Anybody have a case or three of Tums?

[docwebster]

This involves my good lady and possible TMI country, so I'll hide this away from those not inclined to venture into the realm of Female Troubles.



Okay. For as long as I've known her, Ranada's had painful periods. Since she was in high school, they've damned near crippled her at least one day out of the whole process. Of late, it's just gotten surreal. Near constant flow, ranging from spotty to heavy, and narsty pain.

Well, she finally got fed up and FINALLY listened to me and got her five foot nothin' arse to a doctor. The doctor did an ultrasound and found (a) an enlarged uterus and (b) three fibroid masses, one large, two small. However, neither of them (Ranada or the doctor) sounds overly worried about it.

I, of course, am a basket case. Any advice as to how to proceed from Captain Nervous to calm, cool, and collected about all this would be highly appreciated. Prayers and all that, too. I just hope fibroids are all they are.

Comments

[alryssa.livejournal.com]

Ah... I can sympathise *utterly* with her pain. I used to wish I were dead, the cramps were so bad. (This was in my early years, while I was still in high school). They never seemed overly concerned about it, either... but yeah, in the majority of cases, fibroids break up and go away by themselves. I don't have the pain anywhere nearly as intensely as I used to, thank the Gods. But I still suffer quite badly.

Personally, I think doctors are *too* blasé about this kind of thing (they're still mostly of the 'it's all in her head' persuasion - at least, that's the impression I was given).

Anyway. I heartily recommend chamomile and spiced apple tea, (made by Twinings), ginger snaps, a hot warming pad on the tummy, and bedrest. Midol is great for the pain, too.

It's sweet that you're so worried :) She may not seem like she appreciates it during that time of the month, but trust me, it's much better than being in bed all alone, just thinking about nothing but the pain.

[bunyip.livejournal.com]

Clay, all the best to all of you. I'm hoping they're just fibroids too.

[ladyotterfae.livejournal.com]

speaking as someone who used to have the kind of cramps that made me want to die..or kill someone..for 2-3 days a month, if not more... I highly recommend dried raspberry leaf (generally taken as a tea). works faster than midol, and it's a uterine toner. a few months of taking it, and my cramps almost don't happen anymore.

_HOWEVER_, before trying a something that's known to have a toning effect on the uterus, talk with someone more experienced that I am in herbal medicine, to tell you whether it's contra-indicated for a person with fibroids. (I think it would be safe, but check anyway)

She has my sympathy. As for what you should do..try not to panic. Encourage her to take it seriously, but don't get her panicked either. And pamper like mad when she's in pain.

[aiglet.livejournal.com]

Oh, dear. Best of luck you to both!

I'm heartened to see that you do care so much about this kind of problem for her -- a lot of guys buy into the "it can't possibly be as bad as you're making it out to be" myth. She's lucky to have someone that doesn't.

I second the recommendations of heat and hot liquids, although I don't know about the efficacy of various potions. The other thing you might want her to ask about (unless you don't) is getting her on the pill -- it's done wonders for some of my friends who had heavy periods, and it will cut down on the bleeding. Also, make sure she eats a lot of iron-rich foods (doesn't have to be meat, spinach is good too), so she doesn't get anemic from bleeding so much (BTDT, it's not fun).

::hug::

[born-to-me.livejournal.com]

*tighthug* All I can do is empathize. I have a host of Very Serious Female Complaints and can't figure out how to pay for the treatment. I'll be thinking of Ranada and you, and sending Reiki, if you wish?

[tsjafo.livejournal.com]

Prayers and good thoughts on the way.

[musyc]

Egads, many good thoughts to you and your lady. I get one day a month of crippling-I-want-to-die pain, but then it goes 'way. Can't imagine how she must be feeling.

*huggles* As I Am Not A Doctor, Nor Play One On TV, I'll just send my sympathies. And my thanks to you for actually caring. ;)