TMI Q that's definitely not important enough to call the Dr over

sep72fendr

Eat BANANAS! The potassium helps with cramps. Lots of bananas and water. Helps flush the system. :-D

Bubbalub

In Response to <a href="http://forums.theknot.com/Sites/theknot/Pages/Main.aspx/wedding-boards_etiquette_tmi-q-thats-definitely-not-important-enough-call-dr-over?plckFindPostKey=Cat:Wedding%20BoardsForum:9Discussion:c86b138e-b020-4067-8050-56ac7f4134a3Post:2692e958-bfe9-4cbf-828f-cd9c20ac2a20">Re: TMI Q that's definitely not important enough to call the Dr over</a>:
[QUOTE]I can only really share my own experience, and I know it sounds weird and I don't mean to freak you out, but I've been on the pill off and on since I was 17, and several times when I was on low dosage pills, I would eventually build up a tolerance to them over a period of months.  My cramps would start intensifying each month again, and it turns out I was ovulating through the pills.  I know it sounds weird, but my gyno told me it is possible.  I would probably call your doctor and ask if this is a possibility, especially if you're only using pills as your BC method.  I don't mean to freak you out, and I'm sorry if I did.  GL.
Posted by baystateapple[/QUOTE]

It's not that weird. I went through the same thing, though not with the low dosage pills but hormonal BC in general. I finally had to go off it completely 3 1/2 years ago.

Being on the pill definitely helped my cramps. In college, before bcp, they were literally debilitating. The pill took the edge off so I could still physically attend classes and work, but the cramps were still awful. And they are still awful to this day.

Have your cramps always been this bad? I'm almost 33 and I feel like they have fluctuated over the years; bad, then better, then bad again. I try to be proactive about taking advil when I know I'm going to hurt because, much like a migraine (for me, at least) if I wait until I'm already in a lot of pain to take a painkiller then it's too late.

I'm sorry you're dealing with this. :( I hope your new gyno can give you better advice!

Bubbalub

Oh! Also I was dubious about the exercise thing as well but I used to do pilates and they ALWAYS made me come in when I had bad cramps. The gentle stretching and movement would get the blood (all over your body, that is) moving and it totally helped with the pain.

thesuninherhead

It is only a withdrawal bleed, yes, not a 'real' period... but I have no clue about the cramps as mine are only ever minor... I believe some conditions can cause them to be more extreme (aka endometriosis) so might be worth asking an actual doctor!