quote:<HR>Originally posted by cajohnson5:
I'm sure most won't agree with me, but when I'm hurting, I'm going to take Alieve or something over the counter that is going to make the pain go away<HR>

No, no, NOOOOO! Don't take Aleve (naprosyn). Take Ibuprofen instead. Even though they are both nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory medications (NSAIDs), they have differing side effect profiles. And Aleve is definitely nastier.

I don't know if you were around to read my experience at the Boston Marathon last year, but it was terrible. I developed a terrible case of ischemic colitis, where the GI tract is deprived of blood flow. This resulted in bloody diarrhea that finally made me pull into a Red Cross aid station at mile 17 for a big fat DNF. Although marathon runners are at a risk for this condition, naprosyn seems to contribute to it more so than other NSAIDs.

I've never had the problem ever since...and I've not taken Naprosyn before a long run ever since. Frankly, I've not taken Naprosyn at all since last April 17: it scared the bejesus outta me.

BUT I did wake up with terrible cramps last Saturday night, right before my Boston Prep 16-miler. I popped 800 mg (4 pills) of ibuprofen and went on to run the race without difficulty. Well, if you can call struggling through 10 degree temperatures and unending hills "without difficulty"...but you know what I mean! At least in my case, ibuprofen seems to be associated with far less propensity for side effects, and there is some evidence to support this idea.

JMHO.

--Robin

I think this is a tough call. Do you have any family history that could factor in to the decision? Can you have a very frank discussion with your doc about the reason for the meds? I think this sort of "control" is a pretty common practice and I hope you come up with a safe solution.

When I was on bcp (many many moons ago), I had a low hormone dose one that didn't cause any of the usual side effects from the pill, like weight gain. There are some decent pills out there now that shouldn't cause weight gain. Ask your doc about them. Plus, you normally get a couple months free samples from the docs office, so if you only want to go on it for a month or two, then you wouldn't need to get your rx filled and can just use the free samples you should get.

quote:<HR>Originally posted by hollys4874:
Sadly, as it turned out, this did not work for me. After 2 weeks of steady breakthrough bleeding, I went off the pill. I don't think I managed to change my schedule one iota, so I am still on track to start my period sometime between Friday and Sunday. I was really hoping not to have to deal with bloating, cramps, pads and tampons during the marathon, but I guess I will anyway...

Ah well...

<HR>

Holly, that's awful. Here's something on using nsaid's that I didn't know.

Because NSAIDS inhibit synthesis of prostaglandins, and thereby the
contractions of the uterus, they may actually reduce menstrual flow. Many of
Debrovner's patients report shorter periods when they take the drugs at the
first sign of pain. He recommends taking them as early as possible after the
menstrual flow starts. Waiting too long may mean they won't be as effective. http://www.fda.gov/bbs/topics/CONSUMER/CON00004.html[/URL" target="_blank">

& this was from this http://www.wikihow.com/Reduce-Menstrual-Cramps[/URL" target="_blank"> A week prior to menstruation attempt to change diet slightly to avoid menstrual cramping; avoid foods that could cause bloating such as salty foods and alcohol, avoid foods such as dairy and caffeine that could contribute to menstrual cramps.

But maybe you shouldn't mess with your usual salt intake, back to the electrolites. ?

When I read the first part of this thread I didn't look at the dates.. couldn't figure out why everyone was telling you to try the pill when you were at your 4 day count down. !

good luck


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debbie

I agree with Econo. At least that is how it is for me. In fact, I usually try to schedule a run on day 1 or 2 because it makes me feel so much better. Like last night for example, day 1, which would normally be a crampy/bloaty day and I did 7 miles with no discomfort and felt so much better afterwards.

Holly, try not to worry. It sucks, but, if it helps, I've run 9 marathons and 4 were during my period's early stages. Honestly, I forgot all about it once I got going (and blame none of my poor performances on it. )

Once upon a time I had a really good article about menstruation and how it may actually help during racing of certain distances, but no longer have the link. Maybe I can dig it up.

BTW, have you looked into the Nuva Ring? Now there's a wonderful thing. With my ob-gyn's blessing, I will never have the period problem again for marathons.