Q's for perpetual bleeders or others with insight

oohmercyme · 10-12-2003, 10:23 PM

For my cysters who have long bleeds (weeks and months at a time), I am wondering if you use tampons during that whole time? Is it OK to use them for that long? (daily for 2-4 months) I am finding my insides getting sore from the perpetual use, however, not using them and the sight of AF everytime I go to the bathroom makes me an emotional basketcase (as in every few hours I am visually reminded that something is terribly wrong).

I used to use progesterine to stop the bleeds, but it doesn't work anymore and I can't take the pill, I am now trying some alternative remedies to get it under control. Have any of you had sucess with anything other than progestine and the pill?

happytoknow · 10-13-2003, 03:51 AM

I have always had extensive bleeds. The closest I get to normal is about a month long bleed, with the longert I've had being 8 months. The only time I didn't have this problem was when I was one BCP. I am still hoping for something that will solve this problem.

Now, this part is strictly MHO. No matter how long I bleed, I use tampons. There is a lot of debate about TSS and such risks with tampon use. I simply can not wear pads. There is just something about it that I can't bring myself to tolerate. The longest I can keep a pad on is like 5 mins. I have never been able to use them. I know, tmi. I don't know of any other alternatives either. Well, my friends mother has a very nasty alternative, but I don't think you want me to go there. I do understand what you are going through and I wish you the best of luck in finding relief.

alaskaflygirl · 10-13-2003, 02:29 PM

I'm sorry to hear of your ordeal. I haven't had a bleed in 2.5 years, thankfully, but the last bleed I had lasted 2 months. I was taking Ortho-Tricyclen at the time, and I'm convinced it's responsible for the extended menses. As soon as I stopped taking it, I stopped bleeding.

Every woman's body is different and reacts differently, so it's hard to judge your situation because of the varied experiences ou there.

guineapig · 10-13-2003, 09:20 PM

I have found since PCOS started, I cannot wear tampons. They just don't feel right. So I have to wear the ultra-diaper type maxipads and I only wear dark pants half the month now. AF usually comes twice for 10 days each. Some women use "the keeper" cup thing and I'm about to try that too. Sorry I've not been much help.

Bekah1999 · 10-13-2003, 09:25 PM

The longest bleed I ever had lasted a good two months. This was about twenty years ago, but I wore tampons the whole time. Day and night. I still only wear tampons except on heavy days and then only at night, because tampons just wouldn't work. I do wear thong pantiliners most days, but mostly because I have no clue when af will arrive.

CTCyster · 10-14-2003, 07:25 PM

Have you ever considered being checked for Endometrial Hyperplasia? I had a continuous 14 month bleed. When I finally found my RE, he gave me an endometrial biopsy and diagnosed the hyperplasia right away. The cells in my uterine lining were abnormal and one step below precancerous! I was treated in less than a week with a combination of premarin and provera. The bleeding stopped within a matter of days. I continued the Provera at 10mg a day for three months and my follow up biopsy came back great. No signs of hyperplasia- no more abnormal cells.

Continual bleeding is nothing to fool around with. Maybe you should have it checked!

Good Luck!

*Aimee*

oohmercyme · 10-14-2003, 08:22 PM

Unfortunately- I have had it "checked" several times resulting in me taking progesterine and then when that stopped working bcp's (which nearly gave me a stroke). My GP and GYNO specialist are aware, I will be seeing the specialist in 2 weeks (thanks heavens!) and may be going on met. I can't imagine there would be anything left in there to bleed out after 10 straight weeks! geeeeeeeeeez louise! We shall soon see what the situation is. I was just curious if anyone heard anything about wearing tampons for such an extended period of time being unhealthy.

LOL- I have also had the "wearing a diaper experience" A super tampon, nighttime maxi and then 2 regular maxis to extend all the way to my waist line. I shoulda just bought the Depends cuz I still woke up in a puddle of blood.

I'll bring up the endometrial hyperplasia to the specialist, though I think we may have already discussed it, but it doesnt hurt to bring it up again.

Thanks ladies!

CTCyster · 10-14-2003, 08:35 PM

Quote:

Originally posted by oohmercyme

I'll bring up the endometrial hyperplasia to the specialist, though I think we may have already discussed it, but it doesnt hurt to bring it up again.

Thanks ladies!

The only way to diagnose EH is with an endometrial biopsy, so if you have not had one, there is no way the doc can rule it out.

Not trying to be a nudge, just trying to help

Good Luck Cysta!

*Aimee*

oohmercyme · 10-14-2003, 08:38 PM

LOL- gotcha Cystah! It WILL be on my list!

chelle_belle99504l · 10-14-2003, 09:19 PM

In the mean time while you are waiting to see the specialist something other than pads or tampons that you can try is called Instead. It works kind of like a diaphraghm (sp?) only in reverse. It is a plastic cup like thing that fits by or on your cervix. My friend loves them, she swears by them. I didn't have good luck with them, but I know alot of people who have.

Good luck

Chelle

oohmercyme · 10-14-2003, 09:32 PM

I have seen those and I must say, for someone who is not sexually active, they look BIG and SCARY!

Also- most days there is not a lot of blood, would one of those make sense then?

martini · 10-14-2003, 10:03 PM

I switched from tampons to a product called Instead. Its made my super-long super-heavy periods so much easier to deal with. The product itself is kind of hard to explain, its sort of like a reverse diaphragm but it is disposable. You can buy them at some drugstores, although not every place carries them. I was getting internal irritation from wearing tampons for so long, but when I switched to pads I ended up getting external irritation. Instead solved my problem. Can you tell I'm super excited about a silly product. It just has really made my periods less traumatic.

As for my heavy and long bleeding. My dr and I were both uncomfortable with treating my AF hormonally since by some miracle I do actually ovulate each month and we didn't want to mess that up. I am taking high doses of naproxen sodium. My periods immediately had fewer clots and each month has been a little lighter and a little shorter. AF is still long and heavy but I'm headed in the right direction.

denise26 · 10-14-2003, 10:08 PM

Mercyme, I am a virgin too, and I use Instead every period. When I first got them I thought they looked scary too, but I totally love them.

chelle_belle99504l · 10-14-2003, 10:09 PM

They are just a cup that holds what you give off. It doesn't absorb it like a tampon or a pad. I know they do look scary, especially if you are not sexually active. It is worth trying, maybe buy the small box and try them? Good luck!

Chelle

oohmercyme · 10-14-2003, 10:30 PM

OK- this is starting to sound a bit more promising. If there is not a lot of blood, can you leave it in all dy without taking it out to check/empty it? It doesn't STICK like tampons does it? There is nothing worse then trying to pull out a "dry" tampon and feeling your insides peeling off!

LOL- have I mentioned I love this site!?!? So many TMI things asked and discussed! Where else could I get the nitty gritty down and dirty details!