Weirdness with my period

[solareclipse94]

The problem is that I started my period yesterday and the flow was pretty heavy, which it usually isn't on the first day. The pain is really bad. I mean I had one period that was similar to this one. It was close to the end of summer and it started before I had to go back to school and it had lasted for 3 weeks. I am concerned whether or not something is wrong with me.

[Siân]

Hi solareclipse,

If you're experiencing intense pain and clumpy, heavy or irregular periods it's worth getting checked out by a healthcare provider as these can be symptoms of endometriosis. Periods are highly variable, and experiencing a change in flow pattern is not unusual, but what you're describing sounds worth a checkup. Is that something you have access to?

[solareclipse94]

Thanks for getting back to me, Siân.
When my period went for 3 weeks, I told my mom and she said if it happens again, that I should let her know. Se knows that the pain has increased from when I had my very first period in 5th grade. She would also be the one that would make the appointment.

[Alice O]

Hey solareclipse,

Given that you are having increasing pain with your periods, and have had one (or more?) last for many weeks, sounds like a doctor's appointment is the way to go. Hopefully with some medical support you can experience less pain and a bit more piece of mind--knowing what is going on with your body! Do you feel all set to chat with your mom and get an appointment set up?

[solareclipse94]

Hello alice,
I think that a chat with her about it would be good. Especially, if I have another period that lasts for over 1 week

[Alice O]

I'd say even if that doesn't happen again, it'd be worth it to set-up an app just to discuss the increasing pain. Just so you have more info about what is (or isn't) going on. Do you think you could chat with your mom this week?

[solareclipse94]

I can try to talk to her about it. I told her while she and I were in town that i was in pain. she got me candy and that helped a little bit.

[Alice O]

I'm glad the candy helped a little bit, though I'm not surprised that it didn't help more.

When dealing with intense menstrual pain it's important to first make sure that there is not something larger going on that needs medical attention--and once that is ruled out you can focus on treating the pain with Tylenol, hot water bottles, whatever other suggestions the doctor has and/or what you know is helpful for you. But yes a doctor's appointment is the first step!

Can you share more about what is making you feel nervous about bringing up the appointment with your mom? Would you be more comfortable making the appointment yourself?

[solareclipse94]

What is making me nervous about bringing up the appointment, is that she might not want me to talk to a doctor abput it because she knows what they would give me.

[Mo]

Do you have a sense of what she thinks they'll give you? I think going to the doctor right now would be less about them trying to give you a specific medication or stronger painkillers, and more about investigating to see if you have any health issue that might be contributing to the pain and heavier flow you're experiencing.

[solareclipse94]

Mo,
You might be right. But my mom wouldn't see it that way.

[Mo]

I think it's worth trying to get her to make an appointment anyway - or calling on your own, if you feel up to that. You shouldn't have to suffer through painful periods like this, for sure! Also, if you have a general checkup coming up soon, or any other health issue you'd like to talk to a doctor about, you can certainly talk about this then. I think it might be best to get in sooner rather than later, just so you can workon tackling the pain issue, but if you do find that you need to wait, it's ok to bring this up in an appointment that's for something else, or for a general health check.

[solareclipse94]

I think I have one this month. In fact, I just checked an appointment card that I have and it said that I have one tomorrow at 3:45 pm.

[Mo]

Oh! That's certainly convenient. You can bring this up in your appointment! The doctor should specifically ask if you have any questions or concerns, but if they don't ask directly you will just need to make sure you say something. I hope your appointment goes well.

[solareclipse94]

It also depends on if my mom can get out of work early. either that or we will have to reschedule it.

[Mo]

Are there any other methods of transportation you can look into? Public transit, or having a friend drive you? Also, if your mom hasn't remembered about this appointment, it may be good to remind her so she can make sure to work on getting that time off work if possible.

[solareclipse94]

I believe the doctor's office called earlier today to remind us. But I can try and remind her when she gets home tonight.

[Mo]

Just checking in - were you able to get to your appointment today?

[solareclipse94]

no I wasn't. Cause i got home around quarter after 4.

[Mo]

I'm sorry to hear that. It's still important for you to get in and talk to your doctor; do you feel up to calling to reschedule? It might help to talk to your mom beforehand, or right after you make a new appointment, to make sure she's able to transport you there (or help you figure out other transportation) so you can make the next appointment.

[solareclipse94]

I mean yes and no.

[Siân]

Not quite sure I understand you, can you elaborate?

[solareclipse94]

Not quite sure I understand you, can you elaborate?

What i mean is i'm not sure if i should make the appointment by myself.

[Mo]

You could ask your mom to make another appointment for you, if that feels easier for you, but it's something you could do yourself if you wanted to. Are you worried that she won't want to make the appointment? As I said above I think it's a good idea to make sure any new appointment fits with her schedule, if you're depending on her to get yourself to the doctor.

[solareclipse94]

You're right. But again, I don't knowmif she'll remember about it cause she didn't remember this one.