Question:
What can I take for those monthly cramps?

I am 14 months post op. I get cramps really bad for a few days each month. I made the error of taking midol in November and got dehydrated. I had to get an IV at the doctor's office at that time. I can't find a cramp medicine that doesn't contain a duretic in it. Tylenol isn't strong enough. Any suggestions for an OTC medicine.    — june22 (posted on March 10, 2004)

March 10, 2004
I had the cramps from Heck this past month... and I went out and got a bottle of Women's Tylenol. It did help me some. Also heat does help. Someone gave me some Dong Quai and PMS Tea.. you can get these at a natural/health food store or a viatmin shop. Supposedly taken before your time of the month, they are supposed to help. (About 7 to 10 days before that time of the month.) HTH
   — Disneyfreak

March 10, 2004
cranberry juice and tylenol works best for me. mine has a tendency to stay in my back, so i use a lot of heat. those therma patches work very well when at work.
   — mellyhudel

March 10, 2004
I am 16 months out, and one of the first questions I asked my WLS surgeon was whether or not I could take Vioxx for 2-3 days per month. He said that would not be problem, and it has not. I usually have killer cramps, but I automatically add a Vioxx to my meds for the first 3 days - absolute relief from one little pill for 24 hours! I have never had a problem with Vioxx and my pouch. It can't hurt to ask if you can take something stronger than what is available over the counter to help get you through "those days" when cramps are really bad.
   — koogy

March 10, 2004
Have you tried Doans for back aches? I have used that for tension headaches and I don't think there's a diuretic in it. Good luck!
   — Jenny C.