Ok ladies, we all know what this is...

It's particularly awful this time. I missed my last one, probably due to stress, and of course this one is worse. All the rest of the CRPS crap is ramped up (yeah, thanks for that) but on top of the usual cramps, I have nasty stabbing nerve-type pains through my belly and groin areas that make me brace in pain and hold my breath, and a constant burning pain in my lower belly (def not bladder stuff btw).

I'm completely miserable. My knee has been freezing cold through half the day, now of course it's burning up like crazy. My feet feel raw and I can't decide whether they are hot or cold - never a good sign. Everything has slowed to a crawl, and I'm moving like an old hag, half bent over. Attractive.

It's not usually like this. Is it this much worse because I've missed one? I'm sitting wondering how you gals constantly dealing with this type of pain manage to function at all

Sorry, just a pity party. Hopefully a few days will see me right. That seems like a long long time right now though....

Bram.

Oh no, Bram! That sounds awful. All I can suggest is the old fashioned hot water bottle (or heating pad) on the tummy, a good book and a comfy blanket.

At least with this little gem, you have a good idea when it will end. Hang in there.

Kim

So sorry that you're struggling Bram. I am right behind you; mine due any day. I cannot begin to express what a toll it takes on me monthly in terms of my symptoms rage. It will render me unable to barely walk for two-three days. I wish I had something to offer that helps, but usually it's just rest and wait for it to get over the hump so to speak. It's just miserable though. I'm so sorry hon.

Are you sure you don't have Endometriosis? I did and got weird pains in that area that were not normal. Putting a hot pack helped, I made one out of rice and a long sock that I could stick in the microwave. Mine is worse lately because of my meds, as soon as I started the anti-seizure they got way worse. They're over 1 week most of the time, and if one is light the next is super heave and vice versa. If you're over 40 some progesterone might help too, talk to your OB about it, they have natural stuff at Whole Foods that supposedly works well.

I hope you feel better soon Bram. When I had mine, used a heating pad on my stomach. I ended up having endometriosis like Chaos and it made it so much worse. And with rsd too it's even more miserable. I wish I could help you, but all I can do is send you a warm i-hug from afar. Try to get some rest. My thoughts are with you. From your friend Renee.

Thanks so much girls, at least I know I'm not alone with this one...

To be honest I'm not considering going to get poked about by my disinterested GP at this stage - if it was this bad regularly then of course I would, but I'm hoping this is due to it being a bad one rather than there being any underlying problem (crosses fingers behind back). I'll have a check on the main symptoms of endometriosis though just in case I'm ignoring anything else going on.

I've got my warm blanket over the important bits - cant have it over my knees that are burning, or my feet that can't decide , but my shins are like ice so they are covered by a corner....good grief this thing is ridiculous. My body temp is all over the shot tonight, I've taken off and on again my long woollen cardigan about half a dozen times in three hours!

Maybe I'm still dealing with a bit of hangover from my flu? Hadn't thought of that, but it might not be helping things generally I suppose. Goodness knows.

Thank you so much. Means a lot. Hope you are all doing ok tonight and you get some sleep tonight.... Take care of yourselves.

Bram

Oh, my - the joys of female plumbing!

Hope the cramps get better soon! If it's cool enough outside, a cup of tea helps me feel a bit better - does that help you? - but mainly it's just waiting it out

As an older woman, I am past this, so all I can do is offer good wishes and gentle hugs that you're better soon.

Hope the pain eases up. I've been on depo injection for so long I literally can not remember the last time I had to deal with the monthly bliss ( note sarcasm) of being a woman.

Well last night was not good, and I'm exhausted today, but I am feeling a little better, and the stabbing searing pains in my belly have reduced a lot. I'm so relieved. The rest of the normal cripsy stuff I can cope with now

Thanks a million for your support and suggestions. I've said it before, I'll say it again, but you guys are fab

Bram