I don't want to say abnormally painful menstrual cramps because they seem to be "normal" for me ever since I got my period at 11. But what's normal for me isn't normal for most people. My cramps start on the first day of getting my period, usually after half a day or so and will last for hours and hours and then I'll be fine the next day. The cramps are debilitating, and are usually coupled with diarrhea, vomiting, and I've even fainted before from it. I was looking at another woman's post (which is what scared me into writing this one) that said that she was having painful cramps with lots of blood clotting (but I'm not sure if it was in context of having her period). The responses were pretty scary... This is what I have during my period... is this something I should be concerned about? Is it a sign of endometriosis or something like that?

Take some advil and if that don't work... see a doctor so she can provide pain killers

Gee thanks

Pain like this can be tied to endometriosis, ovarian cysts... my partner had both, doubled over on the bathroom floor in pain. But I can't diagnose you. I can only say my wife had some of the similar pains and symptoms, but not all that you have.

Long story shortened... after running though several doctors, one of whom said it was a "mental issue" (that he isn't a grease stain on the wall is a testament to my willpower to stay calm and out of jail) what did the trick?

Acupuncture, massage, and exercise.

Before acupuncture id found pressure points on her feet that I could rub... she couldn't relax enough to go to sleep at night unless I did this... made a difference, but didn't solve the problem.

So western med ran its course and said "take vicodin or get a hysterectomy"... she said "no"...

Within two weeks of acupuncture (several treatments) she was off painkillers and the pain was much less. Over the course of a year it got better and better. She was referred to the acupuncturist by a friend who has also found success for endometreosis treatment through acupuncture.

I can't stand the "chi" talk... and the hot and cold energy stuff just sounds wacked to me... I'm a trained scientist who's taught hard sciences at university. BUT... everything the acupuncturist said he could do... he did.

It can be costly. About $50 a treatment... and occasional herbs to take. But in this case... what's the price to pay for a uterus? I have a son because my wife didn't accept pain meds or a scalpel.

I cannot say this is what you are going through... but acupuncture is about balancing out the body, and they seem to have good success in this area.

Oh... also, she walked and ran... I think exercise helped... and had some deep tissue massages from time to time.

Thank you for your insight. That's more along the lines of what I had in mind. I definitely prefer "alternative" medicine to the toxic poisons they call pharmaceuticals. My boyfriend has helped me in that department, too. He did some research on shiatsu massage points to relieve menstrual cramps and it's the only thing that really works... but the pain comes back as soon as he stops. I'm worried I might have a serious problem but I don't know how to tell... is this type of thing fairly common?