Girls, how do you cope? (time of the month)

RazWaz

I started yesterday and I'm now curled up on the sofa with a toblerone, 3 kittens to cuddle and a hot water bottle and I still feel awful. It feels like the pain never responds to painkillers (trust me I've tried - Paracetamol, Ibuprofen, Codeine, Tramadol, Morphine, Pethidine, Diclofenac, OxyNorm and OxyContin - nothing works).

I've been on Thyroxin for a few months which did help calm things down a lot, but my repeat prescription went in late, I missed a few doses and now I'm back to curling up crying.

Any none-medical tips to help get though the next 3 days? Or am I just stuck curled up in a ball with chocolate and netflix?

fannyanna

Hot water bottle or nice warm bath.

Patronus

I've just finished - it's awful being on during the heat like this.

I had a very painful period last month and was given some Mefenamic Acid by my doctor, it did help me. You say you've tried a lot though so this might be no good.

The one thing that will work for me is a hot water bottle. My routine is usually ibuprofen and a hot water bottle permanently attached to me for a few days. I know you didn't ask for medical advice but make sure you take some painkillers before you sleep and if you wake up in the night (providing four hours has passed) then take some more during the night. They key is keeping on top of the pain killers.

Hot water bottle all the way, though! Hope you feel better soon.

Nicki

If you aren't trying for a baby at the moment why not change to a contraceptive that cuts periods out completely? The mirena coil changed my life in that respect but some pills can be taken without a break too. Worth discussing options with your GP or FPC

Claree__x

I realise this isn't what you want to hear but it's amazing how people react differently, I've occasionally had to take a couple of paracetamol and/or a hot water bottle but it's never had a huge impact on my life.

hgotsparkle

Hot baths always did it for me, but now we live in a property that only has a shower and I'm struggling to find a shop that sells a hot water bottle in summer!

It is very painful for me but I find it hardest dealing with my mood swings. I feel so sorry for OH, as I usually turn into a paranoid, emotional, blubbering insecure mess!

Moggins_2

I never had really bad pains but once I started taking the pill I have virtually no pain at all only slight ache sometimes. A good walk helps with the pain too

stir_crazy

Moggins wrote: »

A good walk helps with the pain too

Exercise helps mine, although generally I never have much pain. I have one of those wheaty things that you microwave for a couple of minutes and put it on the painful area. It smells of lavender too so its relaxing.

SuzieSue

My friend at work used to have dreadful periods and now she has an injection every 3 or 6 months (I can't remember which) and she hasn't had a period for over 20 years (she also knew she didn't want children, so I'm not sure if her solution is suitable if you do).

If it is affecting your life so much, then you should see your doctor.

I get some pain, but usually nothing that a couple of paracetamols don't solve, however, if I was in constant pain for 3 days each month I would do something about it.

Dunroamin

If you were at work, you'd just have to take painkillers and get on with it. Don't mean to be unsympathetic but that's the reality for most women.

miss_independent

For me, Homeopathy has helped alot after years of horrendous PMS and also herbal supplements such as Agnus Castus. Since being diagnosed as a Coeliac things have been better for me and some people finding cutting out Gluten does help relieve PMS. Read The Mood Cure Diet, if you are interested in the alternative side of things. I have fibrocystic breast disorder which feels like I have a hot poker in my boob right before my period and I've found cutting out cafeine has really helped that along with the Agnus Castus.

I only get one day of PMS now as opposed to feeling awful from after I'd ovulated until my period ended (about 2 weeks, 33 day cycle, 5-7 day period followed by anaemia). My mood is fine and I only get super hungry the day before I'm due on.

I don't get terrible pain myself, I don't often take painkillers anyway and just push through the pain. I do get a terrible headache the day before and sometimes have to take Ibuprofen or Co-Codamol. It might sound mad/counterintuitive but exercise actually helps me with the pain relief. Just gentle Yoga or Pilates.

Trust me when I say I had tried everything, the Pill, Mefanamic Acid, stopping periods altogether etc etc. I used to be that girl who was too ill to go to school when I had my period. It was horrendous but after 16 years I finally got things sorted with self-help.

Good Luck!