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Flare up

Posted , 5 users are following.

carole65728
carole65728

i have recently had a flare up of LS and I have had urinary problems. No infection just frequency and burning. Been checked out for over active bladder but referred back to GP for a review of lichen sclerosis. GP took a swab and that is clear. Has anyone else had urinary problems because of LS? Also , what about swimming and LS, I think this maybe causing irritation. This is my first posting so apologies for length. Lots of questions.

1 like, 16 replies

16 Replies

  • Jessicat
    Jessicat carole65728

    Posted

    Hi when I first had symptoms of LS and didn't know what was going on, I had urine frequency quite a lot and the doctor thought it may have been a UTI but didn't do any tests and just gave me some antibiotics, which didn't help. I don't have the frequency anymore but I did have it for a good few months and it really got me down. I do think it was due to the LS but I don't know what caused it to stop, swimming seems to be bad for eczema and skin problems so it probably would cause some irritation with LS as well but I'm not sure 
    • sandra01720
      sandra01720 Jessicat

      Posted

      I have frequency issues at times but I think it's when my clitoris is flaring. Do you have problems with your clitoris? I don't know that I have it in urethra area though I remember being itchy somewhere there while urinating years ago.

      I describe it as feeling semi arroused all the time till I can get the flareup settled down then my bladder calms. I also think I get into a mode of thinking I need to go, so I try to push it off and find I manage. The less often I urinate, the less irritation.

    • carole65728
      carole65728 sandra01720

      Posted

      Sandra, thanks for your reply and I think this could be the case because I definitely noticed urinary urge when I last had intercourse. I think I need a gynaecology consultation because I haven't seen one for many years when it was first diagnosed. I did see a dermatologist a few years ago who specialised in the the the vulva and vagina. I think things are settling for a bit since I started using dermovate again but only used it for a week. I don't think my GP is clued up about LS. thanks again for your help.
    • sandra01720
      sandra01720 carole65728

      Posted

      Glad if it helped you. I have puzzled over what my issue is with my bladder/clitoris. It has really gotten me down at times. Sort of has me on edge when it's flaring. I'm using my steroid on the clitorus recently and hoping things settle. Think that's improving some but have sore skin elsewhere.
    • carole65728
      carole65728 sandra01720

      Posted

      Good morning Sandra, thanks for you reply.  I sympathise with you because my latest problem has been going on since August and often keeps me awake at night, I am better if I am up and about doing things. Last night it was particularly bad and I had to go to the loo several times which makes me so sore.  Have you seen a gynaecologist? I hope my GP will refer me to someone and hope it will be soon. I think sometimes they put it all down to age but it isn't always. I hope you have a good day.
    • sandra01720
      sandra01720 carole65728

      Posted

      I am tense by nature and I can get myself into a mode just by my thoughts and anxieties. A couple of years ago my bladder was so overactive I could hardly take it. I sometimes could hardly produce any urine. A nurse friend of mine assured me that it most definitely can be a nervous response. She sees that in her hospital work. So I try to keep myself from going every time I think of it. It seems to help some but I do think my situation this time is different. This seems connected to a flaring clitoris. And I'm not in the mood of going to the GYN. I'm sick of spreading my legs for docs and who really understands this disease. My doctor looked at my clitoris awhile back and thought it looked good. I just don't expect too many answers from them.

      However, not to say you shouldn't go. That's just my position right now and I will most likely go again. But I also know that my bladder settles down again periodically and I don't feel mine is a UTI. I'm also midlife and I had 5 babies so some would prob assume it's cause of that.

    • sandra01720
      sandra01720

      Posted

      Been reflecting this morning. I need to get bloodwork done for my thyroid. Maybe I should just do a urine sample to be sure it's not infection causing this feeling of bladder pressure. Maybe I do have something brewing. Any thoughts, anyone?

      I also think I have had bladder pressure in the past from muscle tension in pelvis.

      I'm desperate for answers. This is driving me to distraction.

  • cynthia40883
    cynthia40883 carole65728

    Posted

    If you are swimming in a chlorine pool, it could cause irritation for sure. My urethra is smaller now and it makes me feel like I have to go more often.
  • cynthia40883
    cynthia40883 carole65728

    Posted

    Also, Just inflammation in the urethral area, can make you feel urgency to urinate .
    • carole65728
      carole65728 cynthia40883

      Posted

      Good morning Cynthia, thanks for that information certainly everything is smaller for me. It is quite alarming.
  • carol64367
    carol64367 carole65728

    Posted

    If my LS flares up & I cannot manage it my GP sends me straight to the gynocologist who luckily comes to our surgery once a month.WE have one of those new surgerys that do mini ops ect., so it's easy for me luckily. I like swimming but do find that it irritates the LS unless I put loads of barrier cream such as hydromol or vaseline around that area & shower immediatly I get out really well with cool water and again use hydromol to wash all over to get all the chlorine off me.I only go swimming once a week and if the LS is really bad with blisters I don't go. I hope this helps you. Best Wishes. x
    • carole65728
      carole65728 carol64367

      Posted

      Thanks for all the helpful comments and especially the last one. I must ask if I can see a specialist. Have been putting up with unpleasant symptoms for too long. I have started using cetraben moisturiser which my GP has just prescribed. Maybe I should have a biopsy to confirm the diagnosis. I have never had one. Best wishes
    • carole65728
      carole65728

      Posted

      Can anyone recommend a private specialist for LS  in West or East Sussex?
    • claire12259
      claire12259 carole65728

      Posted

      Hi Carole,

      Sorry dont know of specialist in your area but if you are willing to travel Dr Wendy Reid at The Royal Free Hospital in London is very good and sympathetic.XX

    • carole65728
      carole65728 claire12259

      Posted

      Thanks Claire for this information and I will try and make contact if I can't find anyone local to me,
    • carol64367
      carol64367 carole65728

      Posted

      yes do get a definite confirmation of LS & do try the specialist at the Royal free. Gynocolists /specialists obviously know so much more than our GP's as they see symptoms and treat LS much more.Hope all goes well x
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