Oh, It's TOM so You Can't Exercise? BS!

emnk5308

I don't know about anyone else, but during the first few days of my period, I end up with diarrhea and stomach cramps along with the uterine cramps- not to mention I will bleed heavy enough to soak a tampon and a pad in less than an hour. So, yeah. Big ol' middle finger to anyone who tells me it's just an excuse.

YOU AREN'T ALONE. I get cramps and hurt all over for 36-48 STRAIGHT HOURS. =( I've tried my hardest to work through it.. but it doesn't help. They way I see it: I have to deal with bleeding from the HooHa 7 days every month, and feeling like an elephant is trying to get out of my uterus, I deserve to take a damn break!

** If possible, take some ibuprofen as SOON as you feel it coming. Keep taking it until your flow leaves. Last time I did this, I had ZERO cramps. This time I didn't have any ibuprofen or money.. So...

elenathegreat

The OP is just saying, if you want to make excuses go ahead, just realize they're a sign of being lazy. If you want something you'll do it.

You ever had very bad menstrual cramps where the pain goes down to your legs and makes you where you can hardly move and the pain is so bad you're going to vomit? I assume not since you're male, try to talk of something you know of before saying its a sign of being lazy.

Kind of reminds me of when i was working out with a busted leg. Everyone has excuses. In reply to your other post "the worst cramps" reminds me of, "my problems are greater than yours" ordeal. We have all had problems and what not, no one's problems is greater than someone elses.

Yeah, and I finished my remaining 9.9 miles of a brutal trail relay with a grade 2 sprain years ago and permanently damaged my ankle in the process (I took one for the team, literally)...that pain was NOTHING compared to the menstrual cramps and bleeding I used to contend with. The only thing more painful was full-on labor contractions <5 minutes apart.

Until you grow a uterus and at least one functioning ovary I'm not really sure why you're weighing-in. You really don't have a dog in this fight. I won't tell you how to deal with prostate issues, 'cause that ain't my bag, baby.

From a scientific stand point, i can observe. I see many many women who work out on their cycle... yet some say they can't because of it. Majority rules in this case.

Pack it up, you are a Dude! Aren't you?

ishallnotwant

From a scientific stand point, i can observe. I see many many women who work out on their cycle... yet some say they can't because of it. Majority rules in this case.

Does that standpoint only view the cycle from the vantage point of a normal reproductive system, or does it also take into account abnormalities, like endometriosis, PCOS, and fibroid tumors?

As MANY of us have pointed out, our pain is not from "normal" reproductive systems, but from abnormalities. I can show you my laparoscopic abdominal photos of extensive adhesions if you'd like.

If we talk the % of women who have those issues, do you think they will reflect the same % who are posting on this topic claiming they can't workout because of it?

I'm just throwing this out here, but maybe it's because the topic didn't really offend people who have normal cycles, but people who have cycles that prevent them from working out took offense (maybe took it personally) and so more of them felt the need to post on this particular thread? It was just an idea that came to mind.

emnk5308

I feel SO sorry for any men who have read through this thread! :laugh:

Why? Oh my god, women like you, and the men for whom you feel sorry, disgust me.

Wow, really? You're going to call me names because I feel bad for men who might have read some of the very picturesque visuals that have been posted in this thread? Yes, my husband knows i have lady parts, but I certainly wouldn't talk to him in some of the words that have been used here about it. I also don't use the restroom in front of him, either. Some things are just better done privately. It's called being a lady. More women should practice it nowadays instead of trying to be men and compete with men all the time.

1. I didn't call you names, unless you're insulted by the word woman?

2. How is speaking freely, in a public forum, with other women, about what it is like day-to-day to be a woman "[competing] with men" or "trying to be men"? I have every right to talk about whatever I damn well please, and any man who finds menstruation disgusting can either suck it up or go to hell. You think I enjoy it? You think I look at my underpants and think "Wow, that just looks AWESOME and not one bit repulsive"? No, I don't, but I'm stuck with it, and any guy who wants the perks of being allowed entry to a vagina should be able to deal with the bad parts. Any guy who scrolls down through this thread and thinks "Wow, these girls sure are disgusting" doesn't deserve to be allowed near them.

3. Whether you pee in front of your husband is your business, and I'm still going to think you're a disgrace to your gender, no matter how "classy" you think you are.

I'm sorry, when I said the words "it's called being a lady" I didn't realize you weren't one and apparently don't care to be, but your disgusting language and impolite behavior have have let me know quite clearly. Please excuse me. :flowerforyou:

My boyfriend buys the products I need for me, he holds my hand, rubs my head or what ever I need from him. But does he wanna see it? NO! It happens to women, not men. Men don't need to see it. I've got some class, and don't wanna make him see that either.

zoom2

From a scientific stand point, i can observe. I see many many women who work out on their cycle... yet some say they can't because of it. Majority rules in this case.

Does that standpoint only view the cycle from the vantage point of a normal reproductive system, or does it also take into account abnormalities, like endometriosis, PCOS, and fibroid tumors?

As MANY of us have pointed out, our pain is not from "normal" reproductive systems, but from abnormalities. I can show you my laparoscopic abdominal photos of extensive adhesions if you'd like.

If we talk the % of women who have those issues, do you think they will reflect the same % who are posting on this topic claiming they can't workout because of it?

Confirmation bias. The women who are likely posting in this thread are those who are on the defense. If you're looking for scientific results a neenernet message board is not a great target.

Also it's estimated that as many as 20% of all women of reproductive age suffer from endometriosis, yet the only way to diagnose it is via laparoscopy. I had ALL the symptoms from the very onset of my periods at 12.5, but I was about 30 before I was diagnosed, during my tubal ligation and thermal ablation procedure. Endo. is the #1 reason for hysterectomy prior to menopause. My mother had it and my sister also has it. My BFF had a full hyst. at age 25.

cmeade20

From a scientific stand point, i can observe. I see many many women who work out on their cycle... yet some say they can't because of it. Majority rules in this case.

Does that standpoint only view the cycle from the vantage point of a normal reproductive system, or does it also take into account abnormalities, like endometriosis, PCOS, and fibroid tumors?

As MANY of us have pointed out, our pain is not from "normal" reproductive systems, but from abnormalities. I can show you my laparoscopic abdominal photos of extensive adhesions if you'd like.

If we talk the % of women who have those issues, do you think they will reflect the same % who are posting on this topic claiming they can't workout because of it?

You'd be surprised how many women are actually sick from their periods.

ItsPheebs

From a scientific stand point, i can observe. I see many many women who work out on their cycle... yet some say they can't because of it. Majority rules in this case.

Does that standpoint only view the cycle from the vantage point of a normal reproductive system, or does it also take into account abnormalities, like endometriosis, PCOS, and fibroid tumors?

As MANY of us have pointed out, our pain is not from "normal" reproductive systems, but from abnormalities. I can show you my laparoscopic abdominal photos of extensive adhesions if you'd like.

Zoom, you don't even owe anyone that much of an explanation. :flowerforyou:

I'm normal, but I'm also anemic and I get migraines. Why kill myself those days I really just want to go to bed? I can do a long run on the weekend or add in an extra weight day. The point of this thing is to be in shape for life. Sometimes we ALL make excuses.

Shamon.

pamfm

Either way, who bikes on their period? That is the last thing I would want to do... tampon or not!

Heh, I did yesterday...100 miles. Thank jeebuz for menstrual cups! 10 years ago my monthlies kept me from leaving the house, much less riding a bike or running at all.

They really are so much better!

And since so many ladies are reading this, here's a related PSA: toxic shock is very rare but very real. A fabulous woman I knew is no longer alive because of it. Seriously. Consider switching from tampons to a cup. Once you, uh, get the hang of it, they're more comfortable, convenient, cost-effective, and much less deadly. Never going back.

AliciaNorris81

So...I started my period this morning. I went on two walk/jogs today. A year ago, that would have landed me a trip to the ER.

I am sitting here eating an ice cream sandwich, some guacamole, and chips and enjoying the show.

I do have to say, all in all, this has been entertaining.

Some people have no compassion or understanding of other's bodies.

I, for one, am going to go change my cotton pony (which I dare say in front of my husband *gasp* :blushing: ), shower and go to bed. Goodnight ladies and gents.

porcelain_doll

Also it's estimated that as many as 20% of all women of reproductive age suffer from endometriosis,

I personally believe it's probably higher than 20% because so many women go undiagnosed.

I had Stage IV disease. It had spread to both ovaries, bladder, appendix, and was starting to grow around my colon. I ended up at an endo specialist in Maine for my last surgery in '08. Things have been under control ever since. But the scarring from all of it could hinder my ability to become pregnant (so I'm told). I used to joke and call it "built-in birth control."

porcelain_doll

They really are so much better!

And since so many ladies are reading this, here's a related PSA: toxic shock is very rare but very real. A fabulous woman I knew is no longer alive because of it. Seriously. Consider switching from tampons to a cup. Once you, uh, get the hang of it, they're more comfortable, convenient, cost-effective, and much less deadly. Never going back.

I used a cup for a couple of years. Still have it, as a matter of fact. I used the Diva cup. I had to go up to size 2 after turning 30 (they called that one, lol), but after a while it hurt to use it, so I stopped about a year ago or so. It did take some getting used to, but it did end up being very convenient.

zoom2

Either way, who bikes on their period? That is the last thing I would want to do... tampon or not!

Heh, I did yesterday...100 miles. Thank jeebuz for menstrual cups! 10 years ago my monthlies kept me from leaving the house, much less riding a bike or running at all.

They really are so much better!

And since so many ladies are reading this, here's a related PSA: toxic shock is very rare but very real. A fabulous woman I knew is no longer alive because of it. Seriously. Consider switching from tampons to a cup. Once you, uh, get the hang of it, they're more comfortable, convenient, cost-effective, and much less deadly. Never going back.

Word to the wise: it can take trying a few to find a good fit. I tried 2 reusable models ($40 a pop. One was too big and the other leaked...I suspect my tipped uterus is a factor, too...and that's likely a factor in my endo issues, if retrograde bleeding is the cause of that) before deciding to stick with the disposable Instead ones for long bike rides and tampons the rest of the time. Kinda nice to not have to think about things for 12 hours and not deal with mad chafing from a string.

zoom2

Also it's estimated that as many as 20% of all women of reproductive age suffer from endometriosis,

I personally believe it's probably higher than 20% because so many women go undiagnosed.

I had Stage IV disease. It had spread to both ovaries, bladder, appendix, and was starting to grow around my colon. I ended up at an endo specialist in Maine for my last surgery in '08. Things have been under control ever since. But the scarring from all of it could hinder my ability to become pregnant (so I'm told). I used to joke and call it "built-in birth control."

My OB-gyn was amazed when she did my tubal. At my follow-up she asked if I'd had trouble conceiving and was surprised that we hadn't. She said I was really scarred (and I was only stage 2 upon diagnosis, with one pretty destroyed ovary). I did have scary bleeding episodes during my pregnancy that had me on modified bedrest until we were sure my rugrat was staying put. Endo is a leading cause of infertility. It's misery on so many levels. I actually really look forward to menopause and hope it's early. That's kind of sad.

porcelain_doll

Word to the wise: it can take trying a few to find a good fit. I tried 2 reusable models ($40 a pop. One was too big and the other leaked...I suspect my tipped uterus is a factor, too...and that's likely a factor in my endo issues, if retrograde bleeding is the cause of that) before deciding to stick with the disposable Instead ones for long bike rides and tampons the rest of the time. Kinda nice to not have to think about things for 12 hours and not deal with mad chafing from a string.

I was never sold on the retrograde theory myself. From Day 1, my period was an awful, painful experience at age 11. I was more convinced of Dr. Redwine's theory that you are more or less born with it. I'm not sure what happened with my cup experience. It was fitting fine until one day, it just wouldn't cooperate anymore.

porcelain_doll

Also it's estimated that as many as 20% of all women of reproductive age suffer from endometriosis,

I personally believe it's probably higher than 20% because so many women go undiagnosed.

I had Stage IV disease. It had spread to both ovaries, bladder, appendix, and was starting to grow around my colon. I ended up at an endo specialist in Maine for my last surgery in '08. Things have been under control ever since. But the scarring from all of it could hinder my ability to become pregnant (so I'm told). I used to joke and call it "built-in birth control."

My OB-gyn was amazed when she did my tubal. At my follow-up she asked if I'd had trouble conceiving and was surprised that we hadn't. She said I was really scarred (and I was only stage 2 upon diagnosis, with one pretty destroyed ovary). I did have scary bleeding episodes during my pregnancy that had me on modified bedrest until we were sure my rugrat was staying put. Endo is a leading cause of infertility. It's misery on so many levels. I actually really look forward to menopause and hope it's early. That's kind of sad.

I am glad you were able to conceive after going through that!

cbevan1229

Exercise actually helps with the cramps. I did the 30 Day Shred during my worst cramp day this month - felt better after.

JennieAL

Not sure why TOM as everyone here loves to call it is such an controversial issue. I would think we all experience varying levels of discomfort. Personally, I only cramp the first day and then it's all good. I usually take that day off to rest. It's not an "excuse"... it's my body saying: Hey, uh... we need a break. And I listen. I don't beat myself up over it and wish I could run a marathon.

I don't get the controversy over this one. Do what you can do and be content. Take some meds if you need it. Rest if you need it. Lift weights if you want to and feel so inclined.

But... don't JUDGE other women about what they do or don't do!

zoom2

I was never sold on the retrograde theory myself. From Day 1, my period was an awful, painful experience at age 11. I was more convinced of Dr. Redwine's theory that you are more or less born with it.

Given that my mom and sister both have it, I suspect genetics, as well...but we all 3 have tipped uteruses (uteri?), too.

dinosnopro

TOM means I don't pull out.

JennieAL

TOM means I don't pull out.

Nice :P