Empowering Recovery: A Journey Through Surgery and Core Strength In this episode of The Tummy Team Journey Podcast, host Kelly Dean welcomes Diane Bloom, a 78-year-old retired OB nurse and certified nurse midwife from a remote coastal area. Diane shares her inspiring story of navigating a uterine cancer diagnosis and surgery at an advanced age, leaning on her medical background and The Tummy Team’s resources to regain her strength and independence.

A Sudden Diagnosis and a Call for Help Diane’s journey began two years ago with an unexpected uterine cancer diagnosis, discovered incidentally during a routine Pap test. “I was totally asymptomatic, and my gynecologist decided to do a Pap test even though I was past the usual age. It came back positive.” Facing an urgent transvaginal hysterectomy, Diane, at 78, turned to her daughter—a chiropractor familiar with The Tummy Team—for guidance. “She said, ‘Mom, you have to see Kelly before surgery so you can recover adequately.’” Despite her 40 years as a perinatal specialist, Diane felt shaken and uncertain about her body’s ability to handle the procedure.

Adapting to Online Healing Living in an isolated area and not tech-savvy, Diane was initially skeptical about online support. “I thought, how can she assess my physique from so far away?” However, Kelly’s virtual sessions and pre-surgery course proved transformative. Through guided movements and crash-course training, Diane prepared her core and pelvic floor for surgery. “She helped me connect to my core, breathe properly, and protect my incision post-op. It saved my life in terms of moving and recovering.”

Rebuilding Strength in Real Life Post-surgery, Diane faced new challenges, including severe arthritis and back pain that left her bent over by day’s end. She dove into The Tummy Team’s Core Foundations course, finding relief through practical integration. “Kelly’s videos—like how to stand at the sink or chop vegetables—helped me adjust my posture in the kitchen, where I spend hours cooking.” Tools like the Squatty Potty and a supportive splint also became staples, easing bowel movements and reinforcing core engagement without medication.

Insights from a Midwife’s Perspective Drawing from her birth world experience, Diane connected the dots between Kelly’s methods and prenatal/postpartum care. “Strengthening the core before pregnancy could reduce back pain and support the uterus. Postpartum, it’s critical—new moms are falling apart physically and emotionally.” She praised the accessibility of The Tummy Team’s family plan, wishing she’d started decades earlier.

The Results: Resilience at Any Age Now in her late 70s, Diane continues to build strength, managing back pain and improving posture. “If I can stay where I am and not get worse, I’ll be fine. Every little improvement adds up.” Knowing Kelly’s support is a call away keeps her motivated.

Key Takeaways for Recovery and Strength

• It’s Never Too Late – “At 78, I’m still improving. Start where you are.”
• Prepare for Surgery – “Even one session before a procedure can make recovery smoother.”
• Function Over Fitness – “This isn’t just exercise—it’s about integrating strength into daily life.”
• Small Steps Matter – “From posture tweaks to a Squatty Potty, little changes build resilience.”

If you’re facing surgery, aging-related pain, or core weakness, explore The Tummy Team’s offerings here. Diane’s story proves that strength and hope are possible at any stage of life.