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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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Original poster
paxillin · 17/07/2017 14:52

I'm sharpest right after my period until ovulation I think. First day of bleeding is bad. I wonder how it will change after menopause..

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LassWiTheDelicateAir · 17/07/2017 18:17

we had a talk about periods this morning after she saw an unflushed tampon in the loo and freaked out (yes, yes, I know, bad to use tampons, bad to flush them)

There is nothing bad about using tampons but flushing them is really irresponsible.

Bedsettee · 18/07/2017 07:32

Can I sit in a corner with intravenous morphine being pumped into me so I have 2 days of floating and not agonising pain please?

Original poster
paxillin · 18/07/2017 07:46

Sounds dreadful, Bedsettee.

Pain is better for me, but I soaked through my pyjamas overnight. Hasn't happened in years.

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Original poster
paxillin · 04/09/2017 23:07

In the tent again, 25 day cycle like clockwork. Feeling cold and autumnal.

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Seeingadistance · 05/09/2017 01:48

Ah! Today I noticed a brownish smear and realised I don't have periods any more. This could be because I'm on the Mirena coil which rescued me from such heavy periods that for two days every three weeks I couldn't leave the house. Or maybe it's because I'm approaching 50.

Either way, I feel no sorrow for their passing. I feel liberated from the heaviness, the blood and the pain.

I am moving through the stages of my life, and am content.

Although, recently, I've found it hard to focus on anything for very long. Is that part of the menopause? Or is it because I stay up too late?

Thank you for the red tent.

Here are some soft, warm crocheted blankets for cosy snuggling into.

LassWiTheDelicateAir · 05/09/2017 13:27

I find the "red tent" far too woo woo /earth mother/all sisters together " for me. I used to have very heavy and painful periods- just had to deal with them and get on with life.

On the other hand there is an AIBU thread at the moment where posters are being absurd about how totally embarrassing it is for grown up women to buy sanitary products. Goodness knows what message the level of coyness and tweeness being displayed sends to their sons and daughters.

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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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?

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.

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.

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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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 · 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 19:52

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

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.

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 20:13

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

Original poster
paxillin · 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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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.

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

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

Ereshkigal · 29/07/2018 00:40

Hot and crampy and fed up.

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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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!