WOMEN ONLY.... Please....
AmberJo1984
Posts: 1,067 Member
First of all... sorry for this topic, but I'm just curious. I know there are women out there, besides me, that have it rough when TOM visits. By rough, I mean almost debilitating cycles. Cramps that feel like they are ripping you apart... etc. My question is... Is there anything that any of you can do to decrease this pain? Right now, it feels as if I am almost hemorrhaging. I can barely walk. It hurts to sit. And, at the moment, I just want to cry. However... I am having to work. I don't have any extra time to ask off.
Unfortunately, my mother has told me that she also had it this rough when she was younger. As did my grandmother. My grandmother would have to be sedated. My mom would have to miss work and/ or school every time for a week at a time. I force myself to work... but, it's absolute torture. Again, is there anything to reduce the symptoms.
Unfortunately, my mother has told me that she also had it this rough when she was younger. As did my grandmother. My grandmother would have to be sedated. My mom would have to miss work and/ or school every time for a week at a time. I force myself to work... but, it's absolute torture. Again, is there anything to reduce the symptoms.
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Replies
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First of all... sorry for this topic, but I'm just curious. I know there are women out there, besides me, that have it rough when TOM visits. By rough, I mean almost debilitating cycles. Cramps that feel like they are ripping you apart... etc. My question is... Is there anything that any of you can do to decrease this pain? Right now, it feels as if I am almost hemorrhaging. I can barely walk. It hurts to sit. And, at the moment, I just want to cry. However... I am having to work. I don't have any extra time to ask off.
Unfortunately, my mother has told me that she also had it this rough when she was younger. As did my grandmother. My grandmother would have to be sedated. My mom would have to miss work and/ or school every time for a week at a time. I force myself to work... but, it's absolute torture. Again, is there anything to reduce the symptoms.
I don't have it bad at all, but besides taking pain relievers, I've heard that exercise can help. I don't know if it's true, but it's good to try.
Sorry you have it so rough. that sucks.
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I have heard that certain types of birth control helps with these types of scenarios. For example, the Mirena IUD has been known to make a huge difference for some friends of mine. Try talking to your doctor. Your life should not revolve around your TOM.0
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I've heard the the pill can really help with this. To be honest - if it is that excruciating I would see a doctor. I'm not sure how old you are, but it could be a sign of a more serious issue. When I was younger I had bad cramps (not to the extent you are talking) and going on the pill (a low dose version) was very helpful. Also - reduce the caffeine during this time. I've found it makes it worse. Exercise can loosen up your muscles, but I understand just wanting to curl up in a little ball.0
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I survive mine by taking 2 Extra Strength Advil Liqui-gels every 4-5 hours on those days. I can't take time off of work either so that's the only thing I've found that works to ease the intensity. Thankfully I only have one really brutal day each month and if I'm medicated enough, I do still get my workout in and feel better after.0
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I have heard that certain types of birth control helps with these types of scenarios. For example, the Mirena IUD has been known to make a huge difference for some friends of mine. Try talking to your doctor. Your life should not revolve around your TOM.
Unfortunately, I've been on birth control before. It raised my blood pressure too much. That was only one pill, though. I'm supposed to go to my doctor for another check up sometime this month. I can ask her then if there's another one I can try.0 -
First of all... sorry for this topic, but I'm just curious. I know there are women out there, besides me, that have it rough when TOM visits. By rough, I mean almost debilitating cycles. Cramps that feel like they are ripping you apart... etc. My question is... Is there anything that any of you can do to decrease this pain? Right now, it feels as if I am almost hemorrhaging. I can barely walk. It hurts to sit. And, at the moment, I just want to cry. However... I am having to work. I don't have any extra time to ask off.
Unfortunately, my mother has told me that she also had it this rough when she was younger. As did my grandmother. My grandmother would have to be sedated. My mom would have to miss work and/ or school every time for a week at a time. I force myself to work... but, it's absolute torture. Again, is there anything to reduce the symptoms.
I find those heat in the microwave buckwheat pillows work. I have one in my drawer at work, it seems to relax the muscles there.
Wear loose clothing, jeans seems to 'cut in'.
I also get very bad lower back pain, so I use a shiatsu massager I bought from a website called Argos. It's about £60 and I find it helps loosen the muscles so the cramps don't feel too bad.
Also my friends has it so bad she can't even function so she invested some money in a TENS machine, they give it to mothers before labour kicks in I think. She said it's been a lifesaver.
Also swimming I hear is an excellent exercise too (eventhough it's probably the last thing you'd want to do).0 -
Start working out 7 days a week. That's what I've done, and I've lost my period! I'm still at a healthy weight though! Not the advice that you want, but I had to throw that out there!0
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I've heard the the pill can really help with this. To be honest - if it is that excruciating I would see a doctor. I'm not sure how old you are, but it could be a sign of a more serious issue. When I was younger I had bad cramps (not to the extent you are talking) and going on the pill (a low dose version) was very helpful. Also - reduce the caffeine during this time. I've found it makes it worse. Exercise can loosen up your muscles, but I understand just wanting to curl up in a little ball.
Yes, Dana is right. Caffein does aggravate it and so does alcohol.
Foods To Avoid With Menstrual Cramps
This is another way to help ease menstrual cramps, and to prevent painful periods. Caffeine and alcohol should be completely avoided, which to some maybe a hard thing to give up but your body and mind will be better off in doing so. Try to eat smaller meals more frequently this helps to avoid dips in your blood sugar which can make you feel sluggish. Red meats and dairy should be avoided as well, they actually increase the production of prostaglandins which contributes to menstrual cramps.0 -
If you are done having kids, ask your gyny about endometrial ablation. It is wonderful!0
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My TOMs sound very similar to what you are experiencing. They would get so painful that sometimes I would black out. I consulted a Gynecologist and explained to that not only did I resemble a slaughter house for minimum of 10 days a month that the pain would prevent me from going to work, eating, functioning.
The solution for me was to have a hysterectomy. I am only 36 w/o children but I was willing to make that sacrifice to see what 'normal' felt like. I had my surgery when I was 34, two years later I KNOW I made the RIGHT choice. It is amazing how much money I am saving by not having to buy cases of Tampons and Pads and New panties and pants and sheets and car-seat covers and slip covers for the couch!!
I'm not saying that it will be right for you but for me, it has been wonderful.
As far as the pain, I found that whole milk always helped me with the pain. Good luck to you!! 0 -
I've heard the the pill can really help with this. To be honest - if it is that excruciating I would see a doctor. I'm not sure how old you are, but it could be a sign of a more serious issue. When I was younger I had bad cramps (not to the extent you are talking) and going on the pill (a low dose version) was very helpful. Also - reduce the caffeine during this time. I've found it makes it worse. Exercise can loosen up your muscles, but I understand just wanting to curl up in a little ball.
Yes, Dana is right. Caffein does aggravate it and so does alcohol.
Foods To Avoid With Menstrual Cramps
This is another way to help ease menstrual cramps, and to prevent painful periods. Caffeine and alcohol should be completely avoided, which to some maybe a hard thing to give up but your body and mind will be better off in doing so. Try to eat smaller meals more frequently this helps to avoid dips in your blood sugar which can make you feel sluggish. Red meats and dairy should be avoided as well, they actually increase the production of prostaglandins which contributes to menstrual cramps.
I actually have no problem with the alcohol and caffeine. I have never touched alcohol, and I haven't had caffeine (other than occasional chocolate) in so long (I don't even remember when). The red meat problem I didn't know about though. My mother actually grills out steaks at least once a week. I'll tell her to cut that out.
Thank you all... for all of your advice. Anymore advice is still welcome.0 -
If you are done having kids, ask your gyny about endometrial ablation. It is wonderful!
I'm 28; but, I've never had any kids. I have PCOS. I know that effects this... but, I didn't think it would cause this much cramping. My doctors have never discussed it much with me, though. I probably should find another doctor.0 -
If you don't want to get pregnant...Depo Provera stops them. I had the same problem until I was 16..started Depo, never had a period after that. I would miss school, and stay at home curled in a ball wrapped around a heating pad.....soooo bad.0
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Birth control pill helped ease painful TOM for myself & other women in my family. Might also want to suggest taking a multi that contains folic acid.0
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I Started talking birth control for this problem, and it helps significantly. I used to spend at least 1 day a week laying on the bathroom floor vomiting because the pain was so bad. However, birth control also promotes weight gain, and inhibits your sex drive. Honestly, a trade off I would take.
Now, I get minor bloating but I rarely even need to take advil for the cramps. I definitely still have the mood swings though.0 -
sex and exercising can really help. I would suggest going to your doctor. I have endometriosis and get insane cramps. Once on birth control they helped a little bit. Best of luck to you!0
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birth control. i had horrible horrible periods that made it impossible to live for a week each month. now i take seasonale birth control continous. when it is time for the sugar pills i skip them and start a new pack. i have the best life ever now.0
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grrrreeeaaaat.....I just had to be nosey and see what the topic was. (slaps self upside the head)....and Uncle TOM? I thought it was Aunt Flo0
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I suggest asking your doctor. Why suffer when there must be a medical answer.0
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I was having extremely heavy periods & bleeding throughout the month, with cramping - though not as bad as yours, it sounds like. My doctor attributed it to my weight. She said that fat tissue stores hormones, specifically estrogen, which had caused my endometrial lining to become overgrown. Losing weight would help, but she suggested either a Mirena or an endometrial ablation (cauterizing the uterine lining to eliminate the endometrium). I chose the Mirena, and have had great results.
At any rate, I would definitely talk to your doctor about it. If this doctor tells you that there's nothing that can be done, find another. There is a solution.0 -
Talk to your doctor and find a different birth control pill. There are tons on the market. My periods used to be excruciating and now they last 1-2 days (maybe) with hardly any cramping. In the meantime, take ibuprofen (my doctor said it was okay for me to take 800 mg at a time) and do what feels right for you.
Best of luck!0 -
I've heard the the pill can really help with this. To be honest - if it is that excruciating I would see a doctor. I'm not sure how old you are, but it could be a sign of a more serious issue. When I was younger I had bad cramps (not to the extent you are talking) and going on the pill (a low dose version) was very helpful. Also - reduce the caffeine during this time. I've found it makes it worse. Exercise can loosen up your muscles, but I understand just wanting to curl up in a little ball.
Totally agree! The pill did wonders for me! & as hard as it is exercise helps me as well.0 -
Midol is my best friend. I don't get TOM every month I can go 2-3 months of longer and then out of the blue TOM comes for a visit. And when he does OMG I get the worst cramps known to man. I mean I am screaming and crying and in terrible pain. Well last month they were so bad that I ended up going to Wal-Mart and getting some Midol and the last time TOM came I took 2 and they were gone. So Midol works for me. Try it I hope it gets better for you.0
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There are several things that could be causing you pain and I would definately go see a GYN. Endometriosis is a very painful disease and there are several things they can do to minimize the pain. Although I do not have Endometriosis, I was diagnosed with Adenomyosis. Somewhat similar....after a year of major pain every month, I was given an IUD Mirena which has help immensely! Please go see a doctor.0
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I have similar experiences every month. It got severe last year around this time and I found that I had a large cyst on my right ovary. I also suffer from PCOS and Endometriosis (confirmed with surgery). In January I had another surgery to remove the offending cyst along with the ovary and tube as well as endometriosis which was found almost everywhere even on my colon. I thought that would solve the problem but it hasn't.
If anything my periods are worse now. I am on the pill to control my symptoms but my cycle is anything but regular and when I have it (sometimes every two weeks) it's extremely heavy and excruciating. I've had to have narcotic pain medicine prescribed to me which I HATE taking, but sometimes I must in order to continue to work.
Things that I've found that help though are:
1. LOTS of water. I know this sounds funny since we all retain water during our TOM but it really does help me.
2. A heating pad or a sock filled with rice and microwaved for five minutes. The heat helps loosen the muscles.
3. Stretching as much as I'm able. I can't do much but it does help.
I'm so sorry that you're having to go through this. I truly sympathize and I agree that you should see your doctor to ensure that there's not a bigger issue.
Best of luck to you.0 -
Oh, I know exactly what you're talking about. I feel my cramps from my shoulders to my knees, and I always have to take at least 1 day off each month due to the inability to work through the pain.
Having said that, I have found a few things to help give some relief. If I know I can just lay there and try to sleep through the pain, I usually take Percogesic. It knocks me out; I think there's a little Benadryl in it or something.
When it gets closer to TOM I take Salmon Oil supplements. Someone turned me onto this years ago, and for some strange reason it really helps soothe the cramps.
Also, heat. If you don't have one of those microwavable buckwheat pillows, you can quickly make one yourself. Take a tube sock and fill it about halfway full of rice. Tie it closed with a knot, or sew it shut if you have the inclination. Toss it in the microwave for a minute or two -- instant relief.
Really, you should talk with your doctor and see if it's something like endometriosis causing the pain or if you can just try a different birth control pill.
Take care - get some sleep - and feel better soon.0 -
Exercise helps - even just going for walk. Drinks lots of water and eat frequent healthy snacks (every 1.5 hours).
The snacks keep your sugar levels constant. You might want to try eat foods rich in iron. Obviously during TOM, women's iron lowers a lot - I've read that there is a link to cramps and the amount of iron you are losing (IE heavy TOM).
http://www.ehow.com/facts_6924804_iron-can-affect-menstrual-cycle.html
When you exercise a lot like one writer suggested - you can reduce and sometimes eliminate your cycle.
Definitely see your GP ask about more BC pills and get your iron levels checked (maybe 2 times), during TOM and after.0 -
Has your gynecologist checked you for fibroids?0
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I had horrible problems when I was younger with TOM and went on birth control. The problems went away, but the weight gain came. After I was done having kids I got an IUD and loved it, except for the weight gain. I finally stopped all medications and had the IUD removed. The weight went away slowly and then I started eating better (fresh foods, low pre-packages stuff) and realized I felt better during TOM.
No longer was I calling out sick one day a month thinking I was getting a stomach flu. It's still a little rough emotionally during that week, but nowhere near what it was before. I no longer need to call out sick or snack on Tylenol/Advil like candy. Plus it lasts 3 days now, not the 7-10 like it was before. I feel that getting rid of all the sodium laden foods, prepackaged crap, etc and exercising worked for me. I already don't eat much red meat or cow's milk dairy. I just have to fight the cravings a little more for sweets and salt when TOM comes knocking.0 -
I have to second all those who said keep trying different types of birth control... I used to have debilitating cramps & nausea, etc. too, and after several years of birth control, I now have a pretty light, infrequent TOM (thank god!) that rarely comes with cramps anymore. However I don't have PCOS and I know that makes it a lot harder on you. if your doctor is not talking to you in-depth about PCOS get a new one! My cousin struggled with it for years but now has 2 kids she thought she wouldn't be able to have & a hysterectomy (which improved everything a ton) with the help of a good gynecologist. Hope you find some relief & answers.0
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