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[MrsMitch]

Thank you clarifying, Ayesha.  My symptoms were misdiagnosed and therefore untreated for 12+ years so I was really chuffed things were under control back late summer. The thought of being told I do have vulvodynia is really concerning because the gynae didn't successfully treat it (mainly because it was obviously VA) and I don't want to end up in a cycle of appointments simply because I need a little more estradiol for a while.
Well, I've got a week before my appointment so let's see. Unfortunately I'm also treating bv at the moment so rather a lot to shove up there!! I just hope they mix OK.
Again, thank you. It's so helpful to talk to someone else going through the same. 

[Patchsmama]

Today’s update …. I contacted the surgery again to say that I had insufficient Vagifem to use 3 per week as prescribed sbd could I have some more Ovestin to use externally (which hadn’t been prescribed for a year).  The nurse practitioner has now sent a prescription through for Vagifem but I am not allowed to request more until mid-April. Ovestin was not prescribed ….. gahhhhhh!!!!!!

[Ayesha]

What part of the UK are you in, do you have access to a Menopause clinic? If not write to your surgery and quote the relevant recommendations in the BSSM Position Statement:
https://bssm.org.uk/wp-content/uploads/2023/02/GSM-BSSM.pdf

I am just appalled at the negligent treatment you are getting at your surgery, its something I could and would never put up with without a fight!

[Ayesha]

MrsMitch. you have the double whammy of having to cope with another condition, that can't be easy. Do let us know how you get on.

[CLKD]

Patch: Ask that Nurse to buy herself a copy of 'me and my menopausal vagina' ;-).  She is ignorant of what women require to keep this painful condition under control.  Explain that the info in the leaflet in the box is out of date and mayB she could ring Dr Louise Newson for clarification . 

[MrsMitch]

Pachsmama, it would be good if you can see a meno specialist,  but it's usually a long wait, I waited 18 months. But at least you should then be able to get the dose you need and any adjustments made to your treatment.  I'm angry for you because all this is so unnecessary.  If it was any other condition that caused pain, your GP would be chucking just about every medication at you to try and ease your symptoms.

[Patchsmama]

Thanks everyone. I’m in Lincolnshire. I was referred to gynae a year ago but still waiting. I truly think they just don’t care.  . I’ll be sure to send the BMS link next time.

[Ayesha]

Check out your local GUM clinic, a friend and a member here had great results from them.

[SundayGirl]

Patchsmama -- I know it doesn't help in a practical way but I am upset and angry at the way your GP surgery is acting.

If it was any other condition that wasn't being controlled with the prescribed meds, then either the amount would be increased or an alternative would be explored.

Could you get a face to face appointment with your GP and actually stick the information under their nose and make them read it. Then ask them to examine you so they can see exactly what is going on.

Failing that, could you ask around friends/family/Facebook etc for a GP who is more sympathetic to women's issues.

[Ayesha]

You have to be proactive when dealing with medics who don't understand what the effects that GSM has on the body and the fault lies with the fact that not enough women are coming forward or even talking about it but instead live with a condition that can be crippling, how the hell they can do that is beyond me.

It's quoted that 70% of women suffer with symptoms yet only 7% receive treatment and there lies the problem, not enough medics have ever heard of the condition which makes it more difficult for the women that do want treatment. When I was first diagnosed over four years ago not one medic in my very large London surgery had ever heard of GSM (Vaginal Atrophy). I got lucky when on yet another appointment a GP advised me to see his colleague who was a gynaecologist. After an examination she prescribed oestrogen treatment and when it was apparent the two pessaries (Vagifem) a week was not having any effect she told me to use the treatment every day, its what she herself does because its perfectly safe to do so, further on she later prescribed Estriol cream for the outside area.

I am at a new surgery now and again struck lucky with a fabulous nurse who totally agreed with my regime and was very knowledgeable about all things GSM, hopefully that means that things are improving but we must be proactive and be ready to put up a fight when confronted, it happened with a pharmacist recently and I am always ready for the next confrontation of which I have no doubt there will be.   

[CLKD]

Gynaecologist may not know any more than we do about VA !  Get an appt with a dedicated menopause Clinic, there are waiting lists both in the NHS and private sector.

Ring the Gynae. Dept to find out whether in fact, a referral was sent!  Also could U take a sudden appt. should any1 cancel?

Ignorance is no excuse in a Court of Law, this should be so through out the NHS regardless of speciality.

[MrsMitch]

That's so true about gynaes CLKD. I saw one some years back, around 6 years in to VA and she diagnosed and treated me for vulvodynia and of course it didn't work. She got really cross with me for asking if my pain could be caused by menopause and refused to consider it. I'm dreading my GP referring me back to her.
Ayesha: I have to argue with my pharmacist every time I collect estradiol pessaries as she tells me it's above the recommended dose. Each time I tell her the information on the leaflet is outdated but she won't listen.
I hope you get sorted Patchsmama, sounds like you're in for a battle, too.