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Vaginal pain right side

Posted , 11 users are following.

janine03143
janine03143

Hi all. I am in the UK.  I was diagnosed with lichen sclerosis a few yrs back after seeing gp then a gynae referral I was diagnosed and told to use dermovate as need strong steroid cream  and cream alternate days gradually lessening it .I haven't seen anyone since then and have just been left to ask for more cream from my GP if needed .it hasn't been that bad since and my GP said that it was not showing any signs of it when I was examined few yrs back . tho the inside minor labia have disappeared . it's a horrible thing to have . two yrs ago I had feeling there was a rough area to the right inside my vagina .I saw gp after a while who said it looked like nappy rash but could be my lichen sclerosis .she wouldn't prescribe dermovate and gave me a milder cream .the inside patch hasn't really been painful until about a week ago   my first thought was that it was thrush .itchy sore and inflamed round my pelvic area . I saw gp this week who took one look and said it looked ulcerated and she was going to refer me back to hospital to get them check on it .and she would be mentioning cancer in her letter but I wasn't to worry . she was erring on the side of caution   the appointment has come through and tho I try not to worry . I know she may be just playing it safe .but now I am looking at LS and how it might develop into cancer .or maybe it's cancer from a primary site . and all sorts of things are going through my head   so all this is worrying me now   it may be nothing .  guess I won't know til get this app over  . I feel for the younger people on here suffering this condition . I had never heard of it before . thanks for any replies.    

2 likes, 18 replies

18 Replies

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  • Starlight8
    Starlight8 janine03143

    Posted

    Hi Janine,

       I hate the waiting game! Last year I had gotten a mammogram and they did the same with me. They told me they found something on my x-ray and I would need to go in for more testing. I did and it turned out to be nothing but let me tell you, it was the longest week I had in my life! Just thinking about that week gives me a pit in my stomach. I spent the whole week, worrying and crying. My advice to you is have faith. Take time and use this as an excuse to spoil yourself. Have a spa night or go out with a friend and get a message. Also, Instead of thinking about your upcoming appointment think about trying to learn something new and put your focus on that. I learned crochet through youtube, there are millions of videos that will keep your mind busy learning something new.  I guess what I am trying to say is keep busy. I will keep you in my prayers!

    Hugs,

    Ann

    • janine03143
      janine03143 Starlight8

      Posted

      Thank you so much for your reassuring replies .it has surprised me to get such a quick response back from three people already  and all you have said is good advice.  And I know it's the waiting and thinking about it that is the worst . I have had lichen planus on my body so know about that luckily it didn't last long and that was a one off .after gp had given medication that started it off.  A long while ago.   I will try to be positive. Thank you all.  Xx 

  • Guppy007
    Guppy007 janine03143

    Posted

    Hi there, from what you are saying it is possible that you have Vaginal Lichen Planus which is just like Lichen Sclerosus but the only difference is that ulcers can appear on the inside of your vagina, whereas with Lichen  Sclerosus ulcers always appear on the outside.  It is worth mentioning this as it is harder to diagnose than LS and harder to treat...but it is not cancerous...just trickier to deal with, and so if it is that you will need help with how to manage it.
    • janine03143
      janine03143 Guppy007

      Posted

      Thank you guppy. Yes it might be any number of things   wearing tight clothing.  washing powder . infection. I won't know til they check but the hydrocortisone the gp gave me weds has helped the inflammation it's a lot better.    It's good to have people to talk to about things.    Xx 

  • Octopus_1289
    Octopus_1289 janine03143

    Posted

    Please don't worry about cancer. I have been suffering all the things you mentioned for 18 years now. The lichen has spread all over my body....the latest being my neck and cheeks. It is a terrible disease, but specialists say that it rarely turns to cancer. I go for UVB light treatments twice a week for 16 weeks. It is the only relief that I get. Of course the light treatment is not for vaginal area. I have an ointment specifically mixed at a pharmacy here. It isn't as harsh as dermovate. But I do have that as well for major flare ups.

    Take care. Not to worry!

    • janine03143
      janine03143 Octopus_1289

      Posted

      Hi octopus thank for your reply so quickly . I feel for you having so much to suffer. I did have lichen planus for a while it was painful and started spreading on my upper body so know a bit of how you feel . my GP at the time seemed to think it was trivial and not interested . dished out creams . no sympathy   no referrals either.  It's not until you suffer these things yourself you realise how painful and bad it is . if only they could find out why these things happen.    And sort a cure.  Not knowing why it happens or how to cure it doesn't seem adequate. Hope your condition gets better.      Janine. 

  • hanny32508
    hanny32508 janine03143

    Posted

    Lichen Planus and Lichen Sclerosis have one thing in common, is my experiencing - sitting in a baking soda or borax bath does wonders.  I have Lichen Planus in my mouth and rinse every evening with warm water in which a few pinches of borax.  It took a while but now it stays nicely under control. 

    ?Also - avoiding added sugar made a difference.  Eating fresh home cooked meals. I also avoid gluten, alcohol and caffeine; limited dairy.  And I experienced that regular exercise does help too, though I don't understand why yet.  Perhaps it burns the sugars faster?

    Wishing you well. 

    Cancer doesn't occur that frequent with LS and LP.  Very small percentage. 

  • Sedg
    Sedg janine03143

    Posted

    Janine 

    I have had LS 👹 ugly condition after being diagnosed 16 years ago and actually it has been a rollercoaster of crap diagnosis nasty intrusive surgery. Together with many years remission whoop hoo 🎊 though I am sure my vagina is not looking like it in full bloom now  🌸 as the architecture has changed   Though I can still orgasm even with a hooded clitoris  🙃 

    I have tried different creams oils ointments. Had different consultants and professionals check me out 😳

    Now I feel I am in control of this dastardly condition with the help of my specialist Professor Kehoe. 

    His calm professionalism and knowledge fills me with trust.  He does his bit,  I do mine.  

    I took all dairy and near as makes no difference, sugar out of my now very healthy diet, and drink room temperature water.  

    Sugar and dairy create heat and LS loves hot so I have now turned into a Cool 😎 woman of 67 using Betnovate ointment once a week and coconut oil and Dermol 500 to wash and moisturise

    Prof told me that cancer very rarely comes from LS.  That took away a big concern. 

    Now I try keep it simple through diet cleanliness and minimal ointments   It is such a fragile area I don’t want to bombard it with so many variations of treatments that are available 

    I know how difficult to find the right products to suit individuals 

    I decided last year to just stop all treatments except washing in Dermol 500 and using it as moisturiser and started again. introducing Betnovate ointment if needed  and coconut oil cos I like it.  Seems to have worked 

    Janine I send you my best wishes and you no worry about cancer 

    GPs actually know less than the women on this forum about LS 

    Love 💐

    • HesterBell
      HesterBell Sedg

      Posted

      Hello Sedg

      Just wondering if this is the Professor Kehoe who works at Sandwell and Birmingham hospital? If so, did you get to see him because you are local to Sandwell or did you research him and get your GP to do an out of area referral? Thank you.

  • brenda12750
    brenda12750 janine03143

    Posted

    At least you know what your dealing with I went this gun and it floored me that she told me I had this. They gave me clobetisol but it burns a little when I first put it own. I went and got me a book about is where I can understand it. So do you have any ideas if you can Sat in baking soda when it starts itching . Need help in North Carolina.

    • janine03143
      janine03143 brenda12750

      Posted

      Hi Brenda .I can't complain as the hydrocortisone has helped since saw Dr weds .I was burning and stinging inside .it may be I have thrush as well don't know .but its OK At the moment . when spec told me I had L's a few yrs back I was devastated and worried sick it would get worse or disappear altog .fusing etc. .but it seems to be ok . I wash with aqueous cream .and use sudocrem if get sweat rash .a Dr examined me a few yrs back and couldn't see any sign of it then .said I must be doing something right .don't know what? Just this internal patch that's not been causing too much troubke I just knew it was there but didn't hurt a bit itchy that's all until last few weeks that is . I don't take baths just shower but I wiukd certainly try bicarb baths or salt baths as sure it would help.I just thinking is it a secondary cancer formed now and scaring myself . all sorts go thru your head waiting .I know how you must be feeling right now .reading things on net really freaked me out .prob best not to read much .guess everyone's diff . hope yours settles down .we try anything .pity the medical profession knows so little about it . trial and error I guess. Best wishes Janine.

  • brenda12750
    brenda12750 janine03143

    Posted

    I was recently diagnosed with this condition. What can you use for the itching. They gave me clobetisol but had been burning because I have the blisters. I need all the help I can get
    • debi14820
      debi14820 brenda12750

      Posted

      Try moderately warm baths with baking soda. It's very soothing. I do it three times a week, twice a day when my LS is active. You could also try Emuaid First Aid cream. Be very careful and try a tiny amount first to be sure it won't irritate your skin!! I also use Aveeno Oatmeal Bath. Make sure all of it is dissolved before you get in! I also use warm packs with blisters. Take a towel and warm it for 15 seconds in microwave. Lay it over the blisters for 10 minutes. Blood flow helps heal blisters. I also lay down frequently for 30 minutes with no underwear on. I hope this helps! Debi

  • debi14820
    debi14820 janine03143

    Posted

    Hi Janine, yes it is a horrible disease. Mine is in remission right now. It could be you are having vulvodynia too. All that means is pain in vulva. I think you could ask for a referral to a specialist in vulvar diseases. But I would get the appointment you have scheduled done now for sure. They may have good news for you which would ease your mind. Best wishes!!
    • janine03143
      janine03143 debi14820

      Posted

      Thank you for your reply Debi .am glad you aren't suffering at the moment .I have had a lot of trouble seeing a Dr at all as usually get pushed onto seeing a practice nurse .who then can't refer or do much . or just doesn't know . has made me a. Bit wary of seeing Dr unless really bad .but will see how goes at this app .might get somewhere . you don't feel you can mention any other things going on as drs are so pushed for time .might all be part of the bigger picture but just can't look at anything else . its v hard now to get treatment . thank you for all being so caring .

    • debi14820
      debi14820 janine03143

      Posted

      Hi Janine, yes it is very frustrating when you can't get the help you need! Can you ask your primary doctor to refer you to a specialist who deals with vulvar pain? Or get a referral to a pain center. They have doctors who specialize in vulvar problems usually. Also maybe tell your primary doctor that you do NOT want to see a nurse practitioner! They don't have enough knowledge in this area! When you are feeling a bit more ready to continue, maybe try one of these suggestions. I got very lucky as my primary referred me to Mayo! They've helped me 150%. I'm still going there for pelvic PT. There are other things you can do too. Very warm Aveeno Oatmeal Baths, baking soda baths, Aspercream with lidocaine, Emuaid. Best wishes! Debi

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