And just like that it’s 2 years since I had that horrible pubic symphysis fusion surgery. Let me just tell you, I feel GREAT! You really wouldn’t even know the ordeal I went thru. I’ve been running and swimming and biking occasionally (that still bothers my SI joint in my back).
I did my first race since surgery in the Outer Banks NC and it was a 5K on the beach. It was a fun race, I did it with some good friends (shout out to Colleen and Scott Lee!).
I have people asking me all the time what I’m doing that has been so helpful post surgery. My answer…weekly Pilates, constant stretching of my SI joint (done with my husband), and believe it or not, regular exercise. Not excessive or hard core stuff, I have trouble lifting anything heavy, but running and swimming a few times a week have been very helpful for my pelvis.
To those following my blog dealing with post-partum osteitis pubis, there really is hope. It is a long road, but hang in there and stay strong. Surround yourself with people who are caring and understanding, as this condition can cause some serious swings with your life.
Random question, does anyone want to see a video of the SI joint stretch I do to get instant relief when I have a bad flare up? If so, please respond and I can try to upload a video on my blog.
the new iron mom 
2 years since surgery and less than that since you couldn’t pick up your son. And now that awesome picture attached to the latest post. Amazing — congratulations on fighting your way back and putting yourself out there for anyone else that might be fighting the same battle. Great stuff!
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Thank you so much Erik! So true, I couldn’t pick up Patrick for a very long time (now clearly I don’t put him down haha).
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Hi! My name is Ali. I’ll be having the same surgery in one week. I’m also an Occupational Therapist. I know what my precautions will be but just wondering how much help you needed doing the basic needs (toileting, bathing, getting dressed) in those first few weeks. Could you get out of bed by yourself? My doctor allows walker with swing thru gait for short distances in the house and wheelchair otherwise for 8 weeks. What were your post op precautions and how did you progress once you were allowed to perform a reciprocal gait? I’m really getting nervous. I’m used to being the one in charge and taking care of everyone else and the not knowing is making me really anxious. I’m very fit and was using to lifting weights and working out 6 days a week. I just want my life back. Thanks for any feedback you can give me.
Ali
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Hi Ali! Sorry to hear that you have to have this surgery but hopefully it is the answer that you need. My dr had me doing the swing thru gait with a walker around the house as well for 10 weeks, took me a good 3 weeks to get that down to a science. So the first 3 weeks are horrible and you will need constant care, especially for the first 2 weeks. I had a catheter in for 2 weeks and I was unable to get in and out of bed on my own for almost 3 weeks. My husband had medical leave from his work to care for me for 3 weeks and we also had another family member/friend at the house for the initial 2-3 weeks to care for the kids as my hubby was busy caring for me. CRAZY! So once I was allowed to try walking, I felt pretty good and a lot of my pain was gone. I had weird hip pain still but I just needed to stretch out my quads for a week or so. I would say light stretching daily would be beneficial for you once you are allowed to do it (ask your dr). Also, keep in mind that you will probably need a good year to fully recover from this major surgery. Don’t attempt any strenuous exercising for a good year post op. Probably not what you want to hear but do try to take it easy for awhile. email me anytime if you have more specific questions cyndi.roberts5@gmail.com. Best Wishes Ali!
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Hey Cyndi. Congratulations! It’s not just the 5K but the fact that it was ON A BEACH. Even walking on sand is a highly problematic with PSD. Amazing achievement!
Recommend Clinical Pilates 2/wk taught by licensed physiotherapists to resolve the biking and weights glitches. They need not be permanent. I’m also doing weights sessions 2/wk as “pre-hab” with workout carefully designed by exercise physiologist from the same physiotherapy clinic. The design is not to accommodate my PSD but to carefully counter it. Where others lift seated and supported in a machine, or use a barbell which provides an axis of stability, her program has me lifting only free weights – standing on one leg to train my core to cope with instability. Still a beginner, but a little stronger, able to lift a little more, balance better, every month, with great payoffs in daily life.
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And “Yes, please” re the SIJ stretch video!
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Hi Carol!! Got it, I’ll get a video uploaded soon. Sounds like you have a solid plan for your condition, best wishes to you.
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Are You going to get rid of metal plates? Or it stays forever?
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