Anyone have XTREME menstrual cramps

iVillage Member
Registered: 08-19-2003
Anyone have XTREME menstrual cramps
4
Sat, 11-22-2003 - 4:17pm
I have always had heavy, painful periods -- at least for the first 2 days or so. I've recently (5 months ago) had a Dr diagnose me with IBS. After doing a colonoscopy, he determined I had a muscle spasm in my large intestine and prescribed a muscle relaxant (anti-spasmatic) for the condition. Yesterday I experienced a frightening 2 hours of CONSTANT cramping in my lower right pelvic region and lower back that was quite intense and different than ever before. I was nauseous as well. I had already taken 3 Aleve in a 5 hour period, took an anti-spasm pill and had switched from tampons to a pad. Even my trusty heating pad did nothing. I was afraid I was having my apendix rupture or experiencing endometriosis. It eventually went away and today I'm fine but I was about to call my Dr. and rush to the ER. Anyone else have anything like this? Suggestions what it might be? BTW, I am 41, am not on birth control, have periods every 3-4 weeks (it does vary), lasting 3-5 days, have had my hormones tested this year ('normal'), am fertile, no kids.
iVillage Member
Registered: 05-14-2003
Sun, 11-23-2003 - 2:15pm

Have you been screened for Endometriosis?

 


 


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iVillage Member
Registered: 04-11-2003
Mon, 11-24-2003 - 10:42am
I get awful menstrual cramps usually the week before my period. The last few months, I've been having them terrible the week of ovulation and the week before my period. I usually take 4 ibuprophen and lay around with a heating pad. I use a sock filled with oatmeal and microwave it for two minutes. I like it because it's heavier than a heating pad and it can form around your abdomin and back. Last year I had cramps that were so bad I did rush to the E.R. It ended up being a cyst that had ruptured on my ovary. It caused me some bleeding aftewards, and pain. I don't know if you experienced that or not. Just thought I would put in my two cents. Hope some of this helps. Callie
iVillage Member
Registered: 08-19-2003
Mon, 11-24-2003 - 11:41am
Thanks to Calianne and Cynderkitty for your replies. I have not been screened specifically for Endometrosis though I had a pap this year. Might want to do that. As far as a cyst, it certainly is a possibility though I've not had further bleeding since that incident. But you both made me feel heard and I appreiate your input, I will look into it with my physician. THANKS!!!!
iVillage Member
Registered: 04-11-2003
Mon, 11-24-2003 - 3:49pm
I just thought that I would let you know that I went to the doctor today to talk about my cramps, and she scheduled me for an ultrasound to check for endometriosis. She said sometimes it can show up on that. Otherwise, the only other way to know is by having a laprascope sugery done. She said the very bad cramping is definitely a symptom of it. Birth control pills can help with the cramping. Good Luck to you.:}

Callie