Menstrual Cramps

Ok, the past couple of years I have been getting menstrual cramps like I used to get when I was in HIGH SCHOOL...sooo painful! I just recently turned 40 so I'm sure this is symbolic or something, but GEEZ!!! Today I got my period (always like clock work) and the cramps are AWFUL!! I'm having a hard time functioning or even eating because it makes my stomach feel sick. I've had that problem in the past, but it seems to be compounded now. I used to take Advil (which we all know we can't have anymore) so I'm wondering what I should take now? I have Lortab pills that I never used since the surgery and honestly those pills are HUGE, I don't even want to attempt swallowing them. I also have Tylenol Quick Release Tabs, but I don't think these monster cramps are going to respond to JUST Tylenol! Anyone have any suggestions? So far the only thing that helped was a one hour nap (couldn't feel a thing while I was asleep thank goodness). I have a pretty good tolerance for pain, but these cramps are totally kicking my butt today!

Sorry, I don't know of a thing to tell you to try...I have a pill crusher I got from Target that helps me with pills that I can't swallow yet...maybe a Tylenol crushed would work..but then again I am NOT a doc and I don't want to steer you the wrong direction....I put mine in applesauce...doesn't taste great but could be worse!!! Best of Luck!!! Jenn

Actually I can swallow the tylenol, it's small enough. It's the Lortab I was thinking of... I guess if I get desperate enough though I can try cutting it in half with a knife... hmmmm... these darn cramps have to pass soon...

The only thing I can think of is heat....heating pad, warm bath and hot tea. This always has at least helped mine in the past. I would also crush/cut in half that Lortab if I were you so you are not too miserable. Good luck. Hope you feel better soon. Hugs Joy

Thanks hon! I tried the Lortab cut in four's and put heat on and OH god what a relief finally! I'm so silly sometimes trying to "grin and bear" it when I should have gone for the chemical relief right away (like I used to). I haven't taken any pain meds since I came home and I think I was afraid the Lortab would upset my stomach and it didn't! Hugs, Vi

So Sorry to hear you're struggling. I found this info and thought maybe it'd help some. Good luck! How To Relieve Menstrual Cramps Most women experience some degree of menstrual cramps at some point. Cramps can be mild to severe. Endometriosis, fibroid tumors, ovarian cysts, and other conditions may be a contributing factor. Here's How: 1. OTC pain relievers such as ibuprofen or naproxen used around the clock at the first sign of your period helps to reduce the severity of cramps in many women by inhibiting the release of prostaglandins. 2. Regular exercise such as walking helps to prevent or at least reduce the severity of menstrual cramps for some women. 3. Oral contraceptives may effectively reduce or eliminate menstrual cramps for some women; however you should consider the side effects of oral contraceptives before using them to prevent cramps. 4. Zinc, calcium, and B vitamins obtained in food and supplements have been found to reduce cramps, bloating and other symptoms. 5. Herbal remedies such as Viburnum prunifolium, Scutellaria spp., and Cimicifuga raemosa have an antispasmodic effect that may reduce some menstrual cramps. 6. A warm bath filled with aromatherapy or a heating pad on your lower abdomen and back is often helpful for relieving menstrual cramping. Tips: 1. Always take painkillers with food to prevent stomach discomfort. 2. If you don't have a heating pad, you can make one by filling a sock (a men's tube sock works best) with rice and heating it in a microwave over for a few minutes. 3. Talk to your physician if these tips do not help, there may be an underlying cause. Severe sudden cramps, vomiting, or fever may be a sign of a medical emergency, contact your physician immediately Best to you...Nancy

Thanks for all the tips, I appreciate the help! Hugs, Vi

Vi, There is a patch out that you wear during your period. It's a warm patch that can be purchased next to the tampons and pads in the store. I know that's where they are in Wal-Mart. I don't know the name of them. They work good. There is also some cream that I saw on a vitiamin site. It's listed under women's health. I may buy some and try it. Hope this helps. Lisa J

Thermacare patches!! They rock! I need to buy another box so I'll be ready for when I go back to work! Thanks! Vi

Vi, After surgery before they let me leave, I had a consult with a pharmacist who works for the bariatric center. She told me that Advil Liquidgels are okay to take when I need to for pain. Something about how they disolve quickly and coat your pouch. They are the only NSAID that she said were fine. I'm crushing all my meds for a month, and Lortab is just awful crushed, but it's tolerable if you mix it with juice in a shot glass and swallow with as big of gulps as you can.