Is this normal period symptoms for an 18 year old?

Whenever I get my period the first day or two my flow is very heavy and I have to change tampons about every three hours. As soon as I notice that I have started then I take pain pills (Either three acetaminophen or midol) and use a heating pad. Normally these things don’t work and I have to leave school early. The cramps spread from my lower stomach to my hips, upper thighs, and lower back. Along with the extreme cramps, I get hot and cold flashes, diarrhea, and I occasionally get a fever and nausea. All of these symptoms normally only happen on the first day of my period and then the rest of my period is pain free. Is this normal?