It has been on my mind for awhile to write this post as many of you, when you stumble upon my blog about my Diastasis Recti diagnosis, my subsequent Diastasis Recti surgery, and my Distasis Recti recovery, then wonder how I am doing now?
Diastasis Recti Surgery Recovery
Well, it has been three years since my surgery and I am doing great. It took a good year to feel like I could walk upright to give my tight muscles a chance to stretch and not have the fear that I was going to pull something or rip something open and ruin my recovery and surgical results. Once that first year passed, it has been almost something I forget about on a daily basis.
Diastasis Recti Surgery Complications
I still have some numbness in areas, which is a risk that is explained as part of the surgery. It is not a bad thing in my case. Just strange when someone touches me there and I feel it, but don’t feel it. It is rather hard to explain but something that is okay by me, all things considered (and makes bikini waxing more doable!) The area is not as tight as it was, and has relaxed in the three years so I have more of a natural appearance, which is a good thing – though I do somewhat miss that washboard ab look! LOL. The Diastasis Recti surgery scar is probably the one thing that I wish wasn’t there. But I didn’t ever plan on wearing bikinis to the beach so it is one of the many things that just is something that is and shows the signs of our aging life!
For our family, it was worth the sacrifices (recovery and funds) to do it as it. It helped me be able to be active and happy for my kids. As you know the saying, “happy wife, happy life” (or “happy mom” in this case), it did a lot for my mental strength in being active.
Diastasis Recti Surgery Costs
I guess the one regret is that I wish I had waited maybe one year more. It would have been hard, mentally, to endure they questions and comments. So to be honest, I am not sure if I could have waited. But by waiting, you can ensure that you are done having kids, save more money, and let your body recover more from the pregnancy, before delving into surgery.
So that said, my personal advice would be, in retrospect, is to give yourself at least 12 months after having your last baby to go down this road of inquiry and potential correction. Most physicians won’t operate before six months anyway, as they want to see what your body can do on its own in its post-pregnancy recovery. (There are lots of studies out there that shows it takes up to a year for a woman to recover physically and hormonally from pregnancy.) Then after the 12 months, you (and they) will know what you are facing physically.
Diastasis Recti Surgery Support
A lot of you email me to share your stories and it means so much to me, as I wasn’t sure about sharing personal story to the masses! But I wanted to connect with you all to show that this is a real issue and you are not alone! I wish I could answer everyone of you back though. It is a lot easier if you leave a comment on the blog, as I can quickly write back in that way (rather than your email getting lost in the jungle that is my email box!) Plus, if everyone leaves a comment (you can be anonymous) with a question or their story, it can help everyone else who reads these posts. Let’s all support one another in our journeys!
Hugs to all!
Thank you so much for sharing your story. I’m currently considering this procedure after having my three kids in 3.5 years. I don’t have any hernias, but I have a large separation so reading your experience is very helpful.
It’s very hard to find very much information about extensive abdominal reconstruction, I put your link at the end of my post. Hugs back!
Hi Charlene, it’s 1:30 am and I stumbled across your blog. I read every post about your diastasis. I felt like I wrote some of your words, that’s how much I can relate. I too, am paralyzed with fear over the possibility of complications, and more so not waking up from anasthesia. I look horrible, I look 4-5 months pregnant, that I have to hide with maternity clothes and various shapers. I have so much extra skin it sags like a fanny pack and makes me feel very self conscious and ugly. I haven’t heard my ob/gyn say anything about hernias, but I must have some protrusion of organs. I have two kids, and don’t think a third is possible anyway because of finances and the fact we live far from family and can struggle with the care taking being overwhelming at times. It’s been 2 years since my last baby’s birth, so I should get started on the process of having surgery, but my babies are so little, and like you were, I am overcome with fear of not being around for them. I have had numerous dreams of going in for surgery, having anasthesia, but changing my mind, and it’s too late. I wake up in a frenzy. Even now, tears well in my eyes just thinking about it. For you, was it more about not waking up? Or that something would go wrong in surgery, like bleeding? How did you overcome this? Thank you for reading,
Hello, I had diastasis recti repair surgery/TT almost 11 months ago. my stomach is very crooked. one side is a lot bigger than the other. I weigh 15-20 lbs more than before the surgery. My legs and feet are also swollen. Can you tell me when all your swelling was gone? Thanks for the info.
My swelling took up to two years. Always good to check in with your doctor though!
Hi! I am almost 2 years post diastasis and umbilical hernia repair. It was nice to read someone else’s experience so thank you for being vulnerable and putting yourself out there to encourage others. It took me an entire year before I could wear jeans without discomfort on my belly. Now I don’t even think about it anymore. I do not regret having the surgery whatsoever. I feel so much stronger and I feel like I have my life back. It also boosted my self confidence. One thing that really helped me in the recovery process was going to a massage therapist to get the scar tissue broken down. It helped me to feel less tight and it also helped with my scar to get a lot lighter in color. Even if you have had surgery a long time ago its never to late to break down the scar tissue. I highly recommend it!
Such a valuable post. Thanks for the sharing the details. I’m seriously considering the surgery. Amazing that insurance will cover this surgery for someone who due to extreme diet, has lots of fat, but yet women who experience back spasms, get laid out for a week and who can’t exercise without worsening their condition is not covered. Kills me.
Hi I’m only 13 days post Diastasis Recti surgery with abdominoplasty and ended up with 2 incisions 1 along the bikini line and 1 vertical from pubic bone to breast bone. I am very swollen, but the thing that is bothering me at the moment is the 2 huge ugly scars! I never thought it would be something that would bother me, because I just wanted my active life outdoors back but I’m really struggling.
Thank you for sharing your journey! After having three kids and a few years to process that I now have diastasis, umbilical hernia and a partially prolapsed uterus with minor incontinence I decided to have the recti-hernia repair surgery as well. Your photos of pregnancy I related to with a large belly all out front and a petite body to hold it all up! I have been wearing maternity clothes for years, and all the extra wrinkled skin that stayed with me on my abdomen made me very self conscious along with all the back pain and lack of core complications you describe. I am into my third week of recovery from a diastasis-hernia-skin repair surgery and your recovery blog has helped me a lot and It re-Inforces how patient we must be with our recovery. even writing this makes me appreciate what my body has been through and how strong we are! Thank you for reminding me that this could take a year. All the best
It gets better, and I suggest wearing a waist trainer – like weight lifters wear. It gives some core stability while recovering and for time when you just need that extra security!