The only options I know of are either pads, tampons, or cups. In the olden days, women literally used rags rather than disposable pads. That's why the phrase "on the rag." But then (as I once heard from my great-grandmother) the flow is not steady, but is more active at some times than others. Back then, she said, a woman who is having that time of the month took note of when it was coming out, and spent an awful lot of time in the outhouse. That actually was the main way of dealing with it, and the rags were just precaution.

What about the pads is irritating? Do you mean that they chafe, in which case powdering your inner thighs might help? Or is it that you just can't stand the feeling of having something touching you? Given that you've had a trauma, that would be understandable. If changing brands has helped some, it could be the shape of the pad. Some of them curve, which would fit a woman's body more closely and not feel as conspicuous.