New diagnosis
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Hi, I've recently been diagnosed at 27 years old. I have four children and had a tubal ligation Oct this year. Is it possible the tubal brought this on? It took multiple doctors before I finally got a steriod cream. I've only had it a couple days, how long is it typcially before i'll see any relief? I'm in so much pain and the doctor really couldn't tell me much.
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hanny32508 bennetta
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Sorry to hear you have joined the ranks of those who struggle with Lichen Sclerosis. However, you're asking your questions at a good place. This group has given me much support. Wouldn't have made it without. So I hope you will find reading about other people's experiences helpfull and somehow comforting.
It is not known what exactly causes Lichen Sclerosis. The conventional medical world has not all the knowledge to fight this disease indefinately either. It is a 'keeping under control' thing. Among the various discussions here, I hope you'll find plenty of very helpfull supports and suggestions that may help you to make all liveable.
It will require a certain amount of patience before you'll experience some form of improvement. Some immediate suggestions that have helped me: stay away from sugar, alcohol, caffeine, gluten, dairy, soya. Try to follow an alkaline diet. Avoid stress.
For soothing: take a bath with one third of a cup of baking soda regularly; rinse the area after every bathroom visit with warm water and three pinches of baking soda in a spray bottle. Cover after this with coconut oil.
Do read the various discussions of the topics on LS. Try to learn as much as you can about this LS. It may help you to feel more comfortable with it. (though of course it is painful at times, however, there are long periods of some form of comfort once it's under control)
Wishing you WELL.
Holiday_girl hanny32508
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Chrisy Holiday_girl
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hanny32508 Holiday_girl
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hanny32508
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hanny32508 Chrisy
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bennetta hanny32508
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Holiday_girl hanny32508
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hanny32508 Holiday_girl
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Great rejoicing, since things have improved tremendously. Good things came out of a not so good thing. All very positive this far and I'll continue to hope it will stay this way. A true luxury to be able to pee like a normal human being, I tell you.
I wish all on this website a sore free Christmas as well.
Morrell1951 hanny32508
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Morrell1951 bennetta
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Sorry to hear you've got LS. The good news is that a recent review of research indicates that being diagnosed and treated within two years of onset means complete back-to-normal skin. Many of us went years (decades in my case) before diagnosis, so it's a lifelong problem for many of us.
The ultrapotent steroid ointment (most of us use clobetasol propionate .05% or equivalent, 'clob' for short) usually prescribed can take months of graduallly reduced frequency of use before the symptoms are gone. But most of what we talk about in this forum is all the other stuff we can do, most of which makes a difference quickly. Hanny here has a particularly aggressive form of LS (there seem to be several) and also other autoimmune disorders, so she's very diligent with her diet. If you can just cut way back on sugar you may find it makes a huge difference fast. Sugar is the top proven inflammation-worsening food.
The Koebner Effect is a skin phenomenon where trauma to the skin sets up a reaction in Lichen Sclerosis and psoriasis. I also suspect my tubal ligation and episiotomy didn't help, although I already had LS before them.
With four kids at age 27 I imagine sex is a rare treat, but you should understand that while you're flared up, the friction and bodily fluids of sex will only make the symptoms worse.
If you've only seen your GP, you might want to ask to see a gynaecologist, dermatologist, or ideally a vulva clinic.
Anyway, I imagine you'll improve quickly soon. No soaps or other chemicals on the old undercarriage. Wear loose cotton pants. Use anything thick and oily, even Vaseline, to keep urine off your parts.
1/3 cup of baking soda (bicarbonate) in bathwater is healing and soothing.
Do come here and explore the stories and tips. It's the best site in the world!
bennetta Morrell1951
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Morrell1951 bennetta
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bennetta Morrell1951
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suedm bennetta
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Remember having stitches during child birth? you would have had salt baths to help soothe the area. Keep body fluids off the area- yours AND you partners Do watch Dr Goldstein's lecture https://patient.info/forums/discuss/dr-goldstein-lecture-271556 it will take aout an hour so find time on your own with out children around - get your partner to watch it too - it will help him understand your pain. DO NOT RUB or SCRATCH the area EVER If you are irritated scratch another part of your body thinking that you ARE helping your poor undercarriage- it CAN work. "mind over matter" stuff
When i was diagnosed it was told it could have been caused by a sudden change in hormone levels and going through a very stressful period.
Dilute your urine by drinking a lot of clear fluids, protect the area with a barrier ointment or cream after applying the steroid- which can and does sting at times - grit your teeth - or take a pain killer 20 or so minutes before applying it will help Gradually you will find the pain gets a little less until it has gone. Most consultants suggest using the clobetasol a pea sized daily - for up to six weeks then reduce to x 2 a week...for ever...
Get a mirror and LOOK at the area know what your anatomy looks like and keep a note of any food stuffs that seem to make the undercarriage more uncomfortable. Get your partner/husband to read these threads too - being young you will need to help him and HIS hormonal needs sexually, but while you have the flare up penetrative sex is a no no for the time being. HOwever this situation will not be for ever and you will be able to return to a normal sex life - IF he is considerate and gentle and you havent fused too much. You asked about tubal ligation several of us have had that procedure - but no definitive answer seems to be aapparent There was a thread with that heading it may still be there
Good luck and try not to be too distressed
Sue
Morrell1951 bennetta
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bennetta suedm
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Morrell1951 bennetta
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