Question:
Tylenol does NOTHING for my severe Menstrual Cramps...

I have been taking Oxycodone (Percocets) since my surgery for the pain, and that seems to work wonderfully, but I am really afraid I will somehow become addicted to these. Is there anything else that people have taken post op to take away cramps that we are allowed to take. before surgery I tool ALEVE and that worked just fine... I really need some help w/this my periods are reaslly BAD and they force me to have to take a day off from work each time I get my period. :( please help me w/suggestions    — Ivonne C. (posted on June 27, 2003)

June 27, 2003
I had a friend once who had really bad menstrual periods and had to stay home each month too. Her gynecologist put her on birth control pills and it worked to alleviate her pain. If you are just taking pain pills one day a month, you will not get addicted to them.
   — Cindy R.

June 27, 2003
Ask your doctor for Ponstel. It's a relatively new drug, and works great for painful menstrual periouds.
   — LaDonna S.

June 27, 2003
Ibuprofen works wonders for me. Don't know if that good with a postop patient, though, as it is tough on the tummy.
   — bethybb

June 27, 2003
My surgeon allows Advil during this time, I just don't over do it.
   — Kriola

June 27, 2003
This may sound waaaay odd but for some people having sex during that time helps with blood flow to that area of the body & decreases cramping.
   — Shelly S.

June 27, 2003
Hi there, try taking Vioxx, it's a super duper anti-inflamatory - Prescription only. I have the WORST cramps, I literally break down and cry sometimes and I just love the Vioxx!! One lasts the entire day. Hope that helps.
   — Jamie F.

June 27, 2003
My surgeon prescribed a new drug called Bextra. It is in the same family as Vioxx, but is supposed to be easier on your stomach. Eventhough it is supposed to be easier on the stomach, he still recommends I take it with something like Zantac. Bextra is a one-a-day drug & I only usally end up taking it on the first day. I LOVE IT.
   — Ilene M.

June 27, 2003
Thank You sooooo much for the suggestions ladies, I will speak to my DOC to see which of these are best for me!!! thank you, thank you, thank you!
   — Ivonne C.

June 28, 2003
Ponstel is a wonderful drug! I use it every month like clockwork. Not only does it work to relieve cramps, it works to make you bleed lighter (if you bleed very heavy).
   — smmeow

June 28, 2003
Try using a hot pack on the abdomen first, as often as you can. I also use Advil, using it before cramps helps much more than when you already have cramps. Ponstel isn't new but an old cramping drug, that works to PREVENT the cramps. You might want to look into that, but I think the same properties are in that as Advil. Both should be taken before to prevent. Good Luck!
   — ZZ S.

June 29, 2003
I still take Aleve and Advil. So far, no problems.
   — Debbi S.

June 29, 2003
I have taken Ponstel for 15 years and it is the best thing. I had ovarian surgery and would get the worst pains alternating side each month. I had pain so bad I could hardly walk and Ponstel got rid of it. The only th ing is it takes about 12 hours for it to kick in. At the first twinge, start taking it.
   — Sandra A.

June 29, 2003
I also take Vioxx for cramps. I have had no problems taking it since surgery and did clear it with my surgeon. I usually only need it the first three days of my period. Three pills as opposed to taking 4 - 200mg ibuprofen every 4-6 hours - has to be much better on the pouch! Any of the anti-inflammatories would help, including Celebrex, Bextra, and so forth.
   — koogy

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