Help me to not embarrass myself...

[Ratherstandonacliffandsetfiretomyself]

Posting in general rather than women's so hope that's ok...

I have quite moderate endometriosis which I've had five surgical treatments for up to now. They've usually been quite successful but at my last one last year they told me it's quite badly affecting my bowel area but they weren't able to remove it due to the risk of damaging other organs. My next step will be a hysterectomy where they said they can resolve this but I'm only late 30s so still trying to put that off.

So my pressing problem is that whenever my period is due I get the most horrendous bloating and the wind... oh my god the wind - it's genuinely absolutely awful and I cannot believe that I'm capable of making smells so bad (sorry but I have to say it). This goes on for about 3 days before my period and then the first day of it.

I've just come off the pill so my periods are a little all over the place still but I can 100% tell that one is on its way... but my issue is that I have a 14-hour flight this weekend! Planes don't agree with my digestion at the best of times and I'm so worried how I'm going to cope! I know things like Deflatine, etc. but then as awful as it sounds it still has to escape somewhere! I don't want to embarrass myself in a confined space!

I also massively overheat before and during my period as well so don't know how I'll cope in a hot climate! I'm a seasoned traveller so layers are my friend for the journey but once I get there I'll be 24/7 under the air con!

Thanks for any advice!

Simeticon Gel is very good. Boots always have it. They do little sachets so you don't have to cart around the bottle too.

Maybe laxatives followed by fasting?

But plenty of liquids. Don’t eat but don’t get dehydrated.

Or these
https://www.myshreddies.com/shop/p/womens-high-waist-briefs

Thanks - I've never seen these before but I fly on Sunday so they wouldn't arrive in time!

Go to the loo as often as possible. I feel for you x

Sympathies x

I think most women experience the bloating/wind you describe before a period but yours sounds extreme and must be so painful.

I agree, fasting before the flight will give your digestive system a rest.
I know it’s difficult, but moving around as much as possible during your flight (and before hand) would help.

Wear very loose clothing and maybe pack a trial size perfume in your hand luggage for “emergencies”

Probably too late but for future reference you can be prescribed medication to delay your period (if due during an important event or holiday) from your gp.

@SmileyClare that was my plan this time as it's worked brilliantly in the past (when I had regular cycles) but because I needed to start it 3 days before I'm due to start I had no idea when that would be and it's come sooner than I expected!

I have my new Penhaligons atomiser at the ready :)

I’d stop eating gluten, onions, 🧅 pulses, excess veg etc now.
Minimise food completely the day of the flight. Drink shedloads and go to the toilet often!

That’s a shame! I hope you’re able to enjoy your trip nonetheless. Air con will be your friend when you get there.

LOVE Penhaligons- good choice !

Bear in mind that flights are full of passengers- no one will know where the source of any odour is coming from? Maybe do that thing of looking round and tutting to deflect blame 😂

Good luck x

How did it go?

Actually no issues! I got some meds as suggested upthread but didn’t take them.

Maybe I was slightly distracted though by my travelling companion fainting twice and projectile vomiting to the point where the crew almost declared a medical emergency! All sorted today by a local doctor and antibiotics

I’m glad you were ok and your companion is ok.