The Keeper -- I am a failure

[cottonwood]

I cannot figure this damn thing out. First of all, I keep leaking. I have tried it in all different positions -- up higher, down lower -- and still leak. Second, I am experiencing cramping in my lower abdomen, which I do not normally have when I am menstruating. What the heck is going on here? Is it possible that my body just does not fit the thing (I am using the "mom" size)? Or am I doing something wrong?

[Elphaba]

is this your first cycle to use it? i think a majority of women have to use it for 2-3 cycles before they get totally adept at it.
i had a bit of leaking the first few times, but it's been smooth sailing since then.
actually, i did leak the last time but when i put it in i knew i had done it crooked, and lo and behold, i had bloody undies shortly after.
it does take a bit of practice. you can't really do it in a hurry they way you can throw-away products. all i can say is keep it straight when inserting it, give it that little twist once it's in, don't wear nice undies just yet and give it another cycle before you give it up.

[EnviroBecca]

Are you petite, or is there any other reason to believe you might have a smallish vagina? Maybe you should try the other size.

Depending on where you bought it, it may have a toll-free number on the literature. If so, I think calling for some "tech support" is your best move.

Good luck! I hope you will soon love the Keeper as much as I do!

[Asquaredmom]

Please check out "thekeeper" yahoo group.

There are information files, photos, and lots of ladies w/lots of experience willing to help you troubleshoot your keeper difficulties.

[daylily]

After using the Keeper for more than a year, I recently had a difficult cycle in which I had that lower abdominal cramping you describe. I think I was inserting it at slightly the wrong angle--pointed too far toward my back, I think. When I took it out and put it in again, the pain disappeared. It does take a few months to really get the hang of it, and even if it leaks a bit, it's still better than a pad by itself.

[Chloe]

: Sorry- can't help you!

I have been seriously considering getting the Keeper. I think it would be so much easier than using tampons. I would think it would be so much more convenient and not as messy-

I do have questions though- how convenient is it when you are in a public restroom? Can you just empty it and re insert? Do you always need to rinse it?? I would think I'd want to rinse it, but going in and out of the stall and carrying your messy Keeper would kind of be gross!! LOL

[daylily]

I've managed to avoid changing it in a public restroom, but you don't have to rinse it. If I were out, I'd just empty it, reinsert and wipe off my fingers with toilet paper.

[cottonwood]

Thank you for the replies! I'll check out that yahoogroup. I really want this to work!