Tampon usage for incomplete quads w/ sensation?

[quad_21]

So I was blessed with a lot of sensation after my accident, and I can tell if something is bothering my body. Is it wise to use them? Or does it come with the same risk as a walking person. I hate pads and I starting school Monday, and I will be cathing some days at school. I figure tampons would be easier and cleaner then a pad? Thank you for the input!!! :o

[woman from Europe]

I have been using it my whole life and never heard it was dangerous

[SCI-Nurse]

Just as with an able bodied woman, you should change tampons every 4-6 hours to avoid risks for toxic shock. I find that they are actually better if you can use them for most women with SCI as pads (esp. maxi-sized ones) can cause problems with skin. I do know some women who choose to use an adult diaper for their periods because they can change these themselves, and cannot do so with the tampons, or find tampons uncomfortable or even cause AD. Some have chosen to use Instead (http://www.softcup.com/) menstrual cup instead (although they are hard to find in stores now days). It is very individual and you have to find what works for you.

(KLD)

[quad_21]

thank u

[dash]

I get slight ad more from pads then tampons.

[jessie.gray]

I prefer to use pads or a pair of protective underwear during my period, due ot it being so heavy and lasting so long (8 days a month). I seem to get bad cramps whenever I use tampons.

Jessie
(hereditary spastic paraparesis and L-4 SCI)

[Eileen]

Years ago when first injured I had no idea if I should use Tampax either. A good friend of mine knew I was too embarrassed to ask the doc at the SCI center so she asked for me. He told me he would much prefer me using Tampax instead of pads because you are not sitting on a wet crinkled mass of paper. It is much cleaner to me too, an added plus. So, I am now a post-menopausal woman (yay!!!), but for all those years I used Tampax with no problems.

[drew82586]

I use tampons and have no problems. I am a t-6 so I am on the line of AD. and go get it with my bladder. and A tiny bit with my period. I find it a lot cleaner and better for me to use a tampon. Haven't had any problems with it!

[ChinaDoll]

I use tampons with a pull up during my PMS time, cleaner and just in case. ADs are common but not severe. I did school (university) for 3 years and it worked out great.

[redros3]

I have always used tampons - pre and post SCI. I'm a c5/6 incomplete - I don't really ever get AD from anything and I have no complaints about using tampons post sci.

[jody]

hate pads. they just end up a lump. the thin wing thingys are ok if I need both.

[cara_m]

I have used tampons ever since I went to college, which was many, many years ago. The mess and laundry my mother had to do prior to my going college, due to my period, was way too much for me to want to take over once I left home. lol Besides, every movement I made in my chair I could feel it puddling up. I am a C/5-6 incomplete also with sensation. I have always had some finger movement in my right hand so that helped with insertion. Now that my hand is getting weaker, I had to switch to kotex tampons. Instead of having to squeeze the applicator and push it in, there is a little lip where I can hook my thumb nail on and push with index finger.

AD wasn't a problem for me when it was in. However, if it was towards the end of my period and a little dry I would get AD as I was taking it out.

I'm waiting for it to end. I still get it pretty regularly at 54. Only missed once. aarrg I think I am going for the Guinness book of world record for the oldest female continuing to have her period.:(

[Dianka]

i am C5 and use tampons no issues.

[lynnifer]

It took me two months last year to master those, since I was paralyzed at 12 and too young then. I'd have to say I much prefer these to pads as well.

[jody]

I have gotten AD, but not from using tampons. definitely prefer tampons over pads. I just feel icky when out of tampons. I do notice more spasticity and pounding headaches when I have my period, but it is not any different using pads vs tampons.

[alissa]

I would just recommend going with natural brands. Tampax, etc. contain dioxin, is bleached for whiteness & has fragrance to "eliminate odor". Do you really want to stick these toxins in such a sacred, absorbent place?