Crap, I think I may have been rumbled, or am about to be

[IllegallyBrunette]

I am on the pill. I don't need to be on it from a contraceptive point of view, but carried on taking it because without it my period pain is horrendous and the pill used to help, and possibly still does a bit. I hate to think how much pain i'd be in each month without it.
Even with me taking the pill, I still get the most awful pains on my break, and have collapsed in agony with them before now.

Anyway, a while ago (about a 9mths i suppose), I stopped having a break after each pack. I didn't ask my go if I could do this, I just did it. I am a single parewnt, and canot be that incapacitated (is that right word?), for a few days every month. Plus I couldn't stand the pain anymore.

I have just rung to make an appointment for new pill prescription, and the receptionist asked me if I have a break or start new pack right away, and so I said right away, because I am scared shitless of being in that much pain again.

I'm worried now though that the nurse will notice that I really shouldn't actually be due anymore pills yet and refuse to give them to me. Can she do that ?

I have seen several doctors about my period pain, but they all seem to think that it is just something that happens and I should swallow a million painkillers (which don't work) to cope with it.

I am actually considering asking to have the contraceptive injection again, which I swore I'd never ever have again, but at least that would mean no periods at all.

Not sure if she will rumble you but it might be best to come clean anyway. Have you talked to your GP about the different types of pill? I used to take the mini pill and there were no breaks and after about 3 months I didn't have periods at all. Maybe they would be suitable for you?

i don't think it does you any harm to run pill packets together. and it's your body, no one can tell you off. do you have a sympathetic gp you could talk to? or the nurse? or even a pharmacist (mine is lovely).

Oh I didn't know that. I thought you still had a period with the mini pill.

I am just worried that if I might come clean and then not find anything else suitable.

Illegallybrunette, have you seen a specialist about your painful periods, to see if there is a treatable underlying cause?
Several people on here have used Metformin, which I think reduces blood flow, and is not a painkiller, really successfully.
Period pain that is so agonising it causes you to pass out really ought to be properly investigated.
I had awful cramping during my periods post children and it has been miraculously eradicated by a day procedure called endometrial ablation. Periods are lighter too, but the pain seems to be the main issue for you.

I always assumed running packs back to back would be the same as the pill injection hoxchick, thats why I wasn't worried about doing it.

My GP is a nice lady, but I can't seem to get across to her just how much pain I am in on my break.

I've known women who have done this. Can you go to your family planning clinic instead if your gp really won't listen?

Tell her it is causing you to collapse. IME GPs are watching the pennies and sometimes not referring women for period pain follow-ups if they think they can get away with it
It took me blubbing and saying I thought I had cancer, to get my referral

Have you thought about a Mirena coil, I know it doesn't suit everyone, I think it's great....no periods & no period pains.

I have Metformin Marina, but it doesn't work. I still end up in agony.

I haven't specifically asked to be reffered no. I think I am scared of what it might start iykwim. I should really though I know.

Do you think if I asked if I could take the pill continuously, they would let me ??

Odly, I still get period pains even though I am not having a break.

Well, I can't remember the name but unless your GP is a monster I think they ought to be sympathetic. You won't have done yourself any harm, just not followed the instructions properly. If you explain why they should understand. The mini pill was perfect for me once I actually got used to not having periods. I found this a bit strange at first.

I did think about the coil, but am worried they might not be able to fit it. I might ask about it again though on Monday.

I have told my gp that I can't even walk, stand up to brush teeth etc when my pain is at it's worst. She looked at me like that was normal.

Xp was once very close to ringing an ambulance, I was in so much pain.

GPs are watching the pennies?? It doesn't cost a GP anything to make a referral???

I'm afraid I last took the pill in, um, 1986! So can't answer your question about that.
Overwhelming period pain can be caused by endometriosis or fibroids, or endometrial polyps. All of which can be treated, although I know that they can also be poorly managed by overworked GPs/hospitals etc
Honestly, I had one polyp and a thickened endometrium, and that was reckoned to be the cause of it all by the gynae. Ablation is done in minutes under a light general anaesthetic and took care of both non-medically serious but very painful conditions.
Honestly, if Metformin is not working, ask for a referral if you possibly can, because a more permanent and less drug-dependent solution could then present itself. The cramping I had each month lasted only a few hours but made me feel suicidal. I totally sympathise with how this is dominating your life

Meant to add, that where my period pain has increased, I actually hardley get a period at all. The pain however, starts about 2 days before hand and continues for about a week.

Maybe I am confusing two things nervousal, but I was refused a specialist referral to womens' services physio due to funding constraints, the GP admitted this. It happened just before I got my gynae referral.

I was diagnosed with endometriosis when I was 17 because of pain like you describe, and one of the things they got me to do was take the pill for three months without a break - think I had to do that for a year (so had four periods over the year, IYSWIM). Seemed to help - never been that bad since.

I also get considerable pain during ovulation.

Do they reccomend the ablation even you haven't copmpleted your family ??

How odd, even though I am still taking my pill, I have had period pains (mild thank god) since I got up this morning, and am losing quite alot of dark brown blood, which is old blood isn't it ?

Ah, I think ablation is for people who have completed their family, yes
But do get the referral anyway as there could be other options suitable for you that were not even mooted with an old gimmer like me . He even said the H word...

Also just discovered via google, that one of the symptoms of endometriosis is hip pain. I get awful pains in my hips quite regularly, and the pain actually wakes me up.

Referral! And have a little look at Dr Foster to see who to ask for locally on endometriosis. You don't have to live like this, IB

Tbh Marina, i've been advised not to have anymore children, but it is something I am not prepared to give up on yet.

I am going to have to ask to be reffered aren't I, damn.

Thanks Marina