Looking for answers
Firstly thank you so much for the welcome to the group, it's great to know that there is a forum to discuss these issues which seem to affect quite a few of us.
Although I am coming up to the 3rd a...
Forum Discussion
Hi all, went to the physio yesterday afternoon and she has started desensitization therapy to deal with the deep pain that I have during sex. This is separate to the entry pain, which is caused by insufficient lubrication, and is likely exacerbated by the various bc treatments, particularly being lop-sided for 2 years due to my mastectomy which worsened my balance and posture (which was already a bit dodgy due to pre-existing scoliosis) and so my pelvic region is completely out of alignment, yay!!
The reconstruction I had last year has actually improved my balance by having a similar weight back up on top, but because things have been out of whack for a while, the muscles etc are tight and inflexible all down my right side, including my hip flexors and pelvic floor region (thus the pain).
I was interested to read your comments Pam as it sounds as though you did something very similar when you had your hysterectomy.
So this is basically what the therapy is: vaginal exercises to relax the area (so Julie it is a sort of vaginal pilates!!! which btw when I mentioned that to the physio she thought was very funny but quite an accurate description re outcome!!), and includes pelvic floor exercises, targeted breathing and stretching, acupuncture and massage.
My first appointment consisted of acupuncture and massage to the pelvic area & lower back to improve blood flow - never had acupuncture before but it made an immediate difference to the lower abdominal area which was really tight due to the reconstruction and subsequent scarring and it really softened the whole area up. She also got me working on my pelvic floor through visualization, consciously moving targeted parts of my body and deep breathing. Apparently next week she does some internal massage / stretching stuff - she didn't want to do that first up as she felt we should get to know each other a bit better first!! The things we do....;-)
I have 5 sessions all together at this stage, which my lovely GP has included in an allied health plan, so getting most of the cost back through Medicare.
Anyway, thanks too for the reminders re Yes moisturiser - have ordered some now and looking forward to trying it out!
Jane xx