Jump to content
×
Are you looking for the BariatricPal Store? Go now!
$99 Yearly Supply Alert! 🎉 "1 per Day!" Bariatric Multivitamins

Cramps...ouch

ShellMilliner

By ShellMilliner, in The Gals' Room

Recommended Posts

ShellMilliner    233

ShellMilliner
Posted

Okay so I've always suffered from harsh cramps at ToM and Advil and Alieve were always my go to. Of course that is a no no. Tylenol dulls it and makes it tolerable but has anyone found anything to be more helpful? Especially when at work where I can't double over. :blink:

I also have had menorrhagia since giving birth to my first over 6 years ago and it got worse after having my son almost 3 years ago. I see my GYN next week and I'm going to discuss having an ablation. I worry about my Iron levels during this time since I'm already malabsorbtive. I had a tubal so I'm done with kiddos so I'm not worried about that part.

Any suggestions for cramping solutions would be greatly appreciated.

Share this post

Link to post
Share on other sites

Kindle    8,667

Kindle
Posted

I had an ablation over 6 years ago and next to my VSG this was my favorite surgical procedure I've ever had. Haven't experienced a drop of blood since (sorry if that's TMI) It's AWESOME to not have to think about tampons and pads. Wished I'd had it done at 13 when I started my period!

As for the cramps, my surgeon has OK'd NSAIDS for occasional use. In fact, he sends all of his patients home with sublingual NSAID for 5 days postop. The benefits of reducing surgical inflammation outweighs the small risk of ulcers over such a short period of time. Since then, He simply advised to take a PPI and/or sucralfate if I need to take them for several days/weeks in a row. I have been on both NSAIDS and steroids (that can also cause ulcers) for neck and spinal issues a couple times since VSG.

If you still don't want to try NSAIDs, you may try traumeel. It is a natural pain reliever. You may also ask your doc about dicyclomine. It's normally Rx'd for IBS and helps reduce muscle spasms (cramps) in the GI tract. It's worked wonders to help with the pain I've had during gall bladder attacks. Don't know if would help with menstural cramps.

Share this post

Link to post
Share on other sites

ShellMilliner    233

ShellMilliner
Posted

I have a good friend that has had similar results following her ablation. I'm so over it and the small fortune I spend monthly along with it. I figure since I've hit my max out of pocket for the year, that I would try to get in all the appointments I've been putting off for far too long.

I'm actually on a prednisone dose pack right now for walking pnuemonia. Talk about getting hit with everything at once. But I'm also taking two very strong antibiotics and my stomach is not so enamored with them. I will definately as about NSAIDs. I did suffer from IBS several years back, but I've been able to keep my stress in check much better. I did have a pill that helped with the spasms. I may look into that as well. Did/does the ablation help with the cramping as well?

Share this post

Link to post
Share on other sites

goodnuff    239

goodnuff
Posted

I had an ablation 3 years ago. I was told beforehand that 70% of women will have little to no bleeding after an ablation, 20% will have lighter periods and 10% of patients will have no change. The cramps didn't get any better for me but I went from bleeding 20-28 days to 10 and from irregular to regular periods. Honestly, I really wish I had gone with a hysterectomy. I've been told if I have a second ablation I have an 80% chance of having no bleeding. For now, I'll manage by doing what I have been doing. I'll be watching this post for ideas for the cramps, they can be debilitating.

Good luck!

Share this post

Link to post
Share on other sites

Kindle    8,667

Kindle
Posted

I have a good friend that has had similar results following her ablation. I'm so over it and the small fortune I spend monthly along with it. I figure since I've hit my max out of pocket for the year, that I would try to get in all the appointments I've been putting off for far too long.

I'm actually on a prednisone dose pack right now for walking pnuemonia. Talk about getting hit with everything at once. But I'm also taking two very strong antibiotics and my stomach is not so enamored with them. I will definately as about NSAIDs. I did suffer from IBS several years back, but I've been able to keep my stress in check much better. I did have a pill that helped with the spasms. I may look into that as well. Did/does the ablation help with the cramping as well?

The steroids you are on are just as bad for your tummy as NSAID's, so if your doc is OK with the pred pack, he ought to be OK with occasional NSAIDS. But don't, repeat, DO NOT, take them together! That's a no no even with a regular stomach. Are you currently taking a PPI? Maybe ask about other stomach protectants (ie. Sucralfate) while you are taking all these Meds. Anything to help reduce acid and protect your GI lining during this time. Another "natural" thing to try is aloe Vera juice. It can be very soothing to your tummy and help heal any damage before it becomes a full blown ulcer.

I never had very bad cramping, so can't tell you if the ablation really helped with that or not. But the first time I went on vacation after the ablation and I didn't have to pack tampons, I knew it was real!

Share this post

Link to post
Share on other sites

TheNewMeTX    11

TheNewMeTX
Posted

I have always had terrible, make-me-want-to-hurt-others-so-they-know-my-pain cramps. No pain relievers helped. I have a rice bag which I heat up in the microwave and alternate placing it on my stomach and my back. Not something you probably can use at work, but it helps, especially at bed time when I want to sleep.

You all have me thinking about ablation, too.

Share this post

Link to post
Share on other sites

Sherrischeffler    74

Sherrischeffler
Posted

Ive tried Dark chocolate (sugar free ),when away from home & my dr suggested running vacuum cleaner says pushing / pulling helps ease cramps but everyone is different.

Share this post

Link to post
Share on other sites

ShellMilliner    233

ShellMilliner
Posted

A little house aggressive housecleaning to work it out doesn't sound like a bad idea!

Ive tried Dark chocolate (sugar free ),when away from home & my dr suggested running vacuum cleaner says pushing / pulling helps ease cramps but everyone is different.

Share this post

Link to post
Share on other sites

goodnuff    239

goodnuff
Posted

@@countrygirl are you married to your doctor? That seems like a ploy. ;-)

Share this post

Link to post
Share on other sites

glitter eyes    1,398

glitter eyes
Posted

I had an ablation four years ago and it has been the best. I had horrible bleeding and cramping so so bad. It was awful. the ablation completely stopped my bleeding!! And as for the cramping, I rarely have any at all. If I do have cramping it is over so fast I don't even have a chance to get a Tylenol. It has been a miracle.

Good luck to you and hope everything works out!!

Share this post

Link to post
Share on other sites

Sherrischeffler    74

Sherrischeffler
Posted (edited)

No im not married to my DR. goodnuff,but its helped with cramps in the past.

Edited by counrtygirl

Share this post

Link to post
Share on other sites

Create an account or sign in to comment

You need to be a member in order to leave a comment

Create an account

Sign up for a new account in our community. It's easy!

Register a new account

Sign in

Already have an account? Sign in here.

Sign In Now
Go To Topic Listing The Gals' Room

  • Trending Products

  • Trending Topics

  • Recent Status Updates

    • vsg.with.sharon

      vsg.with.sharon

      Hey everyone!
      I’m new here! Looking for some friends! 🥰
      · 0 replies
      1. This update has no replies.
    • LeighaTR

      LeighaTR

      Four days post surgery. I am sipping as fast as I can and getting NO WHERE near the goal of 60 - 80 grams of protein or the 64 oz of liquids. I just feel FULL. I don't know if it can still be the gas build up (I would think by now that would be gone) but it is a struggle to drink. And so far I have not had the nausea or spasms and don't want to wander into that territory by pushing too hard with liquids. I about passed out today as it was my most "strenuous" day. Went from second story to basement for shower and I was sure I was going to pass out. Looking back on my last few days I have had a total of less than 1000 calories. Am I just not getting enough nourishment in me? Once again a friday where I can't get ahold of the doc until Monday rolls back around so I am hoping maybe someone here has some experience on how to keep energy going. I do have fibromyalgia too and that may be where some added fatigue comes into play. How did you all fair with the goals the week after surgery?
      · 0 replies
      1. This update has no replies.
    • Doughgurl

      Doughgurl

      2 days until I fly out to San Diego to have my Bypass Surg. in Tiajuana Mexico. Not gonna lie, the nerves are starting to surface. I don't fear the surgery itself, or the fact that I'm traveling alone, but its the aftermath that I'm stressing about the most, after this 8 week wait. I'm excited to finally be here, but I am really dreading the post surgical chapter. I know its going to be tough, real tough and I think I'm just in my head to much now that the day i here. Wish me luck, Hopefully I'm one of the lucky ones, and everything goes smoothly. Cant wait to give an exciting update,. If there is anyone else have a June bypass or even a recent one, Id love to have someone to compare war stories with. Also, anyone near San Antonio Tx? See ya soon with the future me. 💜
      · 3 replies
      1. Phil Penn

        Phil Penn

        Good Luck this procedure is well worth it I am down to 249.6 lb please continue with the process..

      2. Selina333

        Selina333

        I'm in Houston so kind of near you and had the sleeve in Dec. Down 61 lbs. Feeling better. Was definitely worth it. I hope the everything is going well for you. Update us when you can!

      3. Doughgurl

        Doughgurl

        I am back home after my bypass surgery in Tiajuana. I'm post op day 4. Everything went great! I guess I'm one of the lucky ones who have not encountered much pain at all, no nausea thus far and I'm having no problem keeping down broths and water. Thank you for your well wishes. I cant wait to keep up this journey and have a chance at better health and simply better quality of life. I know there will be bumps in the road ahead, and everything won't be peaches and cream, but at least I have a great start so far. 😍

    • LeighaTR

      LeighaTR

      I am new here today... and only two weeks out from my sleeve surgery on the 23rd. I am amazed I have kept my calories down to 467 today so far... that leaves me almost 750 left for dinner and maybe a snack. This is going to be tough for two weeks... but I have to believe I can do it!
      · 0 replies
      1. This update has no replies.
    • Doughgurl

      Doughgurl

      Hey everyone. I'm new here so I thought I should introduce myself. I am 53y/o and am scheduled for Gastric Bypass on June 25th, 2025. I'm located in San Antonio, Texas. I will be having my surgery in Tiajuana Mexico. I've wanted this for years, but I always had insurance where bariatric procedures were excluded. Finally I am able to afford to pay out of pocket.  I can't wait to get started, and I hope I'm prepared for the initial period of "hell". I know what I have signed up for, but I'm sure the good to come will out way the temporary period of discomfort and feelings of regret. I'd love to find people to talk to who have been through the same procedure or experience before. So I look forward to meeting you all. Hope you have a great week!
      · 2 replies
      1. Selina333

        Selina333

        I'm so happy for you! You are about to change your life. I was so glad to get the sleeve done in Dec. I didn't have feelings of regret overall. And I'm down almost 60 lbs. I do feel a little sad at restaurants. I can barely eat half a kid's meal. I get adults meals often because kid ones don't have the same offerings at times. Then I feel obligated to eat on that until it's gone and that can be days. So the restaurant thing isn't great for me. All the rest is fine by me! I love feeling full with very little. I do wish I could drink when eating. And will sip at the end. Just a strong habit to stop. But I'm working on it! You will do fine! Just keep focused on your desire to be different. Not better or worse. But different. I am happy both ways but my low back doesn't like me that heavy. So I listened (also my feet!). LOL! Update us on your journey! I'm not far from you. I'm in Houston. Good luck and I hope it all goes smoothly! Would love to see pics of the town you go to for this. I've never been there. Neat you will be traveling for this! Enjoy the journey. Take it one day at a time. Sometimes a few hours at a time. Follow all recommendations as best you can. 💗

      2. Doughgurl

        Doughgurl

        Thank you so much for your well wishes. I am hoping that everything goes easy for me as well. We don't eat out much as it is, so it wont be too bad in that department. Thankfully. Also, I hear you regarding your back and feet!! I'd like to add knees to the list. Killing me as we speak! I'm only 5' so the weight has to go. Too short to carry all this weight. Menopause really did a doosey on me. (😶lol) My daughter also lives in Houston. with her Husband and my 5 grand-littles. I grew up in Beaumont, so I know Houston well, I will be sure to keep in touch and update you on my journey. I may need some advice in the future, or just motivation. Thank You so much for reaching out, I was hoping to connect with someone in the community. I really appreciate it. 💜

  • Recent Topics

  • Hot Products

  • Sign Up For
    Our Newsletter

    Follow us for the latest news
    and special product offers!
  • Together, we have lost...
      lbs

    PatchAid Vitamin Patches

    Bariatric Forums

    For Patients

    Health Professionals

    Search Surgeons

    Bariatric Surgeons: Want to research a weight loss surgery surgeon? Enter their last name below to start!

    ×