[thelidthelid]

I'm sure this question has been asked a thousand times, but since I'm not sure what's normal with my case and what's not, I decided to start a new thread.

During my period, I get horrible cramps. I can feel it across my back and all the way up my spine. It feels as though the spine itself is hurting. My hips and my legs all the way down to the knees hurt, and my knees ache as though I've been standing for awhile. Some months the pain is stronger than others. When it's mild, I'm able to curl up in bed and whimper. When it's stronger, it makes me sick. It'll even wake me up at night if it occurs while I'll sleeping, and I can't go back to sleep until it stops.

I've tried everything I can think of: heating pads, hot baths, drinking tons of water, walking, Icy-Hot, Advil, Ibuprofen, Midol . . . I've even tried sitting with my laptop or a purring cat in my lap for the warmth. Nothing helps.

First question: is there something I'm not thinking of?

Second question: is this even normal? My mom says it's not normal for cramps to hurt this much, and my roommate and friends think I'm exaggerating. :[ Any advice?

Edit: In case it matters, I'm 20 and this has been happening since I first started getting my period.

[LanaBear]

That doesn't sound normal to me... I did have a friend in HS though, that would miss a few days every month because of horrible horrible cramps. Sounded pretty much like yours.

How have your gyno appts been? Have you mentioned this to your Dr?

[Nicki215]

I got my first period when I was 12 and I was so miserable with cramps that I couldn't even hold my head up in class. I ended up staying home every single month for cramps. I went to the doctor and he put me on the pill to see if it made a difference. It was incredible! Now a simple Ibuprofen fixes any cramps I might have and the flow is much much lighter. There are certain brands that help with cramping more specifically so ask your doctor.

Also, I'm a firm believer that a healthy diet makes a difference. Be sure to avoid salt and over-processing, that may help with bloat and that just plain "ick" feeling.