Jo

Cat, My stomach muscles seperated when i was carrying Jack, not to the extent of yours though, I was also told that they would never go back together and that surgery was an option.
To me if medical proffesionals are offering you this option it must be for your own good, especially with the previous problems you have had with your back.
I don't think you are being Vain on this i think it is for your physical well being

I was really lucky as i was a gym addict before i had Jack and had a six pack, don't know if this had anything to do with my muscles somehow stitching themselves back or what.

Do what you feel you must and way up all the pros and cons thats all you can do

Cat

Thanks Jo, my physio reckons its because I have no flexibilty to my back, its forced the baby to come out front more which has caused the problem. I want to aviod surgery if at all possible, I have enough scars already!

And weestar these 'complications' as you put it I was not aware of, again I just assumed it was normal post baby belly, I knew my muscles had separted but I didnt realise the extent. And was somewhat concerned to be told I need to wear a support belt in labour to protect my back and abdominal wall. Are you insinuating that perhaps if I knew I had these problems then I shouldnt be having another child?

beanie

Jesus how judgemental are some replies here. Am sure Cat pays enough into the NHS and if she needs to have an operation then she can have one. And even if it was for cosmetic reasons (which she has stated it isn't) then I would be happy for her to have it if it helped her with her confidence etc. My confidence and self esteem have taken a really bad knock since having Seren, and if it got to the stage that my depression was really really bad I would look at improving things. I would probably go private as I have that option but if I didn't then if I qualified I would use the NHS.

And before anyone tells me about people not getting things that they really need, don't bother as I have seen it twice with my parents, and yes it pisses me off but it is down to the people who run the NHS.

weestar21

dont try and attempt to put words in my mouth!

im off but will be back later on feel free to add mt to msn cat im sure if u have something u want to get of your chest i will be more than happy to talk it over!

Cat

I dont have anything to get off my chest to you, I just wanted to know what you ment by your comment 'did I know about this before trying for another baby' as if that should have changed anything??

So it seems we should only be having operations on the NHS if they are otherwise going to be fatal!! Well I guess that I should never have had my spinal operations either then and just lived with the pain and deformed back, ribs, hips and shoulders, atfer all that was just cosmetic too.

Jo

Cat don't sweat it hun
It wouldn't have been offered if they didn't think you needed it, at the end of the day the decision is yours.
As Beanie said you pay your NI and Tax like everyone else
x

hypnorm

http://pregnancyandbaby.com/pregnanc...x-this-302.htm

thought this might help.

Cat

Thanks Hypnorm, Its helpt to have a name for this now diastasis recti I will have to look up a load of info! I have been given a load of info on post pregnancy exersices, which hopefully will help correct the problem, plus I have already been refered in advance to post natal physio care, so they can get to work correcting this asap. It looks to be whats causing my PGP hip pain, as the trunk of my body isnt being supported by my abdominals like it should be. The physio was a bit shocked that I hadnt been refered any sooner, but the level of care Ive been having has been so shockingly bad this time round. But hopefully wearing my lovely stomach support belt and stocking from now on and post natal exercise will help stop it getting worse.

The problem I have is because I have riged metal rods the length of my spine, I have no flexibility to my spine as I have no seperate vertebra and disks. so thins like sit ups are not safe for me as my whole trunk wants to lift as one instead of just lifting the upper part to a crunch if you know what I mean.

Kina

Just to jump in here - how do you know if they've seperated? Is it something you can feel/see? I've had a bad back since having Alex, I thought initially it was because I was forced to give birth on my back that I might have done something then. But it's still painful.
Sorry to hear that you're suffering Cat, the op sounds like a great idea if it helps someone to live a painfree life!!

hypnorm

I could see it when i was pregnany with ewan as whe i went to get out og the bath or sit up i could see the sides of my tummy tightening but my tummy button was bulging out also most making a triangle shape with my body - i could also feel where the muscles had parted as theat bit was firm but it the middle it was soft - i could almost get my fingers under the muscle! - but all seems to be ok since ewan - just a fat blob now!!

What happened with your back if you dont mind me being nosey!