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Keeper/mooncup


Felidae

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Felidae Enthusiast

Does anyone use the Keeper or the Mooncup? I was thinking about buying one but I wanted to hear what anyone has to say about the product.


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Adelle Enthusiast

I had one a few years ago. I lost it, but it rocked while I had it! Totally worth it. At first it's a little uncomfortable, but it molds to your body, so stick with it! It sure would come handy to have one now (after I'm going off the depo shot, and I'm on week 4 of my period while my body re-adjusts). Just my humble opinion.

  • 4 weeks later...
corinne Apprentice

I tried for a while, but I never had success in keep it from leaking. I love mountaineering etc. and I thought this would be more convenient than packing yucky "waste" back to civilization, but no success. I might try it again if I can figure out how to make them work.

Adelle Enthusiast

I liked the "keeper" when I had it. But now I really like the "instead" things. They r fine for up to 12 hours and fit a little better than the keepers. They r easy to try if u don't wanna make the investment for the keeper. Anyway, hope it all works out.

Guest cassidy

I have tried instead and it worked well. I liked that you could have sex while on your period without it being messy. I prefer tampons and would just use them for those occasions. They were messy to take out so I didn't really like that, but they did have a good purpose.

Guhlia Rising Star

I've used the Instead before. That's actually all I use on my light days. They are so wonderful and you can wear them for twice as long as a tampon. Removal is a little gross, but I generally just use a latex glove and then turn it inside out when I take it off, this contains Instead and everything then.

brendygirl Community Regular

I'm glad I read this. I think I'm gonna try it. I SO wish I'd read this last week, tho. ;)


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Guest cassidy
I've used the Instead before. That's actually all I use on my light days. They are so wonderful and you can wear them for twice as long as a tampon. Removal is a little gross, but I generally just use a latex glove and then turn it inside out when I take it off, this contains Instead and everything then.

A latex glove! What a great idea. That would make the removal so much better. How come I think to wear them when I'm dealing with raw chicken, but not this. Once I'm in need again (I'm pregnant so not something I'm dealing with now) I might give Instead a try again.

NicoleAJ Enthusiast

I don't like to think of myself as a sheltered person, but this thread just blew my mind--I had no idea such a contraption even existed! I may just have to try this thing.

Guhlia Rising Star
I don't like to think of myself as a sheltered person, but this thread just blew my mind--I had no idea such a contraption even existed! I may just have to try this thing.

It's not for the faint of heart. It is however INCREDIBLY convenient! With the Instead brand it says in the pamphlet that you can wear it twice as long as a tampon. I generally don't wear them when my flow is heavy because they're a pain to change, but I wear them the last few days of my period once the flow lightens. I can wear one almost the whole day before I have to change it. It's great if you're going somewhere, just make sure you don't go out while wearing one until you're positive you're getting it inserted correctly. Plus, I wouldn't want to have to change one of those things in public restrooms. Ugh... Here's the website Open Original Shared Link. They are very comfortable and regardless of how traumatic removal is, they are sooooo worth it!!!

A latex glove! What a great idea. That would make the removal so much better. How come I think to wear them when I'm dealing with raw chicken, but not this. Once I'm in need again (I'm pregnant so not something I'm dealing with now) I might give Instead a try again.

Oh yeah, I definitely had issues with "step 4" before I thought of using the glove. I almost stopped using them. I'm pregnant too, but I will definitely be using instead again. They're great!

Cheri A Contributor

Wow...interesting thread and timing.

I heard about the Diva Cup about a year ago, but was chicken to try it. I am finally ready to try this and ordered one this week (period due next week). The one I ordered is actually re-usable and its SAYS not messy. The girls I know who use it say it's not messy either. Same concept, but a little different.

Open Original Shared Link

Guhlia Rising Star

Cheri, let us know how the Diva Cup works... I'd like to try that one since it's reusable. It sounds pretty neat.

kathy2005 Rookie

I have had my Keeper for TWELVE years! It has been a lifesaver and I have saved soooo much money. I was going to buy another one a couple of months ago but I decided not to because mine is still good. It only leaks if it gets too full or you do not put it in right. Just empty each time you use the restroom on heavy days and then overfilling should not be an issue. Make sure and turn it around a couple of times to make sure it openeds up correctly. Also, make sure it is pushed up a little. Do not confuse leaking with a little spotting from the extra fluid on the sides that happens every time you remove and reapply it (will still need a light day liner). It probably is a little bit messier than tampons but really is worth the trouble. Just plan on spending a few extra seconds cleaning your fingernails when you wash your hands. Dipping your fingernails in a small amount of peroxide can speed up the process on heavier days. I have never tried a glove. Emptying it in a public restroom is not bad, just use toilet paper to wipe it off or bring a paper towel in with you to wipe it, then clean it with soap later when you are home; it will only take a minute or so to empty after you learn how. I tried the instead cup and I found that I had big problems with it leaking all of a sudden with a big gush/mess.

plantime Contributor

Thanks for the link, Cheri. I ordered one. I had been looking at the ones in Wal Mart, but it seemed like just one more thing to throw away.

Debbie65 Apprentice

I

Cheri A Contributor

Thanks for the info, Kathy! 12 years?!? WOW!

Dessa ~ that is why I decided to try the Diva Cup. It was a combination of not wanting to use chemically saturated tampons and pads and then filling up the landfill.

I am glad that you all found the link helpful!! Mine should be here soon. I'm *almost* excited to get my period to try it out, lol!

Cheri A Contributor

Ok, I got my Diva Cup and am wearing it. I wish I would have bought one last year when I first heard of it! It's so much more comfortable. It took me a few times to get the hang of it, but I really like it.

Another benefit is that I don't have to worry about my dog getting into the bathroom garbage! Ewwww, yuck!

andreagrant Apprentice

I got a diva cup last spring and I LOVE it!!! Just like others said--I haven't spent a dime on tampons or pads since (I've never needed a panty liner), I'm not filling up the landfills, and another bonus for me was that since I have Sjogren's, my vagina can be pretty dry unless I'm right at my peak flow so tampons were actually painful--sounds crazy! With pads I just leaked too much.

It took me about 2 cycles to get the hang of the diva, but now I don't even think about it. They also suggest if you are in a public loo to take it out, empty it, and then just pee on it to rinse it (pee is sterile!). Just don't drop it in the toilet!! I've had it leak once or twice--from being overfull, and one time I didn't get it inserted right, but now I know exactly how it feels when it's right.

The only other thing was the first few months I could really feel it pressing on the urethra which meant I felt like I constantly had to pee, but then if I tried to pee with it in it would just trickle out. That seems to have gone away--I guess my kegels are paying off?? I also googled a bit to see if that might cause a UTI but no one has ever reported such a thing.

Felidae Enthusiast

Wow, I have been away for awhile and look at all the new posts. My Mooncup finally arrived, of course it was a week too late. I can't wait to try it. I really hope it works because I work outdoors away from civilization in the warmer months. Also, I don't like the idea of tampons being full of toxins, apparently. And I hate filling the landfill.

wolfie Enthusiast

I also got a Diva Cup last Spring and love it!! So much better than pads & tampons. No leaking and I can acutally go out now on my heavy days without worrying about leaking. I really can't say enough good things about this product.

Guhlia Rising Star

Wow, maybe i'll have to order a Diva Cup. I'm in love with my Instead, but something reuseable sounds much more economical.

Debbie65 Apprentice

I

Guhlia Rising Star

My Super Walmart carries Instead with the tampons and pads.

Felidae Enthusiast
I
brendygirl Community Regular

Well, I just looked up the Diva Cup and you have to remove it for sex, so I'd rather try the Instead, since leaving it in seems like such a cool possibility!

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    • Scott Adams
      The reaction one gets when they get glutened varies a lot from person to person.  This article has some detailed information on how to be 100% gluten-free, so it may be helpful (be sure to also read the comments section.):    
    • Theresa2407
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    • Hmart
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    • Theresa2407
      Usually when I digest gluten or wheat I have a 4 hour window before reacting.  If it is immediate it may be an intollerence to another food.  Dairy, Frutose, and bacteria (SIBO) will react with many of the celiac disease symtoms.Has your Doctor ran a  Fructose test which is measuring your Fruit Sugar?  A Hydrogen Beath Test which checks your intestinal bacteria and Dairy?After my biopsy and blood work, these (3) tests were also ran, along with allergy tests, which allery test was sent out of State.  It was a mouth swab. How fast you heal depends on the diet you are following… The following are my personal recommendations to healing. I talk to many newly diagnosed people who start the gluten-free diet with pasta, breads, snacks, and pizza. After a month or so, they do not know why they don’t feel any better and still are sick with their original symptoms: They worry the diet is not working for them. For some there may be other factors involved, but most just aren’t letting their body heal properly. I blame the internet, and misinformation it contains. People want a quick fix, not realizing this is a life long disease. They need a good support group, with people who have been through this and knows what works!  This is what I have found will work for you.                                                                                            First 6 weeks should be:                                                                                                                                 lean meat (beef, pork, chicken, turkey, salmon, sardines, buffalo, deer)                                                   fresh vegetables (steamed or roasted with a little Olive Oil) with 2 cups per day being raw (5 servings; a serving is 1/2 cup)                                                                                                                                      fresh fruit (3 servings; include strawberries, blackberries and blueberries daily)  Makes good shakes with Almond milk.                                                                                                                                        A hand full of almonds daily (pecans and walnuts can be substituted)                                                        brown rice, lentils, Citrucel daily (or the equivalent) Good source of fiber. I use Calm because my body doesn’t absorb Magnesium and I only need to take once in evening.                                                    No dairy of any kind (milk, cheese, yogurt, No breads, No past,  No oats, No pizza, No gluten-free beer, No snacks like cake, biscuits, pies, donuts.                                                                                                Many dietitians will tell you to follow a gluten free diet but you have to heal first. Don’t misunderstand me, dietitians are our friends and help us.                                                                                              10% of people with gluten-free will be intolerant to dairy                                                                                  10% can not tolerate oats                                                                                                                     After the six weeks, you can start to add these foods back into your diet. 1 new food every 4 days; this way you know if you react to this food.                                                                                                  Oats shouldn’t be tried for 1 year after being diagnosed; then start with 1/3 of a cup. Only gluten-free Oats are acceptable.                                                                                                                                              You should have results within 3 days of following a correct healing diet. Bloating should be leaving, migraines should be gone. Might take bowels a little longer to respond. If you start with 5 times a day on the Citrucel and cut back as your bowels return to normal; then use 1 Tbsp. daily. This works if you have constipation or diarrhea.                                                                                                        Meanwhile make sure you have had a Dexa test (bone density) and a blood test to check your vitamin and mineral levels: Zinc, D,K,B,C and iron levels.                                                                                  Don't take supplements while healing as your body is not accepting them and they will flush through your body.                                                                                                                                              Have you had a breath test for Dairy, Fructose, and bacteria overgrowth? Should have done when first diagnosed.                                                                                                                                        How fast you heal depends on the diet you are following… The following are my personal recommendations to healing. I talk to many newly diagnosed people who start the gluten-free diet with pasta, breads, snacks, and pizza. After a month or so, they do not know why they don’t feel any better and still are sick with their original symptoms: They worry the diet is not working for them. For some there may be other factors involved, but most just aren’t letting their body heal properly. I blame the internet, and misinformation it contains. People want a quick fix, not realizing this is a life long disease. They need a good support group, with people who have been through this and knows what works! This is what I have found will work for you. First 6 weeks should be: lean meat (beef, pork, chicken, turkey, salmon, sardines, buffalo, deer) fresh vegetables (steamed or roasted with a little Olive Oil) with 2 cups per day being raw (5 servings; a serving is 1/2 cup) fresh fruit (3 servings; include strawberries, blackberries and blueberries daily) a hand full of almonds daily (pecans and walnuts can be substituted) brown rice lentils Citrucel daily (or the equivalent) Good source of fiber. No dairy of any kind (milk, cheese, yogurt) No breads No pasta No oats No pizza No gluten-free beer No snacks like cake, biscuits, pies, donuts. Many dietitians will tell you to follow a gluten free diet but you have to heal first. Don’t misunderstand me, dietitians are our friends and help us. 10% of people with gluten-free will be intolerant to dairy 10% can not tolerate oats After the six weeks, you can start to add these foods back into your diet. 1 new food every 4 days; this way you know if you react to this food. Oats shouldn’t be tried for 1 year after being diagnosed; then start with 1/3 of a cup. Only gluten-free Oats are acceptable. You should have results within 3 days of following a correct healing diet. Bloating should be leaving, migraines should be gone. Might take bowels a little longer to respond. If you start with 5 times a day on the Citrucel and cut back as your bowels return to normal; then use 1 Tbsp. daily. This works if you have constipation or diarrhea. Meanwhile make sure you have had a Dexa test (bone density) and a blood test to check your vitamin and mineral levels: Zinc, D,K,B,C and iron levels. Don't take supplements while healing as your body is not accepting them and they will flush through your body. Have you had a breath test for Dairy, Fructose, and bacteria overgrowth? Should have done when first diagnosed. Remember to have a tTg IgA blood test repeated at 6 months then every year after, with another scope done in 3 years. Only way to know if you are healed. I don’t have all the answers; we are learning everyday new ways of doing things, but this is a start! Remember to have a tTg IgA EMA blood test repeated at 6 months then every year after 
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