Period Cramps

[sfgirl]

This isn't directly related to recovery but I guess since any major fluctuations can really throw people and people sometimes use to anesthetize pain maybe we can sort of count it.

I have horrible cramps that pretty much kick my ass for three days or so when my period comes around. A doctor put my on NoraBe (mini-pill) birth control because I can't do normal birth control because of migraines and I am not sure if it is helping or not, at least not in a wow sort of way. I also have perscription aleve (naproxen sodium), got some tests for endometriosis, but they just want me to have more tests and with them being so expensive and me not having insurance (partly do to with my alcohol problems but another story) I am sort of reticent to go. As I am typing this I am realizing this might be asking for medical advice so if I am not following the guidelines just remove it and sorry.

But really wondering if you ladies have any tricks up your sleeves for bad cramps— you know like vitamins or supplements, omegas or something of the sort? I'm sort of used to grinning and bearing it and hibernating for a bit but it would be nice if I did not have to have such a drastic monthly interruption.

[Horselover]

I wish I could help SF, but I don't get it nearly as bad as you do. I hope someone comes on with some advice for you though. Mine were bad right after I quit, but they seem to be better now. I always go for the heating pad and a long soak in a tub. Hope you feel better.

[SlvrMag]

Mine get pretty bad. Pain down the inside of my thighs and my lower back. I take 800 mg Ibuprofin but stretching helps a lot. A heating pad helps me too. I hate being a woman sometimes.

[ImStayingSober]

Valerian root tea has helped me in the past. It tastes nasty but it works for me sometimes.

[Teiger]

I used to get fairly bad cramps the first 2 or 3 days, maybe not as bad as yours, I am not sure. I took Midol for mine and that helped. I also noticed that when I started biking this past year they were so much better. Not sure if that is an option for you or not. Exercise does seem to help but I realize that some women have cramps so bad that it is the last thing they want to do.

Is there a way you can get help with paying those tests set up before you decide to have them. Sometimes uninsured people can get some help or at least have their bill reduced by the hospital/clinic they go to. Just a thought. I hate to see you not get tests done that might be necessary.

Good luck hon.

Karen

[Bamboozle]

When I can, lying (or is it laying? ah well, I'm not taking a grammar test here...) on my belly seems to help. Problem with that is it makes it hard to get things done.

[jules67]

hey sfgirl
I had horrible cramps, periods and endometriosis.

I would have to take tons of advil each cycle. It was the only thing that helped. After my first child I never had pain again.

I can offer no advice other than share what happened with me. We are all different and you should probably ask your doctor what to do about the pain (again). If you do not get any help, possibly switch to another doctor who may specialize in this particular issue.

I would keep asking questions and don't give up until you get some relief!

I have had that kind of pain and it is debilitating.

take care
jules67

[freya]

I got my period very early (summer before 4th grade) and from then until I had my kids (age 26) I had terrible cramps -- sometimes so bad I would have to stay home from school or work. Lying on my stomach on a hot pad helped some. When I got to grad school I met some women who were into herbal/vitamin stuff and through them I found a monthly regimen of herbs and vitamins that really did help more than anything else I had tried -- the thing was that it was pretty complicated (There were several different things involved and the amounts and combinations changed over the course of the cycle.) I can't remember the details.

You might check out the Susun Weed (Wise Woman Herbal) website and forum because she is very, very knowledgeble about woman's health issues. I relied on her information a lot during my second pregnancy (she was recommended by my midwife) and I'm taking some of her pre-menopausal advice now.

freya

[cmc]

What worked for me was a product containing calcium, magnesium and potassium. It was in a liquid form. My gyn didn't offer it to me but approved of the formula, amounts and ratio of the minerals in the blend. The directions said to take it daily in a small amount to prevent cramps- but the nutritionist said it would work on an as needed basis too. She was right. I don't know what I would have done without it.

[sfgirl]

thanks y'all for your pointers and support, i'll check around and report back if any of these new suggestions help