Mentural Cramps - Realy Horrible - Women's Health Message Board

sharonadams · 04-15-2009, 09:09 AM

It is getting so bad that I cannot even focus at work on the day before I start my period.
It doesn't last longer than a day, but I really can't take a day off of work every month for this! Can you offer me any advice to lessen the pain?

estherrf · 04-15-2009, 09:24 AM

I have horrible cramps as well. When I first started, I used to puke and stay home from school for a week every month because it was so bad. I would just curl up in my bed
and sleep the day away. Nothing would work.

darkwater · 04-16-2009, 09:34 AM

Sounds familiar. What have you tried? The only thing that works for me is ibuprofen. For years I took 600 mg every 5 hours and that would keep it at bay. Now I take 800 mg every 5 hours to keep it under control so I can function. You can get prescription strength 800mg pills from your doctor, or you can just take several over-the-counter pills. This is hard on the stomach, so take with food or at least lots of water. I have also heard that naproxen sodium works well for some people. The trick is to find the right dosage for you without going over the maximum you can safely take.

I am now 40. When I began having terrible cramps and diarhhea and vomiting, I was a teenager. If I knew then what I know now, I would have sought out a doctor sooner rather than later. I now know that horrible pain around the time of your period is not normal whatsoever, it is ususally an indicator that something is off kilter in there. I just popped some pills and gritted my teeth for a few days and went on when I should have been thinking more seriously about medical attention. I found out at 24 that I had extensive endometriosis which was likely why it hurt so much. And it is probably why I have fertility problems and have not been able to get pregnant and have a child. Take care of yourself and look out for your future health and fertility while you are young.

angel72 · 04-18-2009, 09:26 AM

I have the same issue despite being on the pill. The pain also radiates into my back and down my thighs. I use Naproxen Sodium 550 mg every 12 hours, it really does help but you MUST eat with it or you will get sick. I think the brand name is Anaprox, and my GYN prescribed it for me. Hope this helps.

Kszan · 04-18-2009, 02:49 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by angel72

I use Naproxen Sodium 550 mg every 12 hours, it really does help...

Me too, only I only make it about 4-6 hours, so I am probably OD'ing on it every time I get cramps, but oh well.

When you're talking about that level of pain where it's making you that sick, you need something a lot stronger than ibuprofen. Get naproxen from your doctor, you will feel much better. If you stick with the ibuprofen, next thing you know, you'll be up to 1200mg and it's not going to work for you. It's not worth it. Get naproxen, you will feel better.