Severe Cramping and spotting

Hi all,
I've been on Seasonique for either 6 or 9 months (I'm at the end of my pack and I can't remember if it's my first or second pack).  I have 2 questions here.
1) While on Seasonique I occasionally experience very severe cramping in my upper abdomen radiating like a band around my back. It got so bad the one time I went to the hospital :(  Now that I realize it's due to menstruation I take Midol and lay on a heating pad and it gradually subsides.  I've never experienced this on any other pill so I'm curious if anyone else experiences this and if it's a normal and known side effect of seasonique?
2) Next question is about breakthrough spotting. The first month of my pack is fine but then for the next 2 months I lightly spot continuously until the next pack.  This is already my 2nd or 3rd pack and it's still a problem.  I switched to Seasonique because spotting has been an issue for me on every pill.  I'm wondering if this will eventually go away and should I stick it out with Seasonique? Or is there some other reason I constantly spot?

I appreciate any thoughts you all might have!
Thanks!!