one step closer......

to getting a date I had called the gyne office on Tues and was told, nope, not on the list for April yet, but call back Friday. AF is due shortly, so had a good cry. After procrastinating and trying to get the tears under control, called GP for an appointment because I really need to do something about the pain. Burst into tears there, felt like a blubbering idiot, but got some sympathy. He told me that, other than narcotics (which I can't use because I have to drive an hour to work and I'm a nurse and thats just wrong), I'm almost out of options. He gave me a presciption for Ponstan-never heard of it, but it seems it can be kind of hard on the stomach and you can't use it for more than 7 days in a row. Has anybody else tried this stuff? Anyway, when hubby phoned home (he's a trucker) that night, I went to pieces again. I'm just so tired of it all-the pain, heavy bleeding, clots and gushes, and its coming up this week. Sure hope this Ponstan works! Yesterday I called the gyne office again, the girl is so sweet and helpful. She explained that there had been 9 surgeries come up due to those poor women had cancer, which is understandable. She also said April was full, but I'm now 2nd on the list to be booked, so I should be sometime at the beginning of May and if I don't hear from the scheduler by Easter I should call the office girl back. So, I'm feeling a little better now. I really think waiting for that date is worst! Anyway, I just had to vent, thankyou all for listening to me ramble.

I didn't have the pain, but I, too, had the gushing, etc. I had to wait, too... from just before Christmas til 13 February. The waiting was VERY hard. I got very morbid when I wasn't panicking. The closer to your surgery date, it will be harder... but at least you'll have a date that you can see the other side of! Just keep busy, and keep telling yourself it will soon be past, then you can start a new life FREE of all that!!!! My husband likes to tease me when we go to the store..."do you need tampons?" and I'll tease him back sometimes when I come out of the restroom, "honey, I just started my period" ...we can laugh about it.

Sorry that you have to wait. Glad to hear that you are close to getting a date scheduled. Never heard of the pain medication you are taking. I understand pain and wish your pain will ease up.

I was on ponstan for a while then changed to naprogesic - they are anti-inflamatories. The thing I remember with these is to keep on top of the pain and on the bad days take them on time. As for the tummy be sure that you have something in your tummy before taking them. Maybe check with your dr, but I used to combine this with paracetomol and codeine - your gp may be able to set out a meds regime to cover you over your bad days.

I read you about the gushing and cramping..... My surgery has been canc twice before and each time I cried and cried at the thought of having to go through another month... Even now, 24 hrs out from my op I can feel my body gearing up for a period - I just hope I can beat it to it!

i hope you have news soon.

Ros

Can't your doctor give you narcotic pain medicine to take when you are not driving....such as when you get home from work,overnight, days off, weekends?? It would be better than none at all. That's what I would do. Good luck, hope this other medicine helps somewhat.

((((iluvpurple)))
Ponstan is used quite extensively in South Africa as a heavy-duty pain reliever without the drowsy side-effects. When I have to use it, I make sure I get lost and lots of leafy green veggies and bran in - it causes severe constipation for me otherwise, and I am prone to constipation at the best of times
By the way, there is also a kiddies version which comes in a suppository, and which is less hard on the stomach. When I've been seriously constipated but needed the Ponstan for pain relief, my doc has sometimes used it as an alternative, because it has less of an effect on my bowel.
Hope that helps!
Praying for you for an early date.
Ansie

Thankyou so much for your replies ladies. I knew I could count on you.
Chardenay-that's such an obvious answer-I'm embarassed!
Oh Ros! Cancelled? twice? and I thought just waiting for the date was bad! I've tried the acetaminophen with codeine and it did nothing, but maybe, like you said in combination with the Ponstan--I still have some at home. And if that doesn't help, I'm going with Chardenay's suggestion. A good night's sleep goes a long way to putting up with it the next day.
Thanks for the words of comfort and the hug, Imokay, and csz5651, you made me laugh. I could just picture me saying to DH after, with a straight face, "sorry honey, not tonight, I've started my period" A little late for April Fool's, but hey!
Thanks again ladies---I'm off to bed. Up an hour earlier tomorrow as we're doing the time change thing