Methods I've used to deal w/ endo cramps.

I was diagnosed with endometriosis at 16, and like many women with this disease, have dealt with debilitating cramps that literally bring tears to my eyes. I actually went to my doctor to talk about what I could do alternative to using birth control pills, and he gave me a prescription for a strong anti-inflammatory Anaprox (which is basically just a prescription strength Aleve) and told me to start it up to a week before my period was due, to help alleviate some of the pain. I always make sure to be on time with the doses. I really feel for those ladies who are allergic to NSAIDs, because Tylenol and even stronger pain killers just never alleviated the pain enough for me. Even though it doesn't take all of my cramps away, I do notice the difference if I don't use them, my periods are significantly worse. I use the heating pad and hot baths for the entire time and even a week before when I'm experiencing bad ovarian pain. The problem I used to have was when I had to go into work, I couldn't take my heating pad with me and I would have to deal with the cramps. Now they make these heat patches that stick to your underwear, and you can't see them at all under your clothes. They work for 8-12 hours just like a portable heating pad. I don't remember how I managed to get thru a day of work without these!