Question:
Does anyone experience really heavy periods with bad cramps post-op?

I just had surgery on 08/05/02. Ive been on birth control for about 12 years. But, obviously since the surgery, I malabsorb my pills and my cycle has gotten all screwed up. Im also experiencing really heavy periods that can last over a week and I have bad bad cramps. The type that are very painful and uncomfortable. Ive tried extra strength tylenol combined with heat therapy patches, but nothing helps. Has anyone else experienced this? What suggestions can you give me? Im just feeling miserable. Never before have my periods been this bad...    — c B. (posted on December 11, 2002)

December 11, 2002
Hey there! I dont know what to tell you about the cramps, because I have never been one to get cramps. But I had surgery 8/19/02 and my first period a month post op was AWFUL. I bled sooooooo much. I really thought something was wrong with me. But my mom said that it was probably the amount of weight loss that first month and the shock to my body from surgery probably caused it. So it lasted about a week. My second month it was a normal period. Then my 3rd month was heavy again. I am not on birth control, but I may go on them just to see if it will regulate things
   — Shavonne P.

December 11, 2002
Hi! I haven't had surgery yet but what you are going thru is what I am afraid is going to happen to me. I have been on bc's since I was 15 (I'm now 33) b/c I have polycystic ovaries. With the rapid weight loss and all the stored estrogen in the fat cells being released, I know my hormones and period will more than likely go absolutely haywire. I've made an appt with my gyn to talk about different kinds of bc - maybe a patch or different kinds of pills. I think we need to find one that gets absorbed in the lower intestine - if there is one. Do you have a regular gynocologist that you are able to talk to and is knowledgable about alternative meds and things? If I can find out more, I'll let you know! Good luck to you!
   — Kirsten P.

December 11, 2002
I have always had really heavy periods and bad cramps since I got my first period so I am not sure if your's has anything to do with wls or not. But Excedrin Quicktabs are the only thing that works on my cramps since surgery. And they work superfast too.
   — salymsmommy

December 11, 2002
The period post-op sounds like the period pre BC for me. I stayed on BC for 15 years, but recently switched to a Merina. The Merina is the size of a small letter "T" So tiny you wonder how it is effective! It is inserted by your Gyn. It provides a very effective BC for 10 years and is removable by the Dr. at any time and you are able to get pregnant right away. After a few years the Merina eliminates the menstral cycle in many women. Use the web and look up this latest device!!
   — Danine N.

December 11, 2002
I was on the shot (Depro) and never got a period. UNTIL...after the surgery, a few months when the weightloss was significant...and I had a 6-weeker. NOt heavy, but with cramps...asked my doc about it. He said that when you are fat/obese, your fat stores a lot of estrogen. When you begin to lose weight, especially rapidly, you start to release those hormones and it can cause heavier periods, etc...I hope this helps explain. He said it should get better as my weight gets more stable. Hope this gets to you! -70 pounds, original weight 253, now I am 183. :-)
   — missmollyk

December 11, 2002
Hi CB: You are not alone with this. I have gotten my period as regular as clockwork since I was 10 years old. I am 49 years old now. I always bled heavily, usually for a week or so. I very seldom had cramps preop. However, after lap rny on 8/21/02, I bled until September 5th. The following periods on October 5th, November 2nd, and November 30th, were the worst cramps I ever had in my life. I am on pain medication for fibromyalgia and herniated discs. I took this medication, and also stayed in bed with the heating pad for 2 days during the October 5th period. This is something that I was totally unprepared for. I hope it gets better for both of us. Love Grace
   — Grace H.

December 12, 2002
Just wanted to thank everyone for sharing their personal experiences and suggestions. Im feeling soooo miserable today. Can't wait till things go back to normal. Actually, I should rephrase and say "I hope things go back to normal."
   — c B.

December 12, 2002
YES! I was very irregular pre-op, not on b/c. I have been clockwork every month since surgery 8 months ago, with very heavy periods with lots of clotting lasting 5-6 days and the worst cramps I've ever had. The first four months were the worst with clotting, etc., but the cramps have continued to be horrific and nothing I've tried helps either. They are in my back as well as abdominal and make me nauseous and have diarrhea as well. I'm due for the next one next week and have appt. with my PCP on Thursday and I plan to ask about pain meds...
   — Melissa F.

December 12, 2002
I always had & still have heavy bleeding every month. I used to have really bad cramps, but haven't had since the surgery 4 mos ago. When I did have the cramps, the only thing that worked really well was naproxin sodium, either in prescription form or over the counter, such as Aleve. However, I would have to take sometimes up to 6 or 8 to make the cramps go away. I found that if I took 2 at the first twinge of cramping, they wouldn't be as severe & I wouldn't have to take as many. But if I tried to tough it out a little while, it would get out of hand. I don't know if this is a medication we can take now, since I haven't had to take any since my surgery. Good luck, I know what you're going through.
   — Debbi S.

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