Why I Became A MASIC Ambassador

Jo’s Story

21 years ago, I was induced and I experienced a traumatic birth delivering a large baby resulting in 2nd degree perineal and vaginal tears. I was 22 years old and the extent of the damage caused by this birth did not become apparent immediately. I had no idea about the link between incontinence and childbirth and specifically anal incontinence or OASI.

One-year post birth I suffered urinary stress incontinence and after extensive physiotherapy I had a TVT mesh tape inserted. Whilst this remedied the urinary incontinence, I started to experience anal incontinence which proceeded to get worse. Initially, I was given a combination of drugs, mainly laxatives, Imodium and glycerine suppositories to try and manage the symptoms of incomplete emptying which was unsuccessful and further physiotherapy. 

Psychologically, one of the biggest obstacles I faced was getting an admission that the birth was the cause of these symptoms. It was implied that I had IBS or had a virus caused by overseas travel but these tests returned negative. Eventually, as the symptoms worsened I asked for a meeting with the consultant at the hospital where my son was born, to ask why I had these problems. I was met with a very unfortunate response and told my problems were psychological as a result of experiencing a traumatic birth and that they would go away in time.

However, these problems did not go away and are very much a physical issue and so I have undergone years of treatments, physiotherapy and rehabilitation to try to get resolution from debilitating anal incontinence. Along the way I have had multiple surgical procedures to repair the damage caused by the birth. As the years passed and as my situation deteriorated, I have been told multiple times the birth was the cause of my situation and that I should have had a Caesarean section. However, this is not helpful as you cannot change what has happened.

I have tried neurostimulators, a variety of rectal irrigation solutions and as my condition declined, I opted to have a Colostomy in December 2019. 

Deciding to have a colostomy was an extremely considered decision as have all the treatments I have had; any surgery is not a decision to be taken lightly but I felt I had little choice left. My quality of life has significantly improved since having my colostomy and has given me a greater sense of freedom and in my husbands’ words, “I am more like me again.”

Despite these hurdles I have not let my condition define who I am and I have tried to lead as active a life as possible. As a Personal Trainer I have learnt how to adapt my exercise and fitness regime many times over and I use my personal experience of pelvic floor dysfunction and knowledge gained through living with this condition to help women achieve their goals. 

I found MASIC whilst attending the Consent to Birth Meeting in London, in October 2019. I listened to other women bravely telling their stories of what life is like living with anal incontinence and I felt inspired but also frustrated. Despite 21 years passing since my own birth trauma, it became apparent that women are still experiencing difficulties in seeking help. As a result of childbirth injuries relating to anal incontinence and the psychological affect that has, I realised that I could use my own experience to help others through MASIC.

So, this is why I became a MASIC Ambassador. I am extremely passionate that women need to be made aware of the risks of OASI, and to try to prevent other women having to live through what I have endured. Having the opportunity to raise awareness and educate about the consequences of living with anal incontinence, has given me a hope that as MASIC Ambassadors we can raise the profile of this taboo issue, make a difference and improve the quality of lives and support others in our situation.

To support us please visit our Just Giving page https://www.justgiving.com/masic

For more information, support and guidance on birth injuries please visit our website https://masic.org.uk/

Follow us on Twitter https://twitter.com/masic_uk 

Follow us on Facebook https://www.facebook.com/MASICFOUNDATION/?modal=admin_todo_tour