OWIE! Help! For women only.... I'm warning you!

[donnot]

2 Aleve every 12 hours does the trick for me. Not only do I get cramps, but I got a hernia from my pregnancies, and even though I got it fixed, every month when things swell up, I get a lot of pain. A Dr. friend of mine told me to take 2 Aleve (the package says only take 1) and it would take away the pain. Works like a charm. If you are sensitive to pain relievers, make sure you take them with some food/drink. Good luck and have a great vacation!

 

[motherofallfans]

If you can (it's mission not-quite-possible for me) try to avoid any and all refined AND natural sugars for the weeks leading up. You wil be surprised at how much this affects you. And of course, drink LOTS of water... I mean 3/4 gal./day

I've personally never done the continue-with-your-bc-pills since I haven't used the pill since I was bc (before children) but I would definetly have considered it. Another 'trick' I've heard is to stop your bc pills early and 'force' your cycle. REMEMBER THAT WHENEVER YOU MESS WITH YOUR BC, YOU ARE ALL BUT NEGATING THEIR EFFECT!!! Of course, pregnancy IS the classic way to avoid your period.

 

[DaniB]

ibuprofen also slows your flow

Yes, this! And iron pills. The day I realize my period is coming, I start 1 iron pill a day, and advil/ibuprofen about 3 times a day. Works good at keeping the flow down and the cramps almost nil.

 

[luvmesometigger]

I didn't read through all of the previous threads but if you are on birth control, you can just continue into next months pills and skip it this month. I did it for our honeymoon (many years ago!)

 

[NatsFan15]

Drink plenty of fluids and avoid caffeine when possible to reduce cramping. Also the suggestion of ibuprofin is a good one as well. Exercise (walking) should get the endorphins pumping and will help with the potential cramping.

Sorry to hear about the timing of it all (

 

[Ro Z]

Avoid Mission Space. I had my period and when I got off I had a sudden strange feeling. I ran to the bathroom. I think my body was thrown around in such a way that it messed up my system. A really strange experience. I have never had a problem before or since! But WOW

 

[grafxgirl]

Check with your doctor but you can also continue your pills and skip a cycle. Had a friend who just did that so she wouldn't have her monthly during her wedding/honeymoon.

Unfortunately I think the period after that would be a killer but I don't know for sure.

I did this for many years because I had endometriosis since I first began having periods. When I did finally stop taking the pill, the periods weren't any worse than they were prior.

 

[grafxgirl]

I just take Motrin or Aleve every 6 hours. Someone else mentioned hot baths and wine, which I do too.

I also found regular exercise helps relieve the pain too. It releases beta-endorphins. It helps the body produce its own pain relief and helps to burn the chemicals released during menstruation that cause muscle contractions.

 

[cherylsmike]

I had this problem with our trip in August. I planned this as our dream trip 8 months in advance and failed to take this into consideration. I have Endo too which was great. I always went double protected even on the lighter days towards the end. I made sure to change every 1.5 to 2 hours. It is also important to stay on schedule with the pain meds. It's easier to stay ahead of the pain than it is catch up to it. It went better than I had expected, but if you can do the BC trick than by all means do it. Even if the next one is the worst ever you can lay on the couch thinking how wonderful you trip was

 

[hollie1974]

You'll be able to spot me easily. I'll be the woman who is doing the ugly cry one moment and the next threatening to kill someone.

OP I hope it all goes well. I recently started doing Yoga and last time I had a bad period (craps doubling me over) I did some Yoga. After about 10 minutes the craps went away and stayed away for the rest of the time. If you look up some easy Yoga poses abd give them a try, they might help.

 

[englishteacha]

Back to back BC pill packs! I do this and it's made my life so much more manageable! (The dr. wrote my prescription this way as she prefers my brand to the Seasonique/Seasonale/Yaz pills.)

 

[travelbel]

This will be our first vacation where I won't have this problem! Timing is perfect (for a change!). However, in the past, I always buy the Always overnight, heavy duty pads... they're in a dark purple/black package and are sometimes hard to find. They cover just about everything from here to there. However, they work like a charm.

I am one of those people that attempted to not take the pill, but things happened as nature planned anyways on our honeymoon.

 

[pacrosby]

Just a quick tip.....the key to getting maximum relief from a OTC like Ibuprofen, Advil etc. is to start taking it BEFORE the cramping begins not after. So do the math and make sure you start taking it a day or so before you expect it to begin. I remember my gynecologist giving me that advice years and years ago and it's so true. It works. Good luck.

 

[cajunbaby1]

I too suffer. I usually take ibuprofen 600mg 2-3 x day along with an Iron tablet (0ver the counter) and a vit c tablet. My md recommended this combo and it seems to help.

 

[MollyMcDaniel]

I have a Mirena IUD and I LOVE it. We don't plan on having more kids, but I didn't want such a drastic method...such as giving hubby the snip. All oral BC gave me horrible headaches. I tried the Nuva Ring and it was ok, except it made things 'juicy' all of the time. And that is the term my OB/GYN used!!

So, I tried out the IUD and I haven't had a period in 2 1/2 years. Nothing...nada....not even a scooge. No cramps, no leaking, nothing. I was a very heavy flow and it went to nothing. My sister had a terribly heavy flow and even though she had her tubes tied years ago, she got one and problem solved. Insurance plans are finicky about it...mine was just a $20 copay and it lasts for 5 years. If you are OOP then they are pricey......but a lot less than a bundle of joy x's 18 yrs.

 

[diamondpixienc]

Hot Peppermint Tea and Lots of pain numbing meds (OTC of course)

 

[LisaTC]

Aleve and Ibuprofen work similarly -- both NSAIDS. When I worked in the pharmacy I was so happy when Aleve became OTC. You can take less often. The prescription strength if 550mg --2 otc ones. I have the same issues and take 2 Aleve in the AM and then 2 before supper. Take with food. Elevate your feet when you can and I concur with the BC pills advice, as well.