Very Heavy Flow... Your Thoughts *TMI*

[MysticOcean]

I've gone a few months without having my period and then early this week it started. I was kind of happy to see it return, but last night totally freaked me out!! Everything was fine (light to moderate flow), until I woke up at 4:20am with sopping wet undies. The blood had somehow travelled up and over the pad that I was wearing. I have a big blood spot on the sheets on my bed and my undies will definitely be going into the trash. I got up and went to the bathroom the pee was red and there was a large clot that came out while I was peeing, I changed the bedding and clothes and then went back to bed.

I woke up again at about 6:30. This time the backside of my underwear was wet with blood. It wasn't nearly as much as earlier, but it was enough to make me have to change into yet another pair of undies! Again, I used the bathroom and the pee was red and there was another large clot that came out.

Since waking up that second time I tried going back to sleep, but kept waking up because I was worried that I'd get covered again. Thankfully, I didn't and the blood seems to have lightened up again. I used the bathroom again after waking up for the last time and the color was back to yellow with no clots.

I remember when I was younger and new to having periods, sometimes the flow would be really heavy. I just don't remember it being this heavy/messy. I'm a little freaked out by it. Has anyone ever experienced this? Should I be overly concerned about this?

Thanks!

[Amink]

I hada messy period not that long ago. I think heavy AF are fairly normal if it has been a long time since your last period. You body is gettign rid of your old blood(lining).

If it continues to stay very heavy, I would call the doc, but otherwise, I think it is pretty normal.

[lovegoddess1977]

I can surely feel your pain. Whenever I do get AF, which is not very often, I have a couple of days where I will go through a pad every hour and that includes clots. It never really lasts more than 3 or 4 days at one time. I never actually went to the doctor regarding that but when I did go to the doc I informed him of it. I go this week to talk about treatment options so I dont know what else to tell ya. I hope I helped you somewhat in letting you know that you are not alone!

[innkeepermommy]

I actually had this happen the night before last. Very out of character for me because my period usually lasts 2 days with light flow. I went through three pairs of panties and everytime I sat on the toilet, the blood would just drip drip drip drip. It has finally slowed today.

My period was 3 weeks late, so I am assuming this is why there was so much flow.

I'm sure it's probably normal. I remember having periods like this as a teenager (and I sure hope I'm not headed back to having them!)

[barneyb]

For me, this would happen without warning in the middle of the day. I'd just be standing there and all of a sudden - gush. I'd soak through a heavy flow pad, my undies and often my pants all at once. Tampons helped give me a little time to get to the restroom, but it was still a big mess. Apparently for me it's caused by my fibroid. Definitely mention this to your dr. as it could be more than just normal heavy flow caused by too few periods.

[Pattyannruss]

My periods were always that way. MONTHLY!!
Clots the size of my hand at times.

I learned early on to either use two pads end to end or buy the extra long ones.
If I ever had a problem it was at night. So I understand how that is to wake like that.

Turns out I had a tilted uteris and certain ways of lying down(or sitting up fast) would trigger the floods.

Do tell the doctor about it. For me it didn't do any good. for over 25 years all the doctors said it was "normal". ya right!!

[cystsBgone]

Should I be overly concerned about this?

Only if you're going through a pad/tampon every hour, could be one reason to be concerned...

I so know what you mean, it happened to me this last AF w/Provera, and I think it is awesome to get all that crap out of us! It gets messy but it is so worth it, I swear I feel like a new woman after I get a huge AF! I mentioned a clot the size of a catapillar and the width of a golfball! They are nasty but normal in most cases
Anyway, watch it, and hang in there cyster

[sleepydumpling]

Mystic, I've been through Aunt Flow visits like that too. Nasty aren't they?

I would definitely bring it up with your doc - it might be nothing (I have one like that every few months where I seem to gush incessantly and doc says it just seems to be how my cycle works as she can't find any nasties). I notice that if I'm laying down and sit up - gush - it all rushes out of me! Ewwwww!

All I can suggest is maternity pads if overnight ones don't work, and PLEASE make sure you're getting lots of iron in your diet. Supplement it if you need to. If you're losing that much blood you're definitely going to rush towards anaemia very quickly. I have that problem all the time - luckily my body tells me by making me very tired and grumpy so I know to bump up the iron intake!

Hope it doesn't stick around every month
K