It's Not the Pain, So Much...

I got my period when I was ten, and have had dysmenorrhea ever since, although I've only recently discovered the proper name for it. At first, I thought it was toxic shock syndrome, but I found that it continued when I used pads as well. For me, the cramps are very bad and often keep me in bed with a heating pad, but the things that really bother me are the other symptoms. I get fevers, diarrhea, nausea, vomiting, lower back aches, and headaches. Usually, I only get the symptoms on my first day, unless I started late in the day. I have tried using Midol, Pamprin, and Ibuprofen, and nothing seems to work. Although I'm not sexually active, I am considering oral contraceptives, because it has gotten to the point that I don't even bother going to class or work on my first day. I know I'll just have to come home and get into bed later. I'm so glad to have found this group.