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Original poster

The red tent

82 replies

paxillin · 29/09/2016 21:14

My period is here. I actually wish there was a red tent for girls and women to menstruate and drink wine and tea. Exchange stories... anyone there?

The older I get the more I'm enjoying the couple of days of slowing down a little. My period used to be such a monster, started off as a source of shame as a girl, later a relief that contraception has worked and then a source of sadness when trying to conceive. It's like an old friend now.

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CanineEnigma · 30/07/2018 19:28

This thread is brilliant Glitterball < because there's no moon Wink

You have my sympathy - my body temp seems to increase when I'm on my period, and my last one a couple of weeks ago was not fun in the heat.

I do sometimes have daydreams about getting DD a little "welcome to womanhood" gift when she goes through her menarche. A ring with a moonstone and a big old bar of chocolate or something.

CholloDeNombre · 30/07/2018 14:10

I need a nap. First period after having ds, who is nearly 19 months old. I knew it was coming, been expecting it for the past couple of weeks, and I feel a bit fragile at the moment. Hard to hide away from school aged dc during the summer hols, though.

Original poster
paxillin · 30/07/2018 13:28

Well, as post-menopausal, couldn't I just sit in the Red Tent permanently?

Some permanent residents might be really useful, since there will always be worried newbies on their first ever period.

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LaSquirrel · 30/07/2018 09:38

it was the only sanctuary they had, for 6 days a month. No men, no violence, no beatings. Just women.

Well, as post-menopausal, couldn't I just sit in the Red Tent permanently? Sounds rather inviting...

zen1 · 30/07/2018 04:16

I can’t sleep due to my period so have come to the red tent for a couple of hours of respite. I am in my forties and my periods are becoming heavier and more unpredictable. Despite this, I will really miss them when I don’t have them any more. I don’t feel ready for the menopause yet.

ArcheryAnnie · 30/07/2018 01:25

Cisoff your story reminded me of a relative of mine who confided in me that she used to love having her period, even when it was painful, because it was the only time her asshole husband (now thankfully her ex-husband) would leave her alone in bed. Even then he'd complain bitterly if it went on "too long", and he was denied "his rights".

GrainneWail · 30/07/2018 00:33

I remember reading this thread when it started. Thanks for resurrecting it. I've got the merina now and while I'm very glad I no longer flood or use maternity pads (I did until dc was 2 and I got this in) I get all the emotions, insomnia, stomach upset and uncoordination possible. Dd (9,so not too far off) recently asked me how it feels and I admit, I lied. I don't want her to be fearful and hopefully hers will be less awful than mine as a teenager. I might bring her here if she ever wants Brew

hungryhippie · 29/07/2018 08:57

I love this thread!
Red tent time for me too. Oh how I wish I had one in real life.
I dont get much pain but my periods are really heavy due to my thyroid issues. I literally use the tena lady incontinence pads rather than normal sanitary towels. They work!

Original poster
paxillin · 29/07/2018 00:54

The heat really doesn't help. I wrap up like mad in winter, but the ability to do so is comforting.

I wonder how I'll feel about the last one ever, @SweetGrapes. There must be an element of relief in there somewhere.

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Ereshkigal · 29/07/2018 00:40

Hot and crampy and fed up.

SweetGrapes · 29/07/2018 00:07

I have had my last period possibly. Sad...
But ever since I can remember, I have wanted to be a kickass grandma. You know the kind who whack thieves with their walking sticks or trip them up with their zimmer frames... so here's to the next stage of my life Brew

silentcrow · 27/07/2018 23:34

What a beautiful thread. Wish it was possible in real life.

I'm a bit young to be starting with menopausal symptoms, but I think that's happening...just as I gear up to have "the talk" with my youngest. Who is really young, but I was grateful I'd done it with her sister at that age because it turned out to be not too young at all. Confused

SarahCarer · 27/07/2018 23:16

I'll wave from outside. Periods were a source of agony for me for so many years. Thank god for the mini pill.

Original poster
paxillin · 27/07/2018 22:42

Old old thread. Still wish we had a red tent, I'd be resident now. Heat and period together is crap.

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sofato5miles · 07/09/2017 20:13

Exactly. Today would have marked me as filthy for life. No wonder women were constantly pregnant, they needed the break (joke).

Original poster
paxillin · 07/09/2017 20:08

That's true. The last couple of days of my period would be manageable using old rags and a wash with very little water like 200 years ago. The first couple of days... well, I can see why it used to be seen as dirty pre-sanitation, with limited water and no pads.

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sofato5miles · 07/09/2017 20:02

Mine are so awful nowadays ( late 40s). Have lost so much blood today. Stayed home and had 3 naps passed out. Just about managed a cup of tea with the kids when they came home from school. I just said to DH "Thank god we live in the modern age with sanitation". I cannot imagine being like this 200 years ago or more.

MrsPear · 07/09/2017 19:52

I just want to get off the world for a bit but sadly it can't happen

Original poster
paxillin · 07/09/2017 18:12

That's terrible, MrsPear. Hope you'll feel better soon.

I'm still cold and miserable, can't wait for this one to be over. I would like a slightly slower pace of life during my period, not sure work or school would agree.

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MrsPear · 07/09/2017 11:37

Can I join? I am feeling like shit and need a hug. Mine isn't a normal period - it is an ectopic which my sister helpfully pointed means another miscarriage.

Original poster
paxillin · 05/09/2017 15:18

I have been school shoe shopping when I'd have liked to wrap myself in one of Seeingadistance's blankets instead Angry. Next time I'll get my mum to write me a note "please excuse paxillin from this tedious task, she's on her period".

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MadamMinacious · 05/09/2017 15:03

I'm on the mirena coil and don't really have period although every so often I get some bleeding. I do still get all the symptoms; irritability, weepiness, cramps, and stomach trouble (always had this).

I just get so annoyed with people around my period and want to become a hermit. Embarrassment about periods is part of the problem, like the idea we are unclean (I'm thinking of the current shaving thread elsewhere) - it's just part of life and no one should be cringing or finding it 'icky' to speak about - including boys.

I'm not very woo, but I am for sisters all together. I do like women and wish we (as a general we) were more supportive of one another and less judgemental.

conserveisposhforjam · 05/09/2017 14:15

Can I come in?

With all the packing of pencil cases, sorting of cardigans and running round screaming about shoes this am I forgot all about Auntie frigging Flo being here and needing to take spare tampax out with me and spent most of the morning wondering whether I was going to flood.

And the weather is shit so I feel all heavy and draggy and sullen.

I could do with something hot out of a pot and a ribald story about a three sisters on a quest or something.

ErrolTheDragon · 05/09/2017 13:46

The one good thing about the 'tampon tax' is that it lead to them being openly discussed in parliament and the media. If someone like George Osborne could cheerfully talk about them surely the age of coyness should be over?

Original poster
paxillin · 05/09/2017 13:32

Nothing woo or earthen mother about me. Sisters all together isn't a bad thing.

I agree the embarrassment about periods on the thread you talk about is surprising and depressing.

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