Lichen Schlerosus and HSV1(G) -- double whammy
Posted , 10 users are following.
Thanks for listening -- this is the only forum I can imagine discussing this on.....
I have lichen schlerosus, and what I thought was my first 'flare' was actually HSV1 (genital herpes -- I had one small lesion). LS is frustrating, HSV is humiliating. So, I'm on this forum, and on the herpes forum, but would appreciate hearing from anyone else trying to address both issues.
It's been three months since my first HSV outbreak (one very small lesion, I easily could have written it off to LS). Knowing they can present almost identically (an LS flare and an HSV1 outbreak) does anyone have any insights/information?
I would fuss at you if you were in the same situation, and saying the things to yourself that I am saying to myself......I know it's not a death sentence, but it's extremely hard to cope.
And, it's actually a triple whammy. I had my second in a row abnormal pap, so a second biopsy was done this morning (which means I have HPV, too). The HPV will 'more than likely' clear, but until it does, I have the risk (albeit low) of cervical cancer hanging out there.
Thanks for reading all this, an thanks for any information. As always in this place.
1 like, 15 replies
sheila49099 Sabrina55
Posted
Hugs
Morrell1951 Sabrina55
Posted
samantha1970 Sabrina55
Posted
Your not alone, I have the same three as you too!
All I can advocate is maintenance and keep a close eye.
Do you have a good dermatologist?
Samantha
Sabrina55 samantha1970
Posted
I will keep looking, I think a vulvar specialist might be worth the cost (if not covered by my insurance).
samantha1970 Sabrina55
Posted
If your in the UK you can google the NHS vulva dermatologists. There are about 60/70 across the country. I went into my GP and asked for a referral after looking up the closest one to me.
Good luck and let us know how you get on x
Pollyanne Sabrina55
Posted
It can be really distressing being so sore all the time and at times not knowing which ointment to apply.
Herpes was only diagnosed this year and now I wonder how much of the cuts and sores of the past few years have actually been that and not LS. Whatever it is its bloomin painful and can make you feel really miserable. I do have quite a bit of atrophy but no fusing thank goodness, most of my soreness is around my perinium. I am planning on a visit to my GP very soon for check up which is what I've been told to do, I am one of the lucky ones with a GP who understands it.
this forum is so useful for sharing stuff that we don't feel we can share with non sufferers. I use Emu Oil and/or coconut oils when I have no active sores to combat dryness and Dermovate or Zovirax as appropriate.
I have had about 3 weeks without any symptoms and have enjoyed it without checking every day or so, pretend for a while it isn't there, feels good.
Hope you can get a small amount of comfort knowing you're not alone.
Sabrina55 Pollyanne
Posted
I find fragrance free coconut oil, with a single drop of peppermint oil feels GREAT.
What does your doc have you doing to address the atrophy? I have estrogen cream (once a week). Minimal fusing, I'm hoping --thanks to the advice I received on this board -- to manage it, and minimize any further fusing.
I know many many folks are dealing with much more extreme medical conditions, but this is still an emotional challenge I'm struggling to cope with.
This forum is a huge help.
Pollyanne Sabrina55
Posted
my dermatologist was very good and familiar with the condition but gave no real advice about the atrophy, I get the impression that quite a bit of it is due to age, I'm 74, but you can't go round asking people who don't have LS if their bits have dropped off!
She seemed to think I'm handling it okay and suggests regular checks with GP?
donna00089 Sabrina55
Posted
Bridge_of_Sighs donna00089
Posted
There are a few specialist Vulval Dermatology clinics in the UK that are familiar with LS, could you get a referral? Although one of the male gynaes I saw was at one of them, his assistant, a woman was marvellous.
Sorry to hear you've got a tripple whammy. Much courage and strength to you.
donna00089 Bridge_of_Sighs
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Sabrina55 donna00089
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Sabrina55 Bridge_of_Sighs
Posted
vikki16495 Sabrina55
Posted
Sabrina it sounds like you are going throug a lot with these three diagnosis. i read you reaching out for information, and i guess some understanding too. im glad you have because i have found this discussion helpful to me.
i started being treated for LS when i was seven years old, although at the time it was called "a rash". i continued to consider it an embarassing (and itchy, stingy,sore) rash till i was 42 when a GP finally recognised the conditon as LS.
Then a couple years later Herpes as well.
However until yesterday i have not had a flare up of LS for - i don't remember clearly but it has been some years, prabably three with only occaisional mild episodes for several years prior to that. What a relief! What was i doing differently? Well at age 47 i received a diagnos is of celiac disease and stopped all gluten, then five years ago gave up sugar. My general health has also improved with these changes.
Now im pondering what is behind this recent flare and the investigation has brought me to this forum. What i can see i have done differnetly is that in lthe last week i have eaten two foods that i know my body has reacted to in the past. And had a dose of flue. i have gut and immunity issues so im not saying this is a cause for everyone. i cant even say it is the cause for me - ther are so many variables ! i just keep watching and noting. im glad of the forum for a place to share experiences and ideas, and give and receive support.
Some of my learnings on the way:
Only have sex when you really want to. (well that is good advice for anyone)
For too many years i lived with the thought that because there is something physically 'wrong with the vulva' that somehow i am wrong, and that is bad, and i shouldn't be bad . . . .A string of unhelpful thoughts stimulating misereble feelings. its been very helpful to me to drop ideas of wrong or right here.
Stick with the facts "right now my vulvas is sore. What am i/we going to do?" i think this leaves a lot more space for creativity!
make sure you are very well lubricated before enjoying friction, or it probably wont be so enjoyable.
if additional lubrication is necessary, be sure to use one that does not cause irritation.
i wish i had known about LS before my babies were born. i would like to have given more attention to caring for the labia and perinium to help them be as supple and robust as they could be in their condition. And i would have liked to have an open discussion with my midwife based on real knowledge of what we were dealing with, so that she also could help me care for my skin during the birthing. i don't know what that would look like; but i imagine some potentially useful ideas could come out of such a discussion.
good wishes
Sabrina55 vikki16495
Posted
My issue right now isn't sex (darn it), it's being single on the dating scene, at my age of 56.
So -- I joined a 'positive singles' dating website. Saw a profile for a gent I dated more than 4 years ago (he never mentioned it).
Then, I got a call from a gent I went on a date with over two years ago. I thanked him for checking in, but told him I was off the dating market. Deciding to be candid, I told him I had tested positive for herpes 1. So, he tells me he's positive, too (no OBs for years). Apparantly -- this is a very big club!
But, the discussions on this site have kept me connected to the fact that with LS (and HSV, and HPV), I can still potentially have a sex life. Just a more managed one. A carefully managed one.
You make the key point -- information -- specifically timely information -- can make all the difference!
Merry Christmas!