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[aidansrest]

Hi

I have been regularly using Vagifem now for around 3 months, for terrible VA, bladder issues and managing a (very painful) caruncle.

However, I have been told that 3 times a week is the maximum I can use Vagifem after the initial 2/3 week load.
A gynecologist at the clinic that I have been attending said that if I had to use it more, that something else would be causing the need.

But I have had extensive scans etc...and there is nothing else wrong, I've been passed fit and healthy, apart from 2 fibroids that we found - they were discussed with gynecologist and she thinks that the treatment I am using will not help to regenerate them any more (phew).

I'm just confused as I have read loads of messages on this forum from women using Vagifem every night, or at least 5 times a week - I'm scared that I'll be doing myself harm using it more than recommended by an 'expert.'
As it is, I'm using vagifem every other night, and Ovestin, externally, every night - the VA issues have calmed down, as has bladder, although still get a weird ache in that area, and its uncomfortable lying on my stomach in bed (could be fibroids I guess), but caruncle is really sore.
I have a telephone appointment with urology on Monday morning to discuss bladder and caruncle - I'm hoping that they may agree to remove it as I've a feeling that it is probably irritating bladder too.

Can anyone reassure me that using Vagifem more frequently is safe? Is anyone managing a caruncle?

Thanks
Sue

[aidansrest]

Thanks

I'm back at the Dr's too on Monday (after phonecall) so will ask again.

It's strange, because when I do use it more I do feel generally better, but maybe its a psychological thing too - like a comfort blanket!

Sue

[aidansrest]

Thanks

I've been given patches too - mainly to help mood, which was very low with all the VA issues.

Might try and drop them and just stay with vagifem and ovestin as 'down below' is where my main issues lie!

Sue

[aidansrest]

I will certainly let you know the outcome of my telephone appointment.
Had issues with caruncle now since June.
At times its manageable but at the moment its very sore.
I've only 'viewed, it from the outside so have no idea whether it is open/closed but it does look larger.
I just place Ovestin around outside- hoping it will sink in

[aidansrest]

Hi

Mine definitely not broken through the skin!
Just very painful and sore.
Frustratingly we went on holiday to Greece in September and it was hardly noticeable and now as bad as it was in June.
Will let you know on Monday what happens

Sue

[Gracie]

I have been on Vagifem for about three months and found using 2 tabs a week was not sufficient, phoned doctor and without hesitation she told me to use every day as the dosage is very low. She is a gynaecologist and uses it herself every day.

[aidansrest]

Thank you

I have printed out your reply and will take it to Dr's with me

Sue

[aidansrest]

I certainly will do...I have a list of questions to ask!!

[aidansrest]

Hi Folks
Just an update!

Spoke to urology this morning (telephone appointment), spoke to a really helpful doctor who is going to send out an appointment, hopefully within next few weeks, for a camera inside my bladder and an examination of my urethral caruncle.
He said that if the caruncle has not responded to treatment (topical creams and vagifem) after 6 months of using (which it hasn't), and is still painful and uncomfortable, they will remove it.
He assured me that it is quite a minor operation and I should be in and out within a day - I will feel sore for a few days, but within 2-3 weeks be back to normal.

I just want them to do it!

I also spoke to my own GP re vagifem and ovestin use (showing him some of the posts from this forum), and he has agreed to let me use as often as I want as the dosage is so small.

All in all - a better day!

Sue

[Gracie]

So pleased for you, glad it's all getting sorted!
Thanks for the update and best wishes for a speedy recovery after your op 

[aidansrest]

I hope that it is not too long!

I would ordinarily be nervous about any sort of procedure involving surgery in that area, but feel reassured that it is considered 'minor' and desperate to get some life back.

Thanks to everyone!

Sue

[Lyncola]

Minusminnie may I ask what anal surgery have you had? The reason I asked is I have a fissure since July 2020, and I’m currently seeing a colon rectal surgeon. I’m currently using rectogesic 3 times a day with my finger up my butt for 8 weeks. If that fails Botox, if that fails to heal me then surgery.

I’ve had lots of different surgeries in the past and been told that this surgery to solve my fissure problem will be the worst pain I’ve ever had? Just interested what surgery you had and how bad the pain was?

Thanks

[Lyncola]

Thanks for your reply Minusminnie.

Yes fissure is painful, I’m on three weeks of rectogesi and it hasn’t made any difference yet? Currently my pain is when I poop, the second one in the morning is painful. I’ve read on the internet it’s like pooping out glass, and I would agree with that. Sometimes I fart and it gives me great pain that I have to lie down for five minutes 

If I end up having to do the operation I will put a post up, to see if anyone has had a fissure operation and can tell me how bloody bad this will be.

[aidansrest]

Hi Folks

Just another update.

I've got my appointment for a flexible cystoscopy on the 30th December, so, in the great scheme of things, it's not too long to wait.

Had a fantastic day yesterday, although I did take nurofen, but spent the day Christmas shopping without feeling too bad at all - bladder behaved and cramping/ache was minimal.

However, today, feel rubbish again. Cramping abdominal pain and bladder feels full constantly - sooooooo frustrating! Will I ever feel well again? One of those real 'downer' days.

My sister, who is a year and five days younger than me, is having similar problems (although no caruncle), and is back to see doctor at GUM clinic today as she feels her dosage of Ovestin is not sufficient.

She was told that five applications a week is the maximum really as 'flooding' that area with estrogen may bring on a bleed. Is this right??
I'm currently using vagifem 7 nights a week, trying to keep bladder in check and stop caruncle becoming sore. Could my ache be a 'period pain'?
I'm 59 now and haven't had a period for at least 6 years, but this cramping has got me thinking.

Its all so confusing - until June this year I had sailed through menopause with the greatest of ease, feel so let down by my body!

Sue x
 

[aidansrest]

I know...feel that I dwell on discomfort too much and make it worse!

If I had no caruncle and cramping, and was going to the loo 15 times a day, I wouldn't bat an eyelid, but now I'm so tuned into bladder feeling that it's on my mind constantly.
Trying to 'go' just 6 times a day, probably the wrong thing to do, but that's the 'norm' apparently.

Sue x