Going to A&E for period pain?

[Faraway11]

Going to the ER for period pain?
Hey guys, I’m just wondering if anyone here has been to the ER for severe period pain. My periods can be pretty painful but I usually manage with codeine and a hot bath. Two days ago I started up with cramps, by the time I was in bed I was literally doubled over. I couldn’t move, I couldn’t think. My stomach felt like it was BURNING, it felt like my insides were being ripped out. I’ve never felt pain like it, and I’ve had pelvic inflammatory disease before. It was an intense dull ache but sharp shorting pains continuously. Hot water bottle did nothing, maximum dose of codeine did nothing. The pain died down a little but continued throughout the whole next day. Again today I am in agony, maxed out on codeine, hot water bottle and a tens machine. i haven’t had one moment of relief no matter what i do. I tried having a bath yesterday but ended up having to get out and shower because I turned the bath water yellow with the amount of blood that was flooding out. This period is the worst I’ve had. I seriously considered going to the hospital couple nights ago and this morning because I couldn’t cope with the pain. Has anyone ever gone to A&E for something like this?? It’s getting excruciating.

Maybe try calling 111.They might be able to direct you to an out of hours clinic where you could get the painkillers you need.If you’re in so much pain that you’re doubled up,sitting in A/E for potentially hours won’t be very pleasant.

Are you sure it’s period pain & not abdominal pain from something else that happens to be at the same time as your period?
also any chance of pregnancy, ectopic or otherwise? Can you keep a note of blood loss (like how many times needing to change pad/tampon)?
if it’s not abating not unreasonable to be seen, you might have more joy from ooo GP.

Also, being cynical if I was phoning I wouldn’t go describing it as period pain.

Have you been tested for PCOS? While I have never been to a&e I used to get crippling pain and excessive bleeding in my teens. I was given northisterone once to stop the bleeding after I had bled heavily for two whole months. I was given Naproxen a few times for pain. I even had to call an out-of-hours GP to get the Naproxen.

Don't know if you are already on the contraceptive pill but going on it could maybe help relieve symptoms.

I’d call 111. Hope you are heard and taken seriously OP

yes this

If you can’t cope with the pain and/or are flooding then definitely seek medical attention whether that’s A&E or out of hours GP. More generally though you need to see a gynae (I know easier said than done if relying on the NHS) because maxing out of codeine every month is really bad for you, and there is clearly stuff going on that needs investigating properly. Good luck. Really hope you get it sorted.

If I knew it was period pain I wouldn't go to A&E. I'd make a GP appointment and get a referral to gynecology to look for long term solutions. If there was a chance that something else was going on that could need emergency medical treatment, I would go to A&E. Being on a period doesn't make you immune to other abdominal issues.

Could you be miscarrying?

Going to A and E with abnormal abdominal pain that OTC meds are not touching sounds like the right call. I wouldn’t describe it as period pain though. It could be anything - mc, ovarian torsion or something non-gynae. Just describe the pain and let them diagnose.

my periods started in the morning and in the evening I started to have cramps. Continued until day after when the pain moved to right. It was appendicitis. Period starting was red herring.

if you are having crippling period pains I would go and get checked out, however a visit to a gynae consultant might take longer. Have you combined any anti inflammatory pain relief as well?

Are you in the uk?

Thank you everyone, the pain has become more manageable this afternoon and I’ve managed to have a light walk. I have been investigated for PCOS, I don’t have the syndrome but I do occasionally get cysts on my ovaries, and I’ve also had cysts that have bled internally. Contraception is not an option at the moment due to us trying for a baby.. I’m hoping it’s just a one off but if it’s the same next month I’ll definitely be talking to a GP

Apparently Buscopan help with intense cramps.
Sorry you're in so much pain.

If you're trying for a baby could it be an ectopic pregnancy? If you need to go to A&E

Period pain is neither an accident nor an emergency. By all means, book a GP appointment if you are worried, but not A&E.

You said the bath turned yellow?? That's an odd colour? Maybe an infection?

Could it be a burst cyst? Does it feel slightly more one sided? Is the discharge any different?
Have you had a temperature?

If you develop a temperature or fever it could be an infection after a burst cyst.

I went with her to a&e because she was feeling so physically weak and we knew if a young woman in her 20s turned up with "bad period pain" she wouldn't get taken seriously.

I really had to advocate for her and that was even with her having previously had a scan showing ovarian cyst.

She ended up needing IV antibiotics, anti inflammatories and then a laparoscopy investigation a few days later.

This is my thought - I hope you’re ok

I had endo so bad needed codeine every month then I lost 20lbs, im now 8.5 stone and don't have any issues at all. Hope that helps. there are few hells like severe severe period pain, I'm sorry you went through this xxx

It was just the blood, I saw all the blood coming out and when it mixed with the water it was sort of diluted yellow x

I was taking pregnancy tests right up to the day my period came and they were all negative so I’m not sure about it being a miscarriage or eptopic.. it’s more on the left side but I always get more pain on that side anyway, thank you for all your input, it makes me feel a little better despite the pain :) I haven’t had a temperature or anything but I’ll defo keep an eye on that x

Even though birth control is out due to TTC, you can still take luteal phase progesterone or dydrogesterone to lighten your flow. This doesn't harm conception (and is actively used in the field of infertility treatment).

If it no longer seems like an A&E thing, I would still see a gynaecologist as soon as possible as that level of suffering is not something to just endure month on month. You will almost certainly also be anaemic.

I have been several times with endometriosis when I can’t tolerate the pain any more
yes I needed gynae but I was in the middle of a 2 year wait for the op and when you’ve maxed out all the home pain relief including morphine, there wasn’t many other options
gynae always told me if I was vocalising pain then to go to a&e