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Ulcerative Colitis
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Posted 3/27/2008 3:21 AM (GMT 0)
What pain reliever(s) do you use for menstrual cramps? I know we can't use anything like ibuprofen (NSAIDs). But I get really horrible cramps and not even two extra strength tylenol helps. Is there anything else I could take?

Thanks!

Posted 3/27/2008 3:28 AM (GMT 0)
As a general rule, yes we should avoid frequent use of NSAIDs (and for some UCers, maybe avoid them entirely), but the only thing that helps my cramps and headaches is Aleve (an NSAID). All 3 GIs I have met with (and a surgeon who did my c-scope) said it isn't a problem to take it 2-3 times a month if I need to, unless I notice ill effects from it. For me, they do not seem to cause me to flare or have worsening symptoms. The GI I spoke with recently at Mayo Clinic said usually people who have issues with NSAIDs will notice the ill effects soon after taking them.

I can't think of anything else besides tylenol, which does absolutely nothing for me either. I am sure others will chime in with suggestions!
Posted 3/27/2008 5:28 AM (GMT 0)
it's o.k. to ask your ob/gyn for a pain rx for cramps, like lortab or darvocet. if you don't take nsaids before the cramping starts it will not help you. they are meant to prevent the cramping from starting... (anti-inflammatory.. keeping the inflammation from starting) once the cramping starts  if tylenol doesn't work get something stronger. i stay on my pills for months without stopping so i prolong getting my cycle until i start having break through then i stop taking them for a week and go ahead with the period. consider getting some samples from your dr. and no having a period for months. or there is a new birth control called Lybrel that you take for 90 days then have a period. much better than every month!! ;-) good luck!


Posted 3/27/2008 6:03 AM (GMT 0)
jdryan - NSAIDs work for me even if I take them after the cramping starts.
Posted 3/27/2008 7:20 AM (GMT 0)
like someone suggested, maybe ask your OB for something a bit stronger, but not an NSAID as you know.
try a heating pad or those disposable heating things that you can stick inside your clothes. i used those a couple of times while having terrible cramps at work and they were really nice.

you could always try something homeopathic but it doesn't seem to me like it would be strong enough, though they affect everyone differently.

sorry, not really much advice for you. i get horrible cramps as well (when i'm not pregnant :D ) and i can relate. hope you get some relief soon.
Posted 3/27/2008 12:05 PM (GMT 0)
Darvocet for me. I had such horrible, debiliating cramps every month that Tylonel wouldn't even put a dent in the pain. Only rarely would I use an anti-inflammatory such as Naproxen because I could only take one or I would start bleeding and having D. Just a word of warning, if you do try something stronger; it might constipate you - which I guess if you are flaring then it can be a blessing in disguise as long as it's not abused.
Posted 3/27/2008 1:48 PM (GMT 0)
Hi Comedy Dork,

Extra Strength Tylenol and heating pad.........though I haven't really had a period in 7 mos b/c of the pred and before that I was still using Naproxen Sodium (I know bad me!) for cramps.

I used to get cramps so bad, that I could not leave the house (unless I took naproxen).......let me know what your Doc does for you. I wont take those anymore, i'm too afraid.
Posted 3/27/2008 2:15 PM (GMT 0)

Thanks for the advice!

I got a call back from my GI's nurse and she said that I could take Aleve if I really needed it (which I think I will) and if it doesn't make anything worse. I didn't even think about asking my ob/gyn about prescription pain relievers. My PCP prescribed one of those, but it was NSAID even though she knew I had ulcerative colitis nono So I guess I just assumed all of the pain relievers for cramps were NSAIDs. I'm afraid to use the birth control pills that prolong the time between periods (my ob/gyn actually just prescribed Seasonale) b/c I know I will get breakthrough bleeding, and therefore cramps. When I used ortho tri cyclen 2 years ago, I had continuous bleeding and cramping--it was horrible! And in the end, it only bettered my periods for about two months. Now I'm on Kariva, and even though I haven't had any breakthrough bleeding, it's made my cramping worse. AHHHHH, it's bad enough to have UC, but then to throw a period in every month makes everything so much worse!!!!

Posted 3/27/2008 5:51 PM (GMT 0)
Ok, one more question. Is it okay to mix pain relievers? For example, if I only took Aleve one or two times, like when the cramping is extremely horrible and I have classes all day. And then take Tylenol the rest of the time since I can hang out with my BFF (aka the heating pad) when I'm in my room.

Posted 3/27/2008 7:34 PM (GMT 0)
I believe so yes. At least the last time my daughter had a high fever her ped doc told me to give her Motrin followed by Tylonel 2 hours later. I think they call that piggybacking. Just please be careful with the Aleve - that is still an Nsaid and it can cause upset in your colon.
Posted 3/27/2008 7:38 PM (GMT 0)
My son's ped also lets me double up on pain killers. Basically you are taking a alternating med (tylenol, motrin) every 4 hours. We use that in extreme situations (last time he had a 104 fever).
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