Humiliating at the very LEAST!!

orange_avocado

Wow, I wish my doctors had been as smart as you all are! I actually had this problem when I was a child - so clearly, not childbirth related. I grew up with frequent bladder infections and the same problem of not having any muscle control over needing to pee. I remember wetting my pants while jumping around with my girl scout troop at 11 years old and being SO embarrassed. Sometime around puberty I grew out of it, but to this day I have a hard time 'holding it' and need to actively concentrate. Kegels help, definitely.

Thanks for posting this, everyone's answers here have actually helped relieve a bit of childhood trauma. And now I know what to watch out for when I *do* get pregnant!

OH! And to answer your question about the 30DS Jumping Jacks, try looking around for people who have knee problems and have needed to do modified versions. I know in round 2 she says something about 'never showing a modified version' but there has to be something you could do. A word of caution though, the jumping seems to increase throughout the levels, so maybe this isn't the best exercise program for you?

CountryGal2

You don't need to be embarrassed. This sounds like a medical problem. Your muscles have weakened. I suggest you talk with your doctor. Write a note if you don't think you want to say this aloud. I believe there are now solutions to this that can help you. Look on the mayo clinic website for more info. You don't have to live with this. You just need to be brave enough to talk to your doctor. Hope you get some help.

Nailrep

Nothing to be embarrassed about at all. LOTS of women have this problem. Go see your GYN. He/she will know what to do. Maybe a bladder tack, which is pretty common.

california_peach

Thank you for bringing this up. I have the same issue with jumping and I honestly never thought to talk to my doctor. I just assumed that it was to be expected after having kids. You are very obviously not alone and you should feel no shame. Hugs! Now, let's all call our doctors or at least start a support group.

amysj303

I wanted to reply but didn't read all the replies so if I am repeating others, sorry! I wanted to say my Physical Therapist friends specializes in this kind of thing so you could look at physical therapy, it might be embarrassing to you but it's her job and she knows how to help, don't be ashamed! also, if it's just a matter of time, I wonder can you do the jumping jacks from a plank position? that's even more muscle groups and you don't have the same jumping action?!

DigitalRain

Have you consulted a physician? It may not be an issue of muscle control, but displacement of your uterus. It can be 'lifted' to relieve the pressure on your bladder. You can try do kegels to strengthen your pelvic floor muscles. It may not be much of an improvement, but hubby will notice the increased...um.....tone.:drinker:

I think the surgery is called pubovaginal sling. They use mesh to strengthen the pelvic floor. I work at a hospital that do this type of surgery frequently. Please check with your doc and see what your options are.

cassidystreasures

Thank you for bringing this up. I have the same issue with jumping and I honestly never thought to talk to my doctor. I just assumed that it was to be expected after having kids. You are very obviously not alone and you should feel no shame. Hugs! Now, let's all call our doctors or at least start a support group.

I agree on bring this up! Im 30 and having this problem. Last year for my OBGYN appt he had said my uterus was tilted, but while there never thought of mentioning my "leaks". So thanks to finding posts on her and knowing Im not the only one who we will say FLOODS with jumping jacks i now have a appt with someone in the uro ogist (how ever you spell it) on monday. Hopefully we will figure something out

kelsully

I have four kids...after tons of kegals I can work out without wetting myself..


Go talk to your doc..there are things they can do to fix this....

stacielynn1

you may need a bladder sling. Its what urologist call where they basically lift ur bladder back up. Over time esp during long and intense labor your bladder can drop and if it does not correct itself then u need to seek help with a urologist and get your options!

ahhdebs

Consult a doctor, there is a simple procedure that will help you, and if you arnt a suitable candidate for the procedure i am sure that a doctor will give you options.
I too had the problem, but i bought a little device to strengthen the muscles and wow it did the trick.
Seek help hun.....don't suffer in silence XX HUGS XX

Fineraziel

Im so sorry for you. Did you try to visit a specialist ? A physiotherapist could help you with the control of your pelvic muscles... Well worth trying! Also, there are simple exercises you can do at home (Kegel exercise).

But about jumping jacks, if you want to avoid them, I would replace those with "step touch". If you are very energetic and move your arms up and down while doing it, it is quite a good cardio exercise!

Good luck!

dream_litotes

You're not alone! My mother has issues with it as well (although she never talks about it) and I'm actively trying to prepare myself as best I can to avoid it.

I recently came across the following articles, which are slightly radical but very funny and interesting. There are links to more information and just generally a lot of useful things about what our bodies need.

The first one: http://mamasweat.blogspot.com/2010/05/pelvic-floor-party-kegels-are-not.html
Follow-up: http://mamasweat.blogspot.com/2010/05/pelvic-floor-encore.html
A funny and link-gather type post about everything pelvic, on the blog of the woman who is interviewed in the two first links: http://www.katysays.com/2010/10/29/tail-of-two-pumpkins/

Her blog is very interesting in general, and is all about how to treat your body right (in terms of posture and exercises). I definitely recommend reading it if you have the time.