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Lichen Sclerosus and diabetes 2

Posted , 6 users are following.

carol53803
carol53803

Hi

my gp thinks I have LS and I go to the specialist. In August. She didn't want to give me steroid cream because of my diabetes. Anyone else have this worry? 

0 likes, 8 replies

8 Replies

  • susan99000
    susan99000 carol53803

    Posted

    hi Carole,i have LS and was diagnosed about 4 years ago at a routine cancer smear test,i also have type 2 diabetes and my doctor has prescribed Dermovate  ointment which seems to work quite well,so not sure why they shouldn`t go together.perhaps someone else will be able to enlighten you further,take care it is a lifelong desease with no cure but.....it can be manageable x
    • Wero
      Wero susan99000

      Posted

      Hello Susan, steroids taken orally can increase blood glucose levels but I am unaware of the same with topical steroid treatment. It is the best treatment for LS especially in the initial fight, so I would double check with your GP as you need to get on top of it.
    • cynthia40883
      cynthia40883 susan99000

      Posted

      I have never used a steroid ointment for my LS. NOW I can't even have an internal exam, because of the burning and irritation inside. If you use the steroid on the external vulva, will.This help the internal inflammation? Can the inflammation also spread to the BLADDER? I have been miserable for a week with what feels like a BLADDER infection, but it is not.Cultured twice for bacteria. Is there anyone out there who has had this BLADDER complication, and is there any hope of dealing with this internal vaginal inflammation so that I can be examined? Help!!!!!! This is unbearable.

    • Wero
      Wero cynthia40883

      Posted

      Hello Cynthia, You poor thing, it sounds as though you are having a pretty tough time. I have experienced that awful burning and soreness. It was before diagnosis with LS and I was treating myself for thrush.

      Initially my GP put it down to hormone changes and I commenced HRT, which helped a little.

      Once I was diagnosed and started steroid treatment and good moisturising which is pivotal, then all the discomfort went. Even though the cream does not go internally. Everything settled.

      I use the Betnovate just on the very edge of the vaginal entrance as this is where I have the whitened areas caused by the condition. Bicarbonate of Soda also gives huge relief.

      I do not recall any particular bladder issues but everything in that area was so sore I could barely sit down. I know that horrible miserable feeling.

      I also had a vaginal infection and had a course of antibiotics. Have you been swabbed vaginally?

      I think I had so many small abrasions and tears invisible to the naked eye, both in and externally.

      Read all the advice on here. Wear the right clothes, use the right shower gels, eat healthily and follow your treatment regeme.

      I hope you get some relief soon and stay possitive if you can as stress makes the condition much worse.

      I am a long way from back to normal but in a much better place and completely in control. You will get there, good luck.

    • cynthia40883
      cynthia40883 Wero

      Posted

      Hi , thx for responding. Yes, LS is miserable enough without an inflamed BLADDER. Anyone else out there with BLADDER issues, such as cystitis, please let me know how u cope. What kind of vaginal infection did u have, and what antibiotic did u use, if u remember? Also, how do u moisturize?Do u use the chlobetasol ointment as a steroid.I was swabbed yesterday. I have worn skirts and no underwear for years. I use Cetaphil cleanser externally and plain water on.the vulva. I cannot stand anything else . Probably because the inflammation has never been controlled.I am.careful about sugar and no caffeine. The only thing I haven't done is steroid treatment. In.my 60's and felt it would cause too much thinning. Probably a mistake on my part. Wondering about hormone therapy at my age. The urologist asked me if I considered the Mona Lisa therapy. Some of the ladies in this group have expressed negative results with that. Going to gyno tomorrow for some advice, yes, probably the steroid.

    • Wero
      Wero cynthia40883

      Posted

      I really don't know what the bacteria was but think the antibiotics were amoxicillin. I feel sure the infection was due to weeks of inserting pessaries and creams when trying to treat myself for what I believed was thrush.

      I also had abrasions internally and outside which harbour bugs despite being very careful with my personal hygiene.

      The steroid I use is Betnovate as Clob did not suit. I wash in Dermol and moisturise with Coconut oil which I have found to be really soothing.

      I truly believe that steroid treatment is the way forward to take away the initial inflammation and discomfort. There are several women who use alternatives and whilst this may work for some, we are all different and respond differently.

      I tend to use a combination of therapies but I think you need to be in good condition down there before you start to experiment. Initially, I did not use enough Betnovate or use it often enough. Like you the soreness just never went away.

      My Dermatology nurse gave me the confidence to use it more appropriately and I have never looked back. Once calm, I started to introduce other therapies such as Lavender baths and Bicarbonate of soda. If I get a flare, I know exactly how to deal with it and get it under control very quickly.

      You have to do what is right for you and no one individual is right or wrong in their thoughts or advice. This forum has been a huge support for me and most of my treatment regeme has resulted from advice on here. Just get to good place, if you are relatively pain free, it is easier to address other aspects.

      Betnovate helped me take control.

      Good luck. X

  • Wero
    Wero carol53803

    Posted

    Sorry Carol, called you Susan. That's the second time today I have done that. Need to increase my estrogen. Lol.

  • victoria_03446
    victoria_03446 carol53803

    Posted

    I have just been diagnosed! I have diabetes 2 and I’m 61. I wondered if there was a connection to the drugs for my diabetes. I have had what I thought was a bladder infection last week . It was false. I’ve read if you consume too much sugar this can aggravate LS? I also have been prescribed steroid cream. I have no sex drive so was wondering if I should ask for estrogen cream?? I’m so depressed that’s s has really affect my marriage as it’s been 6 mths of trying to figure this all out!! 
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