Period pains
Aug. 8th, 2008 12:00 pm![[personal profile]](https://www.dreamwidth.org/img/silk/identity/user.png){kind=small}
ailbheI don't get period pain. Right now, that's because I'm not having a period, but in general, it's because I don't get period pain. I get mild cramping, and sort it out with paracetamol and hot baths.
But I used to get pain. I used to get pain that made me fall over in public places, curl up and scream at home. I used to get waves of nausea and agonising cramps. I spent afternoons in school sitting in the secretary's office in tears, trying to keep a straight face while teachers came in and asked what I was doing there on their way to the photocopier (the only teacher who was totally unsympathetic about both this and my depression has since committed suicide - she claimed depression was always fake and I should learn to live with it, like she had. Hmm). I can remember my mother anxiously following me around the flat as I crawled around the floor trying to crawl away from the pain. We couldn't afford a doctor at the time and non-prescription painkillers, hot water bottles and massage didn't help at all. My mother was pretty worried because she'd never had period pain herself and didn't take it for granted like I and my sisters did.
I don't get period pain now. I am deeply, deeply grateful. And with the NHS, I will never be in my mother's position, watching my daughters in unbearable pain and powerless to help.
Sometimes, I am struck by how lucky I am. I am wallowing in privilege.
But I used to get pain. I used to get pain that made me fall over in public places, curl up and scream at home. I used to get waves of nausea and agonising cramps. I spent afternoons in school sitting in the secretary's office in tears, trying to keep a straight face while teachers came in and asked what I was doing there on their way to the photocopier (the only teacher who was totally unsympathetic about both this and my depression has since committed suicide - she claimed depression was always fake and I should learn to live with it, like she had. Hmm). I can remember my mother anxiously following me around the flat as I crawled around the floor trying to crawl away from the pain. We couldn't afford a doctor at the time and non-prescription painkillers, hot water bottles and massage didn't help at all. My mother was pretty worried because she'd never had period pain herself and didn't take it for granted like I and my sisters did.
I don't get period pain now. I am deeply, deeply grateful. And with the NHS, I will never be in my mother's position, watching my daughters in unbearable pain and powerless to help.
Sometimes, I am struck by how lucky I am. I am wallowing in privilege.