Lezaan Alexander - “I’m back running after rehabbing my prolapse!”

PostpartumExercisePelvic FloorMember StoriesProlapse

27 Jun

Prepare to be inspired by the incredible journey of Lezaan, a courageous member of She Moves. Her story beautifully illustrates the power of perseverance.

When Lezaan discovered that she had a prolapse, she was utterly devastated. The news forced her to reevaluate her approach to exercise and make significant changes. Lezaan's determination led her to She Moves, where she found the invaluable support and guidance she desperately needed.

Through dedication to the She Moves She Restores Pelvic Floor & Core Restore class, Lezaan had an amazing transformation. Gradually, she regained her strength, confidence and can now run again! A super inspiring story!

When did you find out you had Pelvic Organ Prolapse?

Around four months postpartum. Although, I think I had some early signs/symptoms which I missed. Sadly.

How did you feel about this initially?

Angry, sad and alone - some days I still have these feelings. I felt letdown by my body and let down by my medical team. It really pushed my PPD & PPA to peak. I was in a very dark sad place. But, it does get better with the right support which you’ll read about below!

What did your journey back into exercise look like?

Slow. Physically & Mentally. It could have possibly been faster if I found She Moves earlier!!!

I started with 3x a day pelvic floor work which my pelvic floor physio gave me. I was fitted with a support pessary & started with topical oestrogen cream because I was still breastfeeding. This again was with the support of my physio.

I was also walking a few times a week for my mental health. Unfortunately, I had to stop swimming (which used to be my favorite form of exercise), but it just didn’t feel right.

Then about 12 months postpartum I found She Moves! She Moves gave me the structure I needed and craved. I dedicated to at least 12 weeks of the Pelvic Floor & Core Restores class as advised by the trainers, plus I was still walking every day.

In March, my Specialist physio gave me the clearance to run and changed my physio regime a bit. Again, too scared to run, I dedicated another two months of She Moves. I did it everyday. But at this point I added some other She Moves workouts; Pilates, weights and I was able to go back swimming again!

At 18 months postpartum after a tonne of rehab and commitment, I laced my running shoes. Popped my fav tunes in my ears and I ran 5.5km through the Redwoods in Rotorua! It felt amazing. No pelvic pain and no pressure on my bladder! Success!!!

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

I have so much to say, but it would make this blog too long! To be honest, it was all a lot more valuable & insightful than what my physio had shared with me!

She Moves gave me the "plan" and structure that I was lacking for ages. I struggled to be consistent doing exercises based off a piece of paper with a few pictures & explanations. She Moves was just perfect because I could just push play and follow along.

With She Moves I felt like I had a guide / plan and everything was step-by-step. I was learnt so much including;

How to manage intra-abdominal pressure
How to check my Pelvic Floor when doing a squat
How to breathe correctly
How to modify specific exercises when I needed

How do you modify the classes to work for you?

A lot of modifications are given by the trainers during the classes. She Restores taught me how to check in with my pelvic floor during certain exercises.

I know my pelvic floor "feels" different depending where I am in my cycle. So, I base my classes for the week on that too. Example. I will do more low impact, she restores / she flows when I'm PMSing / have my period.

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

Do not hide away alone, seek help. Although the prolapse can't be 100% "reversed"with the right support and rehabilitation you can safely return to exercise and have a happy normal life. You are not alone, it’s so common - people just don't talk about it!

What are your exercise goals for the future?

I am slowly coming back stronger, mentally and physically. I have never been this dedicated to moving my body everyday which I am so proud of. It took me having a prolapse to really prioritise building a strong foundation and prioroitising my strength,

Short term fitness goals are to build up to a 9km race later this year! Long term, I want to comfortably be able to run 10km+ with husband and our running dog. That would be amazing!

I also want to be able to jump on trampolines with my wee boy without worrying about leaking. I’d also like to get strong enough to carry a heavy pack again so that I can do overnight hikes with my little family.