Support Group

[~Amy~]

I remember when I first got mine; the day before I started Secondary school. I was petrefied people would notice that there was somthing different but nobody had a clue. You'll feel better once you get used to 'em.

[MarMar]

I started my periods when I was 10. First in my class. Not a lot of fun.

[Pierced Musie]

This is rather embrassing but

I got my periods yesterday, ofr the first time, and i'm really scared that I might get another one at school or people might laugh

Honey, you are not alone. I used to worry so much because I never knew when I would get the next period and back then it wasn't a small bleed. The best advice I can give you is to make sure that you take some spare pads/tampons with you in case you do come on at school.

Trust me, no one will laugh at you because no one will know.

If it helps you feel better, I only just got over my fear of going out in public while I am having a period.

Hope this helps

[MarMar]

Fear of leaking/showing/etc stopped when I started using the Diva Cup. Before then I was constantly worried when using a tampon/pad, even though I don't bleed a lot. Plus, they're so uncomfortable! I can't believe I spent ten years in frustration!

[Pierced Musie]

I was 11/12 when I started my period. I have never been regular so I used to get taken by surprise. My periods could be apart by months, the longest stretch being 13 months.

My fear came from a bad experience. It was a painful and heavy period and I was going through a big rough patch at school. My Aunt & Uncle came round one Saturday and when my Mum was out the room my Aunt basically treated me like I was just a trouble kid. When they left I broke down and was hysterical.

You can imagine what happened.

I've only managed to shake off the fear this year because I was finally diagnosed with PCOS and now, thanks to the tablets, I am beginning to get regular periods.

Now I just fear the really bad mood swings

[MarMar]

Happy for you that the treatment is working!

I'm happy to say that a huge burden has been lifted of my shoulders - I will no longer have to go back there, no longer will I feel overlooked (which I really was! Promised a position, and then "forgotten" when a "mate" started helping us out), and I think this will really help my mental health. It's hard to lose friends, especially in this circumstances, but at least now I know they were not my friends to begin with.

[~Rosey~]

Thanks alot guys. This really means alot to me that you guys could help.

xxx

[Skykat]

Happy for you that the treatment is working!

I'm happy to say that a huge burden has been lifted of my shoulders - I will no longer have to go back there, no longer will I feel overlooked (which I really was! Promised a position, and then "forgotten" when a "mate" started helping us out), and I think this will really help my mental health. It's hard to lose friends, especially in this circumstances, but at least now I know they were not my friends to begin with.

Good for you Merc, well done for standing your ground.

I had to make some really tough decisions when I first started treatment, I had to break ties with people I'd always classed as my friends and at first it hurt like hell but I know now I did the right thing. It was really tough, almost starting again, having to make new friends but I'm a much better person now for not having those negative people in my life. The only people around me now are people who I know 100% are my friends...so maybe I don't have as a big a social circle as I used to but I have a much richer life because of it.

You haven't really lost anything because you never had anything to lose. Real friends are those who'll prove their worth over time and if to find those friends, you have to completely start again then in my opinion it's a sacrifice well worth making.

Well done for having the strength to make it.

Re periods: Congratulations! It's really scary at first, I was the first in my year too and I remember being skitted something rotten for it when I was at a mates house and had to ask her Mum for a towel. It was one of the most horrible experiences of my life. The next day everyone knew and I felt like a complete freak but a year down the line they were the ones coming to me for advice. They just become something you deal with, something everyone goes through and it's worth noting that everyone is different too.

I'm really irregular due to a past medical condition and it's unlikely I'll ever be regular. Also I am in the strange position that I get absolutely no warning symptoms whatsoever. No pains, no heavy breasts, no mood swings...absolutely nothing.

My mate says I'm really lucky because she's crippled with them and don't get me wrong I am relieved I don't suffer but it's also incredibly annoying. I could basically come on at any time of the month and I get no warning whatsoever as to when it'll be. Short of wearing something every day I just have to make sure I carry stuff round with me and the second I get the slightest indication I have to act on it. I also avoid wearing white or light clothing just in case and I'm constantly paranoid about it.

It's something I've just had to learn to deal with, same as everyone else has. Most women will have to deal with periods at some if not all points in their life and you'll find that generally people are really nice about it, I've never had trouble borrowing something off a total stranger, when I've been caught short. I've found people are generally really helpful because they all know what you're going through.

I'm glad your treatment is working as well Tainted Muse, it must be a nice relief for you.xx

[MarMar]

Skykat - I know I still have that post about brain surgery to post. Boyfriend talked briefly with his mother about it the other day, and I'll get him to give me some answers when he gets home.

I got that book you recommended me last week, and I've read the introduction and the first chapter. Boyfriend has promised that we'll read it together.

[Pierced Musie]

I'm glad your treatment is working as well Tainted Muse, it must be a nice relief for you.xx

I have to mention that it is not just the tablets that have made my periods become more regular. When I went to see the specialist a few months ago she said about the GI diet. I swear to God the GI diet has saved my life.

It's a slow process and isn't really a diet. There are certain things that have to be cut out and seeds, beans, veg, fruit & meats are essential but you don't have to go hungry.

Now that my periods are semi regular I can now focus on my weight. The one problem with PCOS is that it does stop weight loss but thankfully, I have not had that problem.

(As a side note, PCOS is the opposite of diabetes but there is a big risk that diabetes could happen if PCOS goes untreated).