Maybe not the 'nicest thing ever', but the most recent
I suffer from menstrual cramps that are very, very painful. They usually cause me to be violently sick as well. Over-the-counter painkillers are just not strong enough - the only cure is to fall asleep with a hot water bottle clutched to my stomach.

Spring this year and I was travelling back from an interview on the train. I could feel the pain start up and I started to feel sick. The train was pretty full so I had no seat and could not get past the crowds to the on-board loo. I was leaning against the luggage rack praying the train would hurry up and get to my stop. I must have gone a funny colour because someone gave me a plastic bag, which I promptly hurled into. My stop was only a few minutes later. A girl who had been stood next to me kindly held the bag of sick for me as I got off the train, and she even helped me with my luggage, too.
At the station I found a hot water bottle in my luggage and a man at the cafe gave me some hot water for it, free of charge. He also let me have some water for free for a dissolvable paracetamol, which took the edge off the pain.
So, thank you to the girl on the train for holding a bag full of sick for me, you didn't have to, but you did, and I appreciate that.

And apologies to the staff at Chesterfield station who later that day found a bag full of vomit in the ladies loo.
( Peapod Has returned to the fold on, Fri 3 Oct 2008, 15:13, 8 replies)

Seriously consider
having a mirena iud fitted.

I used to have the same problem along with really heavy periods - I ended up in hospital once because I passed out from the pain. Had the IUD fitted over a year ago and haven't had a problem since.
( chickenlady b3ta's very own Elizabeth Taylor, Fri 3 Oct 2008, 15:16, closed)

Hadn't heard of that before
Ta for the advice, I will ask my Doc next time I see him. After that particular episode I decided that was enough and went on the pill. That improved things quite a lot, and it was a lot easier than the alternative advice I'd gotten such as 'well, why don't you have a few children? It won't be so bad after childbirth'
( Peapod Has returned to the fold on, Fri 3 Oct 2008, 15:25, closed)

Mine got worse after childbirth
And because of my past medical history I can't take the pill - too many hormones in it.

The IUD pretty much takes care of your periods - hardly have them at all now and it also ensures you won't get pregnant. It also lasts for up to five years (but you can have it taken out before then should you wish).

I wish I'd had one put in years ago.
( chickenlady b3ta's very own Elizabeth Taylor, Fri 3 Oct 2008, 15:54, closed)

I've got an IUD too
Or is it an IUS? I can't remember.

Anyway, they're ACE! Painful to have put in, but then that's contraception sorted for the next 5 years, periods get shorter, lighter, and infinitely less painful. Bonus all round, really.
(The Empress it seems you CAN polish a turd!, Fri 3 Oct 2008, 17:11, closed)

I used to have very painful periods also.
The pill has been a Godsend. Plus I don't get pregnant....Woo!
( girlinthehole, Fri 3 Oct 2008, 15:34, closed)

Hear hear!
It's a very spiffy thing indeed!
( vix0r was not Matthew on, Fri 3 Oct 2008, 16:00, closed)

Apologies if you've tried this already...
...and I'm guessing you probably have, but a big fat spliff can be very helpful for period pains, I understand.
(rampants, Fri 3 Oct 2008, 18:25, closed)

I'm not cool enough
to smoke weed, but thanks for the tip anyways :-)
( Peapod Has returned to the fold on, Fri 3 Oct 2008, 23:52, closed)