vulvodynia and ls
Posted , 9 users are following.
Hi guys
im currently using dermovate for the ls and im takin lyrica for the vulvodynia i was previously takin amitriptyline but it didnt help.the lyrica isnt helping either i feel raw and burning and im totally drained from it.im just wondering is their anyone here who has vulvodynia that can recommend anythin cause im on my 3rd doctor and im getting nowhere
0 likes, 15 replies
april.wild catts123
Posted
so sorry to hear that you're suffering. I understood that LS was a sub-category of Vulvodynia in that VOD means vulval pain .... LS is certainly painful and relates to the vulva but I understood its a distinctly indentified condition. Amitriptyline is an anti-depressant but has it been prescribed as a way of the doctor saying s/he doesn't know what to do with you?
Well clearly you must be looking for some relief and perhaps some sympathy? So I'd like to extend a hand and say that there are lots of lovely women on here who will probably be able to add more but I wondered whether some manuka honey would help in the first instance? And perhaps some cooled cold pressed olive oil from a jar in the fridge to alternate with it? Thinking of you x
Yvonne72736 catts123
Posted
So sorry to hear how you are suffering, it really is a trial I truly sympathise. I too have recently been diagnosed with vulvodynia and I was in agony a couple of months ago. I have had LS since an accident when I was 7 and I'm 65 now, although we didn't know what it was until 17 years ago. I am on my 4th Doctor to date, they just find vulvodynia very difficult to understand.
I was prescribed Gabapentin 2 months ago, currently I take 200mg, it does seem to help with the agonising aching I get, although I still have to take co codamol and amytriptiline as well. I understand Lyrica or Pregabalin is a more modern prescription. But my Vulva dermatologist who has been very proactive treating LS and vulvodynia for many years, setting up a vulva clinic in my area feels that Gabapentin is a better treatment for vulvodynia. So perhaps you might mention that to your Doctor. I do hope you get some relief soon, sending a huge hug to you.
joyfulone3 catts123
Posted
My understanding is that vulvodynia is a diagnosis for vulvar pain when there is no reason. Lichen sclerosis is a specific diagnosis and is an autoimmune condition. I have been diagnosed with lichen Planus which is similar to lichen sclerosus except it also affects the vagina as well as the vulvaand vault and can also affect the anus, mouth, scalp too.one of the symptoms that distinguishes it from lichen sclerosus is that along with extreme itching there are painful lesions and rashly bumps.
I had no idea what was going on when I had my first major flare up last February am my family doctor could not come up with a diagnosis. The pain and itching was unbearable. I got a referral to a gynecologist who specializes in women's diseases and he was able to give me a diagnosis.
He prescribed clobetasol ointment. I also went to my dermatologist since this is a skin condition and I felt the itching starting in my scalp. He prescribed clobetasol lotion for my scalp and tacrolimus ointment to use as an alternate in rotation with the clobetasol ointment.
I used the ointments in rotation for three weeks then scaled back to one time midweek and once on weekends. In between I have used coconut oil as an ointment. Unless you have an allergy to coconut oil you can use as much as you want. The nurse at my gyn's office recommended the coconut oil. And then I found an organic salve made with hemp oil and other natural ingredients. This has also been very helpful and soothing.
I took pain medication at the beginning just so I could get some relief and some sleep. Sleep is very important to physical recovery. I also took an antihistamine medication as often as recommended, every four hours. Check with your doctor about that. Mine recommended that to help with the itching.
Also for the first two months I took two or three baths a day with Epsom salts. That was a big help with relief from itching and recovery. I highly recommend doing this. I still take at least one bath a day with Epsom salt.
One of the the ladies in a lichen forum on Patients said to stop eating almonds because they could trigger a flare up. I had been eating almonds. I stopped eating all nuts.
Since Lichen is considered an autoimmune condition, a friend recommended I check out the Paleo Autoimmune Protocol diet. I started using the principles of AIP and that has really helped put me into remission.
kathleen65757 catts123
Posted
Try the hospitals as I attend a clinic at a women's hospital in Melbourne.
I would not advise any hit and miss attempts to treat the two conditions. I am guessing that LS would be affected by the other condition.
I really hope you can find a place to treat these conditions as you need medical help.
We can support you but are in no way a replacement for a specialist looking at the actual condition of your vulva.
All the best!
samantha1970 catts123
Posted
im using Lidocaine ointment for the vulvodynia. It's been a big help to me. I also reduced my dairy intake too.
good luck!
joyfulone3 catts123
Posted
- Epsom salt baths
- antihistamine taken as often as the directions allow during an itchy flare up
- coconut oil and hemp salve
- prescription pain medication to help sleep at night
- change in diet, I am following the principals of the Paleo Autoimmune Approach diet.
Yvonne72736 catts123
Posted
There is a book called, 'Vulvodynia Survival Guide' by Howard I Glazer, Ph.D. And Gae Rodke,M.D.,FACOG. Isbn :- 1-57224-291-4. Published:- New Harbinger Publications, Inc. Dr Glazer is a pioneer in the treatment of vulvodynia. I found it very helpful, and not too difficult to read.
I've too been at that moment of despair, where you think, "Is there no-one out there who can help throw light on this dreadful thing." I found that the other ladies on this forum really understanding and helpful!
When the pain was so excruciating a couple of months ago I ended up at A&E at 10:30 pm. in desperation. I was lucky that night as a lovely gynaecologist gave me morphine (which actually ONLY took the edge off the pain!), and after examining me explained that she thought it was Vulvodynia and explained what that was. I saw my Consultant Dermatologist the next afternoon and she confirmed that diagnosis and prescribed the Gabapentin and Amytriptiline. And Oramorph when needed. I take at least one bath a day and use Dermovate for the LS, along with Vaseline. I don't agree with your first reply person, that Amytriptiline is prescribed when Dr's don't know what to do with you. Amytriptiline does help some people if the dosage is right, although I'm rapidly coming around to the idea that all these drugs only make the pain a little more manageable for some of us. At least we know we are not alone out there, that is some comfort. If you live in the U.K. I can pass on the name of my Consultant Dermatologist, a lady, who is just brilliant!
With much sympathy and biggest hugs,
catts123
Posted
i live in ireland and their are no vulva clinics here which is a discrace and tryin to find a specialist who can help is a nightmare.my doc said the next step is for me to be referred to a pain specialist if i dont get some relief.i will travel to the uk if i cant get the help here so yvonne i could be looking for the name of your dermatologist at some stage
Thanks a million to you all for all your advice it means a lot ye are a great bunch of women xxx
susan99000 catts123
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Jess1612 susan99000
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susan99000 catts123
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Jess1612 susan99000
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I am new to site and trying to figure it all out. There's some fantastic and helpful people on here.
susan99000 Jess1612
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Jess1612 susan99000
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lisa21224 catts123
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lisa
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