Any ideas for really bad stomach cramps ??

[nutcracker]

Am on my break from my pill and really not coping with the pain at all. I normally don't have a break because I am scared of how much pain I end up in, but I have run out, so can't start taking it again until probably thursday.

Anyway, my stomach cramps are just awful, my very lower stomach is so sore and last night as I was locking up, I had to suddenly sit on the floor becvause it hurts so much, and again this morning whilst making breakfast.

I take Ponstan, but A) it takes too long to work and b) it never takes the pain away enough.

Is there anything else I can do to make me feel even a tiny bit better ??

[AttilaTheMeerkat]

nutcracker,

Have you had these problems for a long time?.

I am wondering if the root cause of the pain you are having is due to endometriosis. Being given ponstan is another clue to my mind. Some GPs as well are next to useless when it comes to dealing with such problems.

I would visit your GP, explain that the ponstan is not working (its certainly not addressing the underlying cause) and ask for a referral to a gynaecologist. Something is causing this and it needs further investigation.

I found that a hot water bottle and painkillers took the edge off the pains but more often than not I just had to ride it out.

I would say though that if this is endometriosis it is often only diagnosed through a keyhole surgery operation called a laparoscopy. Other methods like swabs, ultrasounds and blood tests won't detect it.

Seek answers, it is certainly in your interests to do so.

[flamingtoaster]

Have you ever tried the magnet you wear over your tummy? You need to start wearing it a week before your period to get the best effect but it did help my daughter. You have my sympathy - I sufferred terribly before I had DS, I took Ponstan for years, but had to start it a day or two ahead to get the effect. I found that always keeping my blood sugar even (thoughout the month) helped to balance the hormones and reduce the pain - it's recommended for PMT but it does seem to help with the pain as well. Hope you can find something to help.

[nutcracker]

Attila, my gp refuses to refer me unless I try having a coil first.

Am I correct in thinking though, that you have to have the coil fitted whilst on you are on your period ?? That would be a problem, because despite all of the pain, I actually only get very mild spotting, not a proper period. As the pain as got worse, the bleeding has got less and less, and sometimes I don't come on at all, but still get the pain.

I have always had bad period pain, but since having ds nearly 5 years ago it's just got so much worse.

I will have a look out for the magnet thing Flamingtoaster.

[savethecheerleader]

nutcracker, I have Endometriosis and my symptoms were very similar. You should not have to suffer like this. Your GP should refer you. Whats the coil got to do with it anyway?

[foxinsocks]

Buscopan

I cannot survive without it. My cramps get so bad I throw up and shake from the adrenalin. They are just awful. Takes about 30 mins to kick in - the key is to try and take the pills before the cramps start but I find it impossible to predict when they are coming. Now I just take them at the EARLIEST sign of a cramp.

You can get it over the counter. It's called Buscopan IBS as it's sold for the cramps people get for IBS but it used to just be called Buscopan and it works brilliantly on awful period cramps.

[foxinsocks]

but I agree with the gynae referral (I did try the coil first and it did nothing for me - in fact, the side effects were awful. And no, I didn't have to have it fitted when I was bleeding - I think I had to not be bleeding).

[nutcracker]

Oh i will definatly try the Buscopan Foxinsocks, I'll try anything tbh. Do you have to wait until you have eaten to take them though ???

I do with the ponstan which is a pain in the morning because it means I have to do breakfast whilst doubled up in pain, and then eat it before I can take the tablet.

Savethecheerleader, my gp reckons that if I have a coil I wont get any pain anymore.

[foxinsocks]

here's the netdoctor blurb on how it works (buscopan that is)

I've taken it on an empty stomach - it's an antispasmodic, not a painkiller so I don't think the eating thing matters (you'll probably find you feel more like food anyway once the cramps have gone)

[nutcracker]

Thanks, it does sound like it is definatly worth me trying it.

I don't need to check with my gp before taking it do I ??

I do have to see her this week about my pill anyway.

[nutcracker]

argh jesus christ, am in bloody agony again and feel sick too.
Have just had another ponstan, it better bloody take the edge off.

[foxinsocks]

don't know nutcracker - just ask the pharmacist

I got it over the counter - was recommended to me by a doctor about 10 years ago!

[nutcracker]

Thanks fox, will try and get some tommorow.

Thankfully the ponstan has kicked in a bit more and I can now breath without wincing which is an improvement.

[foxinsocks]

honestly, it's a life saver for me. What's been brilliant is that because it dulls/stops the cramps, I don't need the pain meds as much (am sure they were eating a hole in my stomach!).

But I would second getting that referral to the gynae. Regard this all as a short term gap filler (not a long term solution!) until you've seen a gynae and sorted out what's going on.

[foxinsocks]

and I really hope you feel better soon. That pain is just so so so so awful (was almost bad enough to make me feel like getting pregnant for the sake of getting a 9 month break!).

[AttilaTheMeerkat]

Nutcracker,

Have only just seen your message in response to mine.

Your GP is being an idiot frankly if he/she refuses to refer you before trying the coil first.

It like the ponstan is like putting a band aid on an open wound and also does not address why this is happening in the first place. My money is on endo causing all this - all the symptoms fit.

www.endo.org.uk as well is a good UK based website.

[hermykne]

homepathic remedy agnus castus, taken over 3 months to see effect.
hth