Other PMS and other symptoms

[BlueWeepingRose]

PMS is affecting my health along with me having PTSD. I'm having stomach aches, anxiety, mood swings, stress, IBS and feeling sick. I try to feel better by relaxing and taking it easy. I get triggered easily by this time and hate the way I feel bloated and been eating less than normal. Also dealing with acid reflux and backache. It depends what symptoms occur... It's not always like this but sometimes my PMS gets bad like this. This week has been horrible for me and I know my period is coming soon. There's times during the day where I have to lay down and rest due to the symptoms. I know I'm not sick because this has happened before. Does anyone deal with this too? I hope I'm not alone. How do you cope with the symptoms?

 

[bellbird]

PMS is affecting my health along with me having PTSD.

It's not always like this but sometimes my PMS gets bad like this.

Does anyone deal with this too? I hope I'm not alone.

*raises hand*

You're definitely not alone.

PMS was bad enough before I had PTSD, but now it fills up my already-pretty-full-stresscup, hence the feelings of symptomatic overwhelm you describe.

How do you cope with the symptoms?

Hot water bottle (good for cramps, backache, comfort).

Keep plenty of water and snacks on hand; it's easy to get dehydrated which just worsens any headache you have, and even if you're resting in bed, being in pain and stressed is very exhausting of energy supplies.
+ I think it does good for the soul while PMS-ing to indulge yourself in your favourite type of snacks.

If you have nausea, keep the snacks quite plain. Lightly salted crackers tend to work quite well.

Make sure you have adequate pain meds on hand (if you take them); PMS is not a good time to realise that the last blister sheet in the box was actually empty.

Prioritise rest and self care.
If your body is telling you you need to lay down and rest, it's a good idea to listen to it.

Play music or TV/YouTube/movies to try to keep your mind off your symptoms, even if it's just on in the background.

It can be hard to focus within ourselves when we are in pain, but I find that taking slow deep breaths can help with both the physical pain side and the mental stress/anxiety side.


Anticipate (if you can -- I know it can be highly unpredictable for some women) when your PMS will hit and plan accordingly.
If you can get your chores out of the way / some extra work done in advance, it will help you to minimise any external stress during that time; your body is going through enough as it is.

And anticipate that your PTSD symptoms might flare up too, but know that they will settle back down again and in the meantime, your PMS self care will serve them well as well.


Hope you feel better very soon :hug: :hug:

 

[mamachick]

I agree that resting when your body tells you to is essential. I cant speak to ptsd (never had much symptoms), but I think its similar to menopause, which began around the time that ptsd did. Sometimes there are many things happening at the same time. For me, empty nest, menopause, assault that triggered ptsd, then abusing alcohol for a bit. Its like an ugly storm, but you can ride it out. Just be extra caring to your physical and emotional needs.

 

[Hopefulphoenix]

Mine is terrible. Im ok with the physical pain, but the emotional turbuence before is like a plane flying through a storm too! Ill be interested to see if anybody else writes anything x

 

[Kubash16]

Sooo *raises hand as well*.

Mine are so epic they earned a different name: PMDD. It’s downright miserable.

Zoloft and hormonal birth control have helped a lot, makes it more predictable and helps my lows to not get to the suicidal point.

Midol is amazing but be careful if you have heavy periods, it and aspirin can increase the bleeding. Tylenol is a safe alternative for that but frankly not as strong for pain.

I give myself permission to just stay home on my worst day and do loads of self care, laying down, heated blanket, comfort food, and trashy TV.

You aren’t alone :hug:

 

[Sideways]

Without my OCP? I’d be completely bed-bound by menstrual-related cluster migraines one week out of every four.

It’s aimply not necessary. Find a good (which usually means ‘more expensive’) female doctor and talk about your options. Because there are loads of options. From a daily OCP to implanon to...

Not all OCP are created equal. Some? Make my situation worse. You want a doctor that’s across the latest pills available, the different hormone levels of each, and the way each of them are likely to effect you and your particular medical situation.

PMS having this impact on your life simply isn’t necessary anymore. Excellent treatments are available, and can absolutely change your life:)