hyperawarness of vulva- burning, could it be some sort of vulvodynia?

HAPPY UPDATE! I feel much better. I have carried on exercising every day (there is so much resource on youtube- please don't be put off by the pandemic ladies, yes being assesed by a specialist physio is a great route to healing and I will still go and see one after co-vid lockdown myself but you can help yourselves now). I started with pelvic floor release stretches and build up my routine from there- you will soon learn what feels good. I also listened to Samantha and stretch my hip flexors, I do spend a lot of time sitting and sleep with my legs bent so it's important.

I've been taking 30mg of Amitryptyline for around 6 weeks now. My GP said I could build up upto 40mg but I seriously don't need to. I can now walk for an hour non-stop and can't feel any one sided burning at all, I can' believe it. I believe it's thanks to changing my mindset of feeling so resigned and disappointment in lack of diagnosis, doing more research what the pain isn't (I read The Vagina Bible by Dr Jen Gunter which reassured me further- she does mention that amitryptyline and similar drugs sometimes don't work as women don't tolerate the side effects of them but if you don't like one try another- similar as with contraceptives, don't give up so easily, the side effects are temporary most of the time). I'm glad I upped my dose after loads of hesitation and advice against the drug from my well-wishing family members as they are also anti-depressants. The truth is doctors studied medicine and if we are serious about getting better it's worth trusting doctors and well-researched drugs, the are safe. I think it really calmed my hyperactive nerves and I intend to carry on taking them for a bit longer, couple of months maybe, before trying to come off them as I'd like to try for a baby in the near future.

I also found journaling very beneficial- I felt so upset all the time I forgot to enjoy mornings when I had no symptoms, I just knew the pain would appear later in the day so I was sad 'in advance'. Then I started rating the pain levels- and noticed that some days were better than others so I had a word with myself and said- be grateful for when the sensation isn't there! This tactic is so satisfying as now my discomfort is ranging between 0.25 and 2 out of 10 so I feel happy most of the time! I would really recommend rating pain each day (and which day of your menstrual cycle you're in).

The progress made the lockdown a much positive experience- I saw an opportunity in it! I started taking medicine around 12 weeks ago and was on a very low dose for a while so it takes time to build up the dose and takes even more time for the optimal dose to kick in. Exercise + DEEP BREATHING - probably around 6 weeks but obviously there's other wonderful side effects like a nicer bum and stronger abs as well as endorphins which give you energy and improve your mood. So yes, if you're suffering from vulvodynia armour yourself with patience, patience and more patience as well as pen and paper and really track what works what doesn't (i have a table detailing each day what pants I wear, whether I used shampoo in the shower, how much exercise I did, pain level etc etc- it makes me feel a bit crazy but with trying so many things it's worth it as you may notice a pattern).

I also switched to cheeky panda toilet paper and organic, unscented sanitary towels. No idea whether that contributed to the success but I'm sure your lady bits will appreciate less chemicals.

One last resource- an american podcast which will can really empower you and propel you in finding answers. It's called The V Hive.

THANK YOU SAMANTHA FOR THE SUGGESTION OF PELVIC FLOOR EXERCISE!

P.S. I welcome any questions/direct messages, I promise to answer them and keeping my fingers crossed for you and myself. It's so complex but please, please research, try and EXERCISE if you can. I found a specialist physio that knows all about pelvic floor dysfunction and can't wait to meet and work with her in person when the lock down is over.