Period worse with Crohn's Disease

[Zarajaquiss]

Hi,

Just wanted to ask, i have just come on my period today and im finding it agony, my stomach is very bad at the moment as it is and with the period ontop im finding it very hard to get through work, does anybody have any tips on how to get through periods when your crohn's is bad? its just so horrid

hope to hear from you soon xx x

 

[kskitt]

unfortunatly ive never been in this situation
sorry cant be of any help, but im sure someone else will be able to help

 

[Crohn's 35]

Hi Zara, I too suffer extreme pain every single period and it was worse as a teen, now I am headed to menopause and still get it, and now sometimes happens 2 times a month because of the perimenapause. I thought I was the only one to suffer, cause most dont and it rarely hurts in the ovary area , it is my LRQ. The only thing that works are pain killers and a heating pad, at least for me. You could use a muscle relaxant but no Ibuprofen as it burns the stomach and Intestines. Having a hot bath helps too. Always eat food when taking anything for pain. Do you get it everytime??? Sorry you are suffering, been there, done that for over 30 years.... niice.

 

[Zarajaquiss]

all the time, i went on the pill to help get through my periods when i was 17 the pain went down massively to wht it is now but its still very bad, morning is the worse and after eating. i dont have an appetite when im on but i get very dizzy so i need to eat omething. but then i get more bloated etc. i definately need to invest in a hot water botte. what pain killers can i take then? i have tablets from chemist to stop the bloating but thats it. so uncomfortabe all the time. gets me very down

 

[Crohn's 35]

Something with Codeine unless you constipate, which I dont. Asprin is not great either but a codeine base, or tylenol 3's should help. I had the pill at 17 too and whilst is did help a bit, got me through highschool. When I was pregnant with my daughter I was fine too but after that whoa.... pain every time. Hope I helped but heat on your area that hurts is a great help!

 

[Guestly]

Feeling your pain girl, I suffered with period sh*ts for years. My tum was always terrible, and my bowels would disown me.

Now I have the contraceptive injection and no periods! Its brilliant. If you arent planning a family in the very near future, injections are only every three months.

Good luck

Lishyloo

 

[Miss-E]

I TOTALLY feel you, literally, and I'm SO SORRY!

I used to be on the pill, but I got off because I gained so much weight. Now I just use whatever painkiller I can find and rice bags/heating pads, as well as hot tea.

I'm not sure if you have this option, but I am covered under a medical leave act that allows me to take a certain amount of time off from work without getting in trouble due to my condition. I pretty much just expect to take a day off each month around that time....

Hang in there...

 

[Zarajaquiss]

Thank you for all your advice it was very helpful, so on my list is hot water bottle a day off work every month and painkillers, thhis 3 month pill sounds good too though, i take the monthly one soi can choose to have no period if i want but i prefer to keep my cycle regular therwise it feels almost like im building it all up if that makes sense??! but things to look into definately!

thnk you all again x x x

 

[Sweetcorn]

Hey Zara!

I'm feeling for you because, like you, come my period - ow, ow, ow, ow, ow!

It's terribly painful - I've been in tears with it not knowing what I can do to ease the pain - the only thing that comes close is 60mg codeine with 1000mg Paracetamol (Acetaminofen if not in the UK), every 4 hours. It doesn't stop it completely, there's still a bit of ache but after the first two doses, the codeine keeps on working - and if I'm honest - I'm a little bit high!

A hot water bottle is essential for me - and unlike most advice for women with period pains where movement and exercise are suggested - I'd advise against it. When I had my large bowel (have ileostomy now) - any movement would just disturb me more and cause more cramping - so get the hot water bottle, the painkillers, a good book and the remote control and settle down and rest. My big, cuddly armchair and my feet up works best for me - but find the best position for you - and relax.

It is bad and some doctors can just dismiss your concerns. Several years ago my GI said the terrible period pains was nothing to do with Crohn's. Since then I've seen a Gynaecologist who specifically deals with women with Crohn's - and he says inflammation and adhesions from the Crohn's can cause chronic pain during your period - above and beyond what you may normally feel.

All the best hon, take care

Sweets
xxxx

 

[pb4]

I drink chamomile tea (avoid if you're allergic to ragweed), it's a natural anti-inflammatory so it's great for IBD in general and it's proven to aid with menstral cramps (from experiance, it works like a charm).

 

[jmcgonigal]

I have BAD PMS when I ovulate on one particular side (my right) because that's where my Crohn's is the worst. I am bloated for almost 2 weeks straight and feel like absolute crap. I am very joyous when my period actually starts because finally the agony is over. I can't be on the pill because it makes my Crohn's worse. I usually use these heating packs that have adhesive on one side so it sticks to your undies, and it makes you feel warm all day. I can't take pain meds either because I'm prone to constipation. Those heating packs are fantastic. I bought them at the drug store.

 

[forum contributor]

I'm on Seasonique, one of the three-month pills. It's worked wonders for me. I was having my period every three weeks - now it's every three months!

It's been much better, but as I'm typing this, I've been off the pill for four days, going back on it on Sunday for another three months.... but I'm hurting so bad

I use the Thermacare heating pads. They work for about eight hours and I'm not stuck at home with them.

I hope you find some relief soon!