When Kristine had her first son, she expected a normal healing process. But the pain was unbearable, even a simple trolley ride became impossible. - I knew something was wrong, but no one would listen to me. I heard time and time again that this was completely normal, says Kristine Flygind Bjerke.
She goes on to say that over the course of several months she sought out both private and public specialists in the hope of getting answers, but no one found anything wrong.
- It felt as if my lower abdomen was on its way out. An incredibly unpleasant feeling that turned my life upside down. I couldn't be the mom I wanted to be, and I saw my active life disappear. "Is this really how I'm going to live?", I remember thinking, says Bjerke.
- Felt like a throwing ball
The first two weeks after the birth were very painful. In desperation, Kristine called the hospital, but was told that the "right of return" had expired after 14 days. She called on day 16.
- I felt like a throwaway ball and was constantly referred on, but no one could say anything concrete. In the end I had to cry on the phone to get help, she says.
Was depressed by the pain
Kristine eventually lost faith that anyone could help her. She had subsequently seen four doctors who said everything was normal.
- It destroyed so much. Not just my body, but my whole identity. I felt I was deprived of the opportunity to be present for my child. I wasn't able to "enjoy maternity time", as everyone said I should, she says.
Only after 15 months did she come to gynecologist Madeleine Engen at CMedical, and already at the first consultation Madeleine understood what the problem was.
- I started crying when I got to her. I was so afraid that she would also say that everything was normal. But she saw the problem right away. It was a relief I can't describe, says Bjerke.
Two weeks later, Kristine was operated on for vaginal prolapse.
- Unfortunately, Kristine's story is not unique. Pelvic floor training is important, but it is not enough to be told to "just squeeze". If the damage is too deep, surgery is the solution, says Madeleine Engen, gynecologist and founder of CMedical.
Today, Bjerke has got her life back, but she reacts to how little focus there is on women's health after childbirth - both physically and psychologically.
- We prepare for pregnancy and birth, but no one talks about how difficult the time afterwards can be. It feels as if the system only lets go of us after the baby is out, she says.