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About

I have lived with chronic pelvic pain most of my life but had my symptoms dismissed and misdiagnosed for over 15 years. Since 2018 I have been diagnosed with Interstitial Cystitis/BPS, Endometriosis, Pelvic Floor Dysfunction, Tarlov Cysts, Fibromyalgia and Lupus (SLE). I hope that what I share on my blog will help others advocate for themselves, better navigate the healthcare system and find the care and treatment they deserve.

I Write

I write as a hobby, to spread awareness and shine light on pelvic pain and my struggles living with chronic illness. What started as a coping strategy, has now turned into something that gives me great meaning and purpose.

I Advocate

I advocate to help ensure a better future for all and to assist pelvic pain patients and their families in coping with their chronic pain and emotional stress.

I Create

I create to put something good into the world. Since becoming chronically ill and unable to work as a designer, it gives me back a sense of purpose and achievement.

What The Community Is Saying

The Happy Pelvis is encouraging, full of helpful resources and directories and accurately covers all the basics of pelvic pain with sensitivity and commonsense. It’s the best patient run site I’ve found where everything is in one place and the information is written really clearly and accurately. It’s the pelvic pain website I’ve been looking for, I send it to everyone who contacts me about pelvic pain and doesn’t know where to start or where to go next.

Yen Taylor

Helping others has enabled Michelle to find purpose in her pain and I have no doubt that she will continue to offer hope and education to so many through The Happy Pelvis.

Martina Skrela, PT + Pelvic Floor Physical Therapist

Latest Posts

If you are interested in my health journey or how to make the best out of life when living with chronic pelvic pain, take a look at the latest blog posts below.

See blog

Prevent or control recurring urinary tract infections with Hiprex

If you struggle from recurrent urinary tract infection's (UTIs), you know first hand the adverse effects and limitations antibiotics can…

How a Trauma -Sensitive Approach Can Help People with Pelvic Pain

When I look back at my upbringing and childhood, I have mostly loving and happy memories. So, when I kept…

A Holiday Gift Guide for those living with Chronic Illness and Pelvic Pain

Need a Holiday Gift Guide for that special someone in your life that lives with chronic illness or pelvic pain…

Suicide risk in patients with Interstitial Cystitis/BPS

Trigger Warning Please note that this post contains discussion about suicide and depression which may be triggering for many. Continue…

What is Parametrial Endometriosis?

Disclaimer: The information provided in this post was directly taken from the educational video series created by The University of…

May is Pelvic Pain Awareness Month

May is Pelvic Pain Awareness Month In 2017, The International Pelvic Pain Society (IPPS) designated May as Pelvic Pain Awareness month…

Creative Projects

Get in touch with me

And I'll get back to you as soon as possible.

Location

Toronto, Canada

Contact

E-mail: michelle@thehappypelvis.ca

The Happy Pelvis

Do you have pain with intimacy? Debilitating periods? Chronic urinary tract infections? You're not alone!

Join pelvic health advocate Michelle M., as she interviews others in the community struggling with their pelvic health, as well as experts and practitioners who want to bridge the gaps in pelvic healthcare accessibility and bring awareness to the hurdles individuals face as a result of chronic pelvic pain.

Each episode contains powerful information to help you navigate and educate yourself to empower you to advocate for the care you deserve.

www.thehappypelvis.ca

On this episode, Michelle and Dr. Dean Tripp discuss mental health and biopsychosocial model with chronic pain related to IC/Bladder Pain Syndrome.

Dr. Tripp completed his Ph.D. in Clinical Psychology at Dalhousie University. He joined the Department of Psychology at Queen’s University shortly afterward and has been cross appointed with the Departments of Anesthesiology and Urology. He teaches courses in Health Psychology, Interpersonal Therapy, and Pain.

Dr. Tripp has published over 50 peer reviewed research papers and chapters examining community chronic pain experience and depression as well as a focus on Chronic Prostatitis and Bladder Pain Syndrome/Interstitial Cystitis. His research and clinical interests have always focused on health, stress and interpersonal adjustment.

Michelle's hope is that you take some valuable information from this episode and apply it in one way or another to improve your quality of life while living with persistent pelvic pain.

Please Note: There is talk about suicide in this episode, which I know can be distressing. If you need resources or support go to talksuicide.ca or for 24 hour free counselling in Canada, the number is 1.833.456.4566

Links from episode:

Study: Biopsychosocial predictors of suicide risk in patients with interstitial cystitis/bladder pain syndrome

Get your copy of The Ultimate Pelvic Pain Resource Guide

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