Question:
Ladies- more painful periods/PMS after surgery? Any helpful ideas?

Hi! I am six months post-op, and down to 195 lbs. (Loss of 79 lbs yay!). I've noticed the past 3 months that my periods have been a bit heavier, and more painful. Also, that I feel really lousy during PMS - crampy, uncomfortable, almost feverish, some nauseousness. No, I'm not pregnant. It's been so long since I was under 200 lbs that I don't remember if this was what it was like back then. Before losing the weight my periods weren't this bad, wasn't in so much crampy pain and feeling ugh-y. ANyone else had the same problem? What do you do to help things out? I've got the ok from my doctor to take Advil but it takes the edge off, but doesn't solve things completely. Any advice would be appreciated. It's so bad that I ended up leaving my work today for an hour just to come home and try to relax. Yuck. I do also have an IUD, have had one for 3 years now. Thanks!!!    — Sarah C. (posted on August 28, 2002)

August 28, 2002
Now I have not yet had the surgery so I cannot answer any post-op issues, I do have a suggestion though, try going to your gyn they may be able to prescribe you something to help with the pain. They put me on birth control because my pms was horrible, as well as heavy bleeding,clotting, and severe cramps. Two years later and I have not had a cramp since then. I hope this helps you, and congratulations on your weight loss.
   — Cathy B.

August 28, 2002
I am having exactly the same problem. I have used BCP for years to regulate my period but they don't seem to work anymore. Called my Gyn and he wants to see me to talk about a shot. His nurse also mentioned something about a patch. I like that idea because I am bad about taking pills and don't want to have to keep going to the doctor for shots. He really wants to do some tests for polyps etc., but I told them I thought it was from the surgery and wanted to try some other options before a new battery of tests. I hope this "shot" helps because I haven't had cramps like this in years. Maybe you should try to call your Gyn.
   — Dianne C.

August 28, 2002
It's so funny that you ask this question because I just asked myself the same thing when I came on yesterday. Since I have had surgery, I notice that I get bloated and have other PMS symptoms that I never noticed before. I have assumed that it's because of the changes in my body.
   — washar

August 28, 2002
Yes! I had this happen and even posted a question about it awhile ago. At 1 year out though, they seem to be back to "normal".
   — mom2jtx3

August 28, 2002
<b>Hi... I just wanted to make one quick comment. The Depo Provera shot is great if you don't mind making a quick trip to the doctor's office every 3 months. Also, many women find their periods are completely absent while on the shot. No symptoms, nada.<p>First instinct may make you think "thats unhealthy" and that you need to shed this blood and tissue each month, but actually the layer of the uterus that increases with blood and tissue that needs to be shed never develops because ovulation does not occur. It's completely safe if you are able to take birth control pills. Good luck!</b>
   — thumpiez

August 28, 2002
Hi Sarah I am not a post op yet(surgery 9/18) but I have terrible cramps and always have. I have lived on prescription Motrin for nearly a decade. My surgeon will no longer allow me to take any NSAID's including Advil after my surgery because it cause ulcers and is hard on the new tummy. I have been prescribed 50 mg of Vioxx p/day during my period which is an acceptable alternative to NSAIDS. I haven't tried it yet but it is supposed to work wonders for cramps. Trust me Tylenol would never take away the monthly pain for me. With regard to the IUD have your OB check it maybe it is causing some of your issues. Good Luck.
   — lovemonterey