21F just started my period today (about two hours ago) and I really need some pain management advice and guidance. I’m diagnosed with PCOS, not endometriosis but I do suspect that I may have endo.
I’ve taken Metfemic acid 250mg x 2, Tranexamic acid 500mg x 2, and Co-codamol 8mg/500mg x 2.
I took these about an hour ago.
Then I did 20mins TENS along side 30mins 50° heat.
Then my boyfriend did a very gentle message for five minutes.
And I’m still in agony and I feel sick.
What else can I do at home at this point to help with the pain?
Keep the tens unit on, up to 10 hours is okay i believe but check your specific unit, try a few locations to find the best one! Do you have any anti cramping stuff like buscopan?
Also a long hot baths could help
Some light stretches whilst in bed also can help belly breathing etc
Foetal position will be the most comfortable usually
Peppermint tea helps the digestive pain i get with it sometimes
But yeah keep up the meds otherwise
Oh antiinflamatories if you haven't already! Work best for endo pain in general better than codeine etc
The mefenamic acid is an NSAID :)
Ah thank you! I had it co fused with something else
I don’t have any Buscopan. I didn’t know that was something I could take. I thought it was for digestive issues?
They have separate boxes with the exact same product in targeted towards ibs and hormonal cramps, of course they charge more for the female one lol even tho its the same- my endo surgeon prescribed mine but you can just buy over the counter! Its an anti spasm and works amazingly for cramps
I’ve never seen them. Do you know if they sell them in the UK?
Yes they do, it’s an over the counter option you can buy from places like Savers and Sainsbury’s. I was prescribed it when I had gallbladder issues but a bsge gynae recommended it to me to help suspected DI endo
Im from the UK! They're in boots or most pharmacies you can ask at the counter :) and the NHS can prescribe also for endo, you are allowed up to 8 a day (in 4 doses you take 2 at once)
You’re maxed out on meds unfortunately for the next few hours, but I agree with the other commenter that antihistamines and Buscopan can help. Camomile tea would be a good option if you have it. I’d also recommend some yoga stretches. I do cat/ cow/ child. They’re so easy I can do them in bed but they can really help. Give the TENS machine another go too. I know this isn’t for everyone but an orgasm can really, really help. I know you’re probably not in the mood for it but it’s my last resort/ fail safe for a bit of peace
I 2nd the orgasm one that used to help mine (not dx) now since Jan ‘25 I cramp from them & during my periods it hurts more & it doesn’t work anymore but I did this before to help the pain especially bc my dysmenorrhea is treatment resistant
I’ve hear people saying sex/orgasm can help but I’ve never tried it myself. I don’t know if I could make it happen with the pain to be honest though
I definitely couldn’t manage sex, that would be out of the question. Usually a quick bean flick would be enough but if it’s not something you can manage then you can try other stuff. It works because it releases endorphins and oxytocin. Listening to music that makes you really happy will help. Anything that makes you feel really happy will give you the same effect. Probably not as intense but it will help
If you’re experiencing bad nausea, you can try meclizine. For pain, I use pot edibles.
Diclofenac suppositories instead of mefenamic acid
What are they for/do and are they available without a prescription?
I think they’re prescription only, they’re an NSAID that you insert into your vagina. I haven’t tried them myself but I’ve heard great things about them
After I tried given Mefenamic acid and I told my GP that didn’t work, I was told hormonal contraception was my only other option. I wasn’t offered any alternative pain relief so I don’t think that’s an option for me
They should definitely refer you to a gynae imo, if you suspect you have endo, contraception can’t help but it does annoy me they expect it to fix everything
They did refer me to Gynae but it’s a two year wait and they said that there’s nothing else they can do in the meantime and to “let them know if I change my mind about hormonal contraception”
This might seem really silly but I've recently discovered EFT tapping to be useful, like this video - https://youtu.be/5hYE0Wt4Sxs?si=1pPoAFyMRaHY0FK0 (there's a bit of a lofty sales type pitch at the beginning but give it a go - I'm having a flare at the moment and it's been a helpful tool). I've been doing EMDR therapy for my PTSD and I also find the butterfly hug helps when I'm distressed https://youtu.be/iGGJrqscvtU?si=RzMf3zCGJlOisypZ
Pepcid ( Famotidine) for inflammation. I use this as a last ditch ( in addition to PMDD) when pain meds aren’t working. It will calm inflammation and the vagus nerve.
Hioscina with ibuprofen is fast
I understand your feeling.
But for long term you need to avoid NSAIDs I had a lot of problems in my stomach.
And take supplements to help like Curcumine, Vitex berry, Myo inositol, probiotics, omega 3.
Hey 👋 A couple of questions.
What is your pain on a scale of 1-10?
What is your pain normally on a scale of 1-10?
How much is your pain distressing you on a scale of 1-10?
And, where are you located?
If in the US, do you have insurance?
Hi, Probably a 9-10 now Normally between a 1-6 just day to day (is that what you mean normally?) I’m pretty distressed, but I’m quite a generally distressed person. I’m in the UK
Alrighty. Yes, that’s what I mean is day-to-day.
I will preface this with:
I am not a doctor so take my advice with a grain of salt
But, to me, it seems like you’ve done all you can at home.
I would advise having your boyfriend take you into the ER. With you being in as much pain as you are, especially with it being rather out of the ordinary for you, I would want you to at least do some scans to make sure everything is alright.
While it could be endo or your PCOS acting up, it could also be: An ovarian cyst, a kidney stone, your appendix, or your gallbladder. All things that can be scary if not treated.
Idk about the UK because I’ve never been in the ER there, but, the hospital has so many more options to keep you comfortable and calm. Like I said, idk about the UK and it’s ER rules, but they can give you things like nausea meds, pain meds, muscle relaxers, and anxiety meds (not all at the same time) that can at least help you in this situation, and especially get your pain down, for a few hours.
Last thought is to bring your heating pad because they usually don’t have them there, and to make sure you have an advocate stay with you because you are not in a spot right now to be able to effectively ask for what you NEED.
I am sending you✨good vibes✨from America, and if you have any other questions either comment or DM me.
Thank you for your advice.
I’m currently somewhat in the realm of what is a normal level of pain during my period.
This is slightly worse than normal, but I don’t know if it’s A&E worthy.
I fear that I’ll be there for hours without treatment and then them still not really do anything anyway.
For sure!! It’s totally up to you. You could be right, but it also could help you start to get the treatment that you need. Either way, I hope you feel better soon!