The first time I was seen by a medical professional post birth trauma was 6 weeks later. As I sat across from my OBGYN, (the same one who delivered me), she first calmly told me I was too bruised to examine. She then proceeded to tell me about my “normal” delivery and my “normal” recovery and how it would just take time to get back to “normal.” No mention of physical therapy, fecal incontinence surgery, PTSD treatment, just a condescending statement that “normalcy” would be achieved with time. She then, offhandedly, remarked-“It’s not like you need to ever ride a bike again.”
WHAT? Part of my “normal” recovery from my “normal” delivery would impact my ability to ride a bike? I often think about this statement. Was my OBGYN placing a thought in my head, a thought that I could reinforce with a nonchalance of “well, it’s not like I need to.”
Well, since then I have switched OBGYN’s, but the switch for the bike statement in my brain was not as easily achieved. Until now. I have found a bike seat that I am ready to try. This bike seat eliminates pressure on the perineum area and claims to be both comfortable and functional for those with pelvic floor issues.
I’ll let you know how it goes!
Thanks for reading,
Lauren
Husband to a Birth Trauma PTSD wife. Said:
on June 3, 2012 at 8:14 am
Bloody hell!
Starts of as an interesting post, but, normality is not subjective if linked with: won’t/can’t ride a bike again?!
How are you doing now?
Really interesting articles Lauren. I do hope you are doing ‘better’ now? Keep in touch and please do feel free to comment on our Blog articles; hence linking our readers to yours!
Steve.
http://www.BirthTraumaPTSD.com
ps. If you need a hand with any of your web bits, eg. Anything on your site bugging you – I’ll see if I can help for free as I’ve my own web consultancy firm.