LS in remission, but may still need surgery

Posted , 10 users are following.

Hi everyone, I would like to ask if anyone is in my situation? I was diagnosed at the end of last year, probably had it a few months before that. I had white skin and scarring/tightening around the perineum/fourchette bridge area. After months of treating myself with the usual prescribed medications, oils, borax solutions etc, at my vulval clinic appointment this week, I was told it's well-controlled but still tight, and have chosen to be referred to a gynaecologist who does Z-Plasty type surgery on this area. My question is this, has anyone else recovered normal looking Vulval skin, yet although the white skin has gone, area looks healthy, but still too tight to enjoy a full sex life? I use toys etc to keep my opening from shrinking, and do think atrophy is some of the problem. Btw I am using Vagifem and Oestradiol cream, also been stretching the problem area with fingers too. Many thanks in advance x

0 likes, 8 replies

8 Replies

  • Posted

    Personally I am not in favour of surgery.  I have used dilation instead. My gyno made that suggestion and it worked well.  Starting with the very smallest sizes to the biggest size.  It took time and determination, but well worth the effort. 

    ?You're already using borax and lubrication (I use lots of coconut oil)  No need to add to that.  

    • Posted

      Thanks for replying Hanny. I can understand your view totally, and I was hoping surgery wouldn't be necessary after all the effort I've put in, but I think my vulva/perineum is the best it's ever likely to be, but is still very likely to split at the 6 o'clock position. But will discuss all this when I see the gynae I've been referred to x

  • Posted

    Maggie before you go so radical have you used castor oil?  For me it has been much more healing and strengthening than coconut oil inthat area. The other thing to considers good run on first is MSM. To take this internally for a month or so. It really strengthens skin which would help in being able to use your dilatory etc. I saw that mentioned by a woman some time ago with great success. 
    • Posted

      Thanks for the advice Nancy, I'll try those things and see if the tight skin improves. I have used many different oils, olive, emu, coconut, almond, rose-hip etc and from what I read on forums, different things work for different people, as is often the case. There are even oil products specifically for women approaching birth, and for massaging the perineum/fourchette area, but of course they don't usually have LS to contend with. x

  • Posted

    Hi, sorry for your problems. I too have LS and suffer with a lot of pain, itching, thin skin tearing and bleeding. My vagina opening is getting tighter everyday I am not able to have intercourse I cannot stand to be touched. Show me the new problem I have recently the skin has grown over the vulva and it has almost disappeared this happened after I started having swelling there and the clit actually turned dark purplish black I use the steroid medication the GYN it did give some color back but I still don't have the pinkish look. I have tried several things and really not sure how to help myself how to use just Vaseline it makes me feel better but yet I don't know what to do about the overgrowth skin that has taking my female appearance away any ideas

    • Posted

      Hi Trish, thanks for replying. As with any condition, no 2 people are the same. For me, I only had white skin and tightening around the perineum/fourchette area. I had good improvement with Clobetasol steroid ointment, Ovestin oestrogen cream/Vagifem vaginal tablets internally, all prescribed. In addition I used various oils and borax solutions. Have you got a Dermatologist who specialises in Vulval conditions? I have, but am being referred to a gynaecologist for a discussion about possible surgery to improve my tight skin. X
    • Posted

      Hi Maggie, I have seen my GYN and she put me on the steroid cream and recommended ordering the medical dilators to use. I have not been back to the doctor yet With the overgrowth of the skin. I will be making an appointment within the next couple of weeks to see my GYN and go from there. The Vaseline makes me feel better the itching is not quite as bad when I use it and I try to wear loose-fitting clothing so nothing's rubbing or pressing on the area. I just have a fear of getting cancer there.

    • Posted

      Hi Trish, the way I see it, we're all in the lap of the Gods, so to speak. I've been following the regime I was prescribed my my Dermatology Consultant who specialises in Vulval conditions. But although my Vulval health was deemed good last week at my 2nd appointment since diagnosis last year, my perineum area remains tight, my lips are small etc, but attribute much of that to atrophy also, even though I'm using topical oestrogen in my regime. I worry about the cancer issue to, even though it's meant to be a low percentage fortunately. As I put in my earlier post, borax was good for me in releasing the white skin I had, but my normal pink skin remains tight. I assume you've got a regime in place? I'm now using Clobetasol only 1 or 2 days a week, oestrogen cream externally 3 times a week, Vagifem tablet internally x2 a week. I add in borax solutions and different oils too.

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