Could it be Lichen Sclerosus?
Posted , 7 users are following.
Help please... 2 month ago I went to my primary Doctor because I had frequent urgent urination ... day and night! Even when I just urinated I still had to urinate. Also burning in my vagina. Test for yeast , UTI, BV , pap smear and ect where all negative. I did not get any help. I started my own research . Also got my magnifying mirror and looked at my vagina and anus. My vagina looks weird I thought. I can see white in my labia minora and it looks like scaring but not really like the pictures I saw on the internet .
A week after I feel very strong burning in my anus. I found a anal fissure , a big bruise on my anus and a lump next to the bruise and Hemorrhoids. Red and irritated anus. I'm post menopausal and had my entire life IBS with constipation.( I am also scared because I had melanoma 10 years ago.)
Could the be LS? Thank you!
0 likes, 7 replies
Vero84 martina1964
Posted
Hi Martina,
I have slightly white skin on my labia due to LS but don't have the other symptoms you describe. I think as more than one area is involved, it would probably be best to ask for a referral to a gynaecologist.. I know there's another condition called lichen planus so it's important to know what you have. In the meantime I'd try and calm the area with some coconut or olive oil, I also tried Emuoil that was really soothing. For the UTI like burning why don't you try d-mannose, it's natural and if you have any bacteria there it will help. It's the only thing that helped me besides antibiotic, which I don't recommend anyway as you said you were tested negative?
Maybe the other ladies here can offer some more help, but do try and see a vulvar dermatologist or a gynaecologist. x
martina1964 Vero84
Posted
Thank you very kindly Vero for all your helpful tips! I will make an appointment . I just hope I get a diagnose soon.
beverly52803 Vero84
Posted
Can't say I would rush to have a biopsy. I never had one as the gyn I saw (specialized in vulval skin disorders) examined me at length and diagnosed LS. There is no reason for me to believe otherwise as I apparently had enough symptoms and responded well to hormone cream and steroids. I can't see going through a biopsy unless doctors aren't able to distinguish what you have. My doc was certain.
Am now on Tacrolimus (prescribed by a dermatologist) as my gyn is no longer with the gyn group and the steroid seemed to stop working. My only recent symptom was a buzzing which some say is active disease. Jury is out on the Tac. I am using that in combination with steroid.
Re the IBS, I had serious digestive issues since menopause. I finally discovered kefir on my own and drink it daily. Am 98% done with IBS! It's been terrific for me. Maybe it can help you. Doctors offered me nothing but pills that doped me up. For whatever reason our bodies will no longer produce the good bacteria necessary for digestion and the kefir puts it back in. I do have to drink a little daily. Try it. It's like yogurt, but has more live strains in it. You can get it at the grocery store.
sarah24152 martina1964
Posted
Hi,
I'm 9months into this and still trying to find my way - I'm not sure that ever changes.
Simple answer - it could be - but it could be something else so I would advise pushing for a biopsy to get a correct diagnosis.
My GP and Gyn wouldn't give me anything until they had that diagnosis which was frustrating at the time but when the result came back positive there were no ifs,buts or maybe's and I could start on the right treatment and make all the lifestyle changes.
RE urination frequency and burning that got a bit better once I started the steroid. I limited myself to one coffee a day and then drank only water I've now introduced a cup of tea!
But what has helped as well is the introduction of topical estrogen for Vaginal Atrophy I'm now pretty much weeing as I used to - 1 positive thing I cling on to.
I fortunately don't have any anal issues but I know LS can affect that area.
Push for a biopsy ( not fun but necessary) you need some answers.
Good Luck !
Guest martina1964
Posted
I agree with the other two ladies here: get a biopsy, get and take some d-mannose. It will not hurt you even if you have nothing wrong. Docs are telling me atrophy just happens after menopause. Happy Day. Also, if you've had IBS, I assume you know about stool softeners? Do you take any magnesium? About 400 mg of magnesium and two stool softeners after supper should help with the bowel/anal problems. Eucerin is a good cream for burning and so is Preparation H but I assume you've done those things. Baking soda bath? I, too, was worried about the biopsy but it was not nearly as bad as I thought. After the numbing wore off 1 ibuprofen eased the pain. Do get checked if you see white.... but don't panic and don't give up!
We support you!
do21103 martina1964
Posted
Hey Martina,
You should see a specialist. A gynecologist that is specialized in Lichen Sclerosis. A biopsy will reveal if it's Lichen or something else.
Again, ONLY a specialist! not a regular gynecologist.
Good luck!!
martina1964
Posted
Thank you so very much Ladies !!!:) I may have a lot more questions. I almost believe that I'm already far... I'm very scared !