Tag Archives: pelvic organ prolapse

Teaching pelvic floor muscle exercise is like, really tricky

As a Women’s Health Physiotherapist I understand the challenge of teaching a woman to correctly contract and relax her pelvic floor muscles (PFMs).  The concern is not necessarily how strong the muscles are but how well they coordinate especially under high pressure situations.  Previous studies have confirmed the difficulty in teaching the correct technique andContinue reading “Teaching pelvic floor muscle exercise is like, really tricky”

Pelvic Organ Prolapse Month – a Nepali perspective

June is Pelvic Organ Prolapse (POP) awareness month and a time for increased engagement and conversation around this common condition. There are many many websites and blog posts on the risk factors, symptoms, treatment options and preventative measures so I think I’ll jump straight to my expertise – POP in Nepal. There is a highContinue reading “Pelvic Organ Prolapse Month – a Nepali perspective”

Hindsight is not always everything

It was not until I started writing up the results for a manuscript that I was suddenly and dramatically struck with most certain clarity! Upon reflection of my research study I found myself starting to question every decision made. This microscopic scrutinisation effortlessly highlighted every flaw, leaving me with a heavy sinking feeling. In hindsightContinue reading “Hindsight is not always everything”

The second year slump: keeping motivated mid PhD

The first 14 months of my PhD were like a crazy rollercoaster that amazingly left me standing solidly at the end of the ride.  There were so many ups and down with moments of pure joy and immense concern.  Within this first year I was able to see two ethics applications approved, conducted four research projects,Continue reading “The second year slump: keeping motivated mid PhD”

Post data collection reflections

I can’t believe it’s been 4 weeks since I returned from Nepal.  In some ways it has gone so quickly with all the holiday festivities but then again it feels like a distant memory.  I have this slight anxious feeling in my chest that I’m going to forget all the amazing moments, feelings and storiesContinue reading “Post data collection reflections”

The magic of saying ‘oh, OK’

At the beginning of my PhD journey  I had the most amazing ideas for my research project.  A little naive and idealistic, I thought that everything would fall into place and I could fulfil my dreams.  As I started to plan my projects reality sunk in and I had to compromise on some of my ideas.Continue reading “The magic of saying ‘oh, OK’”

Week 2 of PhD data collection in Nepal (half way mark)

Another week down of performing 4D pelvic floor muscle ultrasound for Nepali women and we’ve really hit our stride.  My research partner and I are in a good rhythm now and have become super efficient.  We have a local Nepali intern helping us who is an absolute gem, we really couldn’t do it without his help.Continue reading “Week 2 of PhD data collection in Nepal (half way mark)”

Week 1 of my PhD data collection in Nepal

There was so much anticipation and anxiety leading up to commencing my PhD research projects being conducted in Nepal this November.  Having arrived now and completed 2 days of data collection has significantly eased my stress so now I’m feeling quite calm about the upcoming 4 weeks. Partnering with groups overseas can create an element of stress inContinue reading “Week 1 of my PhD data collection in Nepal”

Riding the PhD rollercoaster

I know it’s been said before, that doing a PhD is like being on a  rollercoaster – so many highs and lows, ups and downs.  These moments of extreme can very easily happen in the same week, day or even hour.  This past week I was feeling very satisfied with myself, being able to checkContinue reading “Riding the PhD rollercoaster”