Question:
I need to get my period NOW!!!!! Any suggestions???

My surgery is next Wednesday. My period was due on Sat 19th. I think the stress of surgery could be to blame. I know I am not pregnant unless I am the virgin Mary. Does anyone have any suggestions on how I can jump start this thing so that I don't have to deal with it in the hospital??? And if I do end up dealing with it in the hospital do they have you wear tampons or pads? Thank you so much for your help in this matter.    — jovialkiki (posted on April 23, 2003)

April 23, 2003
I started my period in the hospital, and I used pads. I couldn't contort my body around to use a tampon. ;) It's not that big of a deal. Just take the big huge overnights pads so you have ample coverage without having to work at it, if you know what I mean. :)
   — Diana L.

April 23, 2003
I would not even worry about this. I was due on the day of my surgery, so I went to the store and bought the ALWAYS overnight pads (extra long helps since you will sleep on your back). I was told NO TAMPONS because you'll have a catheter in during surgery. Once I was in pre-op, I told the nurse I was expecting my period and didn't want a mess during surgery and recovery. She said I could wear cotton panties (of course, I had not thought to bring cotton panties) with a pad...so it really all depends on the nursing staff. Of course, my period didn't start till I was home 2 days later (which I was so thankful for!). As far as making it start, I've heard from so many posters who had their periods just before surgery, that their period started again right after surgery. Something to do with the stress of surgery bringing it on early. So, I would not stress about making it happen now...you may just have to deal with it again in the hospital! Best wishes for a successful recovery and a wonderful new life! ***Amy LAP RNY 04-09-03
   — Amy A.

April 23, 2003
My period also started when I arrived at the hospital. It was a week early. It will come when it wants, and always seems to start when it's most inconvenient. Bring pads with you, the hospital pads are often the very old fashioned kind - bulky and put on with a "belt". Good luck.
   — M B.

April 23, 2003
Just from my own personal experience...if you absolutely don't want to wait...(if you are married)have intercorse with your spouse. That almost always jump starts it a few days early for me. Good luck.
   — jenniemminor

April 23, 2003
Concentrate on your surgery, the good Lord will take care of your period. By the way, I had my surgery April 1 and was on my period. Very light discharge, but still needed to wear the protection nonetheless. The hospital provided that nice blue pad to go underneath just in case of an accident. They deal with it all the time, its really no big deal. Don't fret it. As Red would say, Good Luck, Good Health, and God Bless.
   — Anita D.

April 23, 2003
I have also had my husbands help with starting my period early :o) You know how it works though, they always come when you don't want them to! I started mine the 2nd day after surgery, I was kinda embarrised b/c I had to have help when it was time to change the pads that they provided.I could'nt do the bending. Just go with the flow lol Good luck hun!!!
   — Sandy M.

April 23, 2003
Hello, Good luck with your WLS. I take an herb called valerian root if I want my period to come down right away!!! As in today or tonight. Just go to the health food store and purchase the herbal pills called Valerian Root.....either in 450 mg or 500 mg and take 2-3 pills immediately and watch this bring down your period in less than 8 hrs!!! It's safe to take post-op also....I mean post-op if you have problems sleeping or relaxing just try it or try an herb called melantonin and it will help with the sleeping at night. just ask your pcp or your dietician. This herb is great for relaxing and helping the nerves. Again........to jump-start your period, get the herb called Valerian Root! Good luck!!!!
   — Shirley M.

April 23, 2003
Don't worry about your period. The hospital will provide you with pads if you start while you are in there. Many women start their periods after any kind of surgery (like me). I had my period two weeks befor surgery and then again with surgery. You just never know.
   — Jane S.

April 23, 2003
A few glasses of red wine always kick starts me
   — Sarah S.

April 23, 2003
I wasn't expecting a period at all since I'd not had one in practically forever but I started right after surgery. I agree with the others that even if you had one now, you could very well start again after surgery. Its totally unpredictable.
   — Shelly S.

April 23, 2003
Hi, Michelle. I just had my surgery last Monday and, of course, my period started five days early, so it was going strong the day of my operation. The hospital provides pads. I also brought them and some tampons once the cathedar was out. It's messy, but just grin and bear it. Also, regarding the herb valerian, I was told no asprin or herbs four weeks before surgery, so you should check with your doctor before taking anything. Just a suggestion. Good luck, my thoughts and prayers will be with you next week.--Julie
   — Julia T.

April 23, 2003
I got mine the day after surgery. How's that for a "get well" gift?
   — Regina C.

April 23, 2003
Michelle, I have heard this surgery, as with any I can imagine can really mess things up for a while in this department. Although I had my period only two weeks prior to surgery I did get some bleeding post-op. My roommate got her period as well. She had same surgery same day too. I think it's best to just plan on having it while you are there. And unless you want one of those diaper-sized hospital maxi pads I would bring your own. Even though I had my surgery nearly 9 months ago, I still remember that pain. And I also remember there is no way you could bend your body enough to insert your own tampon. Save your dignity.....BYOP (bring your own pads!) HE HE HE! Good luck!
   — Laurel C.

April 23, 2003
My period started the day before surgery, but I already knew that I would more than likely start while in the hospital anyways since so many others had this happen whether they were due for it or not. I was able to wear a pad during surgery (nothing else), but one of the hospitals long ones. You wouldn't be able to insert a tampon after surgery no matter how hard you tried so don't even consider it. Even if you start your period tomorrow, you could still very possibly start again right after surgery. Just keep that in mind. Good luck to you!.......Karen (lap rny-9/20/02- down 127 pounds!)
   — karmiausnic

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