Ladies and PMS..how do you get by?

1Pretty_Busy_Mom
1Pretty_Busy_Mom Posts: 449 Member
in Motivation and Support
I have the most pain menstrual cycles since day 1. I remember my grandma making me drink warm lemon teas to help ease the pain. It really didn't help much. I could never go to school my first 2days because I was in so much pain. Even now I cannot work or barely get out of bed for the pain. OTC medications work only after having taken so many. I've gone to the E.R. a few times for much stronger meds.but they only give enough for a few days. I'm heavy and have a lot of clotting but Dr.(e.r) says that's normal umm not sure about that.

Any ideas on what I can try to get through these 5-7days of pure PAIN, DISCOMFORT, HELL

Replies

  • eandrsmom
    eandrsmom Posts: 119
    What does you gyn have to say at your annual checkups? If you are seeing a gp and not a gyn I would change that. There are options depending on your causes, and there is no sense suffering if you don't have to! Good luck!!
  • 1Pretty_Busy_Mom
    1Pretty_Busy_Mom Posts: 449 Member
    What does you gyn have to say at your annual checkups? If you are seeing a gp and not a gyn I would change that. There are options depending on your causes, and there is no sense suffering if you don't have to! Good luck!!

    At annuals everything is fine..that's what they tell me. Need 2nd and 3rd opinions because this isn't normal. Not this much pain.
  • NyimaR
    NyimaR Posts: 108 Member
    Used to have that problem before I went on the pill. Now my periods are much lighter and I only get cramps when I'm not moving around for long periods.
  • eandrsmom
    eandrsmom Posts: 119
    Definitely seek another opinion. There is nothing normal about not being able to get out of bed. So sorry!!! My gyn also specializes in reproductive issues and problems. Maybe look for someone like that in your area? Fwiw, I was in a similar, though not as severe, situation. Ended up getting a Mirena three years ago that changed my life. Not a 100% fan, but the good far outweighs the bad.
  • 1Pretty_Busy_Mom
    1Pretty_Busy_Mom Posts: 449 Member
    Used to have that problem before I went on the pill. Now my periods are much lighter and I only get cramps when I'm not moving around for long periods.

    So you suggest I try and move around more?
  • quirkytizzy
    quirkytizzy Posts: 4,052 Member
    Mine are the same. Fetal position if I'm laying down, doubled over if I'm trying to walk. Heating pads just make me queasy. I take as much Pamprin and Ibprofen as I dare, usually having to double dose or more to even make a dent. Chug down Pepto when that makes me nauseous and then cry because I'm still nauseous and still in pain. No health insurance or money to see even a discount clinic.

    If anyone has any home remedies, I am all ears. You are not alone, OP.
  • 1Pretty_Busy_Mom
    1Pretty_Busy_Mom Posts: 449 Member
    Definitely seek another opinion. There is nothing normal about not being able to get out of bed. So sorry!!! My gyn also specializes in reproductive issues and problems. Maybe look for someone like that in your area? Fwiw, I was in a similar, though not as severe, situation. Ended up getting a Mirena three years ago that changed my life. Not a 100% fan, but the good far outweighs the bad.

    Mirena..never thought about that. Will read up on this. Thanks
  • NaomiJFoster
    NaomiJFoster Posts: 1,450 Member
    Mine have gotten much much much worse since I entered perimenopause. Now, the very first sign that it's on the way, I take four Aleve and a slow-release Iron pill. And continue, two Aleve every six hours and one iron pill each day. And the heating pad on my belly when I'm at home.

    I have found that Aleve is much more effective for my cramps than Advil. It surprised me actually. I made the discovery when my doc gave me a prescription for prescription-strength Aleve (which is really the equivilent of 4 OTC pills). It was eye-opening.
  • 1Pretty_Busy_Mom
    1Pretty_Busy_Mom Posts: 449 Member
    Mine are the same. Fetal position if I'm laying down, doubled over if I'm trying to walk. Heating pads just make me queasy. I take as much Pamprin and Ibprofen as I dare, usually having to double dose or more to even make a dent. Chug down Pepto when that makes me nauseous and then cry because I'm still nauseous and still in pain. No health insurance or money to see even a discount clinic.

    If anyone has any home remedies, I am all ears. You are not alone, OP.

    Pampering is a joke..mydol makes you bleed more and a combination of both makes you nauseous and still in pain. You are so right. Hopefully we get some good home remedies.
  • eandrsmom
    eandrsmom Posts: 119
    Light cardio may help now that I stop to think about it. Seems I used to drag myself to the elliptical, and I remember the first few minutes being nauseating, but always felt better after an hour. My periods changed dramatically with every kid I had. I am not suggesting childbirth as a remedy, but just telling you that it may not always be this way!!! :)
  • Microfiber
    Microfiber Posts: 956 Member
    Mine stopped after I had kids. Try having a baby (tongue-in-cheek joke here before I get bitten on) but seriously, mine stopped after I had kids :smile:
  • fluga
    fluga Posts: 2
    I had the same problem. It was so bad that for the past year, the pain felt as if I was in labor. I finally went to another OBGYN who was recommended by a friend and told him I did not want to take the pill - did not want any chemicals floating around in my body or any other procedures that might only temporarily fix the issue. Long story short, I had a laproscopic vaginal hysterectomy, only removing my uterus. It turned out that my uterus was attached to the back of my abdomen b/c of scar tissue (I've had 2 c-sections) and was extremely large. Hence the pain, clotting, heavy bleeding, etc.

    There are several options including the pill, Essure, endometrial ablation, etc that you may want to try before a hysterectomy. My advice would be to keep trying until you find a doctor who will listen to your concerns and give you options and a solution to your issues.

    Best of luck to you my dear!
  • PurpleTina
    PurpleTina Posts: 390 Member
    I used to suffer quite badly, but it has been much, much better since I took up running. Not saying you need to get out the door and run, but even gentle exercise can help, maybe just walking? Might be worth a try anyway.

    Pain-wise I have never found any drug that helps, but chewing on 1/4 teaspoon of caraway seeds magics the cramping pain away within a few minutes. No idea how or why, but it works for me every time.
  • TheManda27
    TheManda27 Posts: 42 Member
    I would suggest looking into the mirena as well. A lot of women notice a big change after having the IUD in. You will have to give it some time to get settled and there are some side effects but it is worth looking into for sure!
  • 1Pretty_Busy_Mom
    1Pretty_Busy_Mom Posts: 449 Member

    There are several options including the pill, Essure, endometrial ablation, etc that you may want to try before a hysterectomy. My advice would be to keep trying until you find a doctor who will listen to your concerns and give you options and a solution to your issues.

    Best of luck to you my dear!

    Thank you
  • 1Pretty_Busy_Mom
    1Pretty_Busy_Mom Posts: 449 Member
    Mine stopped after I had kids. Try having a baby (tongue-in-cheek joke here before I get bitten on) but seriously, mine stopped after I had kids :smile:

    5KIDS..
  • queens2014
    queens2014 Posts: 19 Member
    I also get really bad cramps...I'm usually bed ridden for the first day throwing up in the fetal position...not pretty. I used to take advil and gravol and it rarely did anything but they recently legalized ALEVE in Canada, it's Naproxen and I find it to be a miracle drug, take one or two as soon as you start to feel anything and drink a cup of tea (like a heating pad from the inside! haha...to gross? :P) It seriously works, I haven't had to resort to bed for months!
  • 1Pretty_Busy_Mom
    1Pretty_Busy_Mom Posts: 449 Member
    drink a cup of tea (like a heating pad from the inside! haha...to gross? :P) It seriously works, I haven't had to resort to bed for months!
    [/quote]

    Tea and heating pad. Okay Thanks
  • NaomiJFoster
    NaomiJFoster Posts: 1,450 Member
    I also get really bad cramps...I'm usually bed ridden for the first day throwing up in the fetal position...not pretty. I used to take advil and gravol and it rarely did anything but they recently legalized ALEVE in Canada, it's Naproxen and I find it to be a miracle drug, take one or two as soon as you start to feel anything and drink a cup of tea (like a heating pad from the inside! haha...to gross? :P) It seriously works, I haven't had to resort to bed for months!

    Wow, it's been OTC in the states for about 10 years. I hated it when it first came out. I tried it for my sinus headaches and it did absolutely nothing. So I ignored it for years and years. Then a couple years ago, my doc prescribed it when I said my cramps were getting so much worse. It's wonderful!! Now I use it for everything.
  • NaomiJFoster
    NaomiJFoster Posts: 1,450 Member
    You know what feels really good? Get into a very hot shower. But lay down like you're taking a bath. Aim the shower spray right at your abdomen. It's like a mini-massage + moist heat all in one. It's very soothing.
  • 1Pretty_Busy_Mom
    1Pretty_Busy_Mom Posts: 449 Member
    You know what feels really good? Get into a very hot shower. But lay down like you're taking a bath. Aim the shower spray right at your abdomen. It's like a mini-massage + moist heat all in one. It's very soothing.

    Sounds good to me.
  • shadowess3
    shadowess3 Posts: 22 Member
    I'm a fan of heating pads/hot water bottles or even a towel that's been run under hot water and wrung out (sometimes you can even toss it in the microwave to reheat it)

    There are a number of PMS teas out there that can help. As well chamomile tea is helpful to help relax muscles and it helps calm you.

    Diet can really change your symptoms. Avoid salty foods (as much as you crave it during your period, I know I do), and fatty foods. Also try decreasing your caffeine intake just before and during your period.

    Exercise can also help with cramps (I've personally not found that it helped too much, plus really when you feel like your uterus is trying to crawl out of your body the last thing you want to do is go work out)

    Sex or at least orgasm can also help. While a partner (and you) might not revel in the idea of it (you can put down a towel, or to make clean up a snap, try it in the shower). Or maybe think about having some alone time in the shower.

    Also as many of the other ladies here suggested it might be a good idea to check in with a Gyn to see if there is anything extra going on (like fibroids, ovarian cysts, etc) Take care of yourself!
  • april_mesk
    april_mesk Posts: 694 Member
    my gyn has told me to go with the ablation as mentioned above. I know a girl who did it and swears by it. I am still contemplating. They basically burn out your uterine wall and as long as you don' t plan on having kids it can leave you with no period symptoms at all for most women. I am just scared to do anything. I don' t take pills, etc. I don' t have heavy bleeding but, I get serious cramps/backache and feel so emotionally unbalanced. Of course, I am peri- meno also.
  • 1Pretty_Busy_Mom
    1Pretty_Busy_Mom Posts: 449 Member
    Sex or at least orgasm can also help. While a partner (and you) might not revel in the idea of it (you can put down a towel, or to make clean up a snap, try it in the shower). Or maybe think about having some alone time in the shower.

    Also as many of the other ladies here suggested it might be a good idea to check in with a Gyn to see if there is anything extra going on (like fibroids, ovarian cysts, etc) Take care of yourself!

    Sex..not the first time I've heard this, plus I think I read it somewhere. Thanks for the advice.
  • bearwith
    bearwith Posts: 525 Member
    Evening Primrose. Drink lots of water otherwise you will crave carbs and retain water which makes you weigh 3-4 pounds more for a few days. Lots of exercise.
  • jdancer369
    jdancer369 Posts: 43 Member
    Same here! It sucks so bad! Never used a regular tampon in my life! super heavy, lasted 2 weeks and the cramps, lasted 3 days in bed, fetal position and vomiting. Very hot showers help a little but I cant stand for very long, the pressure down there feels like I am giving birth, as well as having sever back pain and cramps :( so then I go back to the heating pad on my back and a heated rice bag on my low abdomen. The heat and the pressure from the little weight of the bag helps me.
    I would find a new Dr. I asked mine about it and she said no, definitely not normal! I am on Mirana IUD now, and LOVE it!!!!!!!!
    Most months, I do not have a period or cramps. About once every 5 months I might have a period that requires a tampon but it is for 1 or 2 days and minimal cramping discomfort. the IUD does not need to be changed for 5 years, sooooo ideal for me and should you want children, there is no waiting period after it is removed to conceive. Go find another Dr!
  • binknbaby
    binknbaby Posts: 207 Member
    I have had absolutely ASTONISHING results by seeing a Maya Abdominal Therapist. I have NO PAIN with my periods. Last time I didn't even know I had started because I felt NOTHING. My periods are more regulated (not too long, not too heavy), and it has been WONDERFUL!!!

    I highly recommend finding a MAT in your area and making an appointment right away!

    https://arvigotherapy.com/

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