Logistics - Spanx, menstrual cycle, and using pads...

Alright, I feel sort of stupid posting this, but I figure if I can't ask here, where can I ask?  So here goes... 

I had a tummy tuck on 10/1/08 and am doing great.  Both drains are out and my surgeon said I could switch from the surgical abdominal binder to a Spanx-type garment a couple days ago.  I bought the Spanx garment w/ the high waist that goes about half-way down my thigh.  It has an open crotch so I can pee without having to squeeze myself in and out of the thing every time I need to go to the bathroom.  The Spanx garment gives better overall control of my swelling than that surgical abdominal binder, so it really helps me feel better by the end of the day. 

Here's my logistical problem...  I use pads, hate tampons and my period is going to start in a week or so.  I've been trying to figure out how to deal with the Spanx and a pad (I use ultra thin pads) without having to take the Spanx on and off each time I need to go to the bathroom.  I've thought about tucking a pad up inside the open of the Spanx and wearing underwear over them, but am wondering whether that will really work or if I'll just make a mess... 

Anyone else a pad user that has suggestions about how to stay in my Spanx and use pads without having to pull the Spanx up and down each time I go to the bathroom?  I know it seems like a silly question, but the thought of having to go back to the abdominal binder for 4-5 days while I'm having my period makes me almost cringe.  But it may also be easier than dealing with the Spanx...  Help?

Kellie

I don't have any personal experience but I would think tucking the pad and wearing panties would work, I would at least try that and if it doesn't work out go back to your old binder for the time that you are having your period.
Good luck,
Shanon

The panties over the spanks it the way to go, but the problem is your going to have a mess on your spanks before the day it out.  I know one thing though pulling that spandex on and off will be like doing a days work.  So maybe the binder is the only option while aunt flo is around.
Good luck and that's just my opinion because I haven't had problem for many many years.  I do wish you the best with this maybe it will come late or not at all.
Marylin

Totally not a stupid question - I have planned my whole surgery date around my period.  One thing is you might not get it - trauma like surgery can make you miss a period or two or three, according to one of the surgeons I had a consult with (a woman) and in my own experience, I had an ulcer bleeding episode last year and missed the period that was due after that.   That's what I'm hoping for.  

Thanks for all the replies, ladies.  I think I'll probably just go back to the abdominal binder when Aunt Flo arrives; it'll probably be easier and less messy than any of the alternatives!  Appreciate the responses - where else could we post such questions?!?!?

Kellie

Which Spanx did you get ?  I would do the underwear over the spank ,,,  I would take a panty thin liner or two if necessary and fold it all around the opening of the spank fisrst so if you have leakage that will catch it mostly ,,,THen use a tampon or the pad with your underwear over it...
WALLA   ;lol and hope it works but seems like it would,
Shirley

You could try using larger pads that will tuck into the Spanx opening.  Either maternity pads or what they call 'abdominal pads'.  I actually used the abdominal pads tucked into my compression garment to cover the open incisions I ended up with at the top of my thigh lift where my legs met my groin area.  They are similar to feminine pads....but intended to cover abdominal incisions.  You can find them at most medical supply places or an old fashioned drugstore like DrugMart.

The thin pads they have today will not work...but the thicker bigger ones stay in place rather well.