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[ms_turtle]

Very achey today.

I had my 2-week post-op checkup this past Monday. The incisions are healing wonderfully, but my doc (aka Dr. Conservative Medicine) is quite concerned about endometriosis coming back with a vengeance. He told my husband that 'it was just a mess in there' right after the surgery. The cyst, endometriosis, and adhesions were completely taking over. I still have one ovary so I'm likely to have continuing endometrial issues. Doc wants me to come back in a month. Yuck.

Kolga, were you lopsided after the surgery? I swear that there was an indent on my left side after the surgery. The skin is also pretty saggy in that area.

[kolga]

A bit, but things have settled down into symmetry at this point.  There were some other folds that came and went as my internal organs shifted back into place.  The laparoscopic scars are still visible, but healed pretty well.

[marigolds]

Hey guys - new to this thread.  I follow occasionally, but don't post as I'm lucky enough not to have to deal with the issues you all talk about.  So I hope my question is appropriately placed as I really don't want to start a new thread about it.

I'm considering a diva cup/its relatives.  Does anyone have any hints, tips, stores to share?

I'm worried particularly about a) the mess b) handing the whole operation in a public restroom on campus c) storing/cleaning this thing d) dangling/sloshing? (ew.) e) anything else I'm forgetting?

Thanks and sorry if it's in the wrong place.

If you're worried about emptying it in public, you don't need a sink in public restrooms if you can't get a handicapped stall--you can just wipe it out with toilet paper.

It takes a little getting used to, but I do really like it now.  I *never* run out of supplies, it's much more economical, and it holds a lot.

Of course, the reason I'm on this thread is because I fill that thing up about every hour-and-a-half on my heavy day (and night, which is awfully annoying), but most people have to dump it rarely.

[llanfair]

Kolga, were you lopsided after the surgery? I swear that there was an indent on my left side after the surgery. The skin is also pretty saggy in that area.

I'm still saggy 13 years later.  Could be because I've gained about another 20 pounds, of course ... but even then, I'll take it.  Beats bleeding out any day.

MsT, here's hoping the doctor is wrong about the continuing endo issues.

[morninggloria]

I really like the diva cup and have used it for several years now, once you figure it out it's like nothing and makes a monthly inconvenience barely noticeable (if you're lucky and don't have bad cramps).
When I first got it I put it in before I got my period so that I knew how to insert it and take it out before things got more complicated. You'll find the best way to insert that works for you and the best way to remove it, if you need me to be more graphic let me know haha, also there are entire menstrual cup forums where you can post your problems/questions, it's amazing.

I find it leaks when it's over-full, so you will learn how often you need to empty it, and yeah it can be difficult to manage in a public stall at first which is again why I recommend practicing at home. I have re-useable pads that I use as a liner (and that sounds gross but seriously they are so easy to wash and I love them, I got mine from here: http://hyenacart.com/stores/TreeHugger/), and that's it, no more disposable pads and no more tampons, which seem so uncomfortable in comparison, I would never go back.

You could try the instead cups one month to see if you like the general idea, they're disposable and a little different to insert (easier) but I have used them and liked them too.