Making Time for a 2nd Talk during Sisterpalooza
Making Time for a 2nd Talk during Sisterpalooza
A few years ago, my sisters and I came up with a term for our time together – those times when we are inseparable (usually shopping) and the rest of our family members tend to feel slightly ignored… Sisterpalooza!! We usually plan these times out really well so those around us are aware, but this weekend we drummed up an impromptu, mini-Sisterpalooza and had a blast.
I visited all weekend with my older sister because her kids had several activities and she is keeping my boy this week while I'm away at work, but our little sister could only visit for the day so we had to squeeze in some quick shopping between activities. While I was visiting my older sister; however, I was hoping to have a chance to talk to her about the inevitable phase of life that I'm slightly fearful I may be entering. I needed to talk to her about…Menopause…that time of life that women don't talk about much until they are smack dab in the middle of a hot flash or screaming at a spouse for no reason. My older sister and I had similar experiences with our mom regarding "The Talk" when we were teens, and since our mom passed away five years ago, I knew my sister would be the perfect person to have the 2nd Talk with me.
My "coming soon" Menopause Story
My mom went into menopause before she turned 40. I don't remember exactly how old she was, but it had to be between 35 and 40. I remember her talking about having a heavy period that would last for a couple of weeks and then it would stop for a few days, maybe a week, and then start up again. I don't remember her having hot flashes, but that may be because she just didn't talk about those things much. My mom had some mental health issues later in life and she and I were not close. I didn't have the opportunity to talk to her about this time in her life.
My older sister recently had a hysterectomy after having a lifetime of feminine issues. She just turned 40 year old so she had to argue with the doctors to allow her to have one so young. She was experiencing similar issues from what I would hear my mom talk about with heavy, unpredictable periods. My sister's hysterectomy did not take her ovaries so she is unsure what will happen when menopause hits full on, but she feels that prior to the surgery she may have been headed quickly down that road.
Shopping for Poise Feminine Wellness products #PoiseFab5
My older sister and I shopped at Walmart this weekend and since I needed a way to "break the ice" for the 2nd Talk so I told her about the Poise Feminine Wellness products and she was as excited as me to learn more. We found 4 of the 5 products – Feminine Wash, Personal Lubricant, Roll-On Cooling Gel, and Body Cooling Towelettes. Read all about our Sisterpalooza shopping trip in my #PoiseFab5 Google Album.
I will be 36 in March 2013. I will be in the age range that my mom and older sister were in when the symptoms started for them. I'm (kinda) freaking out that I won't get to have as many children as I initially wanted. I am 35 and I had my first child a month before my 31st birthday. While I don't consider this "later", it suddenly has become "later" since my husband and I have been trying for two years to have our second child and I honestly thought we would be on #3 by now. I'm experiencing other issues that have caused me to call upon Poise products in the past and now that I have looked into the Poise Feminine Wellness products, I am definitely keeping a couple of them in my purse now…just in case…
September is Menopause Awareness Month
Join the first generation to have the 2nd Talk online with Poise. Find out how others are getting together and preparing for the 2nd Talk by checking out the Poise Fab 5 Pinterest board.
You can also follow along with Poise on Facebook at @Poise on Twitter.
Before you head out to Walmart for your Poise Feminine Wellness products, don't forget to print this $1.00 off coupon for Poise.
Twitter party alert!!
Join us Thursday, September 20 at 1:00 EST for the #PoiseFab5 Twitter party and you could win $100 spa gift cards and $50 Walmart gift cards!!
Who would you talk to about menopause if you didn't have a mom around?
I am a member of the Collective Bias™ Social Fabric® Community. This shop has been compensated as part of a social shopper insights study for Collective Bias™ and and Poise #PoiseFab5 #CBias #SocialFabric. All stories and opinions are my own.
Oh poise! the pee pee pad, you’re my only friend. you understand me and never tell my secrets. LOL I have reached that time in my life where my bladder has a mind of it’s own and normally on the way to see john mr flatulence decides to visit. My husband starts laughing and all I can think about is Larry the cable call talking about his grandma and the walking farts! I start laughing and that makes matters worse! lol
Looks like you gals had fun! I just told my sister today a funny saying I heard. “Sisters are like fat thighs. We stick together!” lol
Haha!!!!!! I love it!!!
my son informed me that he wanted to bring his 1 year old cousin into class and show all his friends.
I can tell that you guys have a blast together! The best way to talk about hard topics is with humor!
Mallery Schuplin recently posted..I’ve Been Abducted by Star Wars
My mom had cervical cancer so at 35 she had a hysterectomy that left her ovaries as well. I have no idea when her or my grandma went in to menopause because she had no obvious symptoms except for always being overheated. My sister and I are in our 30’s so we are not there yet.
Melanie B recently posted..European Garden Birthday Bouquet Giveaway!
it is nice that you can go over it with your sister. And go through it with her!
Alicia Keen recently posted..Monday Class Reminder
I did talk with my mother-in-law, my husband and my doctor about menopause problems. I do not have any sisters, but I love the term you created: sisterpalooza
My younger sister and I aren’t quite to the menopause point just yet, but I do hope that when that time comes she and I can be as open as you and your sister were!
Tammy Allgood-Hemmerling recently posted..Lucky Emerald’s Giveaway Linky (New Format!)
I had no idea September was Menopause month. I’m surprised I didn’t get a call to be the poster child for it! I have been going through severe menopause for about a year. I don’t have an issue with periods, like many women do. I stopped having one for about 10 months, had a normal one, and now I’m probably in month 6 without one again. Yay! However, I have horrible anxiety attacks that last about 2 minutes, followed by horrible hot flashes that last about 3 minutes. A 5 minute ordeal that happens, sometimes, 10 times per day. I’ve tried a lot of different products, and may be on one now that works, so I will post about it when I know for sure.
Hope yours don’t get as bad as mine
Kelly Stilwell recently posted..Stir It Up Cuisine. It’s Really Good, Mon!
You look like you had a great time out. I hate thinking about Menopause. My mother said it drove her nuts.
You guys look like you have a blast when you get together!
Melissa Lawler recently posted..Tortilla Soup
I love the pics of your Sisters! Fab article, thanks for being so open and honest!
Rachel H recently posted..**WIN** Michigan Renaissance Festival Tickets! #Giveaway
Hey Janet, thanks for sharing what is something that so many of us don’t talk about and what is obviously also very sensitive to you. I would feel most comfortable talking to my sister as well
Ghada V recently posted..Switch to the NEW Balance Rewards Card with Duane Reade and Walgreens
What a great way to bring up the talk. I am so glad you and your sister are that close! Don’t give up hope on more kids. God has perfect timing. It took us 2 yrs to get pregnant with my daughter. Thanks for bringing this topic to the surface for discussion!