Biofeedback

[christie63]

Does anyone know what biofeedback is and how do they do it is it just a consultation with a nurse what actually is biofeedback and how can it help with a rectocele ?

[Mary-intussuception]

Biofeedback :

' a process whereby electronic monitoring of a normally automatic bodily function is used to train someone to aquire voluntary control of that function'

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[Barbara9 in reply to Mary-intussuception]

Where in uk do they do electronic monitoring,I haven't found anywhere?thanks

[Mary-intussuception in reply to Barbara9]

Sorry I don't know. I have been communicating with Christie63 by pm and email for a while now. It was mentioned in a letter with her Proctogram results she received from the hospital. We both Googled 'biofeedback ' but didn't find anything helpful. I tried again today and quoted what it said in my reply post.

Sorry.

[christie63 in reply to Barbara9]

biofeedback I think is just an appointment with a nurse I never heard of electronic monitoring so don't think they do that

[Mary-intussuception in reply to Barbara9]

Hi Barbara.

Have you considered contacting the Continence Nurse / Adviser for your area? You may be able to make a self-referal. She may also be able to arrange for you to see the Women's Health Physiotherapist.

Google - your area NHS Continence Nurse.

OR

Phone the Bladder & Bowel helpline on 01926 357220 9am to 4.30pm Mon-Fri

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[Mary-intussuception in reply to Barbara9]

Guys and St Thomas's NHS

020 7188 7188

[Mary-intussuception in reply to Mary-intussuception]

A better number to call for Guy's & St Thomas's is :

020 7188 4191 this is the direct number for Pelvic Floor department.

To see a Women's Health Physiotherapist you need to ask GP for referal.

[Hidden]

I've had biofeedback. I had an ultrasound if my sphincter muscle to make there no damage there. Also a thin probe was inserted into the rectum and you have to squeeze as hard as you can and bear down as if you are on the toilet. This tests the strength of your muscles and that you are using the correct muscles when you go to the toilet. Often we think we are relaxing the muscles but we are contracting instead. It can feel slightly embarrassing, but it's all done very professionally to maintain your dignity. I was given some exercises to practice to ensure the correct muscles are used when going to the toilet. It helps prevent straining. I find using a kiddies step in front of the loo to put my feet on puts me in a better position too (google squatty potty). They have to investigate all this before proceeding with prolapse surgery. Ask about irrigation to help emptying. I would also highly recommend seeing a pelvic floor specialist physiotherapist before agreeing to any surgery. Hope this helps. Take care.

[Barbara9]

Hi

I've been struggling to find somewhere that uses this electronic monitoring.st marks lists it on old website info but all they've done is talk(or disappear),footstool,once used a finger to show me I was fine.i had a rectopexies with no tests before except colon markers which still retained 17.anyway now have 2 rectopexies and pretty much non existent transit,had EMG of sphincter shows pudendal nerve damage.Ive just had test done abroad showing lack of coordination,no sensation of balloon which exploded inside me and anismus.I use irrigation which actually makes all my rectal pain worse,constella is unreliable,nothing else works.Abroad they attached a balloon to a monitor on a screen,there were 4 lines which showed I wasn't working my muscles correctly but I didnt understand why.So I can go back abroad for proper training,but tough when I can't sit with pain.Id prefer the uk,just can't find a centre that offers this visual biofeedback.I was told to go to st marks for this,but it's not there.i have rung others but where now..,I really want to get off irrigation and be normal...

[Hidden in reply to Barbara9]

I had it done at my local hospital with a specialist bowel/continence nurse.

[Mary-intussuception in reply to Barbara9]

Google -

Guy's and St Thomas's NHS

Pelvic Floor assessment and treatment.

Call them on 020 7188 7188

Quote:

"Overview

We offer a specialist pelvic floor assessment service including endo-anal ultrasound, anorectal physiology, defacating proctography and transit studies. We also have services designed to offer advice and treatment for people with the following problem:

● bowel dysfunction clinics including biofeedback

● faecal incontinence

● irritable bowel syndrome

● constipation

This service also has strong links with other departments including gynaecology, urology, physiotherapy and elderly care ensuring integrated continence assessment and treatment ."

ps

there is also useful info on their BOWEL FUNCTION CLINIC leaflet - including

Women's Health Physiotherapists

Paula Igualada-Martinez and Gill Houlding tel: 020 7188 4191

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[Barbara9]

You are lucky,I've tried Cambridge,UCLH and st marks,you'd think the big hospitals would have these facilities

[Mary-intussuception]

Also look up at Guy's and St Thomas's NHS

Colorectal Unit

Part quote:

" . . Pelvic floor assessment and treatment of benign anorectal disease . . . . biofeedback techniques . . . . .

Comparing physiological and ultrasonographic techniques in assessing the pelvic floor. "

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[Mary-intussuception]

Useful Contact

(Copied from Bowel Function Clinic leaflet on Guy's and St Thomas's NHS website. Have not checked this out myself yet)

The Continence Foundation -

offers advice and assistance from specially trained nurses.

t. 0845 345 0165 (Mon-Fri 9.30 am - 1pm)

e.l [e-mail]

w. continence-foundation.org. uk

[Mary-intussuception in reply to Mary-intussuception]

Hi

Please ignore my last reply

"Useful Contact"

The Continence Foundation -

Just tried to email for advice - undelivered.

Web page no use. Single page on urine incontinence only.

Sorry

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[Mary-intussuception in reply to Mary-intussuception]

The Continence Foundation does not exist. Invalid number and email.

Only helpline I am certain of is the Bladder & Bowel Community helpline given earlier.

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[Hidden]

Google 'anorectal manometry' for more info on the tests

[christie63 in reply to Hidden]

Thanks for that

[Anna777]

I have been assessed at the Guy's and St Thomas' Pelvic Floor Unit and biofeedback was recommended. This consisted of a few minutes of manual testing of squeezing and relaxing and then given papers with exercises. No machines.