Menopause Matters Forum
Menopause Discussion => Other Health Discussion => Topic started by: holidaylover on April 09, 2023, 10:27:06 AM
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Hi ladies, looking for a wee bit advice. I started with a niggling sensation in lower stomach last weekend which kept coming and going for a few days. Not pain, but just the dragging uncomfortable sensation. By Wednesday night/Thursday morning I realised it was a water infection as I started with the pain in my lower back and pelvic area with the frequent urge to pee. I went to my local pharmacy and was prescribed three days of antibiotics (Trimethoprim) which I took along side paracetamol. However, that's my three day dose finished and I still have symptoms. I'm really bloated and tender in the pelvic area and still have lower back ache along with urge to pee. Is there anything anyone can recommend to take that would help, home remedies, etc. as the pharmacy and doctors are both closed for Easter. I'm continually drinking as much fluid as I can. Obviously, we are not supposed to get poorly at Easter! Happy Easter Sunday everyone!
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Sorry to hear you are feeling poorly. Are you sure it is a UTI and not VA? VA mimics UTI's. When I have a UTI, I never find a 3 day dose of antibiotics enough and I tend to need a weeks supply. I would increase the VA treatment just to see if that helps.
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There will always be an emergency chemist open in your area if you google it should tell you where and opening times.
If it gets too bad try a Urgent Walk in Centre.
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I've found a chemist that is open tomorrow so will pop down in the morning. Flossie, I am just assuming its a water infection. I've had one before, a long time ago, so just assumed it was the same again. I've no VA treatment left, as I handed my request for prescription in last week and was told by the receptionist I needed to wait a week for it. It's not sore to pee, I've no burning, just the heavy full feeling in pelvis with urge to pee. I'm a wee bit annoyed with the pharmacist for only giving me three days when they knew they would be closed until Tuesday.
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How annoying you have to wait a week for your VA treatment when it is so vital. I hope you get it soon. I can see why you are annoyed as 3 days antibiotics rarely seems enough to kill an infection. I hope you can rest today.
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Well I'm off out for a lunch with family, just popped two more paracetamol, so shall just hope for the best til tomorrow!
I'm finished the antibiotics so may have a wee vino! Might lessen the pain. :-\ Hope we're seated near the toilet!!
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Enjoy your lunch. :)
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Thank you Flossie, we had a lovely lunch. Had two glasses of rose which I think numbed the pain for a bit. Home now, going to take another couple of paracetamol as I'm getting sore again. Sitting with pint of water and sipping a camomile tea. Gosh, life is exciting!!
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It does sound like an infection.
I rarely run out of VA treatment. On an 'in case' basis ......... when I get the need2P I swallow 2 Nurofen 3 times a day to ease symptoms.
I would speak to the Practice manager to find out why you had to wait for such important medication. U can buy over the internet if necessary or Boots now sell a product which is for women over 50 who haven't had a bleed for 12 months ::). No restrictions there then >:(
5-7 days AB treatment is required to treat urnine infections for which a fresh sample should be sent to a Lab for growing. However, with the backlog in the NHS who knows >:( ::)
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Thanks ladies, slightly better this morning, still a bit back ache but not quite as much urge to pee. I'm taking paracetamol and will wait til morning and if no better will return to the pharmacy I used on Thursday. The pharmacy that is open today is a good 40 minute walk away and I really don't feel like it when I think I can survive another day!
CLKD, I didn't think ibuprofen was the best for a water infection although I may be wrong. Something to do with causing upper uti's or the likes.
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Any info in the leaflet in the box? Why would any form of pain relief product cause UTIs? The bug travels on its own, by bad hygiene - unless the pain relief is inserted near the urethra, I can't see that there is a possibility.
Hopefully you will be able to get treatment tomorrow.
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Well, I had to return to doctors last Wednesday as infection wasn't getting any better. He gave me a 7 day course. Trimethoprim again. Its Monday now and I am still suffering. There are times in the day when I feel it is clearing and then it actually gets worse after I have taken my morning tablet for some reason. Paracetamol eases the pain. The antibiotics are seemingly doing nothing, except make me feel rather fuzzy headed in the morning. I actually felt like I had a hangover on Saturday morning after glugging 2 glasses of alcohol free wine! The doctor said if my symptoms hadn't improved after the course was done I should hand a water sample in. I'm concerned though, as that would mean I may have to wait a couple of days before I get any more treatment. Has anyone else found that Trimethoprim didn't work for them? Should I have more of the same or do you think I need another type of antibiotic? I'm away at the weekend and could really do with this gone. What is worrying me is that I felt the infection niggling on the Sunday/Monday without realising what it was and then I had a cervical smear on the Tuesday which I found extremely sore due to my internal dryness. I'm now a wee bit concerned that this could have made the infection worse.
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Well, I had to return to doctors last Wednesday as infection wasn't getting any better. He gave me a 7 day course. Trimethoprim again. Its Monday now and I am still suffering. There are times in the day when I feel it is clearing and then it actually gets worse after I have taken my morning tablet for some reason. Paracetamol eases the pain. The antibiotics are seemingly doing nothing, except make me feel rather fuzzy headed in the morning. I actually felt like I had a hangover on Saturday morning after glugging 2 glasses of alcohol free wine! The doctor said if my symptoms hadn't improved after the course was done I should hand a water sample in. I'm concerned though, as that would mean I may have to wait a couple of days before I get any more treatment. Has anyone else found that Trimethoprim didn't work for them? Should I have more of the same or do you think I need another type of antibiotic? I'm away at the weekend and could really do with this gone. What is worrying me is that I felt the infection niggling on the Sunday/Monday without realising what it was and then I had a cervical smear on the Tuesday which I found extremely sore due to my internal dryness. I'm now a wee bit concerned that this could have made the infection worse.
I have found taking a course of 3 days has never helped me and I always need 7 days of antibiotics. I often find it takes the full course before I see any improvements too. I can understand you are wondering if a different antibiotic may help as this has not shifted it so far. It could be you will feel better after this round. Having the smear test is likely to have made the pain worse for you.
Are you keeping up with vaginal moisturiser and VA treatment? I am sorry to hear you are still in pain. UTI's are really horrible.
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A water sample needs to be sent to a Lab for growing. Sometimes infections may become embedded :-\
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Yes, I'm going to have to pop down to the surgery to collect a sample bottle. This has been going on for nearly two weeks now. Three days of Trimethoprim, a gap of three days due to Easter holidays, and now I'm on day 6 of the next lot. I only have enough to last until tomorrow night and at this point I don't feel any better, in fact, I feel worse! I've got the urge to pee more today and am really sore, plus headachy. I haven't been using the Ovestin, as I only got my prescription at the end of the week, after running out and didn't know if I should use it or not. Does the Ovestin actually help with a UTI. I was scared it made it worse.
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When I have had UTIs I use Ovestin along with it as UTI's as they cause se my VA to flare. I think it is an individual choice. Sounds like you need to get a sample tested so you can be prescribed the right antibiotics. I hope they do it as soon as possible for you.
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Thanks Flossie, I'll start on the Ovestin again and hand a sample in tomorrow. Paracetamol not really helping today either. I flipping hate taking tablets!!!
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Thanks Flossie, I'll start on the Ovestin again and hand a sample in tomorrow. Paracetamol not really helping today either. I flipping hate taking tablets!!!
I really am sorry to hear you are so poorly. I hope the Ovestin helps a little while you get the right antibiotics.
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MayB ring a pharmacist to find out how to take pain relief and which is appropriate? I could take a bottle of Paracetamol, it would kill me but doesn't relieve pain.
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Well I popped into the surgery to pick up a sample bottle and asked when it needed handed in in the morning. The receptionist's attitude is, I assume, why people are choosing to go direct to A and E. "I'm sorry but we cannot accept samples unless we are instructed by a doctor". I explained that the doctor had asked me last week to hand one in if I was no better and I also explained that my symptoms were getting worse, which I found highly embarrassing as there was a queue of people behind me waiting and I got a bit flustered. I actually felt like bursting into tears. We shouldn't have to discuss things like this in front of others. I thought they would test a sample there and then when I handed it in in the morning, but it has to been in before 11.30 and that is the time samples get sent off to our local hospital 20 miles away. It'll be another week before I get results then. Said receptionist more of less shrugged her shoulders and didn't offer any advice at all, so I will have to phone down first thing in the morning (hopefully getting another receptionist) and ask for an emergency appointment. The appointment last week was an emergency one too made by the pharmacist. I am beyond fuming!!!! Rant over!
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Why receptionists think that they have the right to discuss personal information .......... why couldn't she check your notes etc.? Or ask you to sit whilst she asked the correct questions.
Testing samples in the GP Surgery don't tell us much, it has to be 'grown' in a lab to get the correct AB treatment.
Pity you weren't ready for her so that you could have asked to speak to a Nurse Practitioner! How far is the surgery from where you live, I would be tempted to be on the doorstep in the morning!
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CLKD, My finger will be poised on the phone in the morning and I really will have to demand an appointment. It's truly shocking when we know our own bodies, that who or when we see someone is down to the discretion of a receptionist. They cannot surely just ignore and not see someone who has been and still is showing signs of a UTI after more than a week of antibiotics. I actually find it shocking and I am getting very cross. I feel bloody awful so I'm going to lay it on thick tomorrow. Receptionists with absolutely no empathy should not be working in a doctors surgery. I get treated better by the staff in my local Sainsburys.
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Waitrose staff too!
Apparently the receptionists at our Surgery have undergone other training :-\. Let us know how you get on, will U need to set an alarm clock?
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Other training CLKD? What for? Manners, First Aid, Diplomacy, Pyschic powers? Crash course on 'Become a doctor in a week'? ;)
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Pretty much. Apparently ::)
R U through yet?
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Other training CLKD? What for? Manners, First Aid, Diplomacy, Pyschic powers? Crash course on 'Become a doctor in a week'? ;)
We have to discuss all our symptoms over the phone with the Receptionists, they are the ones who then decide who we see, doctor, nurse, nobody. This has been the case since Covid and it's not working. They are acting triage nurses but without the training and from what I can gather from the reviews of all 3 surgeries in my area, this is now the norm and also not working at the other surgeries too. I was given a telephone consultation last week but after talking to the doctor he wanted me to come in to see me, so really I took two appointments. The doctors are good at our surgery if and when you actually get in to see one. I'm not sure how this has happened, we still have the same amount of doctors and sfaff there and the population hasn't grown in my area so why??? Before this system was intrduced I just went online choose the time and doctor I wanted to see on the same day.
I was surprised I had to put a mask on too, didn't mind but didn't realise this was still an issue.
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I got through to the surgery this morning and have already handed my water sample in. My appointment later today is with the practice nurse!! So we'll see where that leads. Still sore today with the constant urge to pee, so I'm not prepared to come home empty handed. Dierdre, its still facemasks here too, although I don't wear one as they cause me anxiety and make me feel panicky, so I say I'm exempt (which is true). I have been a few times with family members to our local hospital and never was once asked to put a mask on. Nobody bothered, and at an other surgery where I live they have signs up saying you don't have to wear one if exempt. At my surgery however, they demand you put one on as soon as you go through the door. My friend went last week and she said she had anxiety but the doctor insisted she wore one. Absolutely ridiculous. I could even see the point if the waiting room was ever busy but sometimes I can be the only one in. Wish me luck!!!
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Patients have to wear masks, receptionists not :(. If I put mine on the GP puts one on.
There is a triage system but as I know who I need to see and why, I ask directly. Putting my stern face on ;-)
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My doctor told me to make another appointment in 4 weeks on a Monday so I can see him. I said that might be a problem getting through for that day and he told me to ring 2 weeks before and tell them he said to make it. Will be interesting if that works
CLKD, they can't see my stern face through the phone ;D
Good luck holidaylover, you might do better with the nurse!
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Don't you have a stern voice to go with the stern face :D
We can book well ahead via e-mail services, however - their system won't accept e-mails from mine. ???
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Well my water sample shows no signs of infection with the dipstick test but shows traces of blood. I have had this before (not during an infection) and was investigated by camera into bladder and all was well and told its quite common for women of an age to have this. So my sample is being sent off to the lab and results will be back hopefully at the end of the week, then I have to hand another sample in on Monday. The nurse I saw said it may be that my V/A is causing this and that the smear test I had a couple of weeks ago may have made the pain in my bladder worse. She prescribed me another lot of antibiotics, Nitrofurantoin this time. I felt a bit better last night, but I'm sore again this morning. I'm a bit puzzled though, because surely the Nitrofurantoin wont make any difference if there is not a bacterial infection. She also advised me to always have sachets of cystitis relief to hand and to take at the first inkling so I picked some of these up, although I don't think this is cystitis as its not sore when I pee. Therefore, if it is not an infection I am no further forward really as how to calm my inflamed bladder. I suppose if it is an infection, but not one that has been picked up by dipstick , I am best to continue on with the antibiotics and see if that makes a difference. PS. I didn't wear my facemask and nobody said anything to me, but when I arrived, the receptionist who was sitting at her desk maskless, got up and came over to me putting her mask back on, before she spoke to me from behind a glass screen!! Only one person in the waiting room whilst I was there, and I sat for 15 minutes before being taken. The other person was seen to by a nurse too. No doctors to be seen anywhere.
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Hi Holidaylover,
just to say, I recently had a water infection and had all the usual symptoms apart from the stinging sensation when peeing. At first, i didn't think it was cystitis too because of that but i was prescribed Nitrofurantoin and it has all cleared up.
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Hi HelloSam666, I've just taken my first Nitrofurantoin so I'm praying it works.
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If there's no infection when you get your results then I think you need to up your VA medication. Are you using it everynight? As you had a week without it, after the trauma of the smear and your urethra probably irritated, it's not surprising you're suffering. VA can mimic bladder problems which is why we get so many negative UTI results and also blood in urine, I think the nurse is spot on.
I've had a very stressful couple of weeks resulting in a flare up again so I've doubled up my vagifem for a few days as I was starting to need the loo during the night and having to rush to the loo urgently during the day as soon as I felt my bladder filling as I couldn't wait.
GSM, Genital Syndrome of the Menopause, not just dryness but includes all sorts of problems caused by lack of oestrogen including bladder, prolapse, atrophy, shrinkage and lichens sclerosus to name a few. I've had all of the above.
Could you ask for Vagifem as well as Ovestin, I need both and still sometimes struggle.
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That's a thought to ask for both Dierdre. I haven't used my Ovestin for a couple of weeks as I ran out and had to wait for prescription. Because of the way I have been feeling I haven't been using it again but realise now I should have been. I am starting again with a two week/every night regime to get it into my system again. Hopefully that might work. If not better I will ask for Vagifem too. Thanks.
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Testing urine with a dipstick is very outdated as it needs to be sent to a lab which can take a week as they test for bacteria growth.
It is good you are going to increase the Ovestin. If I do not use it daily then I get UTI symptoms too. I suspect running out caused you to have a bad flare. I really hope it gets better soon.
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Most dip stick tests will show blood.
If ABs aren't required, it's not correct for a GP to continue prescribing. Occasionally an infection can become embedded so a GP should be referring you.
Get on with the VA treatment: 1 now and another this evening for as many nights as is required to get symptoms under control.
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It is so reassuring reading these threads. I’ve posted as a newbie this week about blood in urine ( microscopic) found in a sample and a follow up sample. Urine culture sent to lab which showed no infection . GP never mentioned VA to me and I’m post meno aged 64! I’ve been reading about VA since joining this forum and I realise I do get a lot of symptoms such as itching, dryness, slight small pale blood spots after sex sometimes and I cannot hold my pee at all.
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It is so reassuring reading these threads. I’ve posted as a newbie this week about blood in urine ( microscopic) found in a sample and a follow up sample. Urine culture sent to lab which showed no infection . GP never mentioned VA to me and I’m post meno aged 64! I’ve been reading about VA since joining this forum and I realise I do get a lot of symptoms such as itching, dryness, slight small pale blood spots after sex sometimes and I cannot hold my pee at all.
Sorry to hear this Joanies. I had the same symptoms and only found out about VA from the forum.
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Did you have blood in urine too???
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Did you have blood in urine too???
When I did the sample I saw red bits but when tested, blood was not mentioned.
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Well ladies, the pain aint getting any better at all! Has anybody had bother from a fibroid or cyst with similar symptoms? Just thinking what else it possibly could be. Paracetamol is not making any difference along with the nitrofuratoin. I'm so worried now that if it is an infection and it's not getting any better it's going to spread to my kidneys. Cue health anxiety!!
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Hi Holidaylover, i had lower back pain with the UTI and used Solpadeine Max, that worked really well and after a day of that along with the antibiotic it disappeared. Worth a go if you still have the pain. Sam
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Thanks Sam. I changed to iboprufen, as opposed to paracetamol last night along with the antibiotic and felt a bit better. Mild improvement today, still have the urge to pee but pain isn't as bad as yesterday. I have just had the test result back from surgery, and my urine was clear! So, I don't know what's causing my symptoms. I shall take my ovestin daily again. I have to continue on with the rest of my tablets and call back at the beginning of next week if no better! (This is the advice from a doctor's receptionist!). Not totally convinced about continuing with an antibiotic when there is no infection.
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Was this a lab result? If you can tolerate it continue with the AB. It will ease the VA symptoms, although won't make a difference to the lack of oestrogen.
Also, up the VA treatment. Paracetamol doesn't work for me, 'nurofen' is my go-too. Anything stronger and I'm on the floor :sick02:
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I would definately up your Ovestin, it sounds like lack of oestrogen is the problem if the results are clear.
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That's a thought to ask for both Dierdre. I haven't used my Ovestin for a couple of weeks as I ran out and had to wait for prescription. Because of the way I have been feeling I haven't been using it again but realise now I should have been. I am starting again with a two week/every night regime to get it into my system again. Hopefully that might work. If not better I will ask for Vagifem too. Thanks.
Just wanted to say that I’ve recently been through exactly the same.
Feeling as though I had a uti and blood on tissue. Sample sent straight to drs surgery and dipstick only showed blood. Nurse called and said with the symptoms and blood in urine likely to be uti so 3 days of nitrofurantoin prescribed and told to give another sample a week after. Did this and still only showed microscopic blood on dipstick test. Another call from nurse who said I likely needed a longer dose of AB’s so prescribed 5 days of the same and sending sample to lab. Told that if the next sample showed blood then a trip to gp needed. A week later gp called and said he was referring me within the 2wk frame as only blood showed up in lab. Serious health anxiety and a 3 week wait for appointment, I was given a kidney and bladder scan then a cystoscopy. Both were completely normal. The consultant doing the cystoscopy was lovely and reassured me nothing abnormal was seen and urine sample given was completely clear. No blood. She suggested the problem was indeed either a uti that hadn’t shown up or a burst blood vessel. As an older woman she also suffered atrophy and advised to continue with the ovestin. I had lapsed with using it with everything going on in my life at the time, but after posting on here when going through this uti? problem I had started using it again. Thankfully the symptoms have now gone but has taken a while. I hope your symptoms have now subsided too. Keep using the ovestin as advised. X
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I've just sent a sample to the doctors for testing as still having bladder problems, frequency and aching when the bladder fills up. Results were all clear so it must be a bad VA flare up. Been using 2 Vagifem a night for 4 nights now and things are improving but slowly.
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I've just sent a sample to the doctors for testing as still having bladder problems, frequency and aching when the bladder fills up. Results were all clear so it must be a bad VA flare up. Been using 2 Vagifem a night for 4 nights now and things are improving but slowly.
I do not think DRs appreciate how severe VA can be. If only they understood and suggested people use extra VA treatment rather then give them antibiotics. I really hope the flare up goes soon and you feel better.
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Pip16, and Diedre, you sound the exact same as me. I'm on my last day of antibiotics now (even though no infection was detected) and I have also been upping the Ovestin. Still suffering though! Very sore in the pelvic area (almost behind my cesarean scar) and lower back. Feeling the constant pressure in the bladder and even when I have just been to the loo, the urge to go again is there. When I do go I feel my urine is just dribbling out. Its sole destroying, we had things on over the weekend and I feel like I am spoiling things for others now with the constant need to be near a loo. Don't really know what to do next.
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Pip16, and Diedre, you sound the exact same as me. I'm on my last day of antibiotics now (even though no infection was detected) and I have also been upping the Ovestin. Still suffering though! Very sore in the pelvic area (almost behind my cesarean scar) and lower back. Feeling the constant pressure in the bladder and even when I have just been to the loo, the urge to go again is there. When I do go I feel my urine is just dribbling out. Its sole destroying, we had things on over the weekend and I feel like I am spoiling things for others now with the constant need to be near a loo. Don't really know what to do next.
So sorry to hear you are still feeling poorly Holidaylover. How long have you been using Ovestin daily for?
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Please do not blame yourself for needing the loo a lot. You really cannot help it.
I am not sure if this is of any help but with VA it can take a while to feel improvements. Some people are fortunate and feel better after a few months but others do take longer.
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The more I worry about it the worse it feels, it's catch 22. If I'm distracted I don't notice the aching so much and I'm beginning to wonder if its psychological.
I just want to be back to normal, why do these flare ups come on so quickly with no warning but take weeks to put right?
Can you ask for Vagifem as well holidaylover, the different estrogens might target different receptors and increase the healing.
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The more I worry about it the worse it feels, it's catch 22. If I'm distracted I don't notice the aching so much and I'm beginning to wonder if its psychological.
I just want to be back to normal, why do these flare ups come on so quiclky with no warning but take weeks to put right?
Can you ask for Vagifem as well holidaylover, the different estrogens might target different receptors and increase the healing.
I get flares when I am stressed, anxious, run down or ill. It does seem to take a while for the flares to calm down.
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I need the loo the moment I hit the motorway >:(.
holidaylover - how often are U using the 'ovestin'? When I get a niggle around the belly button area, I put a dose up in the afternoon, swallow 2 Nurofen every 3 hours and another dose at night for as long as it takes to ease symptoms. Usually about 3 days.
How much are you drinking, if we don't keep liquid intake up, the kidneys will work more ........ could you have a prolapse which is impacting on the urethra?
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Oh God, CLKD, don't stress me even more.... ;) (Hurries to Google Prolapse)!! Would I not be leaking a bit if I had a prolapse? I'm taking the Ovestin every night at the moment, but I wonder if I'm not inserting high enough. How high is high enough?! Dierdre, I also don't notice it as much whilst moving around. It most definately is worst whilst sitting idle. If I lean forward whilst sitting I can feel the pressure. Just so tender as well when I press on my lower pelvis, pubic area. Ibuprofen definately dulls the pain. I'm sick of phoning down to the surgery and having to go through the whole explanation to a different receptionist every time, then seeing a different doctor or nurse each time and having to explain everything to them again too. Its exhausting. CLKD, I have a drink of water to hand all the time. I am worried the nurse has 'done something' whilst giving me my smear test. It seemed to take forever and I found it very sore, but put this down to my V/A at the time. Is this possible? Smear result was fine. I've never experienced 'a flare' before, and haven't had a UTI for years. My V/A problem is totally internal (extremely dry and razor blade like) and to be honest the Ovestin really hasnt made any difference.
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Ovestin is delivered by applicator so pushing it inside as far as is comfy is how I treat VA. As well as a little around the outer labia. Not all prolapse causes leakage ;-).
I would add a dose this afternoon - lay down for 10 mins after - then another dose this evening. Continue and with the Ibuprofen. U may need 'vagifem' instead, same product; delivered differently. With ovestin or KY Jelly/Sylc/Yes on the outer area.
I doubt if there has been damage internally, though there may be additional soreness if you were already dry, did the Nurse make any comment?
This will improve. Keep up with treatment.
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CLKD, Yes the nurse commented on the lack of moisture whilst doing the smear but I had made her aware of the V/A at the start of the appointment. She tried two different sizes of speculum and seemed to struggle. I lay for what seemed like an eternity during the procedure and it was painful. I had a tilted uterus during childbirth which resulted in me having two emergency cesareans so dont know it this is part of the problem. My symptoms are definately worse since the smear. I just assumed that because I had felt a little uncomfortable for a couple of days before the smear that it was a water infection working on me. I dont know if I should go back to the surgery now or wait it out for a wee while to see if it eventually settles. I am a bit apprehensive in case I need an internal examination which I dont think I could cope with.
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I have to say again: GPs are over prescribiong ABs >:( :bang: :bang: :bang: :bang: - a urine infection cannot be diagnosed by a dip-stick. A sample has to be sent to a Lab to be "grown' so that the correct AB is given. Usually for 7 days.
PIP 16 your practice were slow on the uptake! Blood is a common sight in samples, usually due to small burst vessels or vaginal atrophy. VA treatment will help.
holidaylover - a 'wee while' ;-). If U are concerned then have a chat with a Nurse Practitioner. It may be that there is a small bruised area which is contributing to those feelings. Also, no one has to agree to an examination of any sort: this is our body and we are entitled to say 'no, I'm here for a discussion with regard my recent symptoms'.
If Nurses have difficulty taking a smear test they should STOP! A yell of 'ouch' next time Girls, until we begin to make it clear that these intrusive exams are painful.
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Bladder feeling alot better today. I changed tactics yesterday and applied Ovestin internally, as far up as possible and spread all around the bladder and urethra. Did this afternoon and again at night. Used one vaigfem also last night high as possible. Been having pelvic cramps after inserting 2 vagifem so maybe a bit too much, I had this years ago when I first used it on the loading dose but not since. Maybe just needed a change of estrogen to target differnt receptors or the vagifem had finally kicked in. Still feeling a bit crampy but better than it has been.
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Some report cramps when using vagifem initially. At least you feel better! Well done.
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Bladder feeling alot better today. I changed tactics yesterday and applied Ovestin internally, as far up as possible and spread all around the bladder and urethra. Did this afternoon and again at night. Used one vaigfem also last night high as possible. Been having pelvic cramps after inserting 2 vagifem so maybe a bit too much, I had this years ago when I first used it on the loading dose but not since. Maybe just needed a change of estrogen to target differnt receptors or the vagifem had finally kicked in. Still feeling a bit crampy but better than it has been.
It is so good to hear you are feeling an improvement. :)
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Still struggling with this flare up!
Been trying to think what I've done in the last few weeks differently to have caused this and the only thing I can think of is Benecol. Ive been drinking the little milk yoghurt plant sterols every day to lower my cholesterol so googled any side effects. None known but I found a paper about plant sterols attatching to estrogen receptors and blocking estrogen in breast cancer cells. Could this be why, because my meds are being block by plant sterols attaching on receptors a and b stopping the estrogen absorbing.
I read something similar years ago regarding soy products attaching to receptors and reducing HRT medication as it could not get onto the receptors as well.
All very technical but it would make sense the way I feel now as if I've not taken any medication for weeks and I feel how I did years ago when I was struggling on 2 vagifem per week.
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Still struggling with this flare up!
Been trying to think what I've done in the last few weeks differently to have caused this and the only thing I can think of is Benecol. Ive been drinking the little milk yoghurt plant sterols every day to lower my cholesterol so googled any side effects. None known but I found a paper about plant sterols attatching to estrogen receptors and blocking estrogen in breast cancer cells. Could this be why, because my meds are being block by plant sterols attaching on receptors a and b stopping the estrogen absorbing.
I read something similar years ago regarding soy products attaching to receptors and reducing HRT medication as it could not get onto the receptors as well.
All very technical but it would make sense the way I feel now as if I've not taken any medication for weeks and I feel how I did years ago when I was strughling on 2 vagifem per week.
Perhaps you can find out by not drinking any benecol and seeing how you feel? I am sorry you are having such a horrid flare.
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Hello Deirdre
That is interesting what you say about Benecol. I too am having a flare up and have been drinking a Benecol yoghurt daily for the last 6 weeks or so to help with my cholesterol. I think I’ll stop drinking them once I have run out (just got 2 left) and see what happens. I was thinking of taking a capsule of plant sterols instead of the Benecol, as they are so expensive, but maybe I’ll delay that for now and see what happens. What a choice - a flare up or high cholesterol! I also suffer with prolapse and lichen sclerosus as well as the VA and at present am not sure what is going on. I have upped my vagifem, ovestin and dermovate but it hasn’t really helped.
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Hello ladies.
I haven't had a UTI and I don't use anything for VA but the comment about plant sterols and soy products rang a bell.
From what I can remember plants do contain phytoestrogens but they do not present a problem for anyone taking HRT. It is also okay to take soy food even with Oestrogen receptive breast cancer. I also read something about soy being protective against breast cancer.
I can't recall the details and of course I may have misunderstood the above but I thought it was worth a mention.
Take care ladies.
K.
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Hello Deirdre
That is interesting what you say about Benecol. I too am having a flare up and have been drinking a Benecol yoghurt daily for the last 6 weeks or so to help with my cholesterol. I think I’ll stop drinking them once I have run out (just got 2 left) and see what happens. I was thinking of taking a capsule of plant sterols instead of the Benecol, as they are so expensive, but maybe I’ll delay that for now and see what happens. What a choice - a flare up or high cholesterol! I also suffer with prolapse and lichen sclerosus as well as the VA and at present am not sure what is going on. I have upped my vagifem, ovestin and dermovate but it hasn’t really helped.
I've upped everything this last few weeks, Vagifem, Ovestin and Dermovate but nothing seems to have any effect. I'm not taking any more Benecol, even though it has helped with reducing my cholesterol, until I know it's not the cause of this massive reversal of everything I've managed to achieve over the years in maintaining my atrophy. I feel so down now as it's like I'm back to where I was years ago and even struggling to sit comfortably.
If it's a choice I will be stopping the Benecol.
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Yes, it’s all so miserable, and stressful too, trying to think what you may have/have not done to cause a flare up. Definitely, if I think the Benecol may have contributed I will be stopping it too. I would be interested to know what your thoughts are once you have stopped it for a while.
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Not sure how long these things take to get out your system, probably wont see any improvement until then. Will keep you updated and please let us know when you notice an improvement.
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I will do.
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'benocol' won't stay in the system for long, as it's mainly water.
How does it feel today?
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No change yet, 3 days now since I had the last Benecol. Taking 2 Vagifem a day now, Ovestin externally and Dermovate on the labia as so sore and now adding YES WB inside and out. 🤞
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It's a bit long winded this ::) ........... :tulips2:
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I'm still suffering too with my symptoms. I'm using the Ovestin daily but don't think its doing anything. I seem to have a couple of better days when I think I'm over it then the pain in my bladder and back starts again. Haven't got such an urge to pee all the time but just feel uncomfortable in my pelvic area. I dont take Benecol but I do take a Yakult every morning. Dont think they are the same thing though. I am worried there has been damage done when I had my smear to be honest. Hope everyone is feeling a bit better today.
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holidaylover - go along to your Nurse Practitioner ASAP and have a discussion? Worry/stress may increase VA symptoms. Ovestin may not be the treatment on its own, how far 'up' are you able to insert the applicator? Perhaps 'vagifem' internally with 'ovestin' for the outer regions as well as pain relief to ease any associated pain might work.
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I hate using the Ovestin, to be truthful, I find myself tensing up. I'm not sure how high I'm supposed to go with the applicator, but I do it as far as I feel comfortable. I am noticing that I feel a bit itchy once I have used it, don't know if that's a side effect. That wears off though after a while. I'm actually not sure now if the pains I have are to do with my bladder anymore, feels a little bit like period type pain at times.
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I certainly know what feels like period pains, even after all these years without a bleed. I had pain++ : excruciating for many years. Occasionally I get the feelings and think "Oh not after all this time!" , the pains go once I get moving.
I pop a little KY Jelly up and around the labia if it feels itchy, some find that putting ovestin on the outer applicator helps ease it into the vagina. Itchiness is due to dryness. Why do you 'hate using' something that should improve VA :-\.
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I hate using the Ovestin, to be truthful, I find myself tensing up. I'm not sure how high I'm supposed to go with the applicator, but I do it as far as I feel comfortable. I am noticing that I feel a bit itchy once I have used it, don't know if that's a side effect. That wears off though after a while. I'm actually not sure now if the pains I have are to do with my bladder anymore, feels a little bit like period type pain at times.
I don't use an applicator for Ovestin, just apply with a clean finger around the urethra, bladder wall and externally. I insert Vagifem about half way up, not near the cervix as I can feel irritation if I go there, feels like burning and sometimes cramp just below my belly button. The cervix is very sensitive.
I also apply Bepanthen cream externally on top of the Ovestin as this stops the itching and stinging I get ftom Ovestin.
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Yes, it’s all so miserable, and stressful too, trying to think what you may have/have not done to cause a flare up. Definitely, if I think the Benecol may have contributed I will be stopping it too. I would be interested to know what your thoughts are once you have stopped it for a while.
It's been 5 days without the Benecol and starting to feel more comfotable today. Bladder not so aching when filling and soreness and burning getting better. Just on 1 Vagifem a day now and Ovestin at night. Using Dermovate still for a couple more weeks as prescibed after flare up in case it was Lichens that had flared up as well.
Going to have to find another way of reducing cholesterol with diet and much more exercise as I don't want to take Statins. Need to control my stress and anxiety levels as that also is a major factor.
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Tnx for the update: DH went the diet route, I took statins as soon as suggested. No side effects other than the raised blood sugar levels! He takes statins too.
When is your next cholesterol blood test? Let us know how you get on.
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I hate using the Ovestin, to be truthful, I find myself tensing up. I'm not sure how high I'm supposed to go with the applicator, but I do it as far as I feel comfortable. I am noticing that I feel a bit itchy once I have used it, don't know if that's a side effect. That wears off though after a while. I'm actually not sure now if the pains I have are to do with my bladder anymore, feels a little bit like period type pain at times.
When you use the applicator do you apply vaginal moisturiser? I find it helps it to glide in. I can understand you feeling tense. Perhaps it could help to take some deep breaths before.
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I find that after a couple of days use, symptoms are relieved so the applicator is easier to insert.
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Tnx for the update: DH went the diet route, I took statins as soon as suggested. No side effects other than the raised blood sugar levels! He takes statins too.
When is your next cholesterol blood test? Let us know how you get on.
Got a follow up appointmet with the nurse in a couple of weeks but as it has gone down from 6.9 to 6.2 it's going the right way. Will continue with more exercise and diet for now, statins will be last resort.
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I too am beginning to feel more comfortable and am down to using one vagifem at night, ovestin externally in the morning and, like you Deirdre, using the dermovate daily in case it was a lichen sclerosus flare up. It does seem coincidental that we have both had a flare up while using Benecol so I am not going to use it for a while. I may reintroduce it, or plant sterols in tablet form, once things have calmed down to see if it was the plant sterols in the Benecol which made me have a flare up. I am having a further blood test in a fortnight for my cholesterol and blood sugar levels, so I will wait and see what my cholesterol level is then before I decide. I was pre-diabetic and managed to get myself back to normal blood sugar levels through diet and exercise, so I really don’t want to go on statins either as they may increase my blood sugar levels again, plus any other side effects.
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Same here Haydo, feel happier doing it naturally and probably be healthier in other areas too. Taking vitD again also, I'd stopped a few weeks ago while in Lanzarote and hadn't bothered since back but might not be getting enough from the sun yet.
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I believe that plant-based food stuffs can alter oestrogen levels :-\
Haydo - were you told about the statins = raised blood sugar levels and if so, by whom?
Glad things are improving. I wouldn't reintroduce Benecol in case of further reactions.
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CLKD - My GP told me that statins could raise blood sugar levels, and, as my blood sugar levels have been in the prediabetic range before, that if I could avoid them it would be best if I could do so. Evidently statins can stop your insulin from doing its job properly.
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Tnx. We weren't warned at all about blood sugar, but encouraged to take statins ......... >:( ::)
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I too am beginning to feel more comfortable and am down to using one vagifem at night, ovestin externally in the morning and, like you Deirdre, using the dermovate daily in case it was a lichen sclerosus flare up. It does seem coincidental that we have both had a flare up while using Benecol so I am not going to use it for a while. I may reintroduce it, or plant sterols in tablet form, once things have calmed down to see if it was the plant sterols in the Benecol which made me have a flare up. I am having a further blood test in a fortnight for my cholesterol and blood sugar levels, so I will wait and see what my cholesterol level is then before I decide. I was pre-diabetic and managed to get myself back to normal blood sugar levels through diet and exercise, so I really don’t want to go on statins either as they may increase my blood sugar levels again, plus any other side effects.
Haydo, how are you now? When you said you were down to one vagifem had you been using 2 a day? I've been doing that for 5 days now and the bladder seems a bit better, no soreness externally but awful burning inside after inserting and when sitting. Vagifem never burned before so not sure what's going off now. Never had a flare up this bad or last this long so ringing the doctor tomorrow, it's like my medication has stopped working altogether!
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Let us know how you get on!
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I too am beginning to feel more comfortable and am down to using one vagifem at night, ovestin externally in the morning and, like you Deirdre, using the dermovate daily in case it was a lichen sclerosus flare up. It does seem coincidental that we have both had a flare up while using Benecol so I am not going to use it for a while. I may reintroduce it, or plant sterols in tablet form, once things have calmed down to see if it was the plant sterols in the Benecol which made me have a flare up. I am having a further blood test in a fortnight for my cholesterol and blood sugar levels, so I will wait and see what my cholesterol level is then before I decide. I was pre-diabetic and managed to get myself back to normal blood sugar levels through diet and exercise, so I really don’t want to go on statins either as they may increase my blood sugar levels again, plus any other side effects.
Haydo, how are you now? When you said you were down to one vagifem had you been using 2 a day? I've been doing that for 5 days now and the bladder seems a bit better, no soreness externally but awful burning inside after inserting and when sitting. Vagifem never burned before so not sure what's going off now. Never had a flare up this bad or last this long so ringing the doctor tomorrow, it's like my medication has stopped working altogether!
Very up and down with it. One day I think it’s improving and then the next I am sore and uncomfortable again. I did use 2 a day vagifem for a week or so and since then have been using 1 vagifem at night and then ovestin externally morning and evening. I’m also using the dermovate daily as I feel that most of my issues are external now, as the bladder seems to have mostly settled. I thought I’d stick with this regime for a month or so to see if things settle. Maybe you can use the ovestin internally, drop the vagifem for a while and see if that makes a difference? I hope you manage to speak with a doctor today.
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Once we find a regime that eases symptoms we need to stick with it, upping dosage as necessary.
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Spoke to the doctor this morning and he wants me in this afternoon for tests and examination. He said the vagifem and ovestin shouldn't be burning for hours after insertion after all these years. Also had very bad abdominal pains last night then terrible diarrhoea. He wants to check for infection.
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Spoke to the doctor this morning and he wants me in this afternoon for tests and examination. He said the vagifem and ovestin shouldn't be burning for hours after insertion after all these years. Also had very bad abdominal pains last night then terrible diarrhoea. He wants to check for infection.
That sounds like a good idea Dierdre. I hope the check up goes okay.
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Spoke to the doctor this morning and he wants me in this afternoon for tests and examination. He said the vagifem and ovestin shouldn't be burning for hours after insertion after all these years. Also had very bad abdominal pains last night then terrible diarrhoea. He wants to check for infection.
Good that you are being seen Deirdre. I hope you get some answers and relief.
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Had swabs taken and have to take a water sample in the morning as just missed the collection to the lab today. Felt all around my tummy and did an internal examination too. All looked healthy except for a discharge high up that looked like thrush, would explain the burning maybe, results next week. I asked if I could get a one dose oral Caneston in the mean time and he said it won't do any harm and if it is thrush I should be ok by the time the results get back. He's not sure about the bladder pain when filling up though so referred me for a fulll pelvic scan.
I asked about the plant sterols and he wasn't sure if they had caused an imbalance but said stop taking them anyway just in case it was that and see if there's an improvement. Ask me if I had any questions I was still worried about and come back if things get worse within the next week, what a lovely, lovely doctor. Feel like a loads been lifted and so much calmer now.
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Had swabs taken and have to take a water sample in the morning as just missed the collection to the lab today. Felt all around my tummy and did an internal examination too. All looked healthy except for a discharge high up that looked like thrush, would explain the burning maybe, results next week. I asked if I could get a one dose oral Caneston in the mean time and he said it won't do any harm and if it is thrush I should be ok by the time the results get back. He's not sure about the bladder pain when filling up though so referred me for a fulll pelvic scan.
I asked about the plant sterols and he wasn't sure if they had caused an imbalance but said stop taking them anyway just in case it was that and see if there's an improvement. Ask me if I had any questions I was still worried about and come back if things get worse within the next week, what a lovely, lovely doctor. Feel like a loads been lifted and so much calmer now.
I am so happy to hear the Dr was so nice. It would be great if this was all down to thrush and the pill gets rid of it.
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I'm hoping that too but it won't hurt to have a scan anyway to check alls well.
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It sounds as if you have a very good doctor. The fact that you have been referred for a scan to check all is ok is reassuring as well. I hope things settle for you soon,
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Diedre, I hope you're feeling a bit better. I've been back to the doctors today because my symptoms are continuing. I've had three lots of antibiotics which have done nothing. I saw a nurse practitioner today and she has presribed me another weeks lot of A/B's but I took a water sample down with me and she is sending it away to the hospital. It really was an awful colour and she said it had blood in it again and something else but cant remember what. If it shows a different kind of infection I will have to change to a different antibiotic. She has also recommended a scan after prodding my stomach. I asked if I might have an infection caused by the smear test I had a few weeks ago and she has given we 2 different swabs to do high vaginal swabs at home. I've never done this before and wondered if anyone else has. Not too sure how high I need to go with these so any advice welcome.
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Diedre, I hope you're feeling a bit better. I've been back to the doctors today because my symptoms are continuing. I've had three lots of antibiotics which have done nothing. I saw a nurse practitioner today and she has presribed me another weeks lot of A/B's but I took a water sample down with me and she is sending it away to the hospital. It really was an awful colour and she said it had blood in it again and something else but cant remember what. If it shows a different kind of infection I will have to change to a different antibiotic. She has also recommended a scan after prodding my stomach. I asked if I might have an infection caused by the smear test I had a few weeks ago and she has given we 2 different swabs to do high vaginal swabs at home. I've never done this before and wondered if anyone else has. Not too sure how high I need to go with these so any advice welcome.
I am so sorry to hear you are still suffering with this. How awful for you. :( I really hope they can get to the bottom of this and make you feel better.
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Why couldn't the Nurse do the swabs :-\ there's too much risk of cross infection at home as well as delay in getting samples to a Lab.
It may be an embedded infection, so you should ask for a referral to an appropriate consultant. The colour mayB caused by blood in the sample.
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Diedre, I hope you're feeling a bit better. I've been back to the doctors today because my symptoms are continuing. I've had three lots of antibiotics which have done nothing. I saw a nurse practitioner today and she has presribed me another weeks lot of A/B's but I took a water sample down with me and she is sending it away to the hospital. It really was an awful colour and she said it had blood in it again and something else but cant remember what. If it shows a different kind of infection I will have to change to a different antibiotic. She has also recommended a scan after prodding my stomach. I asked if I might have an infection caused by the smear test I had a few weeks ago and she has given we 2 different swabs to do high vaginal swabs at home. I've never done this before and wondered if anyone else has. Not too sure how high I need to go with these so any advice welcome.
Got my results today and it's thrush, seems the Caneston one dose I took a few weeks ago didn't get rid of it and I've been thinking it's just a flare up or bladder problems. I've got both now. Been given Caneston pessary this time so hope that shifts it. If not then it's back again.
I can't understand why the nurse didnt do the swabs holidaylover, they could have been on the way to the lab now.
When I had mine done he went high up near the cervix so I'd go as high as comfortable.
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Diedre, I hope you're feeling a bit better. I've been back to the doctors today because my symptoms are continuing. I've had three lots of antibiotics which have done nothing. I saw a nurse practitioner today and she has presribed me another weeks lot of A/B's but I took a water sample down with me and she is sending it away to the hospital. It really was an awful colour and she said it had blood in it again and something else but cant remember what. If it shows a different kind of infection I will have to change to a different antibiotic. She has also recommended a scan after prodding my stomach. I asked if I might have an infection caused by the smear test I had a few weeks ago and she has given we 2 different swabs to do high vaginal swabs at home. I've never done this before and wondered if anyone else has. Not too sure how high I need to go with these so any advice welcome.
Got my results today and it's thrush, seems the Caneston one dose I took a few weeks ago didn't get rid of it and I've been thinking it's just a flare up or bladder problems. I've got both now. Been given Caneston pessary this time so hope that shifts it. If not then it's back again.
I can't understand why the nurse didnt do the swabs holidaylover, they could have been on the way to the lab now.
When I had mine done he went high up near the cervix so I'd go as high as comfortable.
It is good to know you have thrush as you can treat it. I do find with thrush treatment, one never seems to shift it for me. I hope you can clear it and start to feel better again.
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Got my results today and it's thrush, seems the Caneston one dose I took a few weeks ago didn't get rid of it
Sincerely hope that the pessary solves it for you Diedre.
Do you mind me asking which type of one dose you used ?
I keep one box in our medical box in case i need to use it to rule thrush out. The current one dose i have is a Canestan one but have used lloyds one before. Consultant at one time told me that thrush is systemic anyway and that a one dose should do it. I wonder if they have changed a formula :-\ have you always used the same type ?
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Well the swabs have been handed into surgery and will get sent off this morning. ( I don't know why the nurse couldn't do it, as if I haven't done it successfully and there happens to be an infection, it might be missed, then that will be my fault.) I now have had the surgery on the phone wanting me down for blood tests so I'm panicking a bit. Anybody know why this would be? I'm trying really hard no to consult Dr Google.
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Sorry Holidaylover I haven't kept up with this thread so I'm not sure what the swabs were for?
Taz x
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Taz, My UTI symptoms have been ongoing for about 6 weeks now, but I also had a smear test around about that time, so the swabs were to check if there was an infection going on as a result of this. First water sample five weeks ago was clear at lab, but after three lots of AB's my water sample yesterday wasn't. That was just at the surgery and is being sent of to lab. Pain is terrible today. Back on antibiotics again.
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So sorry to hear that you have been going through all of this. Which antibiotics have you had so far? I had blood tests too when going through stubborn uti's. This was when my urine showed high protein and leucocytes as well as the microscopic blood (which I always have) so it was a test to check how my kidneys were actually working. Where is the pain? Also, do you have the home test strips? I have found these to be really good at keeping a day to day eye on things so I have a detailed log for the GP if necessary. I know that they are not 100% reliable but it does show if my protein is up.
Taz x
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Taz, I have had Trimethoprim, then Nitrofurantoin, and its another dose of Nitrofurantoin I'm back on at the moment.
I always usually have blood in the urine too, had a cystoscopy for that in the past and was told it was due to my age and quite common in menopausal women. The pain varies, but I feel it low down behind bladder, where I am tight and bloated. Sometimes no pain but just the tightening feeling and sometimes like a nerve pulsing (if that makes sense), sometimes its a stinging burning pain almost up where my ovaries are. I was tender in the ovary area yesterday when the nurse examined my tummy. I also have pain in my lower back. It's actually good they are being thorough and I am being sent for a scan as well. My health anxiety isn't great though so I go into panic mode very easily. No, I don't have the home test strips. The colour of my urine yesterday was shocking! But its not like that today. I don't feel like I am passing a lot of urine though, when I do go, so I'm perhaps a bit dehydrated. The other two things you mentioned (high protein and leucocytes) I think could have been what the nurse said was showing in mine. What causes high protein in urine, do you know? I remember having this whilst I was pregnant.
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It's a sign that the kidneys are not working properly but there are many causes including UTI and kidney infections. A blood test can detect which actual protein it is if I remember correctly. There is info on the Kidney Research site. Lower back pain is common for upper UTI or kidney infection and also, in kidney infection, passing reduced amounts of urine can happen. Keep up your fluid intake. Nitrofurantoin never wors for me and makes me feel horrible. I do hope you feel better soon.
Taz x
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Thanks Taz, the nurse said that once results back from the lab it may be that a different type of antibiotic is needed so may need to change. That will probably Thursday/Friday. Yes, I'm really not great taking any time of medication. Feeling a bit woolly headed today with the tablets and I woke through the night feeling really sick. Coming back as a man next time! I shall NOT google with regards the kidneys or I will have myself needing a transplant shortly.
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Got my results today and it's thrush, seems the Caneston one dose I took a few weeks ago didn't get rid of it
Sincerely hope that the pessary solves it for you Diedre.
Do you mind me asking which type of one dose you used ?
I keep one box in our medical box in case i need to use it to rule thrush out. The current one dose i have is a Canestan one but have used lloyds one before. Consultant at one time told me that thrush is systemic anyway and that a one dose should do it. I wonder if they have changed a formula :-\ have you always used the same type ?
It was the Caneston oral one dose which is Fluconazole that I ised a few weeks ago and the pessary ive got now is clotrimazole so maybe different ones treat different types of thrush. Got cream for external bits too that surprisingly didn't burn. The only problem is I can't use vagifem or any other vaginal products with it but I'm going to apply ovestin externally tonight because I can't go too long with nothing at all.
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I hope that the thrush treatment sorts out some, if not all, of your symptoms Dierdre. It’s so difficult to know what you’re dealing with when the VA, LS and thrush all display similar symptoms.
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Got my results today and it's thrush, seems the Caneston one dose I took a few weeks ago didn't get rid of it
Sincerely hope that the pessary solves it for you Diedre.
Do you mind me asking which type of one dose you used ?
I keep one box in our medical box in case i need to use it to rule thrush out. The current one dose i have is a Canestan one but have used lloyds one before. Consultant at one time told me that thrush is systemic anyway and that a one dose should do it. I wonder if they have changed a formula :-\ have you always used the same type ?
It was the Caneston oral one dose which is Fluconazole that I ised a few weeks ago and the pessary ive got now is clotrimazole so maybe different ones treat different types of thrush. Got cream for external bits too that surprisingly didn't burn. The only problem is I can't use vagifem or any other vaginal products with it but I'm going to apply ovestin externally tonight because I can't go too long with nothing at all.
Thanks for reply Dierdre.
I've looked up some studies and there seems to be little in it between fluconazole and clotrimazole regarding effectiveness. The fluconazole costs more and there is some resistance to it in certain candidia eg https://www.cdc.gov/fungal/diseases/candidiasis/antifungal-resistant.html
Also found this https://www.nhs.uk/medicines/fluconazole/how-and-when-to-take-fluconazole/ in case you think fluconazole over more time would help.
I hope that they are going to test you again to see if the thrush as gone after using the pessary so that you know what is what and that the ovestin tides you over.
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Just follow up from what I thought was a frequent UTI. Samples showed no infection so I was referred for a transvaginal scan. That was yesterday and the radiographer said my results would be back in a week. I have had the doctor on the phone already this morning so that in itself has sent me into panic mode. My results are in and I am now being sent for a CT scan. I am absolutely beside myself with worry, feeling sick to the pit of my stomach. They had sub optimal images but did show a small fibroid, which I had been told about at a previous scan a few years back. Doctor mentioned something about something which is measuring 30/20mm and now I am off the phone I don't have a clue what that was! He said it looks like it could be a bulky ovary on my left side of perhaps something to do with the bowel! Hence the CT scan to get a better look. I take Ovestin and I am worried that the estrogen in that is actually causing something. I mentioned to doctor and he said I could continue to take it if I felt it was doing any good. I now wonder if what I thought was VA (only internal dryness) is also something else. Any advice appreciated which might help calm me down.
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Just follow up from what I thought was a frequent UTI. Samples showed no infection so I was referred for a transvaginal scan. That was yesterday and the radiographer said my results would be back in a week. I have had the doctor on the phone already this morning so that in itself has sent me into panic mode. My results are in and I am now being sent for a CT scan. I am absolutely beside myself with worry, feeling sick to the pit of my stomach. They had sub optimal images but did show a small fibroid, which I had been told about at a previous scan a few years back. Doctor mentioned something about something which is measuring 30/20mm and now I am off the phone I don't have a clue what that was! He said it looks like it could be a bulky ovary on my left side of perhaps something to do with the bowel! Hence the CT scan to get a better look. I take Ovestin and I am worried that the estrogen in that is actually causing something. I mentioned to doctor and he said I could continue to take it if I felt it was doing any good. I now wonder if what I thought was VA (only internal dryness) is also something else. Any advice appreciated which might help calm me down.
I can understand the panic and being unable to take in all the Dr said. If it were something serious the Dr would have told you and asked you to come in immediately. The Dr also said it is fine to continue with Ovestin which to me indicates it is okay. It is natural you thought this was VA as you went by the symptoms you have.
I do not know if you have an online account with your practice but if so perhaps you could log in and read what the DR wrote. It is likely the fibroid is a little bigger hence the discomfort you have. This is something they will be used to treating and nothing for you to be worried about. It sounds like they want to take a closer look at the fibroid to see if it is pushing on something which is why you are in pain.
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Just follow up from what I thought was a frequent UTI. Samples showed no infection so I was referred for a transvaginal scan. That was yesterday and the radiographer said my results would be back in a week. I have had the doctor on the phone already this morning so that in itself has sent me into panic mode. My results are in and I am now being sent for a CT scan. I am absolutely beside myself with worry, feeling sick to the pit of my stomach. They had sub optimal images but did show a small fibroid, which I had been told about at a previous scan a few years back. Doctor mentioned something about something which is measuring 30/20mm and now I am off the phone I don't have a clue what that was! He said it looks like it could be a bulky ovary on my left side of perhaps something to do with the bowel! Hence the CT scan to get a better look. I take Ovestin and I am worried that the estrogen in that is actually causing something. I mentioned to doctor and he said I could continue to take it if I felt it was doing any good. I now wonder if what I thought was VA (only internal dryness) is also something else. Any advice appreciated which might help calm me down.
It sounds like the scan obviously was a poor visual result and the doctor's not sure which organ he's looking at, which is why they need a CT scan now. Could be an ovarian cyst, they can get quite big and cause alot of pain but usually resolve on their own. Don't worry about the Ovestin, it's a minute dose and unlikely to have any effect outside the vagina and not doing much inside yet.
I would ring the doctor back and ask for him to explain again as you are worried and need some reassurance. The CT scan should give a better picture and hopefully get to the bottom of all this as it's been going on for weeks now and you need to get it sorted.
Had my scan last Wednesday, still waiting to hear results but it's been the weekend and bank holiday.
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These GPs/Nurses have the details in front of them, without thinking that the patient needs to take it all in!
As Deirdre suggests, ring the Surgery to ask for clarification or ask to see the Nurse Practitioner face2face. Explain that you were shocked so was unable to listen properly! Why the GP couldn't send you an e-mail after speaking with you, but that would be joined up thinking :P
'if it's doing you any good' :-\ :bang: :bang: :bang: instead of asking whether you feel any improvement.
Don't stop VA treatment. It's a small amount of active ingredient and should't interfere with any investigations. Let us know how you get on.
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I think it is the fact that I only had the scan yesterday and he phoned today with results. The fibroid is on my right side, but doctor says the problem lies on the left. Hence not knowing whether it is from the bowel or the ovary. I should never have googled bulky ovary as the C word is so prominent. I dont know either, why the pictures from the scan were not clear but, the last time I had a transvaginal scan (a good few years ago and something to do with my haywire periods whilst not knowing if it was a menopausal issue, I remember being told that I had a fibroid but they couldnt see anything else very clearly as I was full of gas!! Doctor thinks its not the bladder but something else causing pressure on the bladder and today my stomach is ridiculously gurgly. Definately pressure though, as I feel it into my pubic area and top of inner thigh. Hopefully the CT scan is done soon so I can get an answer one way or another. Health anxiety doesnt help with things like this.
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It certainly makes worry worse!!! Dr GOOGLE of course, knows nowt ;). What would U do without access to a laptop or similar?
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I think it is the fact that I only had the scan yesterday and he phoned today with results. The fibroid is on my right side, but doctor says the problem lies on the left. Hence not knowing whether it is from the bowel or the ovary. I should never have googled bulky ovary as the C word is so prominent. I dont know either, why the pictures from the scan were not clear but, the last time I had a transvaginal scan (a good few years ago and something to do with my haywire periods whilst not knowing if it was a menopausal issue, I remember being told that I had a fibroid but they couldnt see anything else very clearly as I was full of gas!! Doctor thinks its not the bladder but something else causing pressure on the bladder and today my stomach is ridiculously gurgly. Definately pressure though, as I feel it into my pubic area and top of inner thigh. Hopefully the CT scan is done soon so I can get an answer one way or another. Health anxiety doesnt help with things like this.
They probably phoned straight away because the scan was suboptimal, meaning it was faulty and needed doing again.
Bulky ovaries are also caused by cysts and would give the symptons you have been suffering. Stop doing Dr Google, everything leads to cancer on there! If you googled ingrowing toenail it would eventually turn into cancer!
I'm just as bad, you look at google for reassurance but it always does the opposite. My doctor told me never to look on google and leave it to the experts.
Of course it would have helped if the scan had been done properly in the first place but we all have bad days.
My stomach gurgles when I'm scared too and then I get heartburn, it's your anxiety.
Try and not think the worse, whatever it is they're on to it now.
When you hear the sound of stampeding hoofs, think horses not zebras...
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Thanks Diedre, your right. ;D I am laughing though cos I'm petrified from horses!!
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Horses has big feet they do as well as long teeeffff
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Thanks Diedre, your right. ;D I am laughing though cos I'm petrified from horses!!
;D I love horses so hope thats what we'll be hearing. My results from my scan are back but the receptionist said they're still with the doctor, he's on annual leave until next week. I asked her for the results but she played dumb. I said I didn't want to wait another week, what if the results were urgent? She said they were not marked urgent but I could make a routine telephone apppointment with another doctor to get them or wait till my doctor is back.
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I would make the other appt. even though it's not marked 'urgent'.
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I wouldn't get a routine appointment until next week anyway so may as well wait for my doctor. If there's anything on the scan I'd rather he deal with it than the other ones anyway.
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I agree with you Dierdre. I imagine if there was anything urgent another doctor would be in contact with you with the results anyway. I would take it that there is nothing deemed as urgent to be worried about and you can discuss the results with your own doctor next week.
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Had my results today as my doctor is back from holidays. Good and bad news, no problems with the pelvic scan, ovaries, bladder and uterus all fine but I have a 6mm kidney stone, small gall stone and fatty liver. The doctor will speak with specialists to ask if any action is needed as no symptoms at the moment. More blood tests and told to lose more weight, drink loads of water and more dieting and exercise. Lost a stone in weight recently to lower cholesterol so will continue what I've been doing.
Would never have known if I hadn't had this flare up with the bladder and atrophy.
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Sounds like you have a good doctor Diedre.
Losing weight will help with any potential prolapse too. Wish i could shift some as i know it is not helping me to be the weight i am at the moment. Trying to just eat less and build in what excercise i can.
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Ouch no wonder you are in pain. Kidney stones are agony. I am glad you got the results back.
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OUCH! both gallstones and kidney stones can be very painful :o
MayB join a weight watchers group for support? In the 1970s B4 we got married, MinL weighed her daily allowance in the evenings onto a saucer: when that saucer was empty during the next day, that was it. Her allowance. Done. She kept off the weight too.
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No pain at all from the stones, didn't know I had them. The pain originally was from the pelvic region caused by thrush and atrophy flare up causing bladder pain. Had scans and now these stones have been found. Just waiting now from the doctor after he's spoken to the specialists to see if anything needs doing or just wait and see.
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The fact that these things have been found before giving you symptoms is good, and hopefully you can address the stones and fatty liver through your diet and exercise. It may be that all of this has been a positive thing in the long term and will give you the incentive to keep on keeping on! Best of luck with it all.
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Thanks Haydo.
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Thrush again!! This is the third or maybe fourth dose of thrush since May, had two oral tablets and pessary up to now. I don't know what awaits me this time at the chemist as the doctor text to say a prescription was sent to Boots for me. I did a do it yourself swab last Thursday, heard nothing so thought was ok, then got a text at 7pm last night saying positive thrush.
The only sympton I have is the cottage cheese discharge but wasn't sure if thrush or residue from Vagifem and Ovestin. Not sore or itchy but it's high up around my cervix again and I've had a bit of cramping.
Don't know what keeps causing this or is it never completely going away and I need more than one treatment?
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This mentions use of treatment for thrush for 6 months https://www.nhs.uk/conditions/thrush-in-men-and-women/
Under causes it mentions damaged or irritated skin letting thrush in. Do you think all the va etc is doing that ?
You have enough to contend with as it is Diedre.
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Cottage cheese discharge is usual with thrush. Candida feeds on sugars .......... when I suffered: twice : it was the itchiness high up that was awful.
Have U tried eating LIVE yoghurt to cleanse the digestive tract from top to bottom [where it likes to live] ......... it won't do the gut any harm but may well ease the thrush.
I've been reading a book about a girl who fled Iran when the Shah was deposed: her description of the foods available as well as those in the Florentine markets when she moved ......... :-* and I'm not a foody but her ideas might be worth a whirl for us .
Interesting: VA treatments, unless the vaginal skin is very thin shouldn't impact on introducing bacteria etc..
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Not the treatments as such but the occasional flare ups which then cause irritation.
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Dierdre, have you tried the Canesten soft gel pessaries (rather than the hard ones)? At this stage of life there is sometimes not enough moisture for the hard pessaries to dissolve properly & do their thing. I was told years ago by a very good GP who'd formerly worked in a Meno Clinic that the oral Canesten/Fluconazole is often not that effective & best to treat vaginally. The gel pessaries have always worked best for me. Oral less so & can't dissolve the hard pessaries at this age.
Wx
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I tried canastan pessary years ago :o >:( I sat in a cold bath for hours afterwards :-\
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Ouch CLKD :o - yes unfortunately they can burn a bit when the skin is inflamed.
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Ouch indeed :o and probably not appropriate treatment as I diagnosed myself ::)
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Well that's entirely reasonable CLKD, when we can get these treatments otc; I think if we've had a particular condition before it makes sense to try to resolve it without involving a medic. But we don't always get it right. Especially at menopause when we suddenly wake up to find someone's swapped overnight the body we knew so well for decades . . . for one that makes no sense at all ;D
Wx
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I've been given 500mg clotrimazole pessary and cream. Won't need the cream as nothing externally. I had this pessary last time and it took a couple of days to dissolve because I was so dry up there after suffering an atrophy flare up but ok now, so hopefully it will dissolve and work properly.
My VA is under control again thankfully but it's been a long haul getting there.
I've changed my regime to vagifem every other night and ovestin every night but just externally. The fillers in Vagifem seem to have been irritating lately, wonder if something has changed in the manufacturing process, anyway I seem to be better using less for now. Never thought I'd say that!
Wrensong, If this Caneston pessary doesn't completely clear the thrush up this time I'm going to ask for a longer treatment or try the gel one.
Minusminnie, I don't think the thrush really cleared up from last time as the pessary came out crumbly, VA much better now so it should melt.
CLKD, I eat loads of natural greek yoghurt with all those live good bugs in it but don't seem to make a difference or maybe it's keeping it from getting worse.
On a good note, had bloods back recently and liver was fine, she said it usually repairs itself. As for the gallstone, the specialist said to leave it, it may never bother me and if I get an attack in the future they just remove the gallbladder with keyhole surgery, very routine now.
So just got to have my kidney stone checked in September and hope it passes on its own.
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OUCH to the kidney stone. Can it not be dissolved with laser therapy ?
Keep up with the LIVE yoghurt. I vary which makes I buy/eat as there may be different good 'bugs' in them.
If the 'vagifem' is irritating Deirdre, mayB use 'ovestin' instead? Perhaps with a moisturiser. Have U tried squeezing the 'vagifem' onto a finger for insertion ? It may be soreness, I have one spot that makes me wince .
There must be a reason why women in particular are plagued with 'thrush'.
Wrensong: my body disappeared slowly ......... now the hormones have stablised it's static. For now ;D
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I think they blast the kidney stones with ultrasound waves into small pieces you can just pass when you empty the bladder. Hopefully it's not too painful then and don't get stuck along the way.
I'm using Ovestin externally every night but might make that internal some nights instead of vagifem and see how that goes.
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Will U let us know?
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Two days now and the caneston pessary has finally disolved into a paste, so I'm assuming it's doing the job. No irritation so far, which is rare for me as I'm so sensitive to everything.
It says in the leaflet to not use any other vaginal products but does anyone know when I can start using Vagifem again or I'm going to start having atrophy problems again soon. Been using Ovestin externally still and that seems to be keeping things going for now.
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Pity that the leaflet doesn't tell how long to leave out other products ::)
I would put a little ovestin into the vaginal opening tomorrow night then see if there's still evidence of the caneston pessary ? Then begin the 'vagifem'.
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Started taking ibuprofen today too, apparently there's evidence that ibuprofen also has an antimicrobial activity against Gram-positive, Gram-negative, and fungal microorganisms and helps when taken with Caneston.
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Spoke too soon about not having any irritation, got pelvic cramps now! Side effects >:(
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Awful!
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Couldn't stand the cramps anymore and burning so had to use some YES lube and fish the pessary all out. It was still mainly undisolved and in chalky clumps! Sorry TMI.
Cramps stopped as soon has it was all out and just used another YES WB to soothe as I'm so sore now.
Feeling a bit shaky now and was starting to feel nauseous, never using that again!
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Couldn't stand the cramps anymore and burning so had to use some YES lube and fish the pessary all out. It was still mainly undisolved and in chalky clumps! Sorry TMI.
Cramps stopped as soon has it was all out and just used another YES WB to soothe as I'm so sore now.
Feeling a bit shaky now and was starting to feel nauseous, never using that again!
How awful you had such a bad reaction. I really am sorry to hear that. :(
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I'm OK now, I rang the doctor and he's sent another prescription to Boots for an oral Caneston tablet so hopefully this will finally work.
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I'm OK now, I rang the doctor and he's sent another prescription to Boots for an oral Caneston tablet so hopefully this will finally work.
I really hope this does the trick for you.
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I'm OK now, I rang the doctor and he's sent another prescription to Boots for an oral Caneston tablet so hopefully this will finally work.
Found this NHS link on dosing regimes for one off or for persistent thrush you may already know it though.
https://www.nhs.uk/medicines/fluconazole/how-and-when-to-take-fluconazole/
Hope it works for you as IMHO it is too much being asked to use a pessary when already using VA treatment vaginally.
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Medics really need to get to the causation of this !
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I hope this one knocks it on the head Dierdre. I had to have 4 of the oral Fluconazole capsules each a week or so apart, after several courses of antibiotics post-hysterectomy when it wasn't possible to use any treatment vaginally (inc topical HRT) for 8 weeks, meaning the more effective (for me) Canestan soft gel pessaries were not an option. The next swab was clear, so they did work with perseverance.
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Thanks everyone, feeling much better today after using the YES, it must have been the caneston pessary causing the burning so now that's gone I can start using local estrogen again. Surprised I'm not having a VA flare up after all this! Four days without Vagifem and just using Ovestin externally is something I've never been able to do without VA burning, dryness and soreness returning. I've used so much this last couple of months reloading with 2 a day sometimes who knows, maybe I don't need so much now. Not holding my breath though.
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Yes, unfortunately Canesten & other vaginal meds can give rise to burning sensations when the skin is inflamed. I hope your VA soon improves for being back on Vagifem. I had an enforced break from it of many months some years ago which really set back my GSM & I don't ever want to be in that position again.
Wx