Jump to content
×
Are you looking for the BariatricPal Store? Go now!

Recommended Posts

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Share this post


Link to post
Share on other sites

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

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

  • Trending Products

  • Trending Topics

  • Recent Status Updates

    • Prdgrdma

      So I guess after gastric bypass surgery, I cant eat flock chips because they are fried???  They sell them on here so I thought I could have them. So high in protein and no carbs.  They don't bother me at all.  Help. 
      · 1 reply
      1. NickelChip

        It's possible for a very high fat meal to cause dumping in some (30% or so) gastric bypass patients, although it's more likely to be triggered by high sugar, or by the high fat/high sugar combo (think ice cream, donuts). Dietitians will tell you to never do anything that isn't 100% healthy ever again. Realistically, you should aim for a good balance of protein, carbs, and fat each day. Should you eat fried foods every day? No. Is it possible they will make you sick? Maybe. Is it okay to eat some to see what happens and have them for a treat every now and again? Yes.

    • NovelTee

      I'm not at all hungry on this liquid pre-op diet, but I miss the sensation of chewing. It's been about two weeks––surgery is in two days––and I can't imagine how I'll feel a couple of weeks post-op. Tonight, I randomly stumbled upon a mukbang channel on YouTube, and it was strangely soothing... is it just me, or is this a thing? 
      · 1 reply
      1. NickelChip

        I actually watched cooking shows during my pre-op, like Great British Baking Show. It was a little bizarre, but didn't make me hungry. I think it was also soothing in a way.

    • Clueless_girl

      How do you figure out what your ideal weight should be? I've had a figure in my head for years, but after 3 mths of recovery I'm already almost there. So maybe my goal should be lower?
      · 3 replies
      1. NickelChip

        Well, there is actually a formula for "Ideal Body Weight" and you can use a calculator to figure it out for you. This one also does an adjusted weight for a person who starts out overweight or obese. https://www.mdcalc.com/calc/68/ideal-body-weight-adjusted-body-weight

        I would use that as a starting point, and then just see how you feel as you lose. How you look and feel is more important than a number.

      2. Clueless_girl

        I did find different calculators but I couldn't find any that accounted for body frame. But you're right, it is just a number. It was just disheartening to see that although I lost 60% of my excess weight, it's still not in the "normal/healthy" range..

      3. NickelChip

        I think it's important to remember that the weight charts and BMI ranges were developed a very long time ago and only intended to be applied to people who have never been overweight or obese. Those numbers aren't for us. When you are larger, especially for a long time, your body develops extra bone to support the weight. Your organs get a little bigger to handle the extra mass. Your entire infrastructure increases so you can support and function with the extra weight. That doesn't all go away just because you burn off the excess fat. If you still had a pair of jeans from your skinniest point in life and then lost weight to get to the exact number on the scale you were when those jeans fit you, chances are they would be a little baggy now because you would actually be thinner than you were, even though the scale and the BMI chart disagree. When in doubt, listen to the jeans, not the scale!

    • Aunty Mamo

      Tomorrow marks two weeks since surgery day and while I'm feeling remarkably well and going about just about every normal activity, I did wind up with a surface abscess on on of my incision sights and was put on an antibiotic that made me so impacted that it took me more than two hours to eliminate yesterday and scared the hell out of me. Now there's Miralax in all my beverages that aren't Smooth Move tea. I cannot experience that again. I shouldn't have to take Ativan to go to the lady's. I really looking forward to my body getting with the program again. 
      I'm in day three of the "puree" stage of eating and despite the strange textures, all of the savory flavors seem decadent. 
      I timed this surgery so that I'd be recovering during my spring break. That was a good plan. Today is a state holiday and the final day of break. I feel really strong to return to school tomorrow. 
      · 0 replies
      1. This update has no replies.
    • BeanitoDiego

      Now that I'm in maintenance mode, I'm getting a into a routine for my meals. Every day, I start out with 8-16 ounces of water, and then a proffee, which I have come to look forward to even the night before. My proffees are simply a black coffee with a protein powder added. There are three products that I cycle through: Premier Vanilla, Orgain Vanilla, and Dymatize Vanilla.
      For second breakfast on workdays, I will have a low-fat yogurt with two tablespoons of PBFit and two teaspoons of no sugar added dried cherries. I will have ingested 35-45 grams of protein at this point between the two breakfasts, with 250-285 calories, and about 20 carbs.
      For second breakfast on non-workdays, I will prepare two servings of plain, instant oatmeal with a tablespoon of an olive oil-based spread. This means I will have had 34 grams of protein, 365 calories, and 38 carbs. Non-workdays are when I am being very active with training sessions, so I allow myself more carbohydrate fuel.
      Snacks on any day are always mixed nuts, even when I am travelling. I will have 0.2 cups of a blend that I make myself. It consists of dry roasted peanuts, cashews, pumpkin seeds, sunflower seeds, pistachios, and Brazil nuts. This is 5 grams of protein, 163 calories, and 7 carbs.
      Breakfast and snacks have been the easiest to nail down. Lunch and dinner have more variables, and I prepare enough for leftovers. I concentrate on protein first, and then add vegetables. Typically tempeh, tofu, or Field Roast products with roasted or sautéed vegetables. Today, I will be eating leftovers from last night. Two ounces of tempeh with four ounces of roasted vegetables that consist of red and yellow sweet peppers, sweet potatoes, small purple potatoes, zucchini, and carrots. I will add a tablespoon of olive oil-based spread, break up 3 walnuts to sprinkle of top, and garnish with two tablespoons of grated Parmesan cheese. This particular meal will be 19 grams of protein, 377 calories, and 28 grams of carbs. Bear in mind that I do eat more carbs when I am not working, and I focus on ingesting healthy carbs instead of breads/crackers/chips/crisps.
      It's a helluva journey and I'm thankful to be on it!
       
      · 0 replies
      1. This update has no replies.
  • 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

    ×