Unbelievable period pain (on third period after DD's birth)

[Beachmum85]

I have always had painful periods for the first day or two of my period. But for the (3) periods since DD was born, the pain has been excruciating! It is also made especially worse by needing/ going to the loo (sorry tmi!).

Should I see a doc? Or is this normal? For most of this evening I have been doubled over with pain, I feel like I'm having contractions!

Arghhh! Help...

[xalyssx]

I would say go to a doctor, could be there's a bit of placenta left in. The sooner you, the easier any problems will be to sort out.

[Beachmum85]

Thanks xalyssx, no I should prob mention that DD is 10MO, I have only just started having my periods, so don't think it could be placenta. It is definitely related to period, but the pain is excruciating, I've never had it this bad.

[xalyssx]

Hmm are you breastfeeding?

[Pyrrhagena]

I had periods like this before I had my DC, it including fainting and vomiting. Every month. The doctor gave me some high strength painkillers to take as soon as I knew my period was coming. For some reason it's better to take them before it starts. I do have endometriosis though so maybe it's worth getting checked. Very jealous at you having had only three in 10 months! Mine returned 4 weeks after I gave birth each time despite ebf. I was very worried when pregnant as I though it these are period pains, I'll never cope with labour. But there wasn't much difference tbh.

I was told that having DC can change your 'type' of period- either making them worse or easier to deal with.

[AttilaTheMeerkat]

Do go to the GP and ask at that time for a referral to a gynae. This is not the sort of problem for the GP to potentially mess around with in complete ignorance. You need to see a gynae.

Given that you have always had very painful periods for the first couple of days of your period, I also thought of endometriosis. Bowel and or rectal pain is not unknown with endometriosis by any means, endo can recur post having children.

I would also keep a daily pain and symptom diary as this can give clues to the specialist. Any pain that is cyclical in nature and gets worse up to and including menses could be an indicator of endometriosis.

[Beachmum85]

Oh blimey! I think you're right. Although getting to actually see my doctor is nigh-on impossible. Much better pain today (day 3) but still not 100%.

I was ebf for 8 months pyrrhagena , but had terrible breast abscess, so not fun times at all . I'd have this over that any day! But neither are v nice.

[LoveBeingInTheSun]

I had this, also had horrible flooding, not fun when I had also gone back to work by then as well, did settle down but took a few months.

[mineofuselessinformation]

You have every right to have periods that are as pain-free as possible. (Long experience of terrible period pain that would make me hope to faint so I couldn't feel it any more...)
Do go and see your gp. Insist. This isn't something you should have to put up with.
I found it helpful to start pain relief before my period when I knew when the bloody things were coming.

[Beachmum85]

mineofuselessinformation thank you! What sort of pain relief do you use? I find the only thing that works a bit is ibuprofen, but you can only take it 3 times in 24hrs (not enough!)

[Pyrrhagena]

Yes, but the doctor can prescribe you much stronger ibuprofen than you get in the chemist's. I was told to take it on the first day (or before if I had warning, I usually get spotting/light bleed before the deluge starts) only unless really necessary as it can cause liver (I think) damage if you take too much too often. I usually take really strong, then the next times 400mg, then 200mg (standard over the counter strength).

[Beachmum85]

So I went to the doc, not much help tbh (what a surprise) she put me on the pill, one which apparently represses ovulation. I don't like the sound of it, I think it sounds a little unnatural to 'repress ovulation'?? But I'll give it a go to avoid that excruciating pain.

Anyone else found the pill to be a help??

[AttilaTheMeerkat]

The pill will mask the symptoms but will not get rid of the underlying problem. The pain will likely return if you come off the pill.

GP should refer you rather than fob you off with pills; it does not treat the cause. The CAUSE of all this needs to be properly determined and for that to happen a referral to a gynae should be sought.

[RoganJosh]

All combined pills (ie the normal contraceptive pill) work by suppressing ovulation AFAIK.

You may find your periods do settle down a bit. I seem to remember my first few post children were awful. They were around a year after giving birth.

[Saltedcaramel2014]

I had three awful periods after giving birth (first when DS was 8months) then it settled. Hope you feel better soon OP