Periods
Let’s talk about periods and let’s do it loudly! PERIODS! Let’s talk about the nicknames given to menstruation…Aunt Flo, Time of the Month, On the Rag, The Red Tide, The Monthly Visitor, Surfing the Crimson Tide, Shark Week… The Curse. Whether your experience with periods has been positive, negative, or somewhere in between… those of us who bleed (or used to bleed) have stories to tell. Our experiences are as varied as we are… cisgendered women, trans men, non-binary individuals…. anyone with a uterus (or had a uterus) who has experienced the “wonders” of menstruation. Let’s talk about the tax that was on period products until 2015! For those of you who are comfortable with the topic, this is a space for you to express your feelings. For those of you who are not so comfortable, perhaps this will make a great resource for you. We want to hear from everyone who is willing to share. We will also be discussing Perimenopause and Menopause and we want to hear about your stories and experiences!
Welcome to…
Please Note: we may include our names on these pages, everyone else will be identified as “Contributor” or “Peer” unless express permission has been given. If you have any comments or feedback on anything posted, please contact us.
Section 1: Interviews & Stories
Subject: SCIO Peer Connections & t6talk: Period Problems
Posted: February 28, 2022
SCIO Peer Connections & t6talk: Period Problems
Melanie: When Julie from SCIO asked if I would join her to co-host a Peer Connection on the subject of Periods, I immediately said yes. I was thrilled to be a part of the event that happened on Monday, February 14, 2022.
It was a great conversation. Julie, Sheri, Teri and Val shared their stories with us. Angela from Knix talked about their line of period underwear and Ali from TINA Healthcare gave us a demonstration of her tampon applicator (links to Knix and TINA can be fround in the Resource section below). People tuned in from across Canada.
In order to encourage conversation, we did not record this particular session. Based on the feedback we received, we will be recording and posting future events so that people can access the information if they are unable to attend the events.
Julie and I are currently working on a 2 part series on Perimenopause/Menopause & SCI. It will be posted on the Events page and we will put it out on Twitter - please follow us #t6talk .
Subject: The t6talk Period Project: with Wallace - Episode 5
Posted: January 18, 2022
The t6talk Period Project: with Wallace
Melanie: Wallace and I both feel it is important to include a variety of voices for any topic… including this one. It was great to talk about his understanding of menstruation as a young person, as a teenager and as an adult. Our ability to discuss topics like this can have a direct impact on the relationships we have. In Wallace’s case, his relationships with past intimate partners, the continued relationship with his daughter and his relationship with me - his partner in crime. This discussion illustrates how open communication can have a positive effect on our relationships.
Subject: Madame Gandhi: Sisterhood, Blood and Boobs at the London Marathon 2015
Posted: January 7, 2022
Madame Gandhi: Sisterhood, Blood and Boobs at the London Marathon 2015
Melanie: While creating this page and during conversations with others... I would find myself looking inward to an image of a woman running a marathon who chose to let her period blood run free as she ran. Every time that image comes to mind I immediately want to dance and sing and holler and cry. So I looked her up... and she is lovely - in all the ways that lovely can mean. She is fierce and fragile. Her name is Kiran Gandhi AKA Madame Gandhi (MG). "...a singer, percussionist, activist and music industry thinker known for her electronic-based sound and fourth-wave feminist perspective."
I just added her EPs Voices and Visions to my music library. I am listening to her right now. My covid blahs are falling away and I want to celebrate. I have added a link to her blog post "Sisterhood, Blood and Boobs at the London Marathon 2015" below - a super addition to this page. Dance with me!
Madame Gandhi: There is so much shaming and insecurity and discomfort around something that should be so normal.
I love this picture of MG. The Future is Female... MG clarifies this statement in her blog of the same name which can be viewed HERE. Powerful! "The future is female does not mean female over male, nor is it trans-misogynist. The future is female means that we will no longer live in a world that believes that hierarchy and zero sum games are the only viable forms of social organization."
Add your voice to this conversation! Write a poem, draw a picture, do an interpretive dance - your voice can take any shape that works for you. Use your name... create an alias for yourself... you make the rules for you...
Subject: The t6talk Period Project: with Val - Episode 4
Posted: January 6, 2022
The t6talk Period Project: with Val
Melanie: Val is our friend from Ottawa. She was one of the first people to contact us after we launched t6talk at the beginning of last year. Her support and encouragement have meant a lot. I loved speaking with Val… she is open, ready to laugh, kind, generous and beautiful. I look forward to having more chats with her.
Our November 25th, 2021, email update to our mailing list included the following…
“Melanie's Call Out: I am working on some posts that relate to SCI and periods. This is a much needed and rarely discussed topic. We are looking for personal accounts! Share as much as you can. Written, video - whatever works for you.” Val emailed us back to say… “Definitely count me in to talk about periods with a SCI… don't really have before versus after comparisons but do have lots to share. Will be in touch when I've had a bit of time to think about it.” A few weeks later, Val wrote us an amazing email about her experience with periods. I contacted her to see if she would be willing to chat via Zoom and she agreed. Amazing. We want to hear from as many voices as possible and Val brings with her the lived experience of being born with Spina Bifida. I thoroughly enjoyed our time together talking about periods. ALERT: this is an adult conversation and may include a few expletives - so be warned! View or chat by clicking the link below.
Val’s Bio: Val studied archives and records management at school and volunteers at the Humane Society as Covid restrictions allow. She has an affinity for animals and gains great satisfaction in the work she does. Val loves to read and write and is currently working on a book. She also knits, sews AND bakes (mmmm baked goods)! She also enjoys horseback riding and swimming and has currently found paint by numbers and puzzles. We look forward to seeing what she decides to do next!
Subject: The t6talk Period Project: with Sheri Roberts - Episode 3
Posted: January 1, 2022
The t6talk Period Project: with Sheri Roberts
Melanie: Wallace was fortunate enough to have met Sheri a very long time ago and they've connected from time to time over the years. I have met a lot of super dee duper people this past year and Sheri is one of them.
I can remember the first conversation I had with her. Sheri was speaking to Wallace and me (via Zoom) about our presentations for SCIO on intimacy. We discussed doing something similar for the Independent Living Centre of Waterloo Region (ILCWR) - where she works as a Community Resource Coordinator. What struck me right away was her openness to talk about all things sex. AMAZING. It was very easy to dive right in and have a candid conversation with her. She made me laugh soooooo hard... and I love to laugh. Sheri is quick, clever, kind, irreverent and lovely - I look forward to delving into other topics with her.
When I talked to Sheri about The t6talkPeriod Project, she agreed to talk to me and share her personal experience with all of us. It takes a lot to share this kind of information with others - her generosity is appreciated. ALERT: this is an adult conversation and may include a few expletives - so be warned! The link to our conversation is below.
Sheri's Bio: Sheri Roberts is a busy mom to a 13 year old son, as well as an advocate for people living with disabilities. She sustained a complete spinal cord injury in a car crash at the age of 18. After completing her B.A. in Economics at McMaster University she spent the next number of years gaining knowledge and educating others on disability issues. Over the last 23 years, Sheri has given presentations to 1000’s of people ranging from children as young as 3 years old, to high school and university students as well as doctors, lawyers and various professionals. Much like her life experience, her presentations vary in subject including disability awareness, AODA Customer Service Regulation training and policy making, adapted sports and fitness, preventing risk taking behaviour in young people and teens, peer pressure avoidance and first-hand candid recounting of the life of a person living with a spinal cord injury. She has a special ability to engage with and captivate an audience with her down-to-earth way of sharing information. She is an open book and is willing to speak on each and every component of her life as a woman, mother and athlete living with a disability.
Subject: The t6talk Period Project: with Julie Watson - Episode 2
Posted: January 1, 2022
The t6talk Period Project: with Julie Watson
Melanie: I first met Julie through the SCIO Connect Peer Program when Wallace and I did some talks for them. I have had the good fortune to spend personal time with Julie - allowing us to get to know one another better. My sister Mary-Beth has also spent time with Julie and we have come to the agreement that Julie is indeed an “Earle Girl”… a sister. I look forward to more time and more conversations with this intelligent, humourous, giving and beautiful person. Still water runs deep.
When I told Julie about The Period Project, she graciously agreed to participate and we enjoyed a candid conversation about menstruation and SCI. ALERT: this is an adult conversation and may include a few expletives - so be warned! The link to our conversation is below.
Julie’s Bio: Julie Watson is a Peer Program Coordinator for Spinal Cord Injury Ontario; and has been with the organization since 2016. She graduated from UWO in 2007 with a Bachelor of Arts degree in Psychology and Sociology. Julie sustained a C4-5 spinal cord injury from a car accident in 2000 and understands the challenges one can face after an injury. She enjoys listening to podcasts and spending time with friends and family.
Subject: The t6talk Period Project: with Teri Thorson - Episode 1
Posted: January 1, 2022
The t6talk Period Project: with Teri Thorson
Melanie: From the moment I met Teri, I felt a connection. It is never hard to have a conversation with her and she is so much fun. If we lived in the same province there could be trouble - the good kind. She is smart, funny, kind, beautiful and she’s a born troublemaker. I love this photo of her taken at a fashion shoot… BAM!
When I told her about creating a page to focus on PERIODS and asked if she’d like to record a Zoom conversation… she did not hesitate. Teri is very generous when it comes to sharing her experiences and this was no exception. She enjoyed some wine and I enjoyed some frosty beer as we had our chat. ALERT: this is an adult conversation and may include a few expletives - so be warned! The link to our conversation is below.
Teri’s Bio: Teri Thorson was a support technician for a computer software company and professional dancer before a 1996 motor vehicle crash in Australia left her a quadriplegic. With determination and support from friends, family and co-workers Teri was able to go back to work, become a Manager of the Technical Division and achieve her own personal independence. In 2002 she discovered wheelchair racing. Within the span of 2 years she returned to Australia to focus on full-time training and made the Canadian National Team. Her dedication was rewarded by being able to compete at the 2004 Athens Paralympic Games in the 400m track event where she made the finals.
Currently, Teri lives in North Vancouver with her partner and her son. She is a board member of BC Wheelchair Sports, Vice President of the WC Race Series and the President of the BC Wheelchair Rugby Association. She continues in sport as a recreational wheelchair rugby coach and has a fashion design/image consultant business.
Section 2: Resources
Note: I am not a medical expert. You should contact your health care providers for assistance specific to your needs. The following posts are for general reference only, as I am not able to attest to the validity of the information. - Melanie -
Subject: The Spin Winter 2020: Ask the Spin Doctor
Posted: May 6, 2022
The Spin Winter 2020: Ask the Spin Doctor
Melanie: Teri Thorson emailed me a snapshot of SCIBC's magazine The Spin Winter 2020, Highlighting "Ask the Spin Doctor". We had been discussing periods and SCI and she knew I was gathering up resources to share. Thank you Teri! The article starts... "I was injured late last year and missed my period for several months. Now it’s back and it feels a lot more complicated to manage – got any tips? - Kelly from Chilliwack". Drawing on her experience as a Nurse Practitioner at BC Women’s Hospital Access Clinic, Natasha Prodan-Bhalla provided a good overview of what Kelly might expect. This is good information to share. Enjoy!
Side Note: Julie Watson of SCIO and I are co-hosting a 2 day Menopause Peer Connection May 11th and 18th, 2022. Natasha Prodan-Bhalla has graciously agreed to join us during the May 18th session. Dr Cathy Craven will be joining the May 11th session. PLUS... 6 peers will share their experiences. EXCITING!
Click on the link below to view The Spin Winter 2020 and GO TO Page 30 to read the article.
Subject: CBC News: Period Poverty Project, by Rebecca Zandbergen
Posted: May 6, 2022
CBC News: Period Poverty Project, by Rebecca Zandbergen
Melanie: I wanted to share this article to highlight grassroots projects that are out there working to remove the stigma around periods. Stevie Brocksom is the organizer for the Period Poverty Project in London ON. If you do a search on Period Poverty Projects, you will find other people taking this work on as well. Brilliant.
In preparation for writing up the ALT text, I was looking to see which preferred pronouns Stevie uses… I found their TikTok page and treated myself to "Ice Ice Baby"... check it out HERE. I am not familiar with TikTok so I don't know if they have ALT text. Just in case... The video shows Stevie with their young child. You do not see the child's face, but it appears that they are breastfeeding and dancing to the music. Dinner and a show...
Subject: Changing The Flow - Menstrual Equity and Period-Positive Products
Posted: May 6, 2022
Changing The Flow - Menstrual Equity and Period-Positive Products
Melanie: I think this is a great organization. Check them out. They are also mindful of the language they use stating "Why we say People Who Menstruate and Menstruators. Changing The Flow recognizes that not all women menstruate, and that not everyone who menstruates is a woman." Yep.
Changing The Flow: Just Like Toilet Paper... We believe every washroom should provide period products. Inclusive, accessible, free. We can help you do it, #justliketoiletpaper. Changing The Flow is a social enterprise dedicated to the achievement of menstrual equity and the elimination of stigma surrounding periods. We do this through awareness, education, and implementation.
Subject: Fab Little Bag
Posted: January 22, 2022
Fab Little Bag
Melanie: To be honest... what first attracted me to this company was their 1 minute and 30 second movie "Je Suis Un Tampon: The tragic lament of a tampon, contemplating her fate." The memory of watching it makes me smile. Watch this gem by clicking HERE. Watch it to the end! I agree with the FLB mission statement, but I am not sure about purchasing a product to achieve it. Having said that... I could see how having one or two in your pocket for times when there are no options could be very appealing. Kind of a back-up plan. If we felt more comfortable talking about periods, would we be more comfortable sharing our needs (like having a bin to dispose of tampons and pads)? If you have a different perspective, please let me know... I want to hear from you.
FLB's Mission: Ending Pollution .PERIOD. FabLittleBag exists to protect rivers, oceans and beaches from the pollution caused by flushed period products. With the UK alone flushing 2.5m tampons and 1.4m pads down the toilet each day, it is a big issue. FabLittleBags are made of plants (which means they are carbon reducing) and recycled plastics, supporting the circular economy of waste. Our glue to seal the bag closed is vegan.
Subject: What is a Physiatrist?
Posted: January 5, 2022
What is a Physiatrist?
Melanie: I know that anyone I've spoken to with a spinal cord injury has a Physiatrist, but that's about it... my knowledge is very limited. I thought it would be a good idea to take a moment to gather some information and gain a greater understanding of Physiatry. I came across the Canadian Association of Physical Medicine & Rehabilitation (CAPMR) website.
CAPMR: Physiatrists are physicians who specialize in physical medicine and rehabilitation (PM&R), a medical specialty that deals with the evaluation and treatment of patients whose functional abilities have been impaired.
The disabilities and impairments may result from injuries or diseases such as stroke, neuromuscular disorders, musculoskeletal disorders, cardiopulmonary diseases, arthritis and others. The physiatrist can help to improve a person's functional capabilities by medical treatment and organizing and integrating a program of rehabilitation therapy such as physical, occupational, speech therapies, psychological, social nursing, prosthetic, orthotic, engineering and vocational services.
Physiatrists usually work closely with geriatricians, rheumatologists, neurologists, hospitalists, surgeons and others.
If you have anything to add, please let us know.
Subject: The Ontario Curriculum
Posted: January 1, 2022
The Ontario Curriculum
Melanie: I am currently working on learning more about what young people are being taught in Ontario schools and reaching out to speak to people who have a practical understanding of the curriculum.
Stay Tuned…
Subject: Polycystic Ovary Syndrome (PCOS)
Posted: January 1, 2022
Polycystic Ovary Syndrome (PCOS)
Melanie: During my interview with Sheri Roberts, she discussed PCOS and how it has impacted her life, so I wanted to add a resource here for you. There are a lot of websites that discuss PCOS. The information I found on the ONE Fertility Kitchener Waterloo site was easy to read. I am not promoting their fertility services, I just wanted to provide a simple overview of PCOS.
ONE Fertility Kitchener Waterloo: According to the University of Saskatchewan, approximately 1.4 million Canadian women are diagnosed with polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS), making it the most common endocrine disorders occurring in Canadian women.
Subject: Molar Pregnancy
Posted: January 1, 2022
Molar Pregnancy
Melanie: in my interview with Sheri Roberts, she shared her experience with a molar pregnancy. I thought it was important to add this resource here for people to reference. There are a lot of sites out there that cover molar pregnancy - so the HealthLink BC site is one option.
HealthLink BC: A molar pregnancy happens when tissue that normally becomes a fetus instead becomes an abnormal growth in your uterus. Even though it isn't an embryo, this growth triggers symptoms of pregnancy.
When a person learns that they are experiencing a molar pregnancy, grief and grieving are a reality. For them, the pregnancy was real and viable prior to diagnosis. This HealthLink BC page lists Related Information and Grief and Grieving is at the top of the list.
Subject: Endometriosis
Posted: January 1, 2022
Endometriosis
Melanie: I was diagnosed with endometriosis when I was 20 or 21. I had many years of severe pain and discomfort. I have talked to many people who describe much the same symptoms, but were not aware of this disorder. This is important information to have and to discuss with your health care practitioners. The Endometriosis Network Canada (ENC) website is dedicated to Endometriosis.
ENC: The Endometriosis Network Canada is the first and only registered charity in Canada dedicated to raising awareness of endometriosis and helping those it affects. The endometrium is the lining of the uterus that sheds each month during the menstrual cycle. Endometriosis occurs when tissue similar to that of the endometrium implants abnormally outside of the uterus in the pelvic cavity, and in some cases, other locations in the body, to form lesions, cysts, nodules and other growths.
Subject: Autonomic Dysreflexia (AD)
Posted: January 1, 2022
Autonomic Dysreflexia (AD)
Melanie: This handout is a great resource for those unfamiliar with AD or for those of us who need a refresher. In my discussion with people about their periods, many have talked about how periods can trigger their AD.
We need to keep the communication going. Sharing our experiences creates a resource for all of us to draw from.
Subject: SCIBC Resources: Birth Control
Posted: January 1, 2022
SCIBC Resources: Birth Control
Melanie: Getting bad information about birth control can be dangerous. It is important that we arm ourselves with accurate information so that we can make informed decisions about our lives and our health. Many people have found that birth control has helped them manage their period symptoms.
SCIBC looks at contraception through the lens of SCI. The link below will take you to their birth control resources... but they have so much more info that you can check out. They do acknowledge that their may have gaps when it comes to the latest research, so they refer people to The Society of Obstetricians and Gynaecologists of Canada Sex & U page. I had no idea this site existed. There is A LOT of information available to us, over an above a discussion on contraception.
Subject: SHORE Centre Resources: Birth Control
Posted: January 1, 2022
SHORE Centre Resources: Birth Control
Melanie: There are lots of subjects we can quickly Google and pull up some information… but there are times when we MUST be mindful of the source. Just because it's on the internet does not mean the information you are looking at is the most current or accurate - it may not have any truth to it at all.
When it comes to birth control, we need the most up to date information and facts on how to manage our fertility and our periods.
SHORE Centre has some great resources. I encourage you to check them out.The link below will take you right to their information on birth control.
Subject: Tina Healthcare
Posted: January 1, 2022
Tina Healthcare
Melanie: When I was speaking with Teri Thorson, she discussed the fact that she has a tool to insert suppositories for her bowel treatments. She sent me a link for the Independent Suppository Applicator Tool . We wondered why there wasn't something similar for tampons. Drum roll please…. Here is an awesome invention! Something to help insert and remove tampons. AMAZING. I sent the link to Teri right away. She had not heard of it. If you have tried this product, please let us know how it worked for you!
TINA: Accessible, Inclusive, Comfortable. At Tina Healthcare, we think women of all ages, abilities, and body types deserve options for handling their menstrual cycle. Millions of women find tampons to be tricky, daunting, and inconsistent. TINA offers an assistive solution. We’re women, we’re innovators, and we’re taking control of the conversation about our health. What TINA’s great at... Accessibility. Instead of using your fingers, just put your hand through the handle and slide along the track with your arm muscles. Easy and smooth, the tampon goes in correctly and comfortably every time. Extra reach. Perfect for women with limited mobility, TINA gives about 4 extra inches of reach. Perfect angle.TINA is designed to help you insert tampons at the right angle, every time. The patented “contact petals" are designed to help you feel when you have the correct alignment. Over before you know it. TINA has helped many women insert tampons for the first time. Just slide the handle along the track to insert tampons consistently and correctly! Clean Hands. You should never be ashamed of your body’s natural processes, but on some crampy days, we’d rather not deal with the mess.
Subject: Period Underwear
Posted: January 1, 2022
Period Underwear
Melanie: Although I know they exist, period underwear are still fairly new to me and I have never tried them. I am 50 years old, and as of December 16th, 2021 I have been without a period for 29 weeks and counting! Hooray! Regardless… I did not want to miss out on trying these underwear. Luckily (hahaha), I have the pleasure of occasionally peeing when I lift something heavy, sneeze or laugh too hard. So I ordered a pair of undies from Knix. I will try them out and let you know how they work. January 14, 2022 Update: they work!!! Super comfy, wash well and look good. I look forward to trying more.
The image I used here was taken from the Knix website. I wanted to show what they look like. There is a lot of variety!
There are several places where you can order them from… and I’ve added some links so you can check them out. I cannot recommend any of these companies or any of their products… So… if you’ve tried them… please let us know how they worked for you!
Knix (Canada): It’s time to switch to period underwear and use less traditional pads and tampons. Whether you use them as backup (night or day) or as a full replacement, shop the most absorbent, machine-washable, and comfortable Leakproof Underwear. And enjoy worry-free protection from blood, pee, and sweat. Note From Melanie: If you would like to get a closer look at materials, seams etc. you can book a virtual fitting and they will help you get a close up look - click HERE.
Aisle (Canada): Your new period aisle. People with periods deserve safe, effective & sustainable options designed for their comfort. Products that work well, feel great, and do good while they're at it.
Thinx (USA): Every pair of Thinx is made with our signature, innovative technology for the ultimate period protection. Our breathable products are safely made with cotton, nylon, and elastane (for a little stretch!)
Dear Kate (USA): At Dear Kate, we believe women are invincible and technology is empowering. Our products are hi-tech and low stress, thoughtfully designed for everyday confidence. Womanhood is a journey and no matter where you are in life, you deserve to live worry-free and fear-proof every day of the month. Let us help you get there.
Modibodi (Australia): We’ve got underpants for periods, incontinence, pregnancy and perspiration in a range of styles, sizes and absorbencies to suit every bodi.
Proof (USA): Go with your flow. There's Proof for every phase of your flow, from surprise sprinkles when you sneeze to super heavy periods and beyond.
Saalt (USA): Leakproof period underwear designed to withstand laughing with your best friend, the sweat of spin class, vivacious sneezes, and periods. It does it all, just like you. Note From Melanie: I am hoping to set us a Zoom chat with Saalt to get more information on seams etc. Will keep you posted!
Cora (USA): Your body changes from day to day. And so do the ways to care for it.
Period Company (USA): The Revolutionary, waste-free, super absorbent, affordable, non-toxic, comfortable, period underwear for all.
Apele (USA): Tomi and I started Apele because we want to help girls and women feel more confident in their daily lives. We grew up in a society where bodily changes were not discussed, so we created a company where we can share positive image information and solutions to empower girls and women.
Subject: SCIO #peeforfree
Posted: January 1, 2022
SCIO #peeforfree
Melanie: During my conversations with people about periods, we often talk about managing bladder care and menstruation. We then talk about the costs involved with bladder care. This in turn bring us to the SCIO Pee For Free campaign. Please check out the link below.
"Do the best you can until you know better. Then when you know better, do better." Maya Angelou
Challenge Your Ableism: What if those of us who are able bodied had to pay... let's say 25 cents... every time we had to pee? There would be outrage! It would become a political issue. What about our human rights? After all, urinating is an act of daily living. How long would it be before we peed for free? So why is it ok for some people to pay $5 or more - each and every time they have to pee? Do the math. And that's not even looking at the cost of bowel treatments.
Subject: Bladder Care and SCI
Posted: January 1, 2022
Bladder Care and SCI
Melanie: Some people who experience a traumatic spinal cord injury are able to empty their bladder and manage their bladder care in the same manner they did before their SCI. In these cases, managing periods would likely remain unchanged as well.
Others need to investigate alternate options for bladder management… and like most things... it is not a one size fits all situation. The way in which someone manages their bladder can impact how they manages their period.
This is a very general overview. If I have missed anything or if I got some facts wrong, please let me know.
The mitrofanoff surgical procedure uses the appendix or part of the colon to create a self-sealing channel from the surface of the abdomen to the bladder. This method is used for intermittent catheterization. Meaning a catheter is inserted as needed to drain urine and then removed when the bladder is empty.
Similaryly, intermittent transurethral catheterization is when a catheter is inserted directly through the urethra and into the bladder, as needed, to drain urine and then it is removed when the bladder is empty.
The suprapubic surgical procedure makes an opening from the surface of the abdomen to the bladder and is used for indwelling catheterization. Meaning the catheter is inserted into the bladder and stays there all the time. The catheter is changed once a month or as needed and is connected to a leg bag that collects the urine and is drained.
Similarly, transurethral indwelling catheters are inserted through the urethra and into the bladder and stays there. The catheter is changed once a month or as needed and is connected to a leg bag that collects the urine and is drained.
Subject: Facing Disability: How do women deal with menstruation after a spinal cord injury?
Posted: January 1, 2022
How do women deal with menstruation after a spinal cord injury?
Melanie: Facing Disability is a resource for the SCI community. The question "How do women deal with menstruation after a spinal cord injury?" is answered by Diane Rowles, MS, NP in a VERY short video.
Subject: SCIBC: The Spin Doctor: How Do I Manage My Periods with a Spinal Cord Injury?
Posted: January 1, 2022
SCIBC: The Spin Doctor: How Do I Manage My Periods with a Spinal Cord Injury?
Melanie: The question, “How Do I Manage My Periods with a Spinal Cord Injury?” is answered by Natasha Prodan-Bhalla, Nurse Practitioner for BC Women’s Hospital Access Clinic. A great big thanks to Jaspreet from SCIO for this resource.
Natasha discusses the use of menstrual pads, period panties, tampons, menstrual cups and hormonal birth control. Notably, she discusses an amazing product… the Tina Kit… to help with the insertion and removal of tampons for those with limited hand function (or for those who are new to tampons). I have emailed the company for more information. Natasha also promotes the Access Clinic at BC Women’s Hospital in Vancouver. If anyone knows of any similar clinics anywhere else in Canada - please let us know!!!
Access Clinic: Together a nurse practitioner and gynecologist provide complex contraception counselling, menstrual suppression and dilator therapy in addition to regular reproductive health screening for transgender patients, adolescents (16+) and adult women with intellectual or physical disabilities.
Subject: "Periods, Birth Control and Spinal Cord Injury" by Codi Darnell
Posted: January 1, 2022
"Periods, Birth Control and Spinal Cord Injury"
Melanie: "Periods, Birth Control and Spinal Cord Injury" is a blog by Codi Darnell and is posted on her site Help Codi Heal: Living that mom, wife and wheelchair life. Codi is from BC and she has used writing as a means of reestablishing her sense of self after a traumatic sci in 2016. Sites like this can be a cathartic experience for the creator and they also have the added benefit of being a resource for the rest of us. The link below will take you directly to her post on periods… but check out the rest of her site!
Thank you Codi!
Codi: I wanted to bring people along in my recovery so that they could learn alongside me. My knowledge of disability was slim, and what I did have was woefully misinformed. I thought if I could help people understand the intricacies of my disability—if I could answer the questions people didn’t want or think to ask—that they would be more inclined to see me instead of the chair.