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[sprush1]

Thanks for your thoughts CLKD.
When I had my Cystoscopy 30 years ago the surgeon said he had stretched my urethra and that there was more room to stretch it further if needs be. That’s the last time I had a UTI so for them to suddenly start again after so long is a puzzle.
I honestly can’t help thinking it’s all to do with VA.
I think what the GP meant about the brain was it would try and ‘reject’ the vaginal oestrogen as I had my menopause 25 years ago. You are right though about so many medics having such differing ideas.

Devon 66 oh my goodness what a lot of horrid side effects. It’s an absolute pain that there isn’t something gentler that could help us.
I’ve heard that if one is of a slight frame and build we are more likely to get side effects. Maybe because there isn’t much of us to absorb the meds?

[Devon66]

I’d like to say I’m slight frame Sprush1, but I eat a phenomenal amount, especially on cycling days. I’m in the right BMI weight bracket for my height, but not a small person.

I’m 65/6 and didn’t use any HRT through menopause. This is my first attempt at it. It could be that starting the oestrogen later in life and post menopause is a bit of a shock to the system I suppose.

Anyway, I’m going to stick with it and hope the side effects lessen with time. As Ayesha pointed out before we’re in control of what we take and when. At least with this vaginal cream I can use less and try leaving it to every three days. I like that flexibility. With trial and error it should work out ok in the end.

I hope your uti gets sorted soon Sprush1. Good luck!

[sprush1]

Devon66. Well it’s maybe not linked to BMI and body size then.
I think too that starting it later in life after so many years post meno ( 25 in my case) could be the reason for us getting side effects. But as you and Ayesha have said, we have control over how we administer the vaginal treatment. I do bear in mind though the thoughts of several medics ( not necessarily in the UK) who think of the terms low and slow and too much too soon ( in relation to the loading dose.) I do hope you soon settle into a routine without the side effects.
Thank you. I’m just hoping my UTI is sorted after I finish the Nitrofurantoin. What do I do if it isn’t? Any one else on here who has been in my situation?

[Devon66]

Just to give you a good news update. That range of horrible side effects from the estriol has gone and my symptoms of VA have eased.
I did one week of administering the estriol every night before changing to every three nights as my GP suggested when I was suffering side effects. At first this wasn’t enough to ease symptoms and didn’t ease the side effects straightaway, but it’s now week 3 and I’m feeling so glad I stuck with it.
A nurse prescribed Epimax a cleansing and moisturising cream which has helped.
By mistake I bought something called vagisil thinking it would be useful but on reading the leaflet I discovered it’s an anaesthetic! So didn’t use it. Not sure when or how that would be useful.
I can enjoy life again - I can walk without the broken glass feeling and have the energy to get back on my bike.
I’m staying on the every three nights for another week or two. It seems to work for me. I’ll try to reduce to the maintenance dose of twice a week but not yet.
Thanks for all your support. It really helped me get through those very hard days.

[CLKD]

Devon66 - I wouldn't drop down any more if your regime is working.  Why risk upsetting the fragile area ......... we can use VA treatments safely every night if necessary. 

[SundayGirl]

Glad you're feeling better Devon66 

By all means try to reduce if you want to but don't worry if symptoms return, just increase your dosage again. It's trial and error initially to get to the correct level and frequency for you. 

[Minusminnie]

I can enjoy life again - I can walk without the broken glass feeling and have the energy to get back on my bike.

Have you got an adapted saddle for your bike one that keeps the vulva area clear ?
Bike riding is not the best thing to do with VA.
I had to give my bike up in the end. I couldn’t get on with the Spongey Wonder saddle I bought.

[Devon66]

Sorry for delay in replying. I didn’t realised had replies.
I thought I was going to have to give up cycling Minusminnie. I’ve got a saddle with a long cut out and I wear Le Col cycling shorts or leggings because they have a padded bit with a deep channel that runs through the middle, so I can sit forward with space for my bits. The saddle I’ve got has been discontinued which is a shame. I’ve tried lots of others and none work for me. I can’t even get hold of it on second hand sites. I do much shorter rides now, but I am aware that my cycling years are numbered.

I think I’ll stick to every three days then CKLD and SundayGirl.

Still feeling good.

[Devon66]

Sorry I got your name wrong CLKD!

[CLKD]

Blame peri - I do - we have a doing stupid things thread somewhere