{Diastasis Recti & Hernia}

Wednesday, March 30, 2011
Let's start this post off with a positive before I start talking a lot of negative! My mom {Grandma MeMe} came down today to play with the boys. I was able to run out and get a new ID, run to TJ Maxx & get a lot of work done in the office, so it was SO appreciated! Sometimes as a stay-at-home mom, I forget just how nice it is to be alone ... I can actually run errands in less than an hour :)

On a serious note, I told you I would explain this whole hernia thing in lamen terms today, pretty much spelling out everything I am dealing with and will be going though. Right now, I have diasatis recti, which means the muscles in my abdomen are not connected at all. They have completely torn, and from what the doctor says, they are about 5 1/2 inches apart ... which is a great amount. It doesn't cause any pain, but it does not help any situations. Basically right now I look like I am 5 to 6 months preggers, because when your muscles are not attached, you can not do sit ups ... those muscles don't work together anymore. So without being able to work your abs, you start to gain fat in that area over the top. Not to mention, when you do try to do sit ups ... it creates a bulge. A very unfaltering bulge that looks like my uterus never went down after birth. It's humiliating, uncomfortable, and of course, gives you ZERO confidence. But again, there is no physical pain.

However, you will begin to have pain if a hernia develops. Well guess what? I have a hernia. I have started to have a lot of pain, especially in the middle of the day when I have just been pulled in every direction. You start to feel really bloated right after you eat ... even if you eat just a little bit. The hernia actually starts pushing right through the torn abdominal muscles.

So what does this mean? Well, since insurance will not pay for to fix my muscles, and since I have a hernia, I have started seeing a plastic surgeon. I want to feel confident and be more comfortable at the same time. It's a scary process, and means I will literally be out for a couple of weeks. I am really scared and nervous, but I have decided to get this fixed. I will let everyone know if a few weeks exactly when this will take place, but as of right now, know it will be soon.

Thanks for every one's support and for letting me explain why I haven't been around so much lately.

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5 comments:

Chris said...

OH I hope all goes well and you get to feeling better quickly!

Life, Crafts and Whatever said...

Good luck with whatever you decide, and I hope it doesn't cause you too much pain.

Anonymous said...

UGH, Natalie! You're in my thoughts and prayers! (I just happened to look at this today and found this!!! AHH!!! Now, I'll probably look much more often) :)
Cara

The Phelps said...

Girl, Been there! Let me know if you have any questions. and Just an FYI to prepare yourself, NO lifting anything for the first few weeks, and after that no more then like 5lbs. Meaning no picking up the little men for over a month. And its a LONG recovery, I am 8 months out and still have swelling, and occasional discomfort. Also you may check with the plastic surgeons, get more then one opinion because some plastic surgeons dont want to deal with insurance but others will file, and you maybe able to get the hernia itself paid for. It is an injury from pregnancy which is typically covered.
But more then anything you wont look prego anymore, and thats a victory in and of itself.
Love ya girl! (the price we pay to be moms ;)

Unknown said...

I'm so sorry you're dealing with this! It sound quite painful. I'm glad you're considering the plastic surgery and hope it all turns out for the best. I'll be thinking about you and keep us posted!

 
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