Alyssa Sherring - Pelvic Organ Prolapse won’t stop me from exercise!

PostpartumMember StoriesExerciseProlapse

20 Jun

Meet Alyssa Sherring, a remarkable member of the She Moves community, who has shown huge courage by opening up about her journey with Pelvic Organ Prolapse. In a world where this condition is often left unspoken, Alyssa's determination to shed light on her experience is both empowering and inspiring.

Alyssa shares in the hope to help other women feel less alone, she said “The physios say it’s so common however, it never gets openly talked about! I definitely never learnt about it in any antenatal groups etc. More women need to know about this stuff!”

Alyssa shares her story, showcasing how she refuses to be held back from pursuing her passions and living life to the fullest. Her resilience is nothing short of amazing!

When did you find out you had Pelvic Organ Prolapse?

Two weeks after my third child was born. I had purposefully been taking things slow and focusing on resting. I started feeling a heavy weight, it felt like something had changed/was wrong. I got my midwife to check she suggested making an appointment with a Women’s Health Physiotherapist. I went at seven weeks and it was confirmed.

How did you feel about this initially?

I had a lot of questions. I didn’t know anyone who had experienced this. I was disappointed, uncomfortable and worried about what this might mean for my return to movement and walking, which I rely on as an outlet for my mental health. At the time I was finding even walking uncomfortable.

What did your journey back into exercise look like?

I have just started as my boy is only four months old. I have to keep reminding myself that it is going to be a slow and steady process and that is what is best for my body… I will get my fitness back one day!

After my physiotherapist appointment I joined She Moves. I started She Restores - Pelvic Floor & Core Restore classes x4 week for nine weeks. I loved having this structured movement into my weeks.

I also slowly increased the amount of time I walked. And did my pelvic floors as many times as I remembered. I then went back to the physiotherapist and she noticed a positive improvement. Nothing huge and still have a lot of work to do to manage my prolapse with SRC recovery shorts, a pessary etc.

My new routine is doing x2 She Restores - Pelvic Floor & Core Restore and x2 She Starts classes a week. I've added in She Starts as the next step and feel ready for that next challenge.

How did your She Moves membership support you on this journey back into exercise and feeling confident to move your body?

I don’t have to think about what I am going to do or if it’s a safe form of movement for me. My brain feels fried from everything else, so it’s nice just to open the class and press play! The mobility work in She Restores is also great for my back (from feeding, rocking etc). It also makes me take some time dedicated for me and I always feel good after!

I’ve definitely started to feel improvement and I’ve been focusing on those non scale victories! It’s hard because you just want results overnight but you have to put in the mahi.

I have really listened to how the She Moves trainers say consistency is key, so even if I haven’t had the best sleep etc, I’ve still been aiming for x4 classes a week. I’m focusing on consistency rather than perfection and just showing up for me… it’s a hard mindset to shift but I’m getting there!

How do you modify the classes to work for you?

The trainers taught me how to modify the classes to work for me. They talk about prolapse in the classes. It is extremely helpful! I know I’ll be able to carry the knowledge I’m learning in the She Moves workouts into workouts and all aspects of daily movement.

What advice would you give for someone who has just found out they have a prolapse?

You’re not alone! The Women’s Health Physio’s are amazing, sucks how expensive they are but ACC may be able to fund some part of your appointments. (From 1st October 2022 some birth injuries are covered by ACC please check with your GP/ Physio to see if you meet the criteria.)

What are your exercise goals for the future?

To feel strong, energetic and confident in my body! I’m going to continue doing She Moves home workouts x4 times a week, build up to She Tones Low Impact and then eventually I’m going to get to She Explodes - HIIT!