thread: Is this normal?

  1. #1
    BellyBelly Life Subscriber

    Jun 2009
    Sydney, NSW
    2,140

    Is this normal?

    AF arrived this morning without any warning signs, apart from a temp drop.

    However, since I've got out of bed the pain is increasing. On a scale of 1 to 10 (10 being very painful) I would say this is an 8.

    I've taken painkillers and anti- inflammatory tablets containing ibuprofen plus the heat pack for the last hour and the pain isn't decreasing. Usually within the hour I have results and can function again.

    I can't even do a load of washing I'm that bent over in pain.

    Is it normal to have such painful AFs?

  2. #2
    Registered User

    Nov 2009
    Scottish expat living in Geelong
    5,572

    They sound similar in pain level to my pre-mirena periods. How much blood are you losing? If it is much more than normal in conjunction with the pain or you start to feel woozy and lightheaded then perhaps seek medical advice. If not then ignore the washing, and curl up on the couch. Somedays AF is just worse than others

  3. #3
    BellyBelly Life Subscriber

    Jun 2009
    Sydney, NSW
    2,140

    I've never had a heavy period so for CD1 the flow is normal.
    I've been seeing a naturopath so the colour is bright red for a change as opposed to brownish.
    I just I'm freaking out a bit as we're TTC'ing and over the 15 cycles without BCP this would have to be the worst pain.
    I'm currently laying in bed with the electric blanket on to help with the back pain.
    Thanks for your reply Traveller

  4. #4
    Registered User

    Feb 2009
    3,407

    Honey, sorry to hear AF arrived...

    My last period was so painful (not exceptionally heavy though) that I had to leave work early... I was in so much pain I was lying on the bathroom floor in the fetal position crying...

    Sorry for a TMI question, but are you losing any clots?

    It could be your system 'cleaning itself out' due to starting TCM...

    Hope you're ok...

  5. #5
    BellyBelly Life Subscriber

    Jun 2009
    Sydney, NSW
    2,140

    Morning Nic,
    Had to post cause I was driving myself crazy thinking this pain isn't normal.

    No clots so far, I would say according to the questions I've been asked previously from the naturopath and Accupunture man it seems pretty 'healthy'.

    Just don't understand the pain.

  6. #6
    Registered User

    Feb 2009
    3,407

    I hope the pain eases up for you... Sorry I don't have any advice

  7. #7
    Registered User

    Aug 2009
    Melbourne
    766

    CBG, it could just be one of those periods that decides to give you a run for your money.

    Hopefully it passes soon and you can get back onto that TTC horse

  8. #8
    Registered User

    Mar 2006
    7,046

    Hi CBG,

    Just thought I'd let you know that what you're describing can be quiet normal for someone with a back injury. Is this your first AF since your injury?

    For a lot of people with lower back injuries, the extra pressure created in the abdomen by AF, causes pressure on the back. With protruding discs, this can cause the discs to touch nerves which causes pain. It sux, I know. The best thing yu can do is what you're already doing. Perhaps try some ICE on the back to try and reduce inflammation there (alternate heat and Ice as I mentioned on FCS the other day). The good news is, it should resolve in a couple of days. Just be careful with your movements in the meantime and rest where you can.

    MG

  9. #9
    Registered User

    Nov 2009
    Scottish expat living in Geelong
    5,572

    Mother Goose, your post explains so well why my periods got so horrendous after my twins, as the pregnancy exasperated my previous bank injury. Thank you so much it's all so much clearer to me now

  10. #10
    Registered User

    Mar 2006
    7,046

    It's ok Traveller. There are some things tp avoid during these days like heavy lifting, "dead lifts" (bending over and lifting a weight - ALWAYS bend with your knees!), sudden twisting movements. If you're taking regular voltaren for back pain/injuries, you may find that AF is particularly heavy and clotty. All you can do is ride it out. Long term, I found that clinical pilates helped me out - it trained my muscles to keep my discs in place. I hope your back settles soon!

  11. #11
    BellyBelly Life Subscriber

    Jun 2009
    Sydney, NSW
    2,140

    Thanks for your reply MG. You're the go to person all things related to backs.

    I've had quiet a few AF's since the accident, almost 2 years worth. I think with the herbs and supplements, things are starting to work the way they should. BUT I was assured that AF shouldn't be painful from both the Accupunturists and Naturopath.