Back pain (DRA)

Has anyone heard of diastasis rectus abdominis (DRA)? I just had a physio appointment and apparently this is what I have, which causes back pain. Its the separation of the deeper abdominal muscles, and so you lose the ability to support your own spine (?). I'm wondering if anyone has had this and what you did about it... She said by NO means attempt to lift anything heavy or do anything that uses the abdominal muscles (even getting out of bed does, so you have to 'roll' out of bed!) I'm a bit worried though because the separation in my muscles is bad - about a fist i.e. the physio could push her fist into me around navel level because there were no muscles left! Yuck! I'm also wondering whether my stomach will ever recover after I have bubs...? I always had such a tight, taut tummy I'm having trouble grappling with the idea that I'll never get my tummy back again! Would just like to hear from people who have had babies and what they did to get their tummies back! Or is that even possible!

I've also got terrible lower back pain if I walk, or lift anything (even things that arent heavy). I have to roll out of bed too. My MW has referred me to physio but I'm still waiting for my appointment. Hopefully soon. however my boss pays for a massage for me weekly and that is LOVELY!!!!

This is one thing my personal trainer at the gym told me to be very careful of. He said because I lift weights at the gym and do crunches that I need to check the width of my stomach muscles with my fist and if I notice any changes to tell him immediately and to stop doing any abdominal exercises. He said it is quite common in pregnancy and try to avoid it if at all possible.

I am sorry I cannot help you out, cold comfort I know, but atleast you know it can happen to anyone.