eventing for years. I can't quite fathom why. I've been doing a lot of yoga and definitely am stronger now, especially my core muscles, than I have been, but why this would make me more likely to pee--no idea.

So--anyone have similar problems? If so, what did you do? I'm not thrilled with the idea of going xc wearing a maxi pad, but it would beat coming through the finish flags with a wet saddle. I rather like my saddle.

I tried to put this under an alter but couldn't figure out how to do it. Shrapnel, I'm aware you're laughing your a$$ off right now, but hey, I live to serve. Be glad it's never gonna happen to you, and don't go looking at my crouch next event, either.

were you told when you had your kid to hold yourself and use your inside mussles
as in pull your bum in tight or pretent to go and not go if you like so you teach your mussles to hold -- as before we all had kids we could all hold on to it but then fater kids the 1st thing they sat is exercise your inner pelvic floor mussles so squeeze your bum cheeks in then release then squeeese and teach yourself to fitten up your inner mussles

MotherGoose
Apr. 10, 2009, 01:45 PM
I had the same issue in my mid 40's, and doing lots of exercises didn't help. What DID help was input I got about how being chronically dehydrated (and what woman isn't usually that way--we either are looking out for everyone else and not ourselves, or drinking sodas instead of water) can cause this issue.

The way it was explained to me is that water has only 1 oxygen molecule, and as we age, free radicals steal oxygen from water. The oxygen is critical to carrying the water into the cell membranes, and when it is stolen, the water just passes through. I don't know how this relates to urinary leakage, but when I tried the product this person recommended, all that stopped! I was stunned. Had been to doctors and everything.

There are now several products out on the market--ususally available in health food stores, and sometimes already in water that is sometimes sold in supermarkets. What you want to look for is drops that ADD an extra oxygen molecule to water. When I use this daily, I no longer have to get up so often in the night, and have NO leakage at all. I'm amazed at how much more my bladder can hold! And no need for invasive surgery. This may not be your issue, but it sure is worth a try. Good luck!

Risk-Averse Rider
Apr. 15, 2009, 02:14 PM
I thought that post-surgery, you weren't *ever* supposed to lift more than, say, 25 lbs. Ever again.

(Clearly not an option for someone who deals with horses.)

From what's being said, it sounds like this isn't true.

starkissed
Apr. 15, 2009, 02:29 PM
I hope the guys will understand that this really is a riding problem. As I was getting dressed the other day and grumbling about my F...ing diaper my husband was not as sympathetic as I would have wished. I just told him to remember to tell me how he felt the first day he had to wear one.

LOL

kyredhed
Jun. 19, 2009, 08:49 AM
i to had a hysterectomy and now am diagnosed with a rectocele(prolaspe of the bowel) I was wondering if it is okay to still ride. I show my horse and do a lot of cross country. Anyone else out there with this same issue. It is a lot like a cystocele(prolaspe bladder). I don't have urine leakage. I can't get an answer from my gyn because she does not ride a horse, she thinks all horses are trotting horses. SOme web sites say don't ride, but i thought riding help with pelvic floor muscles. Are there any OBGYN's on here who ride and can give me an answer.

caffeinated
Jun. 19, 2009, 09:08 AM
There are now several products out on the market--ususally available in health food stores, and sometimes already in water that is sometimes sold in supermarkets. What you want to look for is drops that ADD an extra oxygen molecule to water. When I use this daily, I no longer have to get up so often in the night, and have NO leakage at all. I'm amazed at how much more my bladder can hold! And no need for invasive surgery. This may not be your issue, but it sure is worth a try. Good luck!

I don't understand how you could possibly add an oxygen atom to a water molecule. It wouldn't be water anymore (and I can't imagine it's possible anyway, without heat or something). Methinks this might be some sort of placebo effect. If you want to "oxygenate" your water, shaking it to get some air bubbles in there would probably do it. But then you'd likely burb it out anyway.

Where's Deltawave?

I did find this... http://www.chem1.com/CQ/oxyscams.html

and this (http://web.archive.org/web/20030816133251/www.gatech.edu/news-room/archive/news_releases/sports-august2001.html).

and that (http://sportsmedicine.about.com/cs/nutrition/a/aa022802a.htm).

and an old article (http://www.accessmylibrary.com/coms2/summary_0286-6776223_ITM).

and the last question here (http://www.wellnessletter.com/html/wl/2006/wlAskExperts0106.html)...

and some sort of geeky page (http://www.ultrunr.com/ox-water.html)about it.

OK I'll stop now. Sorry.... born skeptic over here!

luise
Jun. 19, 2009, 09:37 AM
i to had a hysterectomy and now am diagnosed with a rectocele(prolaspe of the bowel) I was wondering if it is okay to still ride. I show my horse and do a lot of cross country. Anyone else out there with this same issue. It is a lot like a cystocele(prolaspe bladder). I don't have urine leakage. I can't get an answer from my gyn because she does not ride a horse, she thinks all horses are trotting horses. SOme web sites say don't ride, but i thought riding help with pelvic floor muscles. Are there any OBGYN's on here who ride and can give me an answer.

No reason why you can't ride. If it is a large rectocele and making you uncomfortable, then you may want to look into surgery. Nothing will make it better or go away other than surgery (or a pessary).

kyredhed
Jun. 19, 2009, 10:03 AM
No reason why you can't ride. If it is a large rectocele and making you uncomfortable, then you may want to look into surgery. Nothing will make it better or go away other than surgery (or a pessary).
thanks for replying to me... I was afraid it would make it worse. I am so distressed over this. I ride all the time before hyster and can't believe this has happened. only had the operation for heavy bleeding and irregular periods. I wish i could go back but can't! The doctor said i might had had a small one before operation and they just didn't see it. I thought i would do good with this hyster like my mom and sis did. mom had hers over 30 yr ago and did great. go figure .... anyway thanks for the reply, i wonder how many other horse women deal with this issue. If i have operation can i still ride?

luise
Jun. 19, 2009, 10:45 AM
thanks for replying to me... I was afraid it would make it worse. I am so distressed over this. I ride all the time before hyster and can't believe this has happened. only had the operation for heavy bleeding and irregular periods. I wish i could go back but can't! The doctor said i might had had a small one before operation and they just didn't see it. I thought i would do good with this hyster like my mom and sis did. mom had hers over 30 yr ago and did great. go figure .... anyway thanks for the reply, i wonder how many other horse women deal with this issue. If i have operation can i still ride?

You can still ride after you recover from surgery. Rectoceles and cystoceles are not uncommon after hysterectomies.

kyredhed
Jun. 19, 2009, 11:38 AM
really? Thank you for the information, i have been down about this... My friends keep asking me why i am not riding very much and i lied and told them my back hurt. You have made me feel better! Thank you THank you. I load up and go camping with my horse and i ride for 4 and sometimes 7 hours every friday and saturday. Thank you