Pain relief

[Gem840116]

Hi all, it is coming up to the dreaded period week and I can feel the pain arriving already. I was wondering if anyone takes any painkillers in advance/before the worst of the pain sets in. I was off work for 3 days last month and looking for new ways of pain management. I'm awaiting a laproscopy and have 2 large chocolate cysts one on each ovary. I was prescribed codeine last month but it didn't agree with me at all.

Thanks in advance!

[Dorygirl]

Definitely start medicating as soon as you feel pains. I take amitriptyline every night to keep pain under general control and when ovulation or period pain starts I take codeine and paracetamol every 4 hours until after pain goes.

If codeine isn't for you, go back to your GP and ask for an alternative. A pain management plan is always needed otherwise you can easily end up in A&E on morphine.

[Gem840116 in reply to Dorygirl]

Thanks for your response. I have codeine but I'm reluctant to try it after last time. I have naproxen however it doesn't even touch the sides!! Is your other medication prescription only? I will try to book another appointment with the DR to discuss other methods! Do not want to end up in A and E! X

[Thecraftyadder]

That's the best way to use anti inflammatory pain relief, take it before the pain hits. I only found that out this year so I start my ibuprofen about 3 days before my period starts (when I'm first feeling it) then once I've started I top up with paracetamol between doses to keep a steady supply of pain meds in my system. (I can't take codeine as it effects my bowel too much)

Endometriosis uk have a good section on pain relief you can read up on.

Hope you find that works better for you.

[Gem840116 in reply to Thecraftyadder]

Thank you I will begin taking it now! I think I have been leaving it too late. I have been in more and more pain every month so want to prevent it as much as i can! I will have a read of the website and see what i can find. Thanks so much!

[Thecraftyadder in reply to Gem840116]

Also should have said if you are spending a long time on anti inflammatory ask your gp to prescribe a proton pump inhibitor (PPI) to protect your stomach else you'll end up with severe reflux or even an ulcer further down the line.

[Gem840116 in reply to Thecraftyadder]

I will ask them when I go in to discuss pain options. Thanks!

[endopositive]

I was in same boat, docs put me on the pill to stop periods, cerazette b4 op x

[Gem840116 in reply to endopositive]

Thank you!

[Jennye32]

I take pain medication most days. As soon as slight pain sets in I take them to stop a huge flare up. I also struggle with codine, I've been told I have a sensitivity to it but they still give it to me but with prescribed anti-histamines which does remove some of the side effects. Your best bet is to go to your gp or even better a pain management doctor to talk through options and to understand how and why your medication works they eat they do(they may decide a different form of pain relief will be best)

All they best and keep you chin up.

Jenny x

[Gem840116 in reply to Jennye32]

Thank you. Will need to book another appointment I think. Already dreading the pain in the next few days!

[Tothefuture]

Awww bless you, it’s awful just building up to cope with the onset I tried mefanamic acid and that acid , it worked for me but unfortunately I always ended up at the GP or hospital in crisis With bleeding too and was prescribed this with transamanic acid which I think have me terrible headaches . I read that you can use mef 3 days prior and throughout period If not already. I came home yesturday from having a hysterectomy and have to say it’s been a long battle - but I am in less pain and have less anxiety than I had before I went into hospital and only had the op with ovaries taken too on Saturday ! Ps, I also feel like a beast (an angry me) has been taken away . Good look xx

[Gem840116 in reply to Tothefuture]

I'm going to ask the GP again about this. Thank you very much!

[Hariyama06]

Hi Gem840116, you have a good support team at your back here. And i agree with Thecraftyyaddy. This link may help clarify some things on pain killers that you can use.

endometriosis.org/treatment...

Yes codeine is not at all helpful to us with endo especially near our bowels because it causes constipation stressing the cyst causing more pain and does make you feel spaced out.

Also be aware not to take pain killers in the same family. And take food with it as one of us mentioned ulcers and thinning of the stomach lining like with ibuprofen and anything with acid in its name.

As for heavy bleeding, tranexamic acid is the safe bet with mefenamic to go with for pain.

I am not a medical practioner so it is always best to consult with your GP and be prepared when you speak with your doctor or pain management adviser. Endometriosis pain is not always straightforward but we can find a solution that works best for us. And be watchful of side effects...always!

Hoping you find the right med for you.

[Gem840116 in reply to Hariyama06]

Thank you for the advice. I am going to book in with the GP and discuss the options !

[thepregnantpause]

I went to the GP about a year ago and was prescribed Mephemenic Acid tablets. They are a lifesaver! I take one as soon as I feel a twang and now have only very minimal cramps.

[Gem840116 in reply to thepregnantpause]

Thank you. I mentioned this to my GP before he gave me codeine but he wasn't keen on it for some reason! I dont think he was very experienced! I will ask about it again!

[Mara_Simba]

After trying lots of options, I find Ponstan Forte the best for me with the fewest side effects but it is different for different people so don't be afraid of trying a few different ones.