Help of another sort. Share you love of VP!

[mellmoore.livejournal.com]

Hello!

I've emailed some maintainers and other assorted community types about my final project for my MA. I'm writing a series of articles on online communities in which VagPag will feature as an example of shiny love and help and happiness in an internet where things are often less than lovely.

However I would really love some input from community members and users. If any of you have any stories or comments about how the community has helped you when you really needed it, or when felt you couldn't go elsewhere, I'd be honored and grateful if you'd share them with me.

Thanks so much in advance!
Mell

Comments

[dkwgdk.livejournal.com]

I got lots of great information about managing the side effects of my Mirena IUD. I was conflicted about getting it, but I really needed to manage my heavy menstrual bleeding in a way that did not involve oral contraceptives or any kind of estrogen. Once I had it, I needed help with acne, cramping, etc...this community provided a wealth of experience that's improved my overall quality of life. In particular, I learned about cramp bark, which has been a fantastic alternative to anti-inflammatories for all kinds of muscle pain (not just uterine). I also learned about using zinc to treat acne with excellent results.

Participating in this comm has also helped my self esteem -- in reading the comments of others, I feel like I really do know and understand my body and I can use this information to help others. I am more politically active in women's health issues and also in teaching medical anthropology because of my experiences here.

[mellmoore.livejournal.com]

Excellent! Thanks so much for sharing.

I feel that it's shaped a lot of my understanding too. I feel like I wouldn't even dare to hand an article about vaginas over to my supervisor if I didn't frequent this place : )

[mellmoore.livejournal.com]

Is it ok for me to use your LJ name in this article? Is there something else you'd rather be known by?

[mellmoore.livejournal.com]

Also, thanks!

[murphtang.livejournal.com]

The community has absolutely helped me get my horrific life-interrupting periods in check. The members here gave me the courage and determination to *demand* assistance from my GP, because years of it being dismissed as "just cramps" had made me feel like I was making a big deal over nothing. Now, I don't have super comfortable periods, but they are better :)

Also, the advice that the members give is so amazing. I have come on here panic-stricken quite a few times, and every time they have reassured me and helped me overcome whatever anxiety I was having at the moment.

[mellmoore.livejournal.com]

Thanks for your response :D Is it ok for me to use your LJ name in this article? Is there something else you'd rather be known by?

[murphtang.livejournal.com]

That's no problem. :) You can use my first name (Hannah) if that's better for you ^_^

[the-bone-doctor.livejournal.com]

This community has been immensely helpful for me, both in terms of new scientific knowledge about my own body and with help sorting challenging emotions surrounding body issues. Having the opportunity to offer my experience to help others feels really good, and knowing that I can come to this community for help with my own is such a relief. I had never heard of cloth pads or menstrual cups before visiting Vagina Pagina, and now I use (and love!) both. I've also learned tons about general reproductive health- and many of the frequent commenters leave great citations.

[mellmoore.livejournal.com]

Awesome, thank you :D

Is it ok for me to use your LJ name in this article? Is there something else you'd rather be known by?

[the-bone-doctor.livejournal.com]

You can feel free to use either my lj handle or my first name, Caroline. Thanks for asking!