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My Account

Michelle The Happy Pelvis

Meet Michelle
Michelle is a peer health navigator and the voice behind The Happy Pelvis. Driven by a deep passion for pelvic health awareness shaped by lived experience, Michelle collaborates with community members to develop initiatives that support and empower those affected by chronic pelvic pain and illness. Through The Happy Pelvis, their mission is to provide resources, guidance, and tools to help individuals navigate their health journeys, advocate for themselves and build strong partnerships with healthcare providers to make informed treatment decisions.

peer health navigator certificate
Women's College Hospital Patient Advisor

the.happy.pelvis

#chronicpelvicpain + helping to bridge the gaps in pelvic health awareness & education. Life w/ENDO, BPS, PFD, LUPUS, Et al.
Free resources + links ⤵️
I still remember googling “lichen sclerosus” and “ I still remember googling “lichen sclerosus” and “v@ginismus” in 2004 after my first gyn appt and finding almost nothing… except one terrifying line that said my “v. opening might close up.” That sentence lived in my head for years because there was barely any real info, no community and no evidence based guidance. Just fear and confusion. Especially for a 14-15 yo. For anyone who doesn’t know, lichen sclerosus is a chronic inflammatory skin condition that often affects the vulv@, causing pain, itching, tearing and long term scarring if not treated properly. And it can come along with v@ginismus too. Which is involuntary tightening up during any insertion. There was No online pelvic floor resources or information. Back then, it was barely talked about especially for young people. Talking with Penny on her podcast this month brought all of that back and reminded me exactly why I share what I share today. If you think it is weird or gross, this space isn’t for you. I’m not a doctor and I’m not an expert. I’m just someone who grew up with conditions no one talked about and learned firsthand how painful misinformation and silence can be. My goal is to translate what I’ve lived, learned and researched into something human, relatable and supportive for anyone on a similar path. ❤️ If @wellbeing.by.penny ’s episode helps even one person feel less alone, it’s worth every vulnerable moment. Check out her Pelv1c Power Podcast for more great episodes. 💖 #LichenSclerosus #chronicpaincommunity #invisibleIllness #vaginismus #pelvichealth
After months of wedding planning, long hours on my After months of wedding planning, long hours on my computer and juggling way too many projects, stressful Blue Jays world series games lol… my body has officially started talking back. 😩 The tension, the stiffness, nerve pain, the spicy bladder, the heaviness. Eugh. It’s all my body’s way of saying, “Hey, remember me?”. So this November, I’m giving myself permission to slow down to trade the “hustle” for healing. I’m committing to showing up for myself through @wellbeing.by.penny Pelvic Floor Yoga classes each week. This isn’t about doing more or pushing harder. It’s about creating space for my body to unwind, my mind to breathe and my nervous system to reset before my honeymoon. So I'm as present and healthy as I can be to enjoy myself. 💛 Penny’s not only an incredible pelvic floor yoga instructor, she’s also my friend. I’ve watched how much love and intention she puts into helping people feel safe in their bodies again and I’m genuinely proud to support her small business as an affiliate. If your body’s craving calm too. If you’ve been feeling the effects of sitting too much, holding stress in your shoulders or carrying tension in your pelvis: I’d love for you to join me this month. (also wouldn’t it be a great choice to re-centre and reset before the crazy holiday season approaches?!)🎅🏻🕎🎄 Link in bio to learn more about Penny’s pelvic health yoga program. #NovemberResetChallenge #PelvicFloorYoga #NervousSystemReset #SelfCareJourney #challengeyourself
Feeling blocked? Let’s talk about the magic of ‘mo Feeling blocked? Let’s talk about the magic of ‘mooing’ for your pelvic floor or shall i say "Boo-ing" 👻? This simple vocal exercise isn’t just silly... it actually helps relax your pelvic floor muscles, which can ease constipation and make bowel movements smoother. Weird, I know! But here’s the process: 1️⃣ Sit comfortably or elevate your feet 2️⃣ Take a deep breath in through your nose. 3️⃣ Exhale slowly while making a low, drawn-out “BOO or MOO” sound. 4️⃣ Focus on relaxing your pelvic floor as you exhale. 5️⃣ Repeat a few times, letting your body release tension. Why it works: When your pelvic floor is tight your bowels can get “stuck.” Booing encourages relaxation that lets everything flow more easily. 💛 Give it a try!
After my last post about hydrodistension, I was re After my last post about hydrodistension, I was reminded of something I want to make sure the IC/BPS community knows about. A long-time Canadian IC advocate and friend (Thanks ann!) shared what they’d heard in one of Dr. Curtis Nickel’s webinars that repeated or high pressure hydrodistensions can harm the bladder, sometimes causing scarring or shrinkage leading to bladder removal and that they have seen this many times in their practice. At the same time, recent research from USA shows hydrodistension can help some patients, especially when done gently and carefully and on patients without widespread pain and fall under bladder focussed disease. So here’s the reality: hydrodistension isn’t “good” or “bad.” Some people find relief, others flare and it really depends on the bladder and the technique of the urologist. I share this to help people see both sides: the positives and the caution. So you can feel more informed when talking to your care team. ⚠️ Quick reminder: I’m not a medical professional. This is for informational purposes only and doesn’t replace personalized medical guidance. Always talk with your doctor about what’s right for you. Have you ever had a hydrodistension? Or been offered one? What was your experience like? #InterstitialCystitis #BladderHealth
Game 3 baby! Unclench that jaw, drop those shoulde Game 3 baby! Unclench that jaw, drop those shoulders and exhale. Because holding tension for 9 innings straight? Your pe1vic floor says no thanks 😂 #worldseries #BlueJays #torontosports
IC/BPS patients often ask: “Will hydrodistension h IC/BPS patients often ask: “Will hydrodistension help me?” This carousel breaks down what recent research says about who’s most likely to benefit and how long relief might last. Knowledge is YOUR power. *I’m not a medical professional, just a peer sharing what I’ve learned to help others navigate their health journey. Always discuss your options and any treatments with your medical provider. Ref: Wolff, Dylan T., et al. "Correlates of Positive Response to Therapeutic Hydrodistension in Interstitial Cystitis/Bladder Pain Syndrome." Neurourology and Urodynamics (2025) #ICBPS #BladderPainSyndrome #PainManagement #PatientEducation #PelvicHealth #ChronicPainSupport #ICAwareness #SelfAdvocacy #TheHappyPelv
Some days my body just won’t cooperate. The pain i Some days my body just won’t cooperate. The pain is real but most people can’t see it… and sometimes even doctors don’t get it. Being told ‘it’s all in your head’ or ‘you’ll just have to live with it’ is rough but you’re not alone. 💛 Who else has had a doctor dismiss your pain? I want to hear your story in the comments! #interstitialcystitis #invisibledisabilities #doctoroffice #pelvicfloordysfunction #pelvicpain #dismissed #informedconsent #evidencebased #patientexperience #patientcenteredcare #patientcentered #patientadvocacy #endometriosissupport #BladderHealth
Officially a Mrs. 👰🏻‍♀️ Through pain, setbacks an Officially a Mrs. 👰🏻‍♀️ Through pain, setbacks and learning how to care for my body... I found peace, love and a partner who sees all of me. A little rain during wedding photos couldn’t ruin that. 🌧️💍 (Rain on wedding day is good luck isn't it?) Now my body is telling me that it is time to REST. . . Shoutout to our amazing cousins for these gorgeous shots (you nailed it!!). 🙌 Can’t wait to see the professional photo magic from Christian and Edens POV. . . The amazing vendors who made our vision come to life: Photography: @cocuzzoweddings Venue and Food: @thevueandclubhouse @bypeterandpauls MC & DJ: @mctonybertini Florals: @flowerbabyfloristry Decor and Arch: @franolis.flowers Cake & Sweets: @lacasadolce . . . #octoberwedding #fallweddings #marriedcouple #jeweltonewedding #chronicpainwarrior #chronicpainawareness #weddingday #TorontoWeddings
Everyone’s out here clenching their jaw, sucking i Everyone’s out here clenching their jaw, sucking in their stomach and wondering why their pelvis feels haunted 😅 Here’s the thing friends, all that tension doesn’t just vanish. It travels south and your pelvic floor ends up doing wayyy too much. That can mean: 💀 Pain 💀 Pressure 💀 Urgency 💀 Constipation 💀 That constant “tight” feeling you can’t stretch away Your pelvic floor isn’t supposed to be on guard 24/7. It needs rest too. So if you’re reading this… take one deep breath in. And exhale allllll that tension out. 🌬️ Your pelvis will thank you 👻 #pelvichealthmatters #pelvicfloorawareness #PelvicPain #PelvicPT #ChronicPainCommunity #icawareness #endocommunity #PelvicFloorRelease #HalloweenVibes #MindBodyConnection #endométriose #breathinbreathout #chronicuti #diaphragm #pelvicpainsupport
Recovering from the best (and most emotional) day Recovering from the best (and most emotional) day ever 🤍 My heart is bursting and I’ll be sharing more soon, here’s a little first look at our big day! I’m off to PT today as I’m desperately needing help as the stiffness and pain have creeped in. My day wasn’t flawless and pain free bc I needed to step away for about 45 minutes during the reception to rest and get some help from my bridesmaids and PT (thank goodness for them!). But even with that, it was everything we dreamed of and more 💍 I wish I could rewind the whole day and play it back lol ugh it was just magical!! ✨ #realweddingmoments #weddingvows #bridetribe #youngerme
We had such an incredible day yesterday at the End We had such an incredible day yesterday at the Endo expo market at June Rowlands Park in Toronto with @appletree_to @dailyapple_to ! ☀️ I’ll be taking a much-needed rest today, but I’ll be posting more about the market day soon… for now here are a few giggles to get you through your Wednesday. Happy fall y’all. 🍁🍂🍃 #autumnmood #happyfall #halloweenmovies #restdays #halloweenhumor #pelvicfloor #endowarriors #hocuspocus
Bachelorette vs Bachelor Party. Our weekends could Bachelorette vs Bachelor Party. Our weekends couldn’t have looked more different…😂 When Dyl sent me that table smash video I was crying laughing at the huge difference between our bachelor vs. bachelorette weekends 😂😂😂 (don’t worry he’s just cheering in the back, not the one getting tossed, thank god lol). Had to make a side-by-side vid for full effect. Boys will forever be boys 🍻 #boysvsgirls #bachloretteparty #bachelorparty #fiancé #rowdyboys #tablesmash #beerpong #liveillustration
@appletree_to and I are so excited to welcome an i @appletree_to and I are so excited to welcome an incredible lineup of vendors and organizations joining us at the Endo Expo on September 23rd @ 3–7 PM 💛 Here’s who you’ll get to connect with: Cofounders Michelle @the.happy.pelvis and Lesley @appletree_to @4divinebeautywellness @advancedwomenshealthclinics @blacktoeden @datethebar @framefidelity @freedomspeakinternational @futuring_with_nature @holistic.hormone.solutions @makesomething.K @moontimeconnections @redcatcloth @rosehealthclinic @sunnybrook @thegoodlifedietitian @thisishowtobloom @torontolibrary @wearmayana Special thanks to Saira @breathofhenna for your support. This community is coming together to share resources, support, creativity and care for those living with endometriosis and persistent pelvic pain 💛 ‼️Plus we’re hosting a menstrual product drive with @moontimeconnections , an Indigenous-led, Indigenous-focused period equity group. Our most requested items are thin, lightweight pads and new/unopened period underwear. If you can’t bring a product, you can donate directly on their website! 📍 Tuesday September 23 | 3–7 PM | June Rowlands Park (Davisville & Mount Pleasant) Come learn, shop, connect & be part of this special day. - Michelle & Lesley #torontomarket #womenshealthcare #marketvendor #torontoculture #junerowlandspark #endoexpo2025 #torontoevents #endoeducation #peerhealtheducators #endowarrior #chronicillnessawareness
We’re less than ONE WEEK away from the Endo Expo! We’re less than ONE WEEK away from the Endo Expo! This year, we’re proud to be hosting a menstrual product drive for Moon Time Connections. They are an Indigenous-led, Indigenous-focused period equity group supporting menstruators across Turtle Island/Canada. Since 2017, @moontimeconnections has: - Partnered with 292+ northern Indigenous communities - Shipped over 10 million menstrual products - Provided education + resources to schools, clinics, shelters & more But the need is still there. Many Indigenous menstruators face barriers like high product costs, limited access, and lack of education. Our number one requested items: thin, lightweight pads + new, unopened period underwear Bring donations to the Endo Expo donation station 📍 Can’t donate a product? You can still make an impact with a monetary donation through the Moon Time Connections website. Every box matters. Every donation makes a difference. Let’s improve menstrual equity from coast to coast to coast. #menstrualequity #menstrualproducts #moontimeconnections #menstruationeducation #periodproducts #periodproperty #donationdrive
Happy Friday, friends 🫶🏻 Here’s a little Friends m Happy Friday, friends 🫶🏻 Here’s a little Friends meme to kick things off. Life’s been a bit wild lately between planning the Endo Expo with @dailyapple_to and all the wedding prep. But this weekend, I’m really looking forward to a fun girls day/night tomorrow to celebrate 👰. Of course, my 🩸 decided it wouldn’t miss out on the party and is planning to show up any time this weekend 🙃 but I’m resting up today so I can make the best of it! The whole day is a surprise! 💕Where do you think they are taking me?! #fridayfunny #friendsmeme #friendstv #chronicfatiguesyndrome #chronicpainawareness #chronicillnessawareness #endoexpo2025
For our wedding in October, I am focussing on comf For our wedding in October, I am focussing on comfort, pacing myself and protecting myself so I can actually enjoy the day! What this is looking like: - dress that doesn’t squeeze my pelvis - runners instead of heals - quarantining before the wedding to avoid 🦠 - heating pad at my seat - safe meal and fun non alcoholic signature drink - DIY invitations to save $$$ for weekly pt - extras support like built in breaks and people to call on for help This may not be the “Typical” wedding, planning checklist but it’s what’s making this day possible for me. to my fellow spoonies who may be getting married: your wedding, or any big life event should fit you and not the other way around 🫶🏻🎉 #weddingplanningtips #octoberwedding #chronicillnesslife #spoonie #chronicpainwarrior #weddingwednesday #weddingdress
LAST CALL FOR VENDORS 📢 We’re down to the final fe LAST CALL FOR VENDORS 📢 We’re down to the final few spots for the upcoming Endo Expo: Wellness Market in Toronto and I couldn’t be more excited! 💛 This event is all about bringing awareness to endometriosis and pelvic health and creating a space for community, education and connection. The response so far has been incredible and I’m so grateful for everyone who’s joining us to make this a truly impactful day. 👉 If you’ve been thinking about becoming a vendor, now is the time to secure your spot before we’re officially full! And here’s the best part: this is only the beginning. ✨ The Endo Expo will be expanding, so keep an eye out for future expos happening in establishments and parts of Toronto and across the GTA.💛 📩 DM or go to link in profile to claim one of the final vendor spots #torontovendors #endoexpo2025
There are days when pelvic pain tries to take so m There are days when pelvic pain tries to take so much from me like time, energy, joy and even simple everyday moments. Living with persistent pain often means carefully choosing how I spend my strength, canceling plans I wish I could keep and constantly adapting to a body that doesn’t always want to cooperate. But reels like this remind me why I fight through it. I fight for laughter filled moments with family and friends, for afternoons that don’t revolve around pain and for the freedom to just exist in joy without constant calculation. you know? I may not have chosen pelvic pain but I choose hope. I choose to keep going. I choose to believe that the happy life I envision is worth every small step forward even on the hard days. This is the life I’m fighting for. 💛
ONE MORE WEEK LEFT for the Femetry giveaway! 🎉 Th ONE MORE WEEK LEFT for the Femetry giveaway! 🎉 These “bladder truths” are tough but they’re also reminders that we’re not alone. Millions live with IC/BPS and it’s about time our voices and stories are heard... especially as we head into IC/BPS awareness month this September! That’s why I’m so excited to partner with Femetry the first supplement created with IC/BPS in mind (not cranberry, not “just another UTI remedy”). It was also created by a team of urogynaecologists. How to Enter: 1️⃣ Follow @femetry + @the.happy.pelvis 2️⃣ Post a Reel or Carousel sharing your IC/BPS journey real, raw, honest, or fun. (Your voice matters!) 3️⃣ Tag @femetry + @the.happy.pelvis 4️⃣ Use the hashtag #FemetryGiveaway #Ad #giveawaytime #collabgiveaway #ICAwarenessMonth #BladderProblems #interstitialcystitis #augustgiveaway #interstitialcystitisawareness #cranberry
The Endo Expo Market is returning for round two on The Endo Expo Market is returning for round two on September 23rd! Last year’s market was a great time. It was packed with community energy, real conversations and powerful pelvic health advocacy. We created what we couldn’t find…a space for US. A space for chronic illness warriors, pelvic health advocates, inclusive brands and heart centered businesses to feel seen, celebrated and supported. And guess what? We’re doing it again! 🎊 💛 If you’re a small business, wellness-focused creator, chronic illness advocate, or educator who supports inclusive, body-aware spaces… this is your chance to be part of something bigger. ⁠ Vendor perks include: 🔹 A 10’x10’ booth space in central Toronto 🔹 7 hour parking pass & grounds insurance 🔹 Promotion through our social channels and blog 🔹 A supportive, purpose-driven crowd 🔹 A welcoming environment focused on health, healing & awareness 🔹 A meaningful way to align your brand with a community that gets it Note: You must bring your own table and tent ⁠ Save the date: 📆 Tuesday, September 23, 2025 📌 June Rowlands Park, Toronto 🕒 3–7pm | Pet and kid friendly⁠ ⁠ Whether you’re offering products that nourish, educate, support, or uplift this space is built for you. ⁠ 🚨 Vendor spots are limited and went fast last year, be sure to apply soon! ⁠ 📲 Head to the link in bio to submit your application. ⁠ 👇Do you think you will check it out this year? Know a business that belongs at the Endo Expo? Tag them below! ⁠ #EndoExpo #chronicillnesssupport #EndometriosisSupport #TorontoMarkets #VendorOpportunity #PelvicHealthAwareness #InclusiveEvents #ChronicPainAdvocacy #SmallBizSupport #EndoCommunity #WellnessVendors #torontoevent
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Community Events & Advocacy in Action
EndoExpo 2024 - June Rowland's Park
MPP Jill Andrew sharing endometriosis awareness posters to be placed on every MPPs desk in Queen's Park in Toronto
Endo Connect In Person Support Group 2024
friENDO Social and Below The Belt Screening 2023
Endometriosis Petition Tabling brought forth by Endometriosis Events 2023
Endometriosis and Wellness Day 2024 at Loft Cycle Club
friENDO Social and Below The Belt Screening 2023
Endometriosis and Wellness Day 2024 at Loft Cycle Club
Unite for Endometriosis: Political Action Rally @ Queen's Park in Toronto in October 2023
friENDO Social and Below The Belt Screening 2023
Endometriosis and Wellness Day 2024 at Loft Cycle Club

Disclaimer: This site shares personal experiences and research from both the author and the community. Be sure to do your own research and check in with your healthcare team. Nothing on this website is meant to diagnose or treat any condition—always talk to a medical professional before trying anything new!

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