Question:
What can I take for , menstral cramps besides the liquid Loratab?

The liquid loratab I have makes me sick. I need to know what I can take for those difficult periods that will still allow me to function at work etc.I used to take 800 mg motrin. That isn't an option anymore.    — kelly B. (posted on January 14, 2005)

January 14, 2005
Can I answer your question with a question? Why can't you take your Motrin 800 anymore? that's what I depend on!
   — Barb McGraw

January 14, 2005
What about liquid Tylenol. When you are at home try liquid Benadryl, it works as a muscle relaxer. Albuterol(an inhalent used for asthma) is used by pregnant women to stope uterine contractions related to premature labor, it might be an option, ask your ob/gyn. I am nurse and work with patients who have premature lablor and that is my experience, it can make your heart race a little though at first, but heck, kids use it for asthma. It might be an option. Good luck.
   — pammatria

January 14, 2005
Motrin is the only thing I can't have post-op that I REALLY miss. At two years out I can have a bite of most anything but even if I couldn't I'd be okay. But boy, I sure miss ibuprofen. But we REALLY can't have it. I have three friends who've ended up needing blood transfusions because of taking NSAIDS (which of course includes ibuprofen (Motrin)) and I myself ran into a bundle of stomach trouble taking it -"just a few days worth can't hurt" I lied to myself - WRONG!!. I didn't have to be transfused but I got into pretty bad trouble. Tylenol is about it. I'd suggest other things like heat, some exercises may help, meditation - maybe accupuncture? When you can tolerate pills perhaps your doctor would (if you can tolerate it) prescribe a little Vicodiin if he feels it's appropriate for when things get really tough. Of course you couldn't take it at work and obviously it's a drug you can't take a lot since it's potential for addiction is high. Some of my post-op friends have used those heating products that you can use for several hours (they kind of glue on) and found they really help. (I'm past periods -yeah! - but sure miss Motrin for my middle age aches and pains - Tylenol is better than nothing but for menstrual cramps and joint doesn't seem to do a whole lot). Good luck!! Bette
   — [Deactivated Member]

January 15, 2005
Tylenol now has a menstrual strength pain reliever. If you go on their web site http://www.tylenol.com/products/adult/detail.jhtml?id=tylenol/products/adult/menstrual.inc you can read more about it. It is aspirin free and has acetominphen in it.
   — ChristineB

January 15, 2005
I will say this until I am blue in the face - ask your surgeon about this. I am just over two years post op, and probably could not function had I not been able to take Vioxx 25 mg for three days each month. My surgeon said limited use of NSAIDs should not be a problem. As the head of laparoscopic and endoscopic surgery at a major teaching hospital, I trust his experience and judgement, much more so than what you read on the boards. I have never seen any posts about studies being done on post ops that prove NSAIDS always cause problems in post RNY patients. Some people really can't take them (before or after surgery), luckily, I am one who can! I was switched to Celebrex 200mg, which I have taken twice a day. I recently tried OTC Aleve, which seems to work as well. I think that if something works for you, try it and see what happens. Just be sure to take it with food. Now, I don't like taking ibuprofen because, like you , I need about 800mg - about every four hours. I don't want to push it, but I don't want to be in pain, and I sure don't want to take a narcotic pain releiver every month! I much more prefer to take something once or twice a day. By the way, there is an older medication out there called Ponstel, that is still sometimes prescribed for menstrual pain. And I do take ibuprofen for monster headaches once in awhile, without any problem. I might as well take nothing rather than take Tylenol or Tylenol containing products - they do absolutely nothing for me.
   — koogy

January 15, 2005
FYI-checked the Tylenol site. The Tylenol for Mentstrual pain is plain old Tylenol with a little OTC diuretic added. Even says it's for minor pain.
   — koogy

January 15, 2005
Ok, I have the answer to your "problem". I, too, had to have some kind of anti-inflammatory due to Fibromyalgia. The doc origianlly told me no ibuprofen etc. I talked with my PCP and surgeon and this was the solution. I take Prevacid which now comes in a tab that dissolves under your tongue. You can start taking that about 2 days before you need the ibuprofen and this will keep you from worrying about ulcers. It is okay to take meds when you have to have them. You just have to take precautions to prevent further problems. They put me on Celebrex, but my PCP said "NO" since I have had a stroke, but he said I COULD take Ibuprofen occassionally when needed. Please don't worry and fret because it is ok. It is worth trying. I hope you have good luck with it. Talk to your doc about the Prevacid.
   — debi327

January 17, 2005
Hey Kelly, I feel your pain!! literally, I had my first menstrual cycle since surgery last week. I thought I was gong to die. I broke down & took a few doses of my leftover lortab. I tried tylenol liquid, (which is the most horrible thing I have put in my mouth), with no relief. Then I tried the tylenol chewables, with no relief either. I have an appt with my surgeon on friday & that is #1 on my list of questions. I have to have my motrin or advil or celebrex or bextra......SOMETHING besides tylenol. I will keep ya posted. I will let you know his suggestions & if you have gotten an answer please share it!! Good Luck!! Sheryn
   — sheryn