Someone put me out of my misery, please

[Corvis Canis Latrans]

Warning: Graphic.

Yay. Cramps.

Yay. Cramps that hurt so bad I cannot stand up straight. I take ibuprofin.

Cramps get worse.

Cramps continue to get worse.

I leave my work area so I can stagger down to my office and lie down for a bit.

Run into my boss on the elevator, who wanted to speak with me about a few things, so she got off on my floor and I lost my chance to get on.

This turned out to be a blessing in disguise.

We talked, she finally realized I wasn't feeling well and went on her way.

I push button to bring elevator back.

It takes a while, and I suddenly realize:

Office very BAD bad idea. Restroom very GOOD idea.

The spirits of the porcelain throne like half-digested trail mix as an offering.

And I'm curled up in a little ball on the restroom floor wondering just how much red food coloring ends up in the very FEW M&Ms in the bag, given that those are the only things with any red coloring in them that I've eaten in I don't know how long, and they managed to turn the entire contents of my stomach vividly pink.

Finally the cramps release enough that I can walk, barely.

I stagger down to office and lie down.

Finally remainder of ibuprofen kicks in.

I feel much better now.

Energy that this doesn't happen again, please.

This is the worst episode in about two years, they had gotten far milder (which is why I didn't take ibuprofen at the very beginning....I used to have that down to a science, but hadn't needed it in so long my timing was late).

I suppose that if there's a silver lining, it would be that the pain endorphins leave you almost euphoric when the pain finally lets up, but I think I'd gladly give that up if it meant not being in pain at all.....

CCL

[Lunacie]

Thanks, I had finally forgotten most of those "joys" of womanhood. Sorry you're feeling so punk. My granddaughter has inherited the early onset of menses and the horrible cramping. Ibuprofen does practically nothing for her. Aleve seems to help more. And curling up with a warm rice pack and a good book. I do remember doing that. And the "flooding" every time I stood up after sitting for a bit. Unlike many women, I looked forward to menopause. There are perks to getting older. :hahugh:

[Corvis Canis Latrans]

Thanks, I had finally forgotten most of those "joys" of womanhood. Sorry you're feeling so punk. My granddaughter has inherited the early onset of menses and the horrible cramping. Ibuprofen does practically nothing for her. Aleve seems to help more. And curling up with a warm rice pack and a good book. I do remember doing that. And the "flooding" every time I stood up after sitting for a bit. Unlike many women, I looked forward to menopause. There are perks to getting older. :hahugh:

Ibuprofen is about the only thing that works for me, and it has to be the liqui-gels, the other kind seems not to dissolve or something. Yeah, flooding, not fun. Haven't gotten to the gushing phase yet, probably late this evening or tomorrow. Probably wake up in the middle of the night having completely soaked through the pad from end to end....

Yes, I look forward to menopause too.

Given that I'm cold all the time, even hot flashes have a certain appeal...:lol:

[Lunacie]

Ibuprofen is about the only thing that works for me, and it has to be the liqui-gels, the other kind seems not to dissolve or something. Yeah, flooding, not fun. Haven't gotten to the gushing phase yet, probably late this evening or tomorrow. Probably wake up in the middle of the night having completely soaked through the pad from end to end....

Yes, I look forward to menopause too.

Given that I'm cold all the time, even hot flashes have a certain appeal...:lol:

I was amazed at how much quicker and more effective the soft-gels are. :uhhuhuh:

It's been 10 years for me and every time I think I'm done with the hot flashes I get sick or something and they kick back in.

[spiral]

:yikes: You poor thing, I'm glad you feel better and I hope it doesn't happen again! Do you have endometriosis?

[moonbride]

Boy I thought I had it bad but I'm thinking you win! I don't get it near as bad anymore since I had an endometrial ablation a couple years ago but still...

Energy sent in hopes that you feel better real soon. :hugz:

[~Nixie]

I'm sorry to hear that, I get really bad cramps too...

Sometimes ibuprofen helps but not for everybody...sometimes I drink Chasteberry as a tea and that helps, usually quicker than ibuprofen :thumbsup:

[Corvis Canis Latrans]

:yikes: You poor thing, I'm glad you feel better and I hope it doesn't happen again! Do you have endometriosis?


Supposedly no. When I was having problems before, I had an extensive gynecological checkup (well, two or three) and they never found anything that they thought could be causing the problem.

What they did find were ovarian cysts, about a quarter of an inch each. They claimed that those were too small to cause that kind of pain. My research indicates otherwise.

Given that it's much worse on my right side right now, I suspect more of the same.

[DreamSpell333]

Hope you feel better soon. :hugz: I get bad cramps and heavy periods too. Sometimes the cramps are so bad it feels like im sitting on ice!
Im currently waiting to start. I havent been able to buy pills for the past couple of months and my AF has been later than 28 days (more like 33-34) (today or tomorrow) but i'll give it till the weekend..

[DreamSpell333]

Supposedly no. When I was having problems before, I had an extensive gynecological checkup (well, two or three) and they never found anything that they thought could be causing the problem.

What they did find were ovarian cysts, about a quarter of an inch each. They claimed that those were too small to cause that kind of pain. My research indicates otherwise.

Given that it's much worse on my right side right now, I suspect more of the same.

I went to the ER a year ago for severe pain and was told I had an Ovarian cyst too. I've had the pain in my left side/ovary since which I think is why I start late.. I plan on going to the doctors soon about a recheck or something.. I agree they do cause pain!

[Faol-chù]

Hope you feel better soon. :hugz: I get bad cramps and heavy periods too. Sometimes the cramps are so bad it feels like im sitting on ice!
Im currently waiting to start. I havent been able to buy pills for the past couple of months and my AF has been later than 28 days (more like 33-34) (today or tomorrow) but i'll give it till the weekend..


Ragweed tincture, over time, would probably help with this...

More immediately:

Calcium supplements would help with cramps, water retention, mood swings, etc. (you'd be suprised).

Bromelain, coupled with turmeric (for inflammation) and yarrow (to help with flooding + cramping) would also be options...

Peppermint essential oil, with a carrier oil (like almond, or olive) rubbed on externally would help with cramping, also.

Be careful how much caffiene you consume...Drink lots of water.

Just some thoughts...

Hope you feel better soon!

[Corvis Canis Latrans]

Ragweed tincture, over time, would probably help with this...

More immediately:

Calcium supplements would help with cramps, water retention, mood swings, etc. (you'd be suprised).

Bromelain, coupled with turmeric (for inflammation) and yarrow (to help with flooding + cramping) would also be options...

Peppermint essential oil, with a carrier oil (like almond, or olive) rubbed on externally would help with cramping, also.

Be careful how much caffiene you consume...Drink lots of water.

Just some thoughts...

Hope you feel better soon!

Thank you. I will keep these in mind.

I do try herbal supplements, though one of the problems tends to be that the majority of those that are supposed to help with cramps have the unfortunate effect of increasing the flow.

Yeah, caffeine....I seldom have more than two cups of coffee a day, usually only one. Unfortunately I get so tired during my period (doesn't just seem to be due to anemia, though I do need to remember to take some iron when I get home), that I usually go for two. Only had one today though.

I figured it was going to be a little worse than it had been in the recent past, given that I could feel my side twinging more than usual this past week, just didn't expect it to be quite that intense...

[Faol-chù]

Thank you. I will keep these in mind.

I do try herbal supplements, though one of the problems tends to be that the majority of those that are supposed to help with cramps have the unfortunate effect of increasing the flow.


Yeah...that's why I suggested you to use the yarrow with the turmeric and bromelain...
You can take as much of it as you need to...You'd be very suprised at what it can do. It should become your new best friend...:)
If you use it in the week leading up to that day, you'll find it also helps with cramping....in a more immediate fashion.

Over time, though, I believe that the ragweed tincture would mediate it (it's not something you even need to take "that" week...you take it every other week, though)...It's also full of iron.

...Oh...and you should know, that ibuprofin increases bleeding, too.

[MsMollimizz]

I wish you gentle easy cramps from here on out...:thumbsup:
Since I was 13yrs old I was plagued with cysts in my
tubes causing those doubled over cramps all day long.
They'd grow and break...etc. I often wondered where that
stuff went since it didn't show up on ultrasounds.
It wasn't until one Dr did a laproscopy and saw all that
stuff plus more cysts so I had a hysterectomy done in '94.
I sure don't miss those cramps or the monthly.
It's been 15 years and I still get the hot flashes
now and then, especially if there's a change of climate
from trips taken.
Gentle Light
MsMolli

[Ariste]

see, this is why i have an implant. Haven't had a real period since before I was pregnant with Kit and I am all the happier for it (and so is my family) Before I had Tana I used to smoke pot to get through it. i know they say it is a no no but I find large amounts of caffiene usually help too. Anyways I feel for you and hope you're past the worst of it. **HUGS**

[TheLittleWitchy]

Eek, sounds like me! I had to go on the pill - which worked so well, no cramps at all! But my doctor took me off them in case of side effects...though more like worrying I was having sex (I was 17 at the time). :sadeyes:

Now when I know my period is coming I take pain killers. So the cramps really aren't as bad. :boing:

[Glowy]

(( hugs)) Oh ick, I hope they go away soon.
Have you tried laying on your back with your legs up ( like on a couch with a pillow under your lower back so you are on a diagnol? This is supposed to stretch the uterus and ease the contractions ( like stretching your calf muscle when you have a leg cramp)
Nothing like a miserable visit from Aunt Flo to kick you in the butt.

[*~Amora~*]

Oooh dear. I used to get horrible, terrible, cramps like that. The only thing that works is going to sleep, just like with a migraine. :o

[Incendia]

Hopefully this will help: link (http://www.cumc.columbia.edu/student/health/pdf/D/Dysmenorrhea.pdf)

Feel better soon. :hugz:

ETA: As for the "gushing", I recommend "Always Infinity" heavy flow. Awesome product! :thumbsup:

[Lunacie]

Something in the lining on Always pads irritates my skin - never could wear them. But it looks like my granddaughter is going to need some super pads like I did and she doesn't seem to be as bothered by sensitive skin. I'll check those out.

[Ariste]

same for me...i think it;s that like net they have over it. I always stuck with stayfree.

[Lunacie]

My daughter and granddaughter mostly use cloth pads, but there are times when the disposables are good. And it seems like she either starts at school or at her dad's apartment on the weekend. And he doesn't have a clue... he bought her panty liners last time! She put about three of them together.

[Corvis Canis Latrans]

And he doesn't have a clue... he bought her panty liners last time! She put about three of them together.

:lol:

Thanks for all the support, everyone. After the initial excruciating episode, I've been fine ever since for this round.

Now just dealing with the fourth-day-of-the-period mini-migraine, which seems to be fairly tame.

Now, for the migraine part, coffee is good.:uhhuhuh:

[Philosophia]

Sending healing, positive, and comforting energy to you! :hugz:

[Lunacie]

:lol:

Thanks for all the support, everyone. After the initial excruciating episode, I've been fine ever since for this round.

Now just dealing with the fourth-day-of-the-period mini-migraine, which seems to be fairly tame.

Now, for the migraine part, coffee is good.:uhhuhuh:

Yeah, at least when I was still having my cycle I knew when to expect most of the migraines. Now they hit me out of the blue. I've been self-medicating with caffeine (colas) for many years but it's not really very effective for my migraines.

Yesterday I got socked a couple of hours after I got up. Usually when things are quiet I can go on with my day, and weekends are quiet around here with the cat and I being the only ones at home. But this got so bad so quickly that I took a pill and went back to bed for awhile. Got to work a couple of hours late - but I can pretty much set my own schedule most of the time. Came home and went straight back to my room again as I was still hurting enough I couldn't deal with everyone being back home for the evening. Still had my granddaughter come and knock on my door twice and my daughter came in to talk to me twice as well. Even though I wasn't coherent or able to make any decisions. :smileroll

[sleepycat]

Hon-She-Ze-Sho-Nen... distance Reiki for you.
I'm male, so I have no idea what you're going through.
I've had thirty-some girlfriends, all of whom said it hurts, so I am familiar with the situation.
Hope you feel better my friend.

[Cloaked Raven]

Corvis, I can understand exactly what you are going through... I generally get terrible cramps during the first couple of days myself... So bad that I can barely walk and even breathing can be painful.

My sister is even worse, she is flat on her back during her monthly and can't make it to the washroom without assistance. She uses hot packs and Midol, she claims that's the only way she can live through the cramps.

Personally, I can't use Midol or Ibuprofen... Both make me very spaced out and don't do anything to kill the pain. Aspirin or 222's work best for me. (222's are available OTC here, either codeine and aspirin or codeine and Tylenol mixed together)

[Corvis Canis Latrans]

Corvis, I can understand exactly what you are going through... I generally get terrible cramps during the first couple of days myself... So bad that I can barely walk and even breathing can be painful.

My sister is even worse, she is flat on her back during her monthly and can't make it to the washroom without assistance. She uses hot packs and Midol, she claims that's the only way she can live through the cramps.

Personally, I can't use Midol or Ibuprofen... Both make me very spaced out and don't do anything to kill the pain. Aspirin or 222's work best for me. (222's are available OTC here, either codeine and aspirin or codeine and Tylenol mixed together)

I was trying to think if there was anything I did different this month, and it occurred to me that I hadn't been taking any Omega supplements. When I had the severe ones before, they stopped when I started taking Omegas.

Guess I need to get back in that routine. I was only taking them once every two or three days before, but it does seem to have been them that were helping.

My dad was clinically dead within minutes of taking codeine, and my mom passed out within a few minutes of taking it, so I tend to avoid it like the plague....;).

If I hadn't been at work, I would have been on the floor stretching before the pain got as bad as it did. If I catch it early, bending backward and stretching against the cramps usually stops it, but only if I'm lying on my stomach, standing up and trying that makes it a lot worse....

I'm good today though. No cramps, no migraine, feeling good. :boing:

[Cloaked Raven]

I was trying to think if there was anything I did different this month, and it occurred to me that I hadn't been taking any Omega supplements. When I had the severe ones before, they stopped when I started taking Omegas.

Guess I need to get back in that routine. I was only taking them once every two or three days before, but it does seem to have been them that were helping.

My dad was clinically dead within minutes of taking codeine, and my mom passed out within a few minutes of taking it, so I tend to avoid it like the plague....;).

If I hadn't been at work, I would have been on the floor stretching before the pain got as bad as it did. If I catch it early, bending backward and stretching against the cramps usually stops it, but only if I'm lying on my stomach, standing up and trying that makes it a lot worse....

I'm good today though. No cramps, no migraine, feeling good. :boing:
:foh: Yeah, I'd be avoiding codeine like the plague if I was in your shoes too...

Another thing I found helped me was Folic Acid... For some reason, taking 1 mg a day helped both the cramps AND my migraines. I'm not going to say what happened about 5 months after I started taking it though... _whistle_

I'm glad you're feeling better, and I'm hoping next month is not as bad for you. :hugz:

[AutumnWitchie]

Corvis, has your doctor checked you for PCOS(poly cystic overy disorder)? I have PCOS and it makes my monthly worse due to the cysts. You have my empathy. My monthly usually puts me down for at least one day. I'm in the early stages of menopause so my monthly is more errattic than usual(my period has always been irregular) and I skip a month or 2 or 3 on a regular basis. Then when it comes back I pay.....big time. I started this past Saturday night and had a stomach virus Sunday so on top of cramps I had dry heaves and my stomach and intestines felt like they were in knots. Not fun at all.

[Corvis Canis Latrans]

I had asked about that originally, but the gynecologist denied that it could be a problem (despite finding three cysts present).

Whatever he says, I think it's a possibility.

If it continues to be a problem next month I'll probably set up an appointment with a different one (living in a different town now so that shouldn't be too hard), but for the moment I'll see if my lapse in the Omegas had anything to do with it.

Been pain free for long enough that this cycle just caught me off guard...