I know I left you hanging 2 weeks ago after telling you I had heard that Week 4 was a doozy. The truth of the matter is…
IT IS A DOOZY!
You add in headlifts and another splint during the exercises and more repetitions and if you’re stamina was failing at all before, you will need a pep talk to push through.
But, here I am at Week 5…alive and well!
I have no new pictures to share with you because frankly, the size of my tummy has not changed dramatically enough to add another picture.
However, something HAS changed that is dramatic in its own right…
My diastasis, which was a 10+ finger-width gap at the beginning of all of this, is now an
8 finger width gap!
And my connective tissue is so much stronger that I can no longer sink my fingers into my belly!
Despite all of this, I am feeling worn down. I know it seems silly that I am seeing such great success and still feeling discouraged and tired, but I told you I would be honest here. And the honest truth is I have to tell myself every single day WHY I am doing this.
That is why I am starting a Diastasis Recti Support Forum in my Blog Frog community. If you are taking this journey with me or if you are thinking about it and want to see and hear from others who are in the trenches, this is a great place to come and give and receive encouragement. So, I hope you’ll join me there!
jillian says
so sorry to hear that you had a rough week. I can totally see why. Its been hard for me and I’m only on wk. 3! Count me in on the support forum! I think that’s a great idea!!! I’m heading there now even though its 3am!!
Anita says
You are doing great Amy! Keep up the good work! You are also helping and inspiring others, so remember that part too 🙂
Gail @ The Imperfect Housewife says
I agree with Anita! Keep it up! It sounds like your doing great!! I’m sure you will get a lot of encouragement from your forum as well! 🙂 Which, by the way, is a great idea!
Angie @ Many Little Blessings says
(((HUGS))) You’re doing a great job, and I know you can keep doing this!
Kim says
Journeys like this are never easy. Count me as someone cheering you along and firmly in your corner!
Rachel @ finding joy says
Amy, if anything, I know that even though you’re feeling discouraged that you’ll pick up and keep going. And, I’m glad that your shared your heart as it gives me something to pray specifically about for you.
You can do it, my friend. I believe it.
Valerie says
Keep it up, Amy! I had to start week 2 over again because I got busy and discouraged, then we found out we are expecting our 4th baby! I guess I keep it up during the first few months, right? Good to hear from you again on this!
Amy says
Congratulations!!! You can do the exercises through pregnancy too!
Michelle says
very good for you! That is amazing progress.
I’ve found my diastasis is down a bit too but my connective tissue is still so thin I can feel my bowels…you are right this is a tough time to make it through…
best wishes
Amy says
How long have you been working?
Michelle says
I’m on week 4 (again – this is my second attempt)…. I just really want that pulse and intestine feeling to go away!
Stacey says
You’re doing so well! I’m hoping to get a copy of the DVD, and a splint soon. You have been so inspiring! My diastasis is only 2-3, but I really want to fix it before it gets worse.
Stacey says
Looking forward to your next post 🙂 Please don’t give up!
Melissa H. says
Hi Amy! I love reading your success as I am just beginning my journey to repair my own huge diastasis recti.
I’m wondering what kinds of skirts you wore/wear with a diastasis? I’m transitioning my wardrobe now from pants to skirts, but my stomach looks like yours does in your before pics. What fit you? I’m having such a hard time finding things to fit–either they fit over the belly, but fall down…or they are worn under the belly, but the tops aren’t long enough.
OH–and are there any styles of dresses you recommend for wearing OVER the splint?
Thanks!
Amy says
I wear mainly elastic-waisted skirts. I do not like how dresses look on me at all, so I avoid them. When you are wearing the splint or another support garment, your skirts should stay put better. 🙂
Stacey says
Thank you for posting and posting pictures. I too have a huge diastasis and am constantly asked “are you pregnant?”
It definitely helps to know others are out there with the same issues. I bought Julie Tupler’s DVD and split a couple of years ago but never did it. Mainly because the splint didn’t hold in my whole stomach so I got discouraged. I did recently find out she has a new splint so I want to get it, but need to wait until I have the money.
Thanks again for posting and being honest about the journey. Its definitely not a fun one.
shanta m flowers says
I,came across your post. I have had five children and all were csections. My baby is a year old and i am suffering from diastatis and i can fit about 8 fingers i have been exercising still no progress. I was wondering is there help or do i need surgwry8
Khalilah says
Hello Amy, thank you for posting this. I have this same condition and looking for ways to fix it w/o surgery. Not sure how bad my Diastasis Recti is, but I do know it makes me very uncomfortable. Any suggestions??
Amy says
Read the links on this page: https://raisingarrows.net/diastasis-recti-from-a-moms-perspective/ 🙂