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[CLKD]

Tnx DG.   I missed the patience gene 

[Shadyglade]

I haven't been following this thread much but has anyone mentioned bladder stones. If so just ignore me.

[Katejo]

Hi again sides
Here is a section from an article about atrophy written by Dr Heather Currie in the MM magazine that may be of interest to you:
To treat the underlying vaginal changes due to the lack of estrogen, the treatment that is most likely to revert the changes and restore the tissues to their former health is estrogen. If just treating the vagina and/or bladder symptoms of the menopause, then very low dose vaginal estrogen in the form of a very small tablet inserted with an applicator, vaginal cream which can also be applied to the outer area (the vulva), a pessary, or a vaginal ring which is replaced every 3 months can be used. These estrogen preparations are very effective and are not associated with risks which should be considered when using Hormone Replacement Therapy since they give a very low dose of estrogen which is concentrated in the vagina and bladder. Any vaginal estrogen preparation should be used for at least 3 months before the expected benefit will be achieved and should be continued long-term, perhaps even indefinitely. Many women are only given a short course of treatment and are disappointed when the symptoms may not be fully treated, or may return when treatment is stopped. We now recognise that these changes persist and gradually worsen without treatment and therefore treatment should be continued; menopausal vaginal changes are not like menopausal flushes and sweats which will reduce or even stop in most women at some stage.

A year or so ago I had an argument with 1 woman GP who insisted it wasn't safe to use a vaginal HRT like Estriol or similar for more than 3 months. She actually got up and shouted at me that she had just done a course on this and so knew better than I did! I have avoided seeing her for anything ever since. I did mention her response to another doctor who looked somewhat surprised.

[CLKD]

Did she fall asleep during the Course?

[Dancinggirl]

CLKD - 
Katejo - she had probably misunderstood what was said - “it takes at least 3 months for benefits to be achieved”.
Silly women.  This is why I always recommend women go to their GPs with print outs of the information needed.
DG x

[sidse]

Well, I had a burning free day yesterday and was so grateful and then today I work up with it again. There does not appear to be a pattern to this and I haven't changed what I am doing. I was going to treat myself to some weak normal tea this morning too.

[Daisydot]

Maybe it's time now sidse to go to gp and ask for that ultrasound investigation at least then you'll know if your bladders hoarding any urine it's not fair you having this and the anxiety is so bad for the bladder.xx

[sidse]

I will see how I am for the rest of the week and then make an appointment. I have had no burning since first thing this morning so am hoping for the best:)

[Shadyglade]

Why don't you make the appointment and cancel it if you don't need it.

[Daisydot]

Don't be scared sidse it's non invasive and it's not even uncomfortable just like having a baby scan done at least it would put your mind at rest.xx

[sidse]

I am not worried about having a scan it is just such a palava getting a GP appointment especially with the one that I like that I just want to make sure that I need it. I feel 80% better with just a slight twinge now and again.

[Drummer girl]

I have been on Vagifem for 15 weeks, I took it every day for 2 weeks and then 3 times a week for 5 weeks, then I was told to up it to 5 times a week. I'm at my wits end because it isn't alleviating the UTI symptoms (the soreness and burning has improved a bit). I have taken on board all the advice on the this forum to do with diet, gels, creams, d-mannose, bicarb, no caffeine etc etc. Can it take months and months to work?

[Taz2]

It's encouraging that the soreness has improved but i feel that the constant feeling of needing to empty your bladder may need investigating. You should ask for a referral to a urinary/continence specialist clinic. Here you will have your bladder function assessed and find out the reason for your discomfort. Bladders come become overactive. Apologies if you've already had these tests done

Taz x

[Katejo]

I have been on Vagifem for 15 weeks, I took it every day for 2 weeks and then 3 times a week for 5 weeks, then I was told to up it to 5 times a week. I'm at my wits end because it isn't alleviating the UTI symptoms (the soreness and burning has improved a bit). I have taken on board all the advice on the this forum to do with diet, gels, creams, d-mannose, bicarb, no caffeine etc etc. Can it take months and months to work?

  Have you had another urine test sent for analysis to see if there is an infection now? I have just started taking Vagifem (3 weeks ago) . You may have seen my other entries about it.

[Drummer girl]

I haven't recently because I was fed up going back and forward and being told no infection. I am also on full HRT (since May) which has been fantastic in eliminating my hot flushes but hasn't helped with the VA.