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On closer inspection

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shirley84100
shirley84100

On closer inspection, I can see something that resembles the description of Lichen Sclerosus so maybe the gynae was right about that after all. I started using the steroid cream last night. But that doesn't rule out the fact that she wasn't listening to me about the Vaginal Atrophy symptoms and what I was saying about HRT not working etc. Of course the steroid cream won't help me up inside, its not meant to is it. And it won't help the urge to wee either. She just skimmed over all that. So it seems I've got LS and VA :-(

2 likes, 10 replies

10 Replies

  • tracy12090
    tracy12090 shirley84100

    Posted

    It might not be the best outcome but maybe now you can access the right treatment. It does sound like you may have 2 conditions going on :-(. Use the cream so that you've followed the instructions and then you can reiterate it hasn't cured the urgency etc. It could be a bladder problem such cystitis or internal cystitis? The damage can also lead to nerve pain.
    • shirley84100
      shirley84100 tracy12090

      Posted

      Hi Tracy, Thanks for your message. No not the best outcome. Yes it seems like I have got 2 conditions going on doesn't it. I have started using the steroid cream and as you say, I can then say its not cured the urgency etc can't I. I know I've not got cystitis. I've had it before. No UTI either. I still go along with the V A diagnosis. Thanks again. :-)
  • lee12629
    lee12629 shirley84100

    Posted

    I might too,emphasis on might. I know I have VA,they can have so many of the same symptoms and irritation. Does the Cortisone burn or is it soothing? I actually have some as when I had bad irritation,one gyno prescibed what they do for LS,in the states it cost a small fortune for a small tube,I never used any of it. I was worried as it was pretty strong. I still wonder if I should try it. Im pretty sensitive though so dont want to risk it as i have no confirmation of LS,just an educated guess from one gyno.
    • shirley84100
      shirley84100 lee12629

      Posted

      Hi Lee, when I used the steroid cream last night there was a bit of a sting at first but it says that that may happen in the info leaflet. It died down soon and Ive been "OK" since. I thought my V A symptoms were coming back yesterday but I've not been too bad today. Will keep up with the steroid cream for a month every night, then less frequently after that. Also I have got my Balance Active to use too for the V A soreness. I understand your reluctance to use the cream following your gynae just having an educated guess.
  • lee12629
    lee12629 shirley84100

    Posted

    You might want a biopsy as if its not LS the cortisone in the higher strength can thin the skin and VA already does that.
    • shirley84100
      shirley84100 lee12629

      Posted

      Yes I see your point about a biopsy Lee. As you say, the V A thins the skin doesn't it. It doesn't need the steroid cream to help it along does it.
    • Suki_girl
      Suki_girl shirley84100

      Posted

      I used steroid cream for vulvodynia. It helped for a while but then started to sting like crazy and made me worse. Apparently you can develop a sensitivity to it with prolonged use. More than 6 weeks puts you at risk of skin thinning anyway - not what we want in that area. I had a biopsy for test for lichen s but nothing showed up, hence the vulvodynia diagnosis. The only way to be sure it is LS is to get a biopsy. My gyne also was not great - just threw lots of modern drugs at me that didn't work. I then saw a consultant dermatologist who specialised in vulval skin problems and vulval pain. She was fantastic - knew exactly what to look for and listened to what I was saying. It seems there is a bit of an overlap with different disciplines when it comes to the vag and vulva - one could see a gyne, dermatologist or urologist. For me the dermatotologist who specialised in the vag / vulva knew her stuff.
    • sha863
      sha863 Suki_girl

      Posted

      So, is this doctor a Dermavulvagynecologist? I have seen Urogynecologists in Delaware. But, I've been told I won't find any in the area of Florida I am in now. Lol, just a little light hearted to ease the tension. Wonder if a Dermavulva.... would have to have 3 name tags/badges whatever with all those specialties? Hmmmmeek
    • lee12629
      lee12629 sha863

      Posted

      Lol dermatologist look at all parts of the body.
  • sha863
    sha863 shirley84100

    Posted

    Maybe she wants to treat one thing at a time. Did you ask her? Really annoying when they don't seem to be listening to what we say, isn't it? I actually had my GP yell at me once! My GI doc was out of town and left nobody on call. My tummy hurt so bad. He was yelling about what did I expect him to do, that he had referred me to a specialist..... Fortunately, he has retired.
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