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[CLKD]

 

[MrsMitch]

Well, CLKD, since you've mentioned the subject, I will share a story, I hope it will bring a smile to us menopausal worn ladies!
There was a bit of an out break, if that's the right term, of worms at my infant school. A letter was apparently sent home and all the parents had to dose the children and I seem to remember it was in the form of a powder mixed into a drink. I don't believe I actually had any worms but had to take it as I precaution I suppose. So mum gave it to me one morning. Later that afternoon we were due to go round to the new neighbours who had invited everyone from the road for afternoon tea. There were quite a few children there and I remember all of us being told to sit on the floor because the adults had the chairs. I didn't like it because they didnt have carpet, just polished floorboards.
So I was sitting cross-legged and obviously the wormer was having an effect on my tummy because, and I can remember it to this day, I let out the loudest, longest, uncontrollable fart ever!! Mum said it rattled the windows it was so loud! I think the floor amplified it too! She said the whole room fell silent for what seemed like ages and just as she was about to make her apologies, the hostess turned and scolded her dog and put him in the garden 😆😆
We never did get invited back though 🤭

[MrsMitch]

Well I've been using the Dermovate for Lichen Sclerosis now, but having been told to use it daily for the 1st two weeks, I can't actually use it for more than 3 days before I'm really sore.
I do wonder if I'm being told to treat something I don't actually have. Can anyone shed some light on how this condition should be diagnosed, please? My GP said there is a slight 'pearly' appearance with a bit of a sheen, to my vulva, which us why she decided it was Lichen.

[CLKD]

Sorry I missed that little Gem 

Your GP should refer you to the appropriate Consultant.  Hopefully some1 with the condition will be along with advice.

[Suziemc]

Well I've been using the Dermovate for Lichen Sclerosis now, but having been told to use it daily for the 1st two weeks, I can't actually use it for more than 3 days before I'm really sore.
I do wonder if I'm being told to treat something I don't actually have. Can anyone shed some light on how this condition should be diagnosed, please? My GP said there is a slight 'pearly' appearance with a bit of a sheen, to my vulva, which us why she decided it was Lichen.

Dermovate is one of the more potent steroids that is prescribed for LS, there are less strong ones so it could be worth going back to your GP and ask for Betnovate which is less potent.

A good GP can diagnose by sight, and white pearly patchy are definitely one of the symptoms that some people get, for me intense itching and red 'tramlines' down the labia were my main symptoms.  If you google Dr Jill Krapft she does some great videos on how to effectively use the steroid cream and there is a wealth of information in the FB group for this condition:- https://www.facebook.com/groups/221930761513570/?ref=share

It's a horrible condition but lots of us manage to keep it under control with a maintenance dose of weekly steroid cream once the initial treatment period is completed.

Hope you get yours under control

Suzie

[CLKD]

   Suziemc

[MrsMitch]

Thanks for the information, Suziemc. All my problems seemed to be VA, or so I thought and apart from a flare up a whole ago, that was pretty well controlled. My GP said the whole external area was pale and at the time itching was my only symptom not under control ( but it had been until the VA flare-up).
I will get in touch with her to see if she thinks I'd be better with Betnovate. I have got Locoid that I use off and on for itching which sometimes helps without any soreness. I do wonder if if I need to ask for it to be diagnosed by a specialist maybe. But my worry is that would be a referral back to the gynae I saw for years who misdiagnosed VA and refused to accept my symptoms were menopause related. I really have no confidence in her and I don't think there is anyone else, unfortunately.

[Suziemc]

For your own peace of mind a gynae referral might not be a bad thing, you never know you might get someone different who knows what they are talking about!

In the meantime, try and get a steroid cream that does agree with you as untreated LS can get pretty horrible. I'm very fortunate, mine was 'just' unbearable itching and not being able to tolerate underwear touching my vulva and was quickly addressed by using steroid cream. Now I only do the weekly maintenance regime to try to avoid any more fusing and I can pretty much forget I've got it. Hopefully you'll be the same too.

[MrsMitch]

Again, thank you, Suziemc. My favourite time of day is evening when I'm just in my nighty with no underwear. Interesting to hear you've been similarly affected and that you're treatment works well.

[Jane_w]

Hi Mrs Mitch.. would it perhaps be possible to ask if rather than a general gynae appt your GP might support a referral to a Vulvoscopy clinic if one is available. It's my understanding from my own experience that they are the vulva specialists and can do any further examinations to rule lichen sclerosus in or out. Also, have a look at a company called Dermasilk - they make medical grade silk knickers that are very good (comfortable) for a number of vulval conditions including LS. Might be something to try...

[Borchesterlass]

Mrs Mitch , I was told by my GP in December that I had lichen . She prescribed dermovate . The diagnosis didn’t feel right so I  sought a second opinion via a private gynaecologist. She said there were no signs of lichen just severe atrophy . Not to use the dermovate as it’s a very strong steroid that can thin vaginal walls  further .

[Minicat]

I've had similar worries with VA and the thought of a smear was stressing me out big time, so it’s super reassuring to hear it went smoothly for you without anaesthetic. I’ve also found that a short boost in estradiol can make a big difference pretty fast. Fingers crossed the steroid cream sorts the rest out

[MrsMitch]

Well all thus time in and I'm not convinced it's LS. The steroid cream is too strong and just ends up making me sore. I need to get my GP to refer me back to the meno specialist as I'm bleeding twice a month so I may ask her to investigate this or refer me where necessary. I still think this is just VA because if I use x2 estradiol pessaries when I'm really sore for 3 nights a week and 1 for the other 4 for 2 weeks, things calm down. I think the dermovate has just added problems tbh.

[CLKD]

U know your body.  Sometimes there are popular diagnosis in the medical and veterinary fields  so medics don't investigate further.

Steroids 'down there' are to B avoided if possible. The vagina is too delicate a flower to put up with anything that doesn't help  .  One cannot overdose on VA treatment.  Let us know how you get on.

[MrsMitch]

I agree, CLKD, if I can avoid using steroid cream I will. I know over time it makes already dry delicate skin even thinner and my once blooming flower is now a-kin to dried flowers 😆😆