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[nilsoj]

Hello everyone. I was a young very fit and active 76 year old. I was prescribed vagifem 25 and then 10  about 12years ago for persistent u.t.i.s. All worked well and no problems. Last year I had a complete hysterectomy for endometrial cancer. Grade 1b. I came off vagifem and problems began. I began to experience vaginal soreness which got worse my g.p. gave me a mild steroid . Moisturisers and emollients didn’t work. Finally after 6 months and no one listening I managed to get an appointment at my oncology clinic. Having previously said that she wouldn’t recommend vaginal oestrogen my consultant shocked by what she saw prescribed ovastin. This would help with splits on my vulva that had appeared. She also said I could ask for vagifem. Three months later the vulva had improved in appearance but was still very sore especially at the top of right side of vaginal entrance.I was rub a small bit of ovastin here every as it was trying to close up.I did this and again three months later things didn’t seem much better but she asked me to reduce cream to every other dayor maybe every three days.I have tried but have found it difficult. At this moment I take vagifem 2ce a week and ovastin cream everyday in the morning. I am still very uncomfortable and have a review at clinic on Monday.I said last time that I know many women use vagifem every day . She said no and I am sure she will say the same on Monday. I am desperate as my quality of life has diminished. I find sitting difficult and have stopped doing many of the things I did. I live alone. Apologies for the length of this post.

[CLKD]

Hi you're not alone any more .

OUCH    a steroid on the sensitive areas ........... would they, on their own  parts

Get using that regime for the atrophy as often as required in order to get the splits, soreness and pain under control.  When I feel the need2P I swallow 2 Nurofen 3 times a day to ease the nip as the urine flow stops. Start tonight and continue.  It's such a small amount of active ingredient and Quality of Life is important.  Vagifem internally plus a smear of 'ovestin' or KY jelly on the outer sore places: around the vulva and anywhere else.  MayB get a copy of 'me and my menopausal vagina' from Amazon - written by a Member of this Forum and really useful.  Read and pass to your clnicians ;-).

   aboard.  U don't need to reduce VA treatment - ask her where she gets the idea from, is there any Research to back this up. 

You ramble away.  R U otherwise well?

We talk about everything here, even menopause ;-).  Hobbies, pets, weather, holidays ...... join in

[Penguin]

My GP said a year supply of vagifem is equivalent to one day's average dose of systemic hrt. So I would ask for a second opinion re the risk involved. Quality of life is just as important imo anyway. Is there anyone else you can ask?

[jaypo]

Just to welcome you to the forum and to agree with the other two ladies,vagifem is such a low dose and many women  use it daily. Sometimes it helps if you tell them you have been on this forum and had advice from people who know,sadly some of the medical professionals lag behind on the dos and don'ts of menopause

[nilsoj]

My apologies for the slow reply to your posts.I am still finding my way around the forum!
Thank you so much for your advice and tips. It’s a great help to know that I can share things
CLKD. You asked if I was alright. I am depressed but I take an antidepressant and it is a relief to know I can share lots of info with you on this forum. The tips are really useful and I will look the book up on Amazon
PENGUIN.you asked if I could seek a second opinion. Our menopause clinic is very very busy but I wondered about seeing a menopause specialist at the private hospital. Expensive I know.
Jaypo. I have also been told that the dose of vagifem is very low indeed. I realise that there may be a risk given my medical history but honestly what’s the point if I am not enjoying things now. I will pluck up courage to tell the consultant what I have learned!!
Thank you ladies. I am vey glad I have joined the forum.

[jaypo]

Lovely to have you here nilsoj 

[Songbird]

It is very good to have you with us, nilsoj.  Don't hesitate to post here. There are so many ladies that can offer their own perspective on so many issues. It really is priceless. 

[nilsoj]

Songbird.  Thank you so much for your welcome and support.

[Gnatty]

Maybe you could enquire about having an Estring. This fits inside your vagina and releases a steady supply of oestrogen and my understanding is it really really helps people for whom vagirux etc isn't quite enough. You don't have to put up with this. Do you have finances to enable you to see a private menopause doctor?

[VioletAquarius]

Hi Nilsoj

My GP told me the same as Penguin's
GP, in that a year's dose of vagifem is equivalent to 1 hrt pill, so in comparison it is very very small.

Also only a very small amount gets in to your bloodstream, unlike the pills, and as vagifem is a really small dose anyway the amount that does get in will be minute.