Menopause Matters Forum
Menopause Discussion => All things menopause => Topic started by: CLKD on April 20, 2013, 08:22:21 PM
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I have had several urine infections since the late 1990s. All treated with antibiotics. Until the one which began on Tuesday, similar symptoms so went to the Surgery with sample in hand (well not quite literally ;D ).
The Nurse dipped it and the results were shown to the GP - who didn't have any appts. here but I could have gone to the main surgery 4 miles away ??? ..... nope, needed to be near the loo and this is my village, my surgery :cuss: - there weren't enough bugs to warrent ABs so another sample was sent off, which didn't grow any cultures so nowt to treat.
Had a chat to our GP yesterday who advised (**** ) can't remember exactly what. Since Tuesday my bladder has felt irritated. I need to pee every 6 minutes when the soreness deep inside is acute. Nurofen has helped a little. 2 every 3 hours ....... and it hasn't woken me in the night thank goodness.
First pessary last night ......... have been advised that it will take 5-6 days before I notice any difference, go back to the GP in 3 months. The only place I feel comfy is in the bath or on the loo .......... today the outer lips have felt sore, the 'G' spot feels aggravated and I have stuffed myself with Ibuprofen - at least the 6.00 p.m. dose (2) eased symptoms - at last ........
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It really sounds like VA CLKD.
I know you love your bubble baths but I think you should stop for a little while. Everything is drying up and sitting in water no matter how soothing is not helping in the long run.
Your pessaries will help....I use Vagifem.....but it takes a little while.
Have you tried D Mannose from Waterfall. My mum is on these all the time and they have really helped her irritable bladder. Loads of women on the forum swear by them.
Hope you get some relief soon.....and you are supposed to take ibuprofen every four hours.
Honeyb
X
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I know about the time lapse for medication but in severe pain one can bring it forwards by an hour .......... what I usually do is 2 then 90 mins later 1 capsule and if necessary after a further 90 mins, 2 capsules. But I would never take paracetamol like that, I read that the latter will only help mild inflammation ........
If this treatment regime helps I will talk to my GP about Vagifem because the warnings on this prescription for Ortho-Gynest for those of us with a history of breast disease is quite scarey, each dose is 0.5mg which isn't a lot but being absorbed every night :-\ ......... maybe I will miss the evening bath and go straight to bed ......... :thankyou:
The reason I've been in the bath is that I have been unable to hold any muscles tightly enough to stop urine leaking :sigh: if that makes sense ?
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After the first two weeks of nightly use of Vagifem the uptake into the body is next to nothing.
You said in another post you were going to use a good moisturiser on your bits......Hope it's un scented or you could really irritate your self.
Have you any sudocrem. If it's gentle enough for a babies bum then it's fine to use.
Honeyb
X
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Not yet but feel a trip to the Pharamacy approaching ;) - thanks for your advice! Savlon will do for this evening or KY jelly .......
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I think you should only take the recommended number of tablets
"WHAT ARE THE SIDE EFFECTS OF AN IBUPROFEN OVERDOSE?
Sep 23, 2010 | By Rae Uddin
Ibuprofen is an over-the-counter non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drug or NSAID indicated to reduce symptoms of inflammation and pain in affected people. When used appropriately, ibuprofen may cause side effects of mild stomach upset or bowel movement changes. People who use unusually high doses of ibuprofen or take this medication more frequently than recommended may experience side effects of an ibuprofen overdose.
NAUSEA OR VOMITING
This medication may irritate the lining of the digestive tract, leading to upset stomach side effects. High levels of ibuprofen in the body may induce nausea or vomiting in affected people, Drugs.com warns. Severe intestinal damage may cause blood to leak into the digestive tract. Certain people may also experience heartburn or sensations of pain within the stomach. If this occurs, people who overdose on ibuprofen may vomit small amounts of blood and their vomit may resemble coffee grounds. People who exhibit these side effects of an ibuprofen overdose should seek prompt care from an emergency medical provider.
BLOODY STOOLS
Intestinal irritation caused by excessive amounts of ibuprofen in the body may lead to diarrhea or loose stools. People who notice blood within their stools after taking ibuprofen should consult a medical professional as soon as possible.
BREATHING DIFFICULTIES
An ibuprofen overdose may cause breathing difficulties in certain people. Affected people may experience wheezing, shortness of breath or an unusually slow breathing rate. Anyone who develops severe breathing difficulties should receive emergency medical care.
DIZZINESS, CONFUSION OR DROWSINESS
People may experience sensations of dizziness, which may cause them to appear disoriented, incoherent or confused following an ibuprofen overdose, MedlinePlus warns. These side effects may also lead to drowsiness, fatigue or lethargy in affected people.
SEIZURES
Seizures may occur as a side effect of an ibuprofen overdose. A seizure occurs when there is a momentary interruption in the normal signaling within the brain. People who experience seizures may exhibit involuntary body tremors or convulsions, confusion or loss of consciousness. If these side effects occur, affected patients should talk with a doctor as soon as possible.
TINNITUS OR HEADACHE
People who take unusually high doses of ibuprofen may experience abnormal buzzing or ringing sounds within their ears, the UMMC warns, a side effect of overdose called tinnitus. Tinnitus can be disruptive and may contribute to headache pain in certain people.
BLURRED VISION
An ibuprofen overdose may cause blurred or cloudy vision, in affected people. These vision changes may exacerbate side effects of dizziness, confusion or headache in certain people.
Read more: http://www.livestrong.com/article/256078-what-are-the-side-effects-of-an-ibuprofen-overdose/#ixzz2R2aLbLVz"
Taz x
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Have you bruised something inside?? If you need to bathe, trying aqueous in the bath as more gentle, as sometimes can develop allergies to bubble bath and products, even if used a lot.
It could be that you have developed an over active bladder as they call it, and the more you go, the more you want to. I have had that at night before, then the anxiety sets in and that makes it worse. One night I was up every hour, but it was because I had got so worried about it. There may be something the GP could give you to calm this down if it is spasm and could be something you could go and see the out of hours GP tomorrow at hospital, if you are still suffering. X
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Hi CLKD,
it may be worth starting Cystocalm: sachets to dilute in a glass of water. it starts working pretty quick for me. Cystitis does not always come up in tests and when coupled with VA it's awful.
VA would also b responsible for poor pelvic muscle control. So Vagifem is definite life saver.
There is also an infection called vaginosis, which needs to be tested for and treated, it can be brought on by bubble bath: swollen lips and general soreness are some of its symptoms, as well as burning and stinging.
Yogurt, plain and live may soothe your bits too temporarily.
Good luck..oh, it may b worth investing in sea salt from holland and Barrett or boots to put inside your bath and sit in it...it sorts so many things incl. bits.
Suz x
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As a lifelong sufferer of bladder problems now well under control I can vouch for the following advice:
- Keep baths to the absolute minimum - (I have one about once a month, the rest of the time I shower).
- If you must bathe, do not 'wee' beforehand but wait until you get out of the bath. I don't know why this irritates the bladder but it does.
- Don't use any bubble bath, perfumed soap or shower gel, wash the area with unperfumed soap and rinse in plenty of plain water.
- Try not to wee when your bladder's not full - the more you wee, the more you will want to wee and the more irritated your bladder will become. Drink lots of water and wait until you can hold it no more before you sit on the loo. Gradually your bladder will become 'trained' to hold more urine comfortably.
- After a wee, rinse the area around the urethra with plain warm water, I use a jug for this purpose while sitting on the loo, then pat dry with a towel. Not easy when you're out somewhere I admit but if there are paper towels I wet one and take it in with me to use and then dispose of it in a sanitary bin.
- Don't use preparations such as Savlon or Sudocrem on the area around your urethra, they will travel up the 'tube' and irritate the inside of your bladder.
- Try not to get constipated, straining on the loo can cause an irritable bladder.
- Sex is a prime suspect where bladder irritation is concerned unfortunately. Always wee straight away afterwards and rinse or shower with plain water.
- Last but not least, avoid wearing tight jeans or trousers. Going 'commando' under a skirt when at home can be a big help towards healing soreness.
VA symptoms can mimic those of cystitis and also we are more prone to UTI's when the skin of the bladder thins during menopause - I have found Ortho-Gynest pessaries to be a godsend in this respect and would highly recommend some form of topical oestrogen.
Good luck - I can totally empathise with what you're going through ::)
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I have no advice but I just hope you feel better very soon. Take care.
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Diprobase is a good plain moisturiser for your bits. I wash with aqueous cream.
It's not interstitial cystitis is it?
I once had bladder problems like yours that went on for months, even at night I'd be up all the time. I had to take sleeping tablets to get any sleep. After I went onto anti-depressants the whole thing stopped. Bizarre but my GP said it wasnt the first time she'd heard that. I think you are already on anti d;s though.
Hope you soon feel much better.
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:thankyou: :foryou: everyone
Currently I don't wake in the night to pee - usually when my bladder isn't irritated I am up at least once ::)
These symptoms have come on after sex - for the last 5 times. But they don't happen after ever sexual activity.
Didn't bath last night. Took 2 Nurofen at 6.00 p.m. and another 2 at 10.30 and slept through till 5.00 a.m.. Weed, made a cuppa and 2 Nurofen. 2 more at 8.30 and the symptoms are background.
Taz - thank you but I had advice from a Pharamcist about the time delay when taking medication - it is OK on the occasional basis to up the doseage by 1 extra dose several times a day. That was when I had severe facial pain following extraction, I was almost suicidal. My stomach is OK apart from slight heartburn last evening but that went without the need for Rennies ........
This morning I am pottering. Feel dry down there. Irritated like it's thrush ::) - maybe I ought to get the mirror out :-[ : DH is away so no 'do you want any help' remarks to put up with ;)
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Did you have to use a lot of painkillers as well janm?
Taz x
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I agree that taking Nurofen has daily has to be watched, it might be better to take to take slow release long acting Ibuprofen which you can get from Boots or any supermarket.
Taking antihistamine can dry and cause irritation too as other medications can too ( anything that causes a dry mouth can dry down below also)
I have a bath every day ( never soak in and out quickly) and always use Aloe vera baby oil all over including down below, it soothes and keeps things moist.
If I have citrus fruits ( thought oddly not lemon juice) I find it can irritate my bladder and some vitamins too. I always use non perfumed wipes after going to the loo too, I am sure this helps.
I don't wear pants much and most of the time loose trousers, jeans are notorious for causing irritation and bladder problems even in young women.
Making sure you drink water and oil the body internally with essential fatty acids e.g. fish oils and GLA is very important too.
Stress can exacerbate bladder and VA symptoms also.
If I do get any irritation Ortho-Gynest cream (estriol) does the trick quickly
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I know what you mean - I have problems with my prolapse if constipated which sets everything off!
Taz x
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:thankyou:
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Right Misses CLKD
If it was my decsion Id burn every blasted Ibu on the planet
I hate them think they are dangerous and should only be on Prescription
Now as for the worry about cancer etc with vagifem if you read all the scientific info even a dunderhead like me understands that using Vagifem is 100000000 times safe than HRT
In fact NOW TREY and TAZ if you will isnt it that a whole year of Vagifems equal in your blood stream to 2 HRT pills
Dont think 2 HRT pills in an entire years going to cause you much worry if any? If you get sides to it its asap
It doesnt creep up its with in 3/4 does like bad Headaches etc then you just stop
The Vagifem goes right in to the wall of your Vagina and works THERE putting the hormones THERE in to the fanny
It stops the peeing and boy does it ITS not asap but takes a month or so its gradual I was peeing up to 20 times a day my poor fanny was burnt to a crip my bartholon glands were swollen and on fire I felt in my lower abdo like cystis
All the blasted time and a feeling almost as if there was an absess and If I could get it drained It was horrible
It stops sex hurting OH and boy is that fabooooooo no pain like glass or sandpaper everything that can plump up inside does it doesnt cahnge the look outside if youve had AV for a while so your bits have gone
It can help with small prolapses long as they havent dropped badly I never knew till I came on here 3 a half years ago The kneck of the bladder needed to keep ot up and tight and I was a nurse??
But menos something you just dont see anythng of in nursing not really well I never did
So sod the Ibru make your tummy bad damage your kidneys Panadols arent that good I grant you
Cant you try and i know they have them MYsendonol they work for migraines bad backs the lot why not try them xxxx
Just common or garden sex like it was at 35 so
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Lucky you on the sex front.
I think that Paracetamol should be prescription only. Several years ago a young girl (18?) died of an overdose, she had 'flu and took different medications. Being befuddled with the 'flu she failed to read the package details :'( ......... so many different preparations have it tucked away which is why I stick to Ibrufen.
Not quite as irritated today. I'm OK so long as I don't stand up for very long so have watched TV ;)
I'm going to keep a diary in case there is enough absorption to kick off breast disease. The GP assures me that it shouldn't have an effect .... but I am starting from a 'base' line .........
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CLKD if you are using Ortho- Gynest pessaries then you are using Estriol not estrodiol
"Estriol is a much safer form of estrogen because it isn't metabolized into other hormones; it's a one-way street. It never loses its unique identity. Estriol does not have the potential to damage DNA and initiate cancer like its sister estrogens, estradiol and estrone"
http://www.healthwatchersnews.com/2009/07/estriol-and-breast-cancer/
Your GP is correct
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PHEW! thank you so much. What happens after the 3 months is up I wonder ???
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Apart from the difference that silverlady has pointed out, are there any other differences between Vagifem and ortho-gynest?
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Symptoms much improved.
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:clapping:
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:thankyou:
Not passing as much urine
Still sore - treated outer lips with Savlon overnight plus pessary
Had intense highly located itchyness this morning so have spoken to a Pharmacist for advice
Less feelings of 'G' spot irritation
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YAYY
Outer lips if I can offer a tip
Nilstatin thrush cream is brilliant it worked on my paper cuts better than Ovestin rubbed on them did
It also stopepd the itch really fast its allso an over the counter preparation
its in a white pack size of tothpaste box a large one with the writing in purple
Check I always get mixed up with Nisltatin or NIlstat and Nystatin ones only on script thats why I described the box
Dont forget to drink Lemon Barley water it flushes that UBEND brilliantly
Huge Hugs Suz Q
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Glad you're feeling a bit better and that it soon clears up - sounds nasty.
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Vagifem is estradiol. Estriol is a by product of estradiol and far weaker. I do not think estriol is prescribed in US for anything as is considered so weak in its effect on estrogen receptors in the vag and bladder and urethra. So it probably is the safest, but the least effective.
If used correctly Vagifem and estradiol creams have very little absorption. Used correctly means one to two weeks nightly to build up cells that prevent or reduce systemic absorption to nearly nothing. Then it must be used two or three times a week per your doctor to maintain this wall of protective cells. Once a year many doctors suggest another one week of nightly use. Every time I do the nightly routine my prolapse lessens so much.
Dr. Currie commented on the safety of Vagifem once and I dare not quote her. Studies have shown that Vagifem does not effect the uterine lining or increase any of the things mentioned on the black box warning that must go on ALL estrogen products in the US even though each product is totally different in side effects-- this is so stupid and misleading.
The studies done about three years ago, not sure exactly when now, showed that Vagifem was absorbed at approximately a few milligrams a year. Again, we all are different, have different histories and our bodies react differently to meds. So nothing is exact or true for everyone.
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My GP talked about the vaginal mucosa building up .......... I feel better by the hour :o .......... and am loving this support on here from Ladies who have 'been there' or have knowledge ....... :thankyou:
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Thanks Trey.
CLKD, pleased for you :)
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:thankyou:
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What a night :-\ ...... symptoms began at 9.15 p.m. so I had a quick bath and added the pessary, the whole area was stinging ......... eventually I gave in at 12.30 and took 2 Ibubrofen ....... eventually crawled back to bed at 1.40 ........... :sigh:
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Hello - When I have a sore "foo foo" I used Sudocrem but found it had a very drying effect and bits of me stuck to each other like glue! I used Femfresh to wash (using the smallest amount) and then used Replens on the outside, loads of it. Really not sure if this will help you or not - but thought I would join in, hope it gets MUCH better soon. X
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I used Savlon 2 nights ago and Caneston cream last night ........ back to Ibuprofen today, sitting in the sun or working in the garden, feel like I need to pee all the while; have bought some sachets of drink to use if it gets worse ..........
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CLKD... That is so miserable! Hugs. :-\
I've just been catching up on here since I last posted AGES ago. I've only just found out that I can't have 25mg of vagifem, and have been prescribed ortho-Gynest, so came back to MM to find out more. I hope it works. :-\
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Arrggghhh! Femfresh? Noooooooooooooooo!! Aqueous cream to wash with.
Sorry to hear you've relapsed CLKD. Any idea what could have caused it? Do you drink a lot of tea/coffee? Is something you eat or drink irritating your bladder? Could you try water instead for a day?
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I agee. Its not good to put lots of different creams on. Maybe just clean with warm water and pop the pesseries in? It still sounds like cystitis. Can let your skin to the air? I hope you feel better soon. If this goes on I would go back and see the doc. :) x
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I laid on the bed with nowt on last night ::) after putting in the pessary. I will avoid Caneston tonight as it seemed to sting in areas I didn't know there were nerve endings ::) : wonder how many nerve endings there are 'down there' .......... of course, DH offered to count them :wub: ......... I drink weak tea. With 2 sugars. I have tried water but it bloats me. I have fruit juices occasionally. Even less often hot chocolate or alcohol i.e. lager when really thirsty.
I suspect that because I needed to wee a lot last night that the pessary didn't stay up there long enough to begin lining the mucosa ::) - Must Try Harder :D - as someone else said, bugger it :o
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So has the doseage of Vagifem been altered and if so, why ..........
I was going to ask another question but it's gone from my brain >:( ::)
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You had a bath......ummm not a great idea and I bet you had bubbles.
The dosage of Vagifem went from 25 to 10. It's a two week every night usage and then twice a week thereafter.
These things don't come over night nor go over night. It's going to take a bit of time.
If you are still uncomfortable then go back to your GP. He/she may give you some hormone cream for your outer bits while the pessary takes care of inside.
The pessary goes into a different bit so it makes no difference how many times you wee. There is no wee going through that bit.
If you think it's your bladder then some of us have mentioned D Mannose. It really helps. Have you looked at the details.
You may have to rest up a bit till this settles.
Honeyb
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I have read all the info given here :thankyou: and have had a long chat with the Pharmacist locally.
Why did the Vagifem doseage alter?
My symptoms arrived without warning .......... >:( and mimiced a urine infection ::) ...... feel better this evening, have taken 1 Nurofen. The pessary is higher up but when I wee all the muscles relax :-\ ..... at least the feeling of sitting on razor blades isn't present this evening!
I got my Dorling Kindersley medical book out tonight and looked up the picture of the vagina and associated bits - I don't look anything like that :o ::) - it's so long since I looked 'down there' ......... with a mirror .......... I think I'm going to be surprised :-\ .......... however, I've never had anyone examining me run away or call others in to 'look at this one' :sigh: so am probably 'within normal limits' .......
Goodness, it's a stupid bit of plumbing down there >:( ............ bet God got it wrong when he designed Eve and went for Plan B with the men :-X I really am off to bed now :whist:
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.......... however, I've never had anyone examining me run away or call others in to 'look at this one' :sigh: so am probably 'within normal limits' .......
Goodness, it's a stupid bit of plumbing down there >:( ............ bet God got it wrong when he designed Eve and went for Plan B with the men :-X
CLKD - you did make me laugh. But I've always thought the same about the bad design ;D
ariadne xx
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As I understand it the dosage of Vagifem was altered as a very small test sample of women in America were given the lower dose and found it to be satisfactory.
Why mess with something that works? >:(
Yes you can get the same sort of cream for you outside bits as the pessaries you are using inside, as HB says.
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This American site gives a brief resume of why Vagifem was changed http://www.dslrf.org/mwh/content.asp?L2=1&L3=7&SID=130&CID=2061&PID=42&CATID=0
Taz x
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CLKD - is there any useful info here? http://vulvalpainsociety.org/vps/index.php/vulval-conditions/vulvodynia
Taz x
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:thankyou: ....... up-date?
Laid on the bed after a quick bath with baby bath added
Bladder much more like 'normal'
Went for a wee
Inserted pessary
Slept through the night - until 5.30, bathroom visit and another at 8.20
Still nips a bit
Still feels 'full' under my belly button
Much improved though :-*
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Woo hoo on your good night's sleep! I think the hormones may be kicking in for you which is brilliant news!
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YAYYYYYYYYYYY but keep out of the bath
The water goes up your fanny its an opne orrificexxxxxxxxxxxxxxx
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I know I know: but I shake myself down as I get out of the bath like an old hound ......... and I have taken to rinsing after a wee ......... now that takes some co-ordination don't you know ::) ........... today I began drinking some sachets - well the contents of - :beaurk: ........ 2 days 'treatment' of same will take some swallowing ::) but hope to settle down the feelings of cystitis.
I realise as I type that I am not in and out of the bathroom as often today .........
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Baby bath? with bubbles? :oops:
Glad you are feeling better. :) x
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CLKD I always rinse, and in public restrooms I wet a towel first. My own urine burns me. This only the past year or so. Ah, the joys of womanhood.
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Shaking yourself down will make no difference at all. It's gone in a nd dried things out.
How many of us have advised against baths CLKD.
You ain't listening though.
Give your bits a chance to absorb some moisture without washing it all out.
Cystitis treatment won't make any difference.
Suzi Q has said no baths and she is the fanny expert.
Honeyb
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I feel my wrists being smacked :-X ::)
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That's because you aren't listening to advice given by people who have been where you are and know what works and what doesn't. We are only trying to help. Did you read the link I posted earlier - it sounds as if you may have the vulval pain mentioned.
Taz x :D
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Well said Taz
Honeyb
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Taz... Thanks for the link re change in vagifem. Interesting that it was dated 2010 and has only just affected me. :-\
CLKD... Hope you're improving.
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It was changed in America in 2010 but only came into force in Europe in 2012 Nillers.
Taz x
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CLKD,
I am glad you are feeling better and the sachets etc are working, great stuff!!
I posted earlier about a bath with sea salt in, I know ladies do not recommend, but personally I swear by sea salt. Holland and Barrett about £6 and u only need a handful. Baby bath is gentle but may still aggravate ur bits.
Also, with it may be helpful to check if you may have vaginosis ( again as mentioned earlier on page 1 of this thread )Vaginosis is a common thing during hormonal changes and if u have bubble baths:it mimics thrush and also gives Cystitus symptoms. It's treatable with a specific antibiotic, from memory metronidazole, it is not an STD but can be recurring.
Suz x
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I've had every nerve ending 'down there' hurting, sore, aching ::) but I had a normal pee at 5.30 a.m. :bounce: ...... off to drink some more sachets of that stuff with cranberry extract in ........ :-\
I'm more thirsty than usual and I am tired ........... could doze in the sun ???
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Some health shops sell bottles of neat cranberry syrup - you can drink it as it is or dilute it as required. It has always helped me if I've had cystitis in the past, I also have cranberry capsules on hand at home if the need arises. Glad you're starting to feel a little more comfy though.... :)
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I tried the cranberry syrup the last time I had cystitis. It was great. The stuff you get in the supermarket is useless, not enough fruit and too much sugar.
It's expensive but so much better than anything I have tried before and I think I have tried the lot.
Honeyb
X
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Cranberry juice :sick02: can't bear the taste. But the Cystopurin (I really ought to remember between the kitchen and here >:( ) seems to be helping.
Am able to hold urine for longer spells without any problems.
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Re: taking ibuprofen - ask for omeprazole. This protects the lining of the stomach whilst taking a prolonged course of ibuprofen. I never take ibuprofen/ketofene without it.
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:thankyou:
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Looked for cranberry syrup in H&B but couldnt see it.
Onwards and upwards CLKD :)
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Yep - so far today so good ;)
However ::) - we are away during the start of the 2 x 7 days use, what happens if the symptoms return :-\ ....... may go to see the GP for advice before our break ;)
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Thankyou so much for pointing me to the this thread xxxxxx
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You are very welcome. Every experience shared can be useful to others ........ and certainly I was NOT expecting to have these types of problems but the Girls came up with information :medal: .......... my body has let me down >:( or was I naieve?
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None of us expect to have meno problems. I think that because you haven't experienced hot flushes/sweats then it was as if you wouldnt get any of the other things either. You have done really well to get this far without having to resort to menopause remedies. I hope you are more comfy now?
Taz x
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Thanks Taz. A lot more comfy as each day passes. 3 more nights of continuous pessaries then I'll need to work out which nights to miss ::)and hope that the symptoms are contained.
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I have felt queasy for most of the day despite nibbling biscuits, drinking cuppas; could it be the alteration in pessary, every night for 2 weeks then missed last last night ??? ...........
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I think it maybe just a coincidence that you feel like that today CLKD.
There is hardly any uptake of hormone into the body.
Could there be another reason for feeling queasy. Did you eat anything different yesterday perhaps?
Honeyb
x
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:thankyou:
I take your point about there being very little in the pessary ....... but I felt queasy for 2 days when I first began using it ??? ....... I have walked a lot in recent days and been working in our garden 8)
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After my 1st week with only 2 pessaries, well; so far so good. After 3 days without I notice that my bladder was vaguely irritated but generally, it has settled well. Now to get that appt. with the GP to find out his Plan of Campaign ::)
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Glad you are feeling better, and hope that continues
I haven't read all of this thread but I think for those women like yourself ( I think?) that take ADs which prevent/treat hot flushes - as Taz said below - you probably thought you wouldn't get any other symptoms.
So the hot flushes alert most women to menopausal problems and therefore are already looking out for some of the other symptoms - which can come later - in post-menopause.
I would urge (maybe the wrong word to use....) any woman in this position (on ADs, no hot flushes) to consider this (vaginal atrophy) especially if likely to be post-meno, as using vag oestrogen long term will prevent a whole host of problems.
I use Orthogynest pessaries (except when using vaginal Utrogestan when I use Vagifem) and actually prefer them to Vagifem even though they are bit messier. You can always increase the frequency of using them if you find your symptoms are not controlled.
Hurdity x
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Thanks Hurdity, I fall into the ADs/no hot flushes camp but have been on Vagifem for some years now. My fabulous GP (now sadly gone from the NHS) put me onto them when I had bladder probs in my early fifties (am now 54).
As I've always been an anxious depressive I suppose I havent linked that to the meno. What really DOES bother me is that I used to be incredibly organised and efficient with a brilliant memory and now all that has gone. I find it very hard at work when other people have to remind me of things. It is dispiriting and makes me feel stupid :(
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However, I understand that this is only given irregularly due to some kind of Licensing rules? :-\ .......... hence the visit to the GP - when I can get by the receptionist >:(
I have noticed that there is a vague sensation of fullness around my belly button and also I seem to be 'constipated' in that my bowel is lazy. These 2 issues aggravate the irritable bladder >:(
I have used Beconase nasal spray for years without these types of bladder problems, I have also in the last couple of years swallowed an anti-histamine tablet to ease hay fever-type symptoms. Would there be *a* connection as mentioned previously?
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I reckon a trip back to the GP is in order CLKD - the feeling of fullness plus the constipation shouldn't be ignored. Not sure what others think?
Taz x
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Re - feeling of fullness - I agree with Taz. Check with GP. The constipation (if unusual) would certainly give a feeling of uncomfortable fullness. However if it is unaccustomed - and there is no reason for it eg change of diet/fluid intake/exercise/meds etc then any persistent change in bowel habit should be checked out.
Re Orthogynest pessaries being given irregularly - is this what you meant CLKD? If so it can be given indefinitely on repeat prescription. I had a quick look back the thread and I see silverlady already mentioned that estriol is very different from Estradiol ( that is used in Vagifem).
From what I've read (see ref below) it allows plumping up of vaginal/bladder tissues though the Beta oestrogen receptors, but binds to the alpha oestrogen recptors by a factor of 7 x less than estradiol. It is the alpha receptors that are dominant in uterus and glandular breast tissue.
http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC3003469/
There have been studies that show no increase in serum oestriol levels after the intial priming phase (ie on an atophied vagina) and no thickening of endometrium etc so there should be no worries about using it even with past history of breast cancer. I can imagine there may be mild side effects initially but once the plumping is done if you keep it going for twice a week there should be no absorption.
I think silverlady said back in the thread that estriol is not converted to oestradiol - but the other way round, therefore you won't make the stronger estradiol from any oestriol that is absorbed in your body.
Any form of HRT including topical/vaginal oestrogen carries the same warnings and quote the WHI or the Million Women Study conclusions about risk - that's standard. It scared the life out of me way back when I started them and had read nothing about HRT and at the time didn't want to go on it!
I hope this is helpful and not confusing ie I hope I've explained clearly and not too much of a ramble.
Hurdity x
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I agree, perhaps mention this to your GP. I had something similar a few years ago although the GP never seemed to pick up the fact that fullness I was complaining about was more vaginally.....I thought, still think it's a slight prolapse.
I was sent for an ultrasound to check out womb lining thickness. All was fine.
Best to get it looked at just to make sure all is as it should be.
Honeyb
X
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Oh you are a MINE of information :thankyou:
I wandered along to the Surgery to make an appt. but apparently all the Doctors are busy until a week on Wednesday - I can however go to the Surgery any time - but that is 4 miles away and I only want to nip in and out with a couple of queries ::) - I was then told I must ring at 8.00 a.m. - well I'm not awake by then ;D - to see if there are any 'extra' appts.. >:(
Away next week .......... so will probably try to make an appt tomorrow for when we return. Watch this space :sigh:
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Me and you TWINS heheheh what are we like hehehehe
Ive had the wee wee feeling on and off since the 5th May one day good 2 days YUK 2 days good?
Water clear as a bell you could drink it no burning no smell no soreness water cool I just want to peee
Some days fine Other days like today even when I go after a few mins get the feeling of wanting to go again?
Vagifems not doing its job this last week or so in that dept
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Oh Suzi - :hug: I resorted to Ibuprofen regularly until symptoms settled.
Made that appt.; 2 weeks today :o ......... but I have got in to see the GP who is dealing with the diagnosis and hopefully whilst we are away next week the symptoms won't flare .........
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Glad you have got the GP you wanted CLKD.
Is this the Norfolk trip that you spoke about?
Sheewee at the ready I hope.
Honeyb
X
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;D
This is our trip to Norwich. No Sheewee yet, the shop I was planning to buy them from has MOVED :o ......... after 30 years in one town >:( and as I can get them on the internet I won't be buying 'locally' from *them* :(
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;D
This is our trip to Norwich. No Sheewee yet, the shop I was planning to buy them from has MOVED :o ......... after 30 years in one town >:( and as I can get them on the internet I won't be buying 'locally' from *them* :(
Just drink Robinsions Lemon Barley keep the old UBEND clear no citrus fruit
I remember talking to my GP and again when I worked in hospital they oth said wateres fref but even if you drink 6 cups of tea a day ITS FLUID thats the most important
Cant take Ibu and wouldnt anyway panadols are rubbish dont work but at least one thing nearly every evening since I got thw wees iot seems to ease? NO I havnt a clue why?
On your trip you take extra Vagifem yes just in case HORMONESSSSSS
Get some MILK soap or organic Olive oil soap your going on your holiies treat yourself xxxxxxxxxxx
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:thankyou:
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Why is lemon barley recommended but not anything citrus :-\
Isn't lemon barley citrus? ::)
I must be having a thick moment, one of many, I fear ;D
Libby
x
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You're not being thick - barley water has long been a cure for cystitis but it is more palatable as lemon barley water. I haven't found a link between citrus fruits and cystitis to be honest but it can happen for some women. I found this on the Channel 4 site http://foodhospital.channel4.com/conditions/cystitis/citrus-fruits
Taz x
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NOPE your not thick
Look at the paks of URAL they are fruity too???
I had a bad attack on Saturday might in the 70s bllod the lot infection ahhhhhh
GP who was only late 20s said drink 4 pints tonight
I did I was up all night peeing but with the pills and barley water it had eased
Always use it even 2 glasses has an affect our local shop though has run out bummmmm xxxxxxxxxx
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I am due a pessary this evening and I am aware that my vagina needs the boost after 3 days without ........
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I went to see my GP this morning. I had to make the appt two weeks ago >:( ........ upshot is, treatment satisfactory, he has put me on 2 x 3 months repeat then review.
He was surprised that I went in and out so fast - that was all I needed, confirmation that I can have a repeat and not need to wait until symptoms reoccur :-*
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Good news then :)
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So far thank you. Onwards and upwards ......... ;)
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For a couple of days I've noticed back-ground symtpoms so used a pessary 2 nights running to ease the feeling of needing to pee.
Probably need to take a Nurofen before I go for my eye test this afternoon ......... :sigh:
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:oops:
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Just read your link on vaginal pain, Taz and of course it makes sense now! I have degenerative disc disease affecting the sciatic nerve down my right leg. I must also be having referred pain in the vagina/bladder area. Thank you for this info. I can't take antidepressants as I had serotonin syndrome caused by being given two lots of antidepressants by own GP and Back pain Specialist (no one was talking to each other and of course I didn't know). I don't ever want to experience that again. It felt like I was having a stroke and was rushed to hospital. Anyway, at least it makes sense now.
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For new members or those struggling with GPs who have different opinions ;)
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CLKD YAYYYYYYYYYYYYYYY glad you got what you wanted lovey xxx
Sorry bin away first night back online xxxxxxxxxx
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WAVE !
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Now much better and have a repeat script for 6 months
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Excellent news, long may it continue!
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I can use a pessary every 5 nights now ..........
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CLKD I'm not sure why you are using one every 5 nights? Is it Orthogynest you have? The maintenance dose is twice a week so personally I would not use them less frequently than this because this may be insufficient. It's a long term thing....
Hurdity x
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I know but my symptoms have lessened. I get a physical 'warning' when I forget ::) ........ every 3 or 4th morning I lay a pessary on the bed to remind me ..........
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Bump
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:thankyou: ;D
Laid the pessary on the bed but forgot ........ too much anxiety last night :-\
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I know but my symptoms have lessened. I get a physical 'warning' when I forget ::) ........ every 3 or 4th morning I lay a pessary on the bed to remind me ..........
But the whole idea of the maintenance dose (ie twice weekly) is to prevent return of symptoms rather than try to cure them if/when they re-appear. It doesn't work like that ie instant relief from symptoms - as I said it's a long term thing. From what I've read, I understand it stimulates an increase in the cells of the vaginal epithelium - which doesn't happen overnight.
It really is important to use them twice a week as recommended and if you lapse - sometimes it is necessary to increase this frequency just to speed things up re the cells and therefore the vaginal tissues....
Hurdity x
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:thankyou: Must Try Harder ;) ........ remembered last night ::) - my bedside table is full of different medications and preparations, hardly room for a lamp these days :-\
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Hurdity is spot on. You MUST use twice a week minimum to keep wall of new cells that line the vagina. Otherwise you will get systemic absorption which is not good. It's a hormone not to be used as a pain killer or lubricant. Serious stuff, needs to be done right.
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Am trying ;) ....... I lay them on the bed to remind me ......... thank goodness for medication, I was thinking in the early hours last week how lucky we are: pain relief, HRT, anaesthetisia available ......... then I see the photos of the Syrian children :-\
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Try putting them next to the loo. Well if that's where you use them. I have mine in the bathroom cabinet and when I open it to get my toothbrush then there it is ready to use. If I put it on the bed it would fall off and get munched by the dog ;D
Honeyb
X
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This dog, is it female or male?
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If it munches too many it won't care what it is ........... :-X
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Female of course. Never had a male dog.....they lick their bits
:sick02:
Never fancied watching that.
;D
Honeyb
X
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How do female dogs get their bits clean then?
Taz :-\
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Delicately of course. They are female. They don't let it all literally hang out.
;D
Honeyb
X
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Male cats are the same Honeybun!
Taz x
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Sorrry to disappoint you Honeybun - but I once saw a female Rottweiler licking her bits - didn't look at all delicate!
To try and explain my initial question re the sex of the dog.
I was just wondering if a female dog did eat pessaries / vagifem, would they get the benefits we do?
Don't know what would happen to a male dog.......
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A dog wouldn't need the benefits Limpy because they don't go through a menopause so don't have any of the problems vagifem is used for. Interesting thought though!
Taz
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Bitches can suffer stress incontinence when spayed. If kept entire they can suffer potentially fatal pyometra. Bitches get urine infections, i.e. cystitis - I looked after one which I thought was in season but the owner told me on her return >:( .......... had I known I would have got the Vet. to have a look ......... Bitches can suffer false pregnancy.
They can also suffer mites in their ears or typically 'grass seeds' down the ear canal ::) ......... so they can have similar symptoms ;-)
All mammmals clean their personal places ............. have you not watched male chimps :o
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"All mammmals clean their personal places ............. have you not watched male chimps "
Whatever floats your boat CLKD!
Taz ;D ;D ;D
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;D ... I tried not to watch ;-)
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Yeah, yeah of course you did :ange:
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I tried not to be embarrassed, what with all the kids around at Twycross Zoo ........... tried to act natural like :D
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My bladder has been irritated since Sat. so I have upped my pessaries which has helped, can't afford to have wee problems whilst away from home :o
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Oh poor you, CLKD, you have my sympathy as I am experiencing that old familiar, nagging pain, needing loo all the time and itchy/sore on outer lips. I was fine for these few weeks after op but when VA strikes, it's horrible. Hope you are feeling better soon :hug:
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:bounce:
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Several ladies are complaining of similar symptoms. Try not to wait too long before seeking treatment! I thought it wasn't going to happen to me :-\
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Damn VA. A pox on ageing and the menopause >:(
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At least we have got this far though!! The alternative to growing older and becoming menopausal is not that palatable either...
Taz x ;D
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::) - at least we have a place where we can share ;)
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Yes :)
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I eventually remembered to bump for New members ::)
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Hello all. I've just been taken off HRT due to bleeding/fibroids, and 4 weeks in I appear to be getting bladder problems. Feels like I have a full bladder nearly all the time and burning when I do go.... ??? Having read the thread I'm just wondering if any of you knowledgeable ladies have any thoughts on whether I might be suitable for Vagifem or any of the other treatments mentioned here? Would they 'feed' the fibroids like the oral HRT did? And restart the bleeding?
I'm seeing my GP next week anyway, but I'm not sure she knows much (if anything) about VA, so any info gained here would be valuable!
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Hi and Welcome Dizz
Vagifem could well be the answer - many ladies find it works very well for VA and bladder problems. I'm struggling with soreness and burning at the moment but Vagifem isn't really helping me - I may have to try something else. Hopefully others will be along to advice but I don't think local oestrogen will affect fibroids etc. DGX
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Ask for Vagifem or Ortho Gynest pessaries though the latter is due for withdrawal from the market this year.
Go on your symptoms, you may need a urine test to make sure that you don't have infection which must be sent away! But ask for treatment and let us know how you get on!
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Hi Dizz
What HRT were you on re the fibroids?
If you look at the information on this site, the Mirena coil is sometimes used to provide the progestogen part of HRT for women with fibroids
Fibroids are benign smooth muscle tumours of the uterine (womb) wall and are dependant on estrogen. They tend to shrink after the menopause but shrinkage may not occur, or they may even increase in size with HRT use. Increase is thought to occur in 25% of HRT users and mainly occurs in the first six months of therapy. There is some evidence that transdermal (patch or gel) but not tablet HRT nor tibolone may promote fibroid growth. [ref 24] Fibroid size can be monitored by regular examinations and sometimes by ultrasound scans. There is some evidence that the use of the progestogen releasing intra-uterine system, Mirena may cause fibroids to reduce in size. Mirena is often used in the perimenopause by women who have heavy periods and/or require contraception and can provide the progestogen part of their HRT.
http://www.menopausematters.co.uk/atoz.php#GlossF
There is no evidence that Vagifem will cause tumours to increase in size but it is given as a possible side effect on the warnings. However the research demonstrating this comes from other types of HRT, not Vagifem so it is a generalised warning only. Very little oestrogen is absorbed from Vagifem although it does go directly to the uterus.
Estriol is also an alternative but Orthogynest pessaries have already been discontinued (stocks are being run down now), so Estriol cream ( Ovestin or Gynest) are the alternatives. I would definitely ask for something along these lines!
They are all listed here:
http://www.menopausematters.co.uk/local.php
Hurdity x
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Thank you ladies, all info much appreciated!
I was on Climesse (conti) HRT Hurdity. Fibroids were diagnosed around 9 years ago, but as they weren't giving me too much trouble nothing was done and I was allowed to carry on with the HRT.
I have to say, I had no idea about all these different kinds of HRT until I came to this site - none of them have ever been discussed with me by my various doctors over the years. They always just asked me if everything was OK with it - and would I consider coming off it - plus blood pressure checks etc. I will definitely be asking about the cream when I go on Tuesday.
Meanwhile I've just been prescribed antibiotics for my chest so if I do have a bladder infection they will hopefully help with that too.
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ABs will deaden any symptoms in the bladder but don't let that stop you asking for treatment ;)
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Dizz - the other thing with ABs that are given for your chest, is that they mightn't be the right ones for any bladder / uti issue. Like CLKD says they may reduce it but not kill it completely. Also, local oestrogen can give a lot of relief.
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I was reading your bladder thread because I have been suffering hell on earth these past weeks with bladder pain, itching the works.The pain got so bad that even the pain relief patches I use were wearing off ahead of time. I have been told by gyn that I don't have VA but I beg to differ; I have every symptom and even if it is referred pain in the mix, it's still VA. It's never been this bad. I put the Vagifem in and am on my 4th day. I will suffer the side effects because I just can't deal with how bad this has become. I urge anyone with VA symptoms, even mild ones, to do something now before they get worse. I wished I'd listened to my own body instead of listening to the doctor.
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My GP recognised symptoms before I did ::)
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Thankyou for bumping this thread CLKD.
I have read it with interest and I'm hoping that once the vagifem kicks in, my bladder pain and discomfort will do one!! As I'm fed up with it now xx
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<wave> that's OK!
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So glad you started this thread CLKD! I have all the symptoms of a bladder infection with white blood cells in the urine but every test came back neg for infection. I have had bouts of this before but this is continuous and the pain is terrible. I am getting headaches on Vagifem but it's all I've got. The symptoms are easing but I know I have to go the full 14 days loading period. I am in bed with a hot water bottle (no Brad Pitt) when it's 29 degs outside! I didn't realize how bad VA can get if left. Oh, my GP said that a HRT patch would maybe be better instead of the oral route but not convinced that it's the problem. Anyone had better results on Patches?
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Rose
I'm sure there will be ladies along to advice about patches but I believe patches or Oestrogel can offer better absorption of oestrogen that pills. DG x
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Rose - I can understand your GP preferring HRT patches to pills, I think they are better for us generally, less damaging to the liver. However, I believe local, vaginal oestrogen, is needed to deal with VA and UTI like problems. This may be in addition to HRT patches or pills.
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Limy- it's not that pills damage the liver, it's that oestrogen passing through the liver affects the level of triglycerides in the bloodstream, which alter the level of fats/ good-bad cholesterol and this increases the risk of blood clots.
HRT doesn't damage the liver- it's the metabolism of oestrogen as it passes through the liver via the stomach that affects the levels and types off fat in the blood.
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Rose - could your discomfort be something to with the hysterectomy you had late last year? Some women do gets lots of problems afterwards.
Taz x
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Thanks for that Sarah - I just knew that taking HRT or Contraceptive pills orally weren't good for the liver, didn't know the mechanism.
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Treat the symptoms! if it seems like continual water infections then ask for treatment for vaginal atrophy - SuziQ has a good thread here too! My lower belly is irritable today so upping my fluid intake - no notification from our Surgery as to what will be prescribed instead of Ovestin pessaries >:(
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Sarah - I know this is going off topic a bit but the metabolic effects of oral estrogen compared to transdermal are complex and I freely admit I know very little about it, and happy to be educated!
From what I read post-menopausal oestrogen increases the amount of HDL (good cholesterol) and reduces the amount of LDL (the bad type) thus lowering the risk of heart disease and this beneficial effect is more pronounced for oral oestrogen. - in this case the first-pass effect is good! The same article mentioned the increase in triglycerides on oral oestrogen, which are an independent risk factor for stroke.
Here is the link - for anyone interested - perhaps I should re-post onto the Stroke thread as it's nothing to do with bladders ;D
http://www.drmichaelgoodman.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/11/Publications-J-Wom-Health-Are-all-estrogens-created-equal.pdf
Hurdity x
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It's a tremendous article Hurdity. Just glanced at now but will read fully when not;
1 Cooking evening meal
2 Drinking the amount of wine necessary to do said cooking
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Well from what I've read, I may change to patches. I was in so much pain and discomfort that I had to use Vagifem, although I am getting side effects such as headaches and feeling like I've taken too much caffine. I know that my hysterectomy, Taz has added to my overall discomfort, especially my bowel and they may have 'hit' my bladder in their goal to get to the uterus but I believe that I have two things going on; Vulvadynia and VA. At least with Vagifem that awful pain and urgency has gone. I went to visit my daughter and she couldn't believe how many times I needed the toilet which isn't easy to find in a big city like Melbourne. Has anyone else suffered side effects from Vagifem and if so, do they lessen after the 2 week loading period?
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Just thought I'd post an update. Bladder problems cleared after a couple of days thankfully, not sure if it was an infection, just glad it went!
So I've been for my check-up today and told the doc about the bladder problems and the occasional itchiness I'm also getting and she immediately suggested vaginal oestrogen. I've gone for the Ovestin cream to begin with, will see how I get on with it. :)
Hope everyone else who was suffering is also getting some relief, it's really horrible....
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It is horrible, the feeling of razor blades "up there" :o . >:( well done your GP too!
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I am suffering so much with my bladder at the moment, I haven't been able to go to work today and haven't had a proper nights sleep in weeks. Just sitting typing this is agony. After 4 different courses of anti-biotics I have finally had a clear urine test but I am still in agony. I am frightened of leaving the house in case I have an 'accident'. I am on day 12 of the Vagifem two-week loading period but have not seen any relief. The burning, razor blade feeling in my vagina is also really difficult to deal with. I am so frightened. My partner is on his way down to stay with me as I am terrified of being on my own....God, this is awful!!
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Hi there
Sorry you are in such a bad way :(
Can I suggest that you have a look at the website of the COB Foundation ( think it's .org but not sure.)
Sometimes infections can leave damage and one way to help the bladder heal is to treat it very gently by not drinking and eating certain things which might irritate a damaged and sore bladder lining.
I'm speaking from experience.
I'd suggest you drink nothing but water for a week or so- boiled to get rid of the chlorine, and avoid all spicy and acidic foods. There are lots of ideas on the website.
Take care.
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When I had my first child I had a C section. The surgeon who did the operation had a bit of an accident and left me with a two inch cut in my bladder. I had a catheter in for nine days which brings its own set of problems.
Eventually I saw a urologist who told me to drink drink drink. Water, no caffeine, no citrus fruits or juices, no alcohol. I had a very irritable bladder for a long while and was TT for quite a few years as my bladder could not cope with any alcohol.
Even 25 years on I am sometimes aware of a weakness and then I start to drink a lot.
Don't know if this is relevant but your bladder will react to what you eat and drink so a symptom diary may well help.
Honeyb
x
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Thanks both! bladder irritability can be draining :'( :-\ and socially it cuts our wings.
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Just to add that sometimes the initial loading period for Vagifem (two weeks) is extended to 3 or even 4 weeks if necessary - so maybe also check with your doc - to give your body as much help as possible to regenerate vaginal tissues.
Hurdity x
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Thank you for your advice everyone - I must have been for a wee about twenty times since this morning my poor bladder is worn out!
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Are you drinking plenty? Do you pass much volume or is it more like a leak? Give your GP a ring and tell them that the uptake seems slow and your symptoms remain severe, or have a chat with a Pharmacist: they have private rooms now for discussion ;)
:hug:
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Have you tried bicarb in water? quarter of a teaspoon in a glass of water- tepid better than icy cold- and this will help settle the bladder as it makes the urine less acidic. You can do this 3 x a day unless you have high blood pressure.
Don't drink tea, coffee, juices or anything except water for a few days.
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Hi Judith - I have forgotten what bladder tests you have had to date but I take it you have had a cystoscopy to check that everything is well with the bladder itself?
I think that you need to ask to be referred to the Continence Advisory Service - this does not mean you have to be incontinent but merely that you will be assessed and given advice on how to retrain your bladder. The bladder can become hypersensitive so that even a small amount of urine irritates. I had great help from them myself. I'm not sure where you are based but you may have something similar to this near you http://www.royalberkshire.nhs.uk/pdf/BHFT%20Bladder%20Retraining.pdf.
Also the bladder and bowel foundation may have useful links http://www.bladderandbowelfoundation.org/
Taz x
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I did have a cystoscopy about four weeks ago and everything was fine. I need to go to Harley Street this afternoon to have a scan on my left ovary as it is a little enlarged and to be honest I am fearful of leaving the house. I don't think it is my poor bladder giving out the 'urge to go' I think it is a problem with the pudendal nerve - undiagnosed as yet but all the symptoms seem to fit...I go to see a condultant who specialises in this condition in two weeks.
I am desperate for a wee but when I sit down I have to really force it out and then still need to go when I have finished - basically the urge for a wee NEVER goes!!
It is all so depressing. I will carry on drinking a lot of fluid and hope the damned nerve swithches itself off soon...
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Are you sure it's not interstitial cystitis Judith? This can have very similar symptoms to the pudendal nerve syndrome especially the constant feeling of needing to urinate. Have you been referred to a urinary specialist such as the continence advisory service? The staff at these units are excellent although the tests are rather embarrassing but all done with discretion and good humour.
There is advice here about IC http://www.womentowomen.com/urinary-incontinence/interstitialcystitis/
Taz x
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Hi Taz, unfortunately I was in such a tizz this week I missed my appointment with the urologist - I got confused over which day I was supposed to take my urine sample in and which day my appointment was. I was supposed to take my sample in on Day 12 of the antibiotics, which was Monday, and I thought I had made the appointment to see him for Wednesday but the appointment was for Monday -at about the same time that I was providing the sample so I was at the hospital anyway! I was so cross with myself. Anyway, I spoke to his secretary and she has told me that the test came back clear and I have an appointment for next Thursday. I tend to think it is the pudendal nerve as I have other symptoms that I don't think are present in IC - really bad burning pain in my vagina - like sitting on razor blades sometimes or a hot poker at other times, and I find it extremely uncomfortable to sit down! I am in touch with another lady on this site who has the same symptoms as me - although I don't think her bladder symptoms are the same - and she has been daignosed with PN. However, I suppose there is a chance it could just be VA - on Day 13 now of initial Vagifem loading and Elleste Duo but no relief yet. This whole nonsense started after I had sex with my partner in February and he did remark that I seemed dry and I am beginning to wonder if I sustained some sort of nerve injury :o
A trans-vaginal scan did pick up a slightly enlarged left ovary and I am going to have a more detailed check on that this afternoon.
It just seems as though the nerve that switches on the urge to wee has been turned to ON and I can't switch it off!
Judith
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I hope you get it sorted soon.
Vaginal pain is common with IC and also pain in the urethra. This is from the Urology Care Foundation's website
"The symptoms of IC vary for different patients. If you have IC, you may have urinary frequency/urgency or pain, pressure, discomfort perceived to be from the bladder or all of these symptoms.
Frequency is the need to urinate more often than normal. Normally, the average person urinates no more than seven times a day, and does not have to get up at night to use the bathroom. An IC patient often has to urinate frequently both day and night. As frequency becomes more severe, it leads to urgency. Urgency to urinate is a common IC symptom. Some patients feel a constant urge that never goes away, even right after urinating. While others with IC urinate often, they do not necessarily feel the urge to go all the time.
IC patients may have bladder pain that gets worse as the bladder fills. Some IC patients feel the pain in other areas in addition to the bladder. A person may also feel pain in the urethra, lower abdomen, lower back, or the pelvic or perineal area. Women may experience pain in the vulva or the vagina and men may feel the pain in the scrotum, testicle, or penis. The pain may be constant or intermittent."
It may be worth keeping IC in mind as the pain, together with the bladder symptoms, can be indicative.
Taz x
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Thank you Taz - perhaps you are right and it is IC. Another thing I have noticed is that I can't really empty my bladder fully unless I stand up and wee - this is all so depressing!
Would there have been any indication of IC when the cystoscopy was done - I was told that my bladder was normal.
Did you have IC? Have you got it under control?
Judith
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I don't have IC but a close friend had it around ten years ago. She is on HRT and had a bladder stretch which gave her great relief. I was referred for urodynamic testing due to stress incontinence and this sparked an interest in how the whole urinary system works. I have fibromyalgia and IC is often part of this which is why I was referred by my GP. I do suffer from urinary symptoms from time to time.
The cystoscopy would be used to rule out other things such as a growth in the bladder or a kink in the urethra - it's a case of eliminating everything else before settling on the diagnosis of IC I believe.
Some people get relief from a tri-cyclic antidepressant which works on the pain - it's a lower dose than would be used for depression.
Taz x
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The urologist did mention trying amitryptyline which I have had before in the past - when I had fibromyalgia-type symptoms,
Judith
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A normal cystoscopy would not spot IC- they need to do it under a GA and put in a lot of fluid to see if the bladder walls bleed.
Some people find this helps but others find it makes it much worse as it creates more tears in the lining which can take time to heal.
If you find it hard to empty your bladder you might have a small bladder prolapse which affects the angle - have you been examined by a gynae to see if this is the case?
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Hi Judith57
I had a cystoscopy recently and they filled my bladder full of fluid and I could see the images the camera was looking at of the inside of my bladder very clearly. The walls of my bladder looked sort of OK but the urologist said it is very difficult to be certain where any bleeding was coming from. In my case it may be localised to the urethra. I understand it is quite common to have blood in the urine particularly post meno.
A cystoscopy is very routine and I found it reassuring to know there weren't any real problems (I've known a couple of people with bladder cancer which is very nasty).
My bladder definitely held a bit more after the procedure. I even let them stretch my urethra which seemed to help urine flow - however this benefit was short term.
I am using local oestrogen now as I think I've had untreated VA for quite some time.
I now start each day with a big glass of water and make sure I have regular gulps of water throughout the day. I'm usually up at least 3 times each night - it seems as though my body stores up all the fluid during the day and then fills the bladder through the night!!!!
Do get everything checked with the urologist for peace of mind. It sounds to me as though you have VA and that can take time to be resolved with local oestrogen(up to 6 months). I've had the burning urethra and vaginal dryness for over 15 years and I was on full HRT most of that time (due to early meno). I am really cross that doctors didn't give me local oestrogen earlier.
Good luck DG x
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Hello everyone, thank you for all your advice and Dancinggirl I have been reading all your 'burning' threads with interest and they sound so much like me....glass of cold water between thighs etc...
So an update, just back from Harley Street - I was dreading leaving the house as I had been weeing for England before I left this morning and started to get into a panic on the way to the station. Anyway, the walk to the station seemed to ease everything a bit although I chose to stand on the train and the tube. I started needing a wee while sitting down waiting for the scan but that was OK as I had to empty my bladder anyway. The scan showed nothing on my ovaries but a small fibroid on a stalk on the outside of one of my ovaries. The Doctor said it would not be causing any symptoms at all.
I am home now - haven't had a wee yet but am having a glass of tepid water with bicarb - I had two this morning. Sorry if this is too much information guys...
The problem definitely seems related to my posture - that's why I am worried it is nerve-related. As soon as I sit down or lie down I need a wee - anyway I have a follow-up appointment with the gynaecologist tomorrow morning and I will tell him everything that is happening and see what he suggests.
By the way, I have now resorted to sitting on a blow up travel neck cushion. It is helping the burning urethra.
Judith xxx
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Any relief you can get, go for! It can take time to sort out the whys and wheres of symptoms >:( which can be tiring and distressing.
:hug:
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Been to see the lovely gynaecologist this morning. He confirmed that the fibroid is not the cause of my current problems, that I have probably had it for years and, if anything, it would be smaller now. He is referring me for uro-dynamic testing - sounds fun but needs must!!
He is still confident that the burning in my vagina will be resolved by the vagifem but told me to carry on with one a night (the initial two-week loading period ends tonight) as the dose is much lower than it used to be and I may not be getting enough. I wish I could be as confident as him.....
Sitting at the computer now and I can feel the burning starting to build, oh for the old days when my life was not ruled by my fanny/bladder!
The gynaecologist said these problems are very common in women of my age. He then asked if sex was painful - he obviously has no idea of how bad things are if he thinks I can even cotemplate sex - was quite funny really!!!
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Did you ask about IC or the pudendal nerve Judith?
Taz x
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Hi Taz, he asked me if I had looked at any websites and showed me the over-active bladder website and said that it is a very good one. I have been on so many websites I have lost count! When I saw him last time I mentioned the pudendal nerve and asked if it could have been damaged during sex (when this whole nonsense started) and he said no. It is all so distressing as I was feeling very confident when I got home but now that I am sitting down I have the familiar niggling just behind my clitoris that starts the whole cycle off. I just wish I could turn the damned feeling off.
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Did he suggest what the clitoral pain might be? I've had urodynamics - it is a bit embarrassing to think about but fine on the day. It does give a really good idea of what is going on with the bladder.
Taz x
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I didn't mention the clitoral pain stupidly, wish I had now but it wasn't playing up at the time. Now of course it is all I can think of!
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It's difficult to remember everything. I thought the clitoral pain was one of the main problems. Let us know how you get on with the urodynamics. At least you will get part of the problem sorted out.
Did I read that you have fibromyalgia? Clitoral pain and sensitivity can be a fibro symptom. Fibro is linked into both IC and Vulvodynia. I hope that these consultants you are seeing are aware of your fibro?
Taz x
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Hi Taz. I had all kinds of nerve pain and insomnia two years ago, mainly in my neck and kind of self-diagnosed myself with fibromyalgia through the Internet. Of course my wonderful GP said it didn't exist but referred me to a rheumatologist who did the trigger-point test and said I was quite sensitive but didn't have full-blown fibromyalgia. Anyway he prescribed amitriptyline and I was on that for a while and felt a lot better.
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Fibro has to be symmetrical and has other symptoms as well as pain. The pain needs to be present at different points on the body. It sounds as if maybe the prescribing of amitrip helped to avoid the full blown version especially if it helped with sleep. It is worth keeping it in mind though if you are going to go for further consultations.
Taz x
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I definitely will. Feel so unwell at the moment :'(
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:hug: chronic pain is tiring ;)
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Have a look-see ;) - don't suffer in silence!
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I need to pee more often :-\ even though it's hot ……….. my belly and bladder feel irritated. I stopped the OrthoGynest pessaries 2 weeks ago and am on an applicator injected preparation. Why do Companies stop producing successful products :cuss:
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Me too, and I'm 'burning' :-\ don't think the Gynest cream is as effective as the pessaries :(
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<sigh> :cuss: does anyone know why the Company stopped producing the pessaries? NICE should insist that once a product is proven to work for patients then they cannot stop making it.
The area below my belly button feels tender = the increased need to pee ………… that area feels bruised ……. how does VA manifest itself for others :-\
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I have sent an e-mail to Janssen-Cilag - watch this space :-\
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Maybe should try Vagifem. Two week load and then twice a week. It's effective for most.
I don't think an email will make much difference CLKD although I wish it would. If they are not making enough money then they stop production. It's nothing to do with patient welfare and all to do with balancing the books.
Honeyb
x
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I have bladder problems to, always have the urge, more so if I have just been, as soon as I stand up feel the need again, and could sit there dribbling for ages, infact I read 2 autobiographies in a week while sat dribbling ;D I do a have a slight prolapse of the front vaginal wall, which GP said pelvic floor excerices will sort out the problem, admittedly I have been quite slack (no pun intended) at doing them, and TBH not sure they will work now after all this time. I was told i was being referred to Gynae so was surprised to get a letter from the Physio clinic, when I called I said please don't tell me I have to come to be taught pelvic floor exercises, the nurse said well yes, but the physios are specially trained for this, heard it all now! Judith like you I am worried about 'accidents' and if out I always have to know where there is a toilet. I was prescribed pills (I will be rattling soon) for overactive bladder but took one and it really aggravated my acid pain, so haven't taken any since.
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GP told me she would swap the prescription to Vagifem. well what a night!
I smell. I warned DH not to come to close in bed because even after my bath I was whiffy. Slept OK until 3.20 when I woke and went across the landing to the bathroom. When I got back I was OK for a few moments then adrenalin went through me like a dose of salts! I shook for a while, no nausea but when the symptoms stopped: after 20/30 mins., that feeling of fullness in the belly area had gone :o .......... after which I felt better than I have done for years .......no muggy head, no belly fullness, no nausea .
Slept eventually. Still whiffy, off for a bath before the Tour begins ........
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:hug:CLKD
What a relief!
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Bath done.
Where exactly is the bladder situated in relation to the belly button? I have that heavy feeling again - have taken a Nurofen 10 mins ago hoping to relieve those feelings. Might ask for Vagifem is I can get it GP did say she would alter the prescription; then I can try both preps and see which suits best
I have 4 Orthogynest left. Wonder if they sell it in mainland Europe :-\
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Much lower down than the belly button CLKD. Is it an ache or a pain or a dragging feeling.
Could you have an infection. Maybe put a urine sample in to get it checked.
Honeyb
x
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:thankyou:
It's the same feelings I had before for several years but recent urine samples came back clear and symptoms went away when I began the Orthogynest. I have now been without that for 2 weeks. Have had 2 nights of Ovestin >:(
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I have bladder problems to, always have the urge, more so if I have just been, as soon as I stand up feel the need again, and could sit there dribbling for ages, infact I read 2 autobiographies in a week while sat dribbling ;D I do a have a slight prolapse of the front vaginal wall, which GP said pelvic floor excerices will sort out the problem, admittedly I have been quite slack (no pun intended) at doing them, and TBH not sure they will work now after all this time. I was told i was being referred to Gynae so was surprised to get a letter from the Physio clinic, when I called I said please don't tell me I have to come to be taught pelvic floor exercises, the nurse said well yes, but the physios are specially trained for this, heard it all now! Judith like you I am worried about 'accidents' and if out I always have to know where there is a toilet. I was prescribed pills (I will be rattling soon) for overactive bladder but took one and it really aggravated my acid pain, so haven't taken any since.
Cheekygal - they are specialist physios - you will be taught how to do the exercises properly but may be given urodynamics testing first. You will probably be offered bio-feedback where sensors are attached to you so that as you pull up your pelvic floor you can see on a graph on a computer how well you are doing. It's the first step in trying to sort your bladder problems out and will give the physios a good idea as to what is causing your problem. I attended a clinic once a month for a year and my pelvic floor improved no end. Didn't improve the prolapse though which I have just had repaired.
Taz x
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It's been better 2day. Treated it last night so will C how it goes this week ……. whether that dragging feeling returns :-\ ………. so many nerves down there, so many muscles pushing against bladder, bowel etc. >:(
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I am wondering whether ladies would consider mastectomy in order to continue using HRT ?
It's been OK thank goodness but I have a very sore R breast ……… suddenly on Momday evening like a splinter in there ::)
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Very strange thought and question
NO
Honeyb
x
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CLKD, i don't find that a strange question its something I have given some thought to recently..
I have BRCA 2 mutation, recently had ovaries removed and on tibolone hrt. Was advised I can be on it around 5 years which takes me to age 50.
Ive started process for risk reducing double masectomy which after surgerywill then put my risk to around 4% which is considerably less than a lot of women.
From a personal perspective i would consider continuing to take hrt till mid to late 50's if I wasnt having a quality of life due to menopausal symtoms. Potentially is a choice of quality over quantity, which is why I never delay doing anything I want to do now rather than wait until retirement.
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Very strange thought and question
NO
Why is it strange Honeyb?
Someone might want to use HRT but be concerned about potential breast cancer risk.
Angelina Jolie had a double mastectomy because of high breast cancer risk.
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I read CLKD s post as asking whether you would consider having a mastectomy just to continue on HRT.
If there was no other reason ie....No cancer, or strong genetic risk of cancer, then I think it's a strange concept.
I have probably misunderstood the question ...... ::)
Honeyb
x
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That was the basis of my question Honeybun. I had breast disease in 1995 and all the HRT says that I shouldn't be using it. But I would not be able to tolerate the VA which is ? probably likely to continue ……… without treatment ??? something I need to discuss with my GP.
Quality of Life is important for me. Having had a slight return of symptoms last week it soon reminded me of how awful it can be and without treatment :-\
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The amount of HRT that you absorb after the initial loading period is minimal and quite safe CLKD. It stays where it goes if you see what I mean.
In answer to your question. No, I would never consider such radical surgery just to control menopause symptoms. I would just try and make the best of what I had flushes and all. For me it would be a step too far.
Honeyb
x
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:thankyou: ……. however, as the treated breast has been extremely painful this week I do wonder how much abosrobtion does happen. So I must ask the question.
I had a good relationship with my breasts following surgery so it would be difficult to decide without a lot of discussion.
Treatment of bladder due this evening ;) so far so good!
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If there was no other reason ie....No cancer, or strong genetic risk of cancer, then I think it's a strange concept.
Ah - Now I see what you're getting at.
Sorry - heat addling brain more than usual ::)
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Not at all. I knew what I meant ::)
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Thought I did.
Then thought I didn't.
Now think I do.
;D ;D
Honeyb
x
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Join The Club :rofl:
We've a thread here somewhere ………. can't remember where though ;)
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CLKD
When it was first discontinued (Orthgynest) last October (?) - I phoned up the company on the number given and spoke to someone - I reported it somewhere on here back then - maybe even on this thread. From what I remember the women said they'd had a meeting about it and decided to stop it "for commercial reasons". When I expressed dismay she said "It's a very old product you know" as if that was a sensible criterion. So ***** what, was my thought!!!!!
I would be interested to hear the response to your message CLKD.
I'm not clear when you started experiencing the breast symptoms - after you started the Ovestin which was 2 weeks after stopping Orthogynest pessaries? Not sure whay you stopped Orthgynest as you say you have some left? It would be better to continue smoothly from one to the other with no break. Are you doing the two week loading period with the Ovestin? Sorry I'm in and out and away so only picking up posts here and there.
Btw I experienced that horrible pelvic ache/dragging feeling when I stopped HRT for 3 months over 3 years ago now. It used to come on in the evening and I had to put my feet up. It was a sort of backache too and disappeared when I re-started HRT. Sounds like you do need to continue with the vaginal oestrogen.
Hurdity x
Hurdity
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:thankyou: symptoms are improving thank goodness! No reply from the Company, it's probably been stopped in the UK because the NHS won't pay enough for it. Would be interesting to see whether Ortho-Gynest pessaries are sold abroad!
I had a 2 weeks break between products. The breast pain began on Monday evening so I had used 3 of the new 'doses' ……..
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Ovestin cream is much stronger than Gynest cream, and from what I gather has a smaller applicator and each dose contains a tiny amount of cream (0.5 g). I haven't ever used this. Are you following the instructions carefully? If you vary the amount then there is greater margin for error with a more concentrated compound normally measured in small doses, so maybe greater potential for more than 0.5 g so perhaps more side effects - if you are going to experience them? Thinkiing aloud here!
I have read that estriol is a weaker oestrogen than estradiol in terms of binding to oestrogen receptors so that any that is absorbed systemically (eg in the first two weeks) is likely to have a lesser effect than estradiol - but I don't really understand the bio-chemistry of all of this as it is complex!!
I presume you are re-doing the 2 week loading?
From what I remember they were stopping the manufacture (which is who I phoned) at thecompnay ( J-J - can't remember the name!) so nothing to do with NHS - but a commercial decision from the company. My GP isn't pleased because it is the best estriol preparation - no messy creams to deal with...
Hurdity x
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There is an applicator, a bit like those for inserting tampons …….. the tube is placed into the applicator and a delivered dose up to a 'mark' is inserted inside. Didn't do the 2 week loading but have used the product every 3/4 nights and symptoms are much improved.
Messy - a bit. But whilst it works ;)
Breast pain much improved ……..
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:bounce:
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:bounce:
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Hi. Its Bea. a newcomer. Can anyone advise. just started on Viagram 5 days in and already got bowel changes. Using bowel a lot more.
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Hi Bea - do you mean Vagifem?
Taz x :welcomemm:
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Hi bea and welcome to MM
When you first start Vagifme you can get some tummy pain and it may slightly effect the bowel as well (some women feel slightly bloated for a while as well) because the initial 2 week daily dose is designed to plump up everything down there to prevent/reduce systemic absorption. Everything settles downs. Dg
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:welcomemm: Bea. Probably hormones! Once you have done the initial load usually 2/3 weeks nightly and go to 2/3 times weekly, the bowel should settle.
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Bumped for new member
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There you go ;)
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There you go ;)
Phew! Thanks CLKD. :-*
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Have a good read through. It wasn't a condition I knew of nor did I think I would suffer …….. but with treatment I am now symptom free! no irritable bladder, no having to sit on the loo drinking dilute juice/tea, no feeling that my bottom was going to drop out :o
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I know but my symptoms have lessened. I get a physical 'warning' when I forget ::) ........ every 3 or 4th morning I lay a pessary on the bed to remind me ..........
But the whole idea of the maintenance dose (ie twice weekly) is to prevent return of symptoms rather than try to cure them if/when they re-appear. It doesn't work like that ie instant relief from symptoms - as I said it's a long term thing. From what I've read, I understand it stimulates an increase in the cells of the vaginal epithelium - which doesn't happen overnight.
It really is important to use them twice a week as recommended and if you lapse - sometimes it is necessary to increase this frequency just to speed things up re the cells and therefore the vaginal tissues....
Hurdity x
I have just read this - searching for something else.. I have lapsed with the Gynest - have been using regularly once a week, thinking and missed week also... should I "speed it up" to twice a week again?
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HiZoe Zebra
I think I responded to you on your other thread. It's very,very important you maintain the local oestrogen regime or the problems will return. Twice a week at least. It may be worth doing a 2 week daily load, as you did when you first started this local oestrogen treatment, just to get things back on track. DG x
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Dancing girl is correct. I have a calendar reminder set up on my phone every three days for my Vagifem dose. This ensures it is spaced evenly and delivered consistently. Any less frequently than this can trigger 'symptoms' in my experience.
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Morwenna......being a little dumb her so every three days, what days do you use it on as I do Thursday and Sunday and the gap from Sunday to Thirsday seems to long.
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Thanks DG and Morwenna - yes Maryjane - I used to use it Sunday and Wednesday, then I just started using it Mondays, thinking the less I was using it the better. Should I keep using it twice a week then?
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Yes!!! At least!
Hurdity x
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If you schedule it for the same days each week eg Thursday and Monday (as I used to do) then this doesn't deliver a consistent dose - I actually set up a reminder on my phone for every third day so the space in between doses is the same length of time - this means I use it on Saturday, Tuesday, Friday, Monday, Thursday, Sunday, Wednesday and then back to Saturday and so on.
I agree the gap between Sunday and Thursday is too long Maryjane.
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I tick the usage on the calendar and tend to go by symptoms now - sometimes leaving 4/5 days between …….
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I don't get any symptoms at all on this regime....
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Great ain't it - to find something that Actually Works! :)
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:bounce:
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Here is 1 of the long topics on VA!
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Bounced for new Members
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I find that anxiety causes me to pee more often :-\ ……
Then I worry that the VA is returning …….
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Someone was asking about vaginal atrophy - can't find SuzyQ's Very Good Thread so here's my own.
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I also have interstitial cystitis and use vagifem hardly any symptoms at all. My va is well managed. I also have a weekly bath with aveeno colloidal oatmeal bath to re hydrate. Works a treat
Jayne
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Promised to :bounce: this but forgot …….. ::)
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I find that anxiety causes me to pee more often :-\ ……
Then I worry that the VA is returning …….
Me too x
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>morning SuziQ<
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Here it is for new members ;)
SuziQ's thread is really informative but I can't remember the title ::)
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oh lord, 17 pages :o will come back and read later, will be of interest to me.
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It goes on and on and ……….. so did the symptoms until my GP stepped in ;)
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just taken me an hour to read it all, but well worth it. Many Thanks to all who contributed. :-*
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Hope you had feet up with cuppa to hand ? ;D
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;D I was hooked, but yes I did have my extra tasty herbal tea at hand :o
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I use Ovestin 1mg a couple of nights during the week but for example today, I have symptoms again which will go tomorrow :-\
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I used Ovestin 2 nights ago and have had the symptoms which sent me to the GP initially ::). Wanting to wee more, heavy feeling round the belly area …….. bugga. Don't know if anxiety is contributing ……..
Would Vagifem be better …. seeing GP soon for annual review.
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I think Vagifem is more accurate and certainly less messy. It adheres to the wall and then melts slowly to deliver an accurate amount.
Might be worth a try CLKD. Sometimes after a long time things stop being quite as effective.
Could you have a little infection.....as you've said in the past, we can't put everything down to meno.
Drink plenty and have a rest.
Honeybun
X
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:thankyou:
I'm resting. I think it's anxiety. Aggravating the bladder. Off to make a cuppa ……..
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:bounce: for new members!
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If you have a tetchy bladder, tea and coffee will set it off as will booze, acidic and fizzy drinks. Sorry if this has been covered in the previous pages.
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I've heard of an antibiotic that can be taken(one dose) after sex to avoid cystitis. Is this something doctors often prescribe? It was a celebrity who took it :) would be good for my piece of mind as mine only occurs after sex.
Is it definitely an antibiotic Teresa?
I thought they were only given if there was a definite infection.
Not heard of a one dose one for anything.
However, I don't get out much ;D
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I have heard that peeing after sex can prevent infection.
I'd heard that too.
Think it flushes the urethra out :-\
Whatever, not very relaxing or romantic ::)
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I have to pee after anyway
One wouldn't take an AB as a 1-off - too many ABs are causing resistance
I stick to Ovestin1mg because I understand there may be cramps with Vagifem
The initial urine test must be sent to a Lab. for 'growing' and if there is a bug present, the correct AB prescribed. If no bug then the lady should be offered treatment for vaginal atrophy. For me it felt like razor blades up there :-\
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:-\ ……….. does she name the AB? I thought 1 required at least 48 hours of 'build up' for an AB to have any impact?
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The AB after sex is actually quite an old method of hitting these things on the head.
My former lovely, now retired, GP offered me that as a treatment about 20 years back (turned out I had something else going on with my bladder and not an infection most of the time) but he was already prescribing a single AB to many female patients. He said that for many women taking 1 tablet after sex would prevent infections in women who were badly affected post-sex. I think it's nitrofurantin. (sp)
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Is that Nitrofurantoin?
The reason bacteria are developing resistance to ABs is because of people not taking them properly, i.e. they are just taking one :o
It might help one person in the short term - but hey, who cares about anybody alse.......
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It would need to be pretty potent ? placebo effect? ::)
"Nitrofurantoin is usually given for up to 3 days after lab tests show that the infection has cleared. "
So maybe many years ago it was suggested as a 1-off dose but I wouldn't think that a GP would prescribe it like this now due to resistance.
from another link - " it is likely that you will be prescribed one tablet/capsule to take four times daily for 3-7 days .. " I rest my Case.
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Well the only way to find out is to ask!
The instructions you listed have always applied but that is for a proven infection; this is for prevention.
Don't shoot me, I'm only the messenger!
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;D ………. how long ago did Lesley Garrett tell the public that she was advised to take 1 tablet after sex? Or maybe that's what she decided to do ……..
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Mis-use of antibiotic therapy. One only requires ABs when there is infection present!!!
Roll on when GPs have to do specific tests to see if there is bacteria present. There will be on 'in case'. Lesley should have found out what the basis of infection was!
The bacteria which causes urinary tract infections lives in the bowel so it is generally lack of personal hygiene that causes the bug to be moved from back to front.
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You might find this helpful reading.
https://www.scottishmedicines.org.uk/files/sapg/Management_of_recurrent_lower_UTI_in_non-pregnant_women.pdf
It's about prophylactic use of ABs and the advice here was issued in 2014.
You can see from the flow chart that hygiene measures etc are always part of treatment and prevention but for some women these are not enough.
This is another paper on it and you can read about single use ABs about half way down the page under this heading:
Antimicrobial prophylaxis
http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC1477561/
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:thankyou:
oh we're a Mine of info on here ::)
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Well I spoke too soon last week >:(! After not using the Ovestin1mg for 15 nights, symptoms began to niggle mid-evening on Wed., with repeated visits to pee and the feeling of fullness. A bit better 2-day after using the product every night since, no more Nurofen required.
NOTE TO SELF :bang: :bang: :bang: - :kick:
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Note to self: keep up with regular treatment :bang: :bang: :bang: have had to insert this afternoon as symptoms have returned :(
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I know that heavy bladder discomfort so well CLKD, in fact I've started feeling it again recently. I thought I had an infection but the results came back clear so I added Vagifem back into to my regime and now three days later things are feeling a lot better. If I were to leave a gap of say five days in between pessaries I know the discomfort and back pain would reappear. Thought id got rid of it with hrt but no such luck so vaginal estrogen forever now by the looks of it. Hope you're soon feeling more comfortable.
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:thankyou: also I know I didn't drink much on Thursday >:( - :kick:
I tick the calendar so ought to know when the next load is due.
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Hahaha, I love that kicking up the backside emoticon 😂
Yes it's strange but when our bladders are playing up even a small glass of liquid can result in several trips to the loo. 😬
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When we don't drink enough then the kidneys work harder = more loo trips ::). I was across to the bathroom at 5.25 a.m., blue sky, sharp frost :D
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:bounce: for new member
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Well what a few days! I have been using Ovestin1mg on a regular-ish basis. Was fine on Monday until half way to Yorkshire, of course being on the M1 doesn't make me relax at all; I needed a wee and by the time we arrived at the Service area my lower belly was tight. OK once I'd been although my bladder didn't feel as though it had emptied enough.
Also: the smell :-[ - I didn't leak but my underwear and jeans were stinky :-\. I had to throw the lot into the bucket outside the van …….. I have been careful of personal hygiene but still whiff, no discharge or blood ……. so am going to up my liquid intake. My bowel feels 'full' which maybe presses on the bladder?
Or could it be the 'coke' that I've been drinking in recent weeks ……..
I was up to the Porta-potty 7 times last night so we are home - not as far nor as windy/wet as walking across the field!
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As an aside - for years I have wanted the toilet facilities as close to the doors at the Service areas as possible - well they have done : but OH the colour : BRIGHT green :o on a lovely beech background. Not far from the doors so one doesn't have to walk through the food halls >phew< but if 1 is feeling queasy already :-X
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Had 4 nights use of Ovestin1mg, nowt last night - bladder is irritated again and belly feels heavy :sigh: Worried in the early hours about whether it's OK to use it due to breast disease treatment in the 1990s :-\.
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CLKD it's not 1mg its 1 mcg which is hugely different amounts , I no that many oncologist allow ladies who have had oestrogen positive BC to use it , as benefits outweigh risks.
But obviously discuss with a medical professional.
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Thanks. But the packet states 1mg cream [Estriol 1 mg in 1 g ]
I don't like the Consultant who took over from mine when he retired >:(. Maybe I'll ask the radiographer who does my mammos.
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I have just looked it up 😊 Re conversions they word IT differently to vagifem , but it is the same dose as vagifem, and is extremely low minuscule.
The risk of VA taking hold in my non medical opinion , and your breast disease returning from increasing your dose is understandably worrying , but I would say such a small worry it shouldn't be a reason not to up it as necessary.
The type of VA I have been battling for the last two years , has been truly hideous and I would not wish it on anybody , there were times when the alternative seemed like my only alternative.
However I am getting there , from 5 xs vagifem a week and systemic.
I doubt the radiologist will be able to give an opinion , I no some oncologist allow ladies who have had oestrogen positive BC to use systemic HRT as well as local re quality of life etc.
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:thankyou: :tulips:
I know that since using the Ovestin I have not had those razor blades up there and it really is about Quality of Life. I know to that the product solves that problem ……….
The belly is less heavy today. >phew<
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You sound like me today after the chiropractor the pain ache in lower abdomen wentx
But i felt full down below thats the way i describe it not a feeling of something falling out
Just full inside down there. Chiropractor was fantastic relieved tum and back.
No burning today no we wee but its just there the bit between being able to live normally
Or know its just an itsy bit ! The loss of 25m definitely stuffed me up
I now use 10m every night im very moist i use ovestin on the outer bits every 3rd night
Yet its never been the same since i used my ladt 25m last November.
The fact that its always just there just aware of the Av never symptoms free.
I went today with bobbles to see our pals whos daughter was killed nearly 5 weeks ago Jc she wants to die she cant breath the tears the utter all consuming greif was almost too much to watch . I just held one hand bobbles held her husbands hand
After we left we both cried in the car their pains unbearable to see.
Which made me scared son is walking 35 miles with 3 pals doing the Kokoda march
For war veterans in the hills of Gold Coast its cold dark pouring with rain he started out at 1pm todaybis hoping to finishbat 10am tomorrow constant walking 5 min stops only
So in the scheme of things my fanny isnt much but is this my life?
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Firstly - if you were using 25m why not use more of the 10mg on alternate nights to see if there is any relief? i.e. 10mg in the evening and 10mg in bed?
What happened to your friend's daughter, have I missed something?
:hug:
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It's been irritable again for 4-5 days and I woke at 5.45 with a heaviness around the belly button, damn ….. need to do a reload probably ???
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Are you sure that you haven't got an infection CLKD? May be worth taking a sample to your GP for it to be dip-tested?
Taz x :)
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:thankyou: No infection, this feels totally different ……. usually eases with a few nights of treatment.
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:bounce: for new Members
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Just read through this whole thread and learned SO much
Thank all you wonderful people who have shared your experiences so generously.
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Do ask any questions, nothing is taboo here ;)
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Just reached home after a long commute and can sit down and share my own story. (Some of you may recognise it from the VA thread)
Warning: Long Post for Insomniacs Only
I had sudden ovarian failure at 42 - thirteen years ago. It felt like being run over by a truck with every symptom under the sun. The most distressing was a painful and incredibly ghastly cystitis feeling that lasted 18 months. I saw gynecologists and urologists and two endocrinologists (I also have no thyroid and am on thyroid replacement). I was given several different oral HRTs, none of which alleviated the range and severity of symptoms. I left work (I ran a research department with 15 people) and it was a depressing mess.
Finally the last endocrinologist I saw prescribed Estrogel (for those who dont know, its estradiol that is similar to that produced by our bodies, and its applied to the thighs or arms). I slowly improved and ALL my symptoms went gradually away. I was on it for about 9 + years and never had a bladder issue or a cystitis symptom.
About a year ago my same endocrinologist told me to switch to Tibolone, as its not an estrogen, but only mimics it and does not work on the breast tissue or uterus, and I was now 55 and presumably needed less hrt.
Everything seemed fine until we moved countries and I think the extra stress was too much for the dose I was on. I developed a massive UTI (proven by culture) and after that, terrible burning and pain in the urethra. I assumed it was thrush from the antibiotics I'd taken for the UTI, but nope, it was eventually diagnosed as a bad case of VA.
I cant get Vagifem where I live (India) and had to resort to the only cream on the market, Premarin (yuk). Needless to say, I also ditched the Tibolone and ran screaming back to Estrogel. I now have a Vagifem stock for a few months that a friend got and handcarried for me, which so far hasnt worked but I will up the dose based on the advice I've seen here.
My whole pelvic area / bladder is supremely uncomfortable at best and achey/draggy at worst, with burning inside and out.
Thank you all again for sharing such useful information; its literally been a lifesaver.
KKay
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How do you like living in India otherwise? Are there no ex-PAT GPs that you could visit?
Use the Vagifem for 2 weeks every night. Then every other night if necessary, every 3rd and 5/6th nights are 'usual'. Also, do take a pain relief medication to help ease other symptoms. Make sure you drink plenty. Keeping the outer vaginal lips can help ease symptoms. As oestrogen levels drop off, the body becomes dry, inside and out >:(!
What medical support do you currently have access to where you live? Are you able to get into the UK and register with a GP ?
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Thank you for this - what kind of pain relief medication do you find works ?
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I use Nurofen (Ibuprofen) as necessary.
How are you today? How's the weather?
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Bumped for new member
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Wow CLKD, I just read this and could have written your original post word for word......except I would have added the odd bit of hysteria! I spent weeks trying to find out what was wrong with me and that was 9 years ago when I was first affected with bladder symptoms. Its interesting you mention the G spot irritation as I had exactly that too!! Lately I had another new symptom, that of a bubble coming out of my urethra.....anyone had that? You literally cannotmake this stuff up!
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Yep - when I sneeze ::)
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I have the bubble feeling too. When I went to the urogynecologist last summer the nurse noticed my urethra was slightly bent/kinked when she inserted a catheter so I figured that might be causing the bubble sensation. I don't know for certain though just speculating.
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Bugga ....... I got lazy with the VA treatment and have felt unwell for a few days :-\. NOTE TO SELF :kick:. Feeling of 'infection', irritable bladder, feeling of fullness in the bowel ...... like the whole lower area was swollen/dry. So started regular treatment plus Nurofen every 4 hours even in the night if awake which took away the feeling of needing to pee more often.
PHEW! feeling a little better today ........
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For Nicol ........
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Bounced for Rebecca - subject raised in another thread - let us know what you think about what is suggested and what your GP suggests with regards anti-biotics 'as necessary'.
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Hi CLKD
Thanks for the bump.... Just read it through, took about an hour!
I don't think I can do much more than continue the Ovestin a usual. I may take a pain killer and see if it settles everything down a little. I have the 'smelly' urine now, which to me means I may be brewing another UTI after having sex. Usually takes 7 days after sex to get the smelly urine.. Interesting that another lady said she gets a UTI only after sex also! I won't be taking the Nitrofurantoin like Lesley Garrett as this makes me very sick and I literally can't leave the house if I take it! Cranberry does nothing but irritate more, I tried the D Mannose but it did not make any difference. I don't drink alcohol and limit sharp acidic drinks already as to not aggravate bladder, have also had a cytoscopy and all ok..
I guess the GP's try all sorts of things fir different people, and if the antibiotic after sex works, although it is not a good treatment, its better than getting a full blown UTI which then affects my kidneys. Last time this happened to me I was admitted to A & E and hospitalised - given a concoction of drugs and woke up 3 days later in a geriatric ward as that is the only ward that had space to treat me :o
So as you can see this has been a bit of a journey for me with the UTI's.. I am open to trying things that could help and I do appreciate your efforts.. :thankyou:
Rebecca
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Hi Rebecca I don't know if your aware but sperm is acidic and that's why you get a reaction after sex it makes the vagina acidic which then effects the urethra etc,you need to keep your urine more alkaline so drink plenty water with a squirt of lemon juice in it is acidic but turns alkaline in the body so is highly beneficial,apple cider vinegar is a big help too you can buy in Holland and Barrett stores or you can get in capsule form from amazon.I also buy ph testing strips and make sure my urine stays on the alkaline side rather than acid so your aiming for a reading of 7ish basically.
Don't use soaps down below no baths if you can avoid and try and bottle wash after you pee and definately after you poo.
If you can get a copy of Angela kilmartins book off amazon she'll give you some great tips.good luck xx
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Hi Daisydot
I knew that sperm was acidic so I have made sure my husband doesn't make that a problem for me if you get what I mean!
I have some PH strips and will give them another go... I was told it is best to use them in the morning, not sure if that is correct.
I am meticulous with hygiene after I pee and poo.
Is the title of Angela Kilmartins book : The Patient's Encyclopaedia of Urinary Tract Infection, Sexual Cystitis and Interstitial Cystitis ?
I see it was written in 2002, just wondered if there was a more up to date version.
I would like to try the apple cider vinegar, but I have IBS and find vinegary foods/drinks sting my stomach like mad so I avoid.. :thankyou:
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Yes that's the book Rebecca the advice is so basic it still reads true today.google acv and you will see it's been helpful for some people with both ibs and urinary tract problems.I prefer kefir milk for ibs it has so many other health benefits too.
The important thing is you neutralise the acid in your urine and you'll find bladder friendly foods and drinks low in acid really do help you achieve this.
Your urine is at its most pungent in the morning so that's usually a good time to measure with the ph strips but it can rise during the day depending what your eating and drinking,all the antibiotics in the world won't get this under control but you can by using the correct diet to reduce the acidity alongside the other things I've told you.ive gone from every other month on antibiotics to none for over a year now and no Uti,s using this regime.Its hard going but worth it to get the bladder healthy again.good luck with whatever you do x
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:thankyou:
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Silly Me! for various reasons plus being extremely tired, I didn't use for 4 weeks. Symptoms returned on Sat. so back to the tube ....... bottom ached, vagina felt sore, needed 2 pee more often ........ blddy hormones >:( but Note to Self - keep up with the treatment!! :kick:
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You might want to use it more often than twice a week at first if you have been without it for 4 weeks - just to build up your tissues quicker?
Hurdity x
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It's worked in 24 hours. Better now. I know my own body.
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New Members please read if you have an irritated bladder or urine infection-type symptoms. ABs are being given out rather than GPs sending samples to be grown in the Lab..
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Morning!
I think I have bladder problems ......... when I go for a pee I dribble, if I move forwards I then get a proper flow. I don't leak in the day or in sleep but it's almost like there's a kink in the pipe :-\ ...... I began a reload of 'ovestin' last week and my bowel has slowed but the intermittent flow has been present 2-3 weeks. In the early hours I was really aware of it.
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Sounds like a kidney stone? Are you in any pain CLKD or just drip, drip, drip? An infection?
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No pain or infection. I haven't been able to feel urine leaving my body for years, I know I stop when there's no noise from the toilet ::) . During the day I've been passing urine normally.
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Ah...age ya know. If it isn't our bones, then bowels or lady bits or kidneys or....
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Yep. But with C-19 and me wondering if it's ovarian cancer, a cyst, bladder problems ......... instead of being logical and telling myself that it's due to sitting about a lot more ???. I hardly slept last night .......... either due to worrying or due to visiting the bathroom; that's 5 times and I don't know if it's because I was awake ........ twice my bladder woke me :-\
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:-\ .........
I feel a bit better now, makes me realise how unwell I've been for a few days ........ I stopped the nightly ovestin and am using every 3rd and 6th night to keep VA under control.
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Oh that had crossed my mind. Never had a baby though :-\ need to do some research mayB?
At least it's better today.
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Hi newbie here 👋. I was trotting along quite nicely on hrt til June last year when I had a mini stroke so drs words were a hot flush won't kill you but ..... So bye bye hrt, within a few weeks the itch started ignored it for a while til about 2 months ago it got worse, on various medication for diabetes so thought maybe thrush FF to now and after applying every cream going and coming on here admitting it must be Meno related. Had a phone consultation yesterdayand gp immediately prescribed vagifem. sorry for long post but look forward to sharing symptoms experiences with you all. Starting vagifem tonight.
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Hi Traceyf-h, welcome to the forum and good luck with the Vagifem. There's plenty of advice here on VA as you've no doubt discovered!
Sorry to hear you have been taken off HRT. It's strange how these GPs think it's just a case of a few hot flushes. Were you on transdermal products before? They are safer than oral if you have had a mini stroke.
JP x
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Hi Tracy-h :welcomemm:
Tnx Diane200 :-\
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hi joaniepat no I was on oral hrt, changed so often because each brand went unavailable so I do not remember what I was on last. I did see a female gp about 3 months after who said if I was really struggling I could go on to patches but never took her up on it.
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Me again, just scared myself silly. Maybe too much info but just put first pessary in was painful and a load of wee came out, I had literally just been, so started again and more came out, plus a slight bit of blood, is the bladder low enough to be torn my knowledge of anatomy poor. Little bit worried now
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Hi. My anatomy knowledge is pretty like yours then! Lack of vaginal oestrogen may lead to small tears in the vaginal wall which will bleed on contact. It won't be the bladder tearing.
Putting in a pessary initially may cause a nip followed by leakage. In the evening lay down on a warmed towel on the bed and relax. Get some lubricant and rub gently round the outer lips to soften them. Then insert a little lubricant into the vagina and rest. It took me several years to become familiar with that area, it was the place where periods happened from ........ and some cultures do not encourage personal exploration.
After resting at night, insert a pessary gently. As high up as is comfy. There may be some discharge if the vagina is moist enough and certainly after a few days you may notice that there is more lubricant from that area.
Don't panic! It's about getting VA managed so that any dryness is eased.
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Thank you so much CKLD really had visions of tearing bladder. Will try what you suggested tonight. Already so glad I signed up here
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Be kind to yourself? Dryness can be awful, 4 me it was like razor blades :o up there >:( ::)
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So, Ladies..
I am reading here, and thinking..
Is there any way to avoid this discomfort and urine track infections after intercourse, or not?
Do all these KY jelly, Vagifem, and moisturizers work to a degree that there is no soreness after sex, or not..?
What's the trick?!
Thanks for your reply!
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Using appropriate vaginal atrophy treatment every night works for most ladies. As does using a moisturiser, i.e. KYJelly prior to intercourse help a lot. On nights that I need to treat my vagina with 'ovestin' I wait until DH is sleeping so that it doesn't interfere with sex ;-).
Urine infections are caused by bacteria - some of which lives in the bowel and can be pulled forwards. Infections can be proven in the Lab.. VA however, mimics urine infection-type symptoms really really well!
Honeymoon condition i.e. cystitis can be eased by drinking bicarb or soda as soon as one gets out of bed after sex.
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Thanks!
I never had such symptoms before, but, true, my bits were 'unused' for ..7 years, and am now 65...and now this. Had to ask for antibiotic, claiming my feet got cold ;) I was incredibly sore for whole week, but thinking now it could be that I used wrong lub and not enough.. so just got ky and Vagisil, and we shall see. Read a bit, and these urine tract problems scare me! Did not realised lining there gets thin too..
While I have you...I have similar to your problem with sleep lately, say past two months. Getting up 3-4 times at night to go to toilet, but after back in bed I feel very hot with sweat coming up, as if in night hot flush... I thought it was the weather... With my morning tea and coffee I am in and out of bathroom every few minutes, until mid afternoon. It's really irritating! My GP just stares at me when I complain..
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Why would a GP prescribe an antibiotic if someone's feet are cold :-\. Shouldn't a GP be arranging blood tests?
Vagisil won't help with atrophy. It can be used to ease dryness, soreness and thinning of tissues but it isn't a replacement. Do you get what I mean? 'wrong' lube might be ?
It really is trial and error. Ring your surgery in the morning and ask for 'vagifem' or 'ovestin' - you don't need a blood test or examination. Use for at least 3 weeks very night!
As for sleep - I get up to the loo 1-2 and go back to sleep - I think others may have the symptoms that you seem to get, i.e. hot.
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I now know it sounds silly but I only had such painful urination problem in my late teens, was hospitalised for kidneys infection...and discovered thermal underwear! 😆
My GP is young male, and I am embarrassed now. :o
When buying, didn't realise that Vagisil is only external.. Have a box of Regelle moisturiser, so it should do for now...?
I don't know if I have VA.
That encounter a week ago was after a year break..
I have a meno appointment in 4 weeks so will ask about it all than, I think..?
Still sore around but bladder much better so, ..fingers crossed!? :-\
Many thanks!
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Nowt is silly.
This is probably different to that episode. Vagisil is OK for the outer areas but do ring your GP for VA treatment. It won't hurt to try it and then you can discuss at your appt.
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Now that I read you mentioning lower abdomen pain, I will, I promise! :-* ..I hoped they were just gas... ???
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My wind is totally different ;)
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yup, winds 😉
Wrote an email and got Estradiol pessaries... to pick up later..
Thanks CLKD..!
Oh. What f.. else! 😖 Can't imagine being 80 y.o... 😕
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Stop linking adverts przemek! and don't quote me !!
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przemek is male name.
Report!
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Did too - gone ;-) - where were we when rudely interrupted ::)
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Good! :D
..that, thanks to you, I started my Vagifem, while wondering if I'll ever dare to have sex again..
Reality of my age is catching up with me!
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Age is a number ;-). Get that Vagifem up there, it will work. Persistence pays off.
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👍 ;)
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I know this topic is quite old now, but just wondering if anyone who's had these issues also got a dull ache in pelvic area while this was happening? I've got the sore dry areas and the uncomfortable pain. I've also got the need to wee more, haven't got a temperature or any bleeding. Did have a clear/white runny discharge for about 3 or 4 days. I'm over a week late for a period I think, they've been allover recently. Feels like a pressure down below and just generally feel yuck. Wee doesn't smell or burn when I go, just need to empty more frequently.
Hope someone reads this 🙂
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Frequent need to pee is a common problem with VA because the lower part of the bladder and the urethra need oestrogen. The tissues there become thinner, just like in the vagina and vulva. Maybe you will start to feel better when you get some treatment, as discussed on the other thread.
Dull ache could be a pelvic floor issue as VA can set up a guarding reaction which causes the muscles of the PF to become hypertonic, but its hard to say, especially if you feel a period coming on.
JP x
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I agree with Joaniepat - do try some VA treatment ASAP. When my VA is problematic, I feel heavy in the belly area.
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Thankyou Joaniepatand CLKD
The pain got worse last night and it was only eased by taking a buscopan and Ibuprofen with lysine. It's been bad again today but not as bad as yesterday. Dosed up on buscopan and painkillers again and drinking water. Couldn't get a doctors telephone appt today so will try again in the morning.. More I think about it, it feels sort of like my bladder is spasming? Just fed up of the weird achy feeling. 😒
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There are a lot of nerves down there so take more pain relief.
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Tagging along with this, if nobody minds..
I hope that Lalb1 has been diagnosed and prescribed by now. Hope you are doing better, if not really better ~ and hope you are really better 👍
It is true that everything feels heavy and plain wrong when it is VA. I found that once I had the first ten days of Estriol 0.01% cream from my GP, everything felt back into its normal place inside. It was not instant, but was only within a week that it started to ease, so it was worth it. I am now on a maintenance application twice a week, and if I feel a sting starting at my urethra between those doses, I have the OK to use a tiny amount of cream onto the area which is enough until the next maintenance application.
This thread was such a help to me to get up the courage for what to say to my GP.
Thank you, everybody. Best wishes.
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Welcome to our thread >wave<
Keep on with the applications regularly.
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Bounced for new members
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I've come a long way since I began this thread. Regular treatment with 'ovestin' has symptoms under control, so much so that since Sept., I haven't required it.
No fullness in the belly. No nipping or irritation. However.
Since November I've had soreness under the R arm, the area where the nerve was cut to take nymph glands in 1995 has itched, my breast is generally feeling unusual. Nipple sore to touch. Under the arm - no lumps, no fullness, no rash/redness but feels different.
Could it be that due to my (perhaps) ovaries are muttering in the background that they are causing the noticeable differences in the breast? I had a mammogram this morning and was spoken too by the 'headmistress' ;D ....... try getting a GP appt., as she suggested; that fell on deaf ears - hers not mine. Result should be back in 2-3 weeks. The L nipple is sore to touch.
Neither sore or irritated with clothing or when laying on m y front to sleep. Answers on a post card?
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:-\
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Might be better to start a new thread, CLKD as you have new symptoms and people respond more to new posts.
Hope you feel better soon!
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:'(
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:hug:
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How long before you get results clkd?
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2-3 weeks. :thankyou:
I have a 'phone call with the GP on Wed afternoon. I don't expect he will know much about VA treatment and breast soreness etc. but he may surprise me! as to if it might be my ovaries having a mutter.
I've sorted the sciatica-side of aches and pains. The breast nips etc. are intermittent.
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Sorry, I suddenly can't read posts correctly ;D
I'm taking it you've examined yourself? Even cysts can cause discomfort
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Morning.
Every few minutes in the last few weeks :-\ due to sudden soreness or nipping. My initial lump didn't show on mammogram or ultrasound. I felt it in the bath.
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Well,don't keep pressing on it,it will only make it tender,there's good info on the NHS site about the difference between cysts and anything more sinister,the oncologist I used to see said a cyst will move around under your fingers when you press on it,nasty things tend to be hard and fixed,it's always a worry :-\
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I can't feel anything lumpy, it's the soreness in the whole area that was irritating.
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Mammogram shows no signs of cancer
GP didn't think that not using the 'ovestin' would trigger breast tenderness, what would she know >:(. Appt to see her next week and physio for the back the day after ::)
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:thankyou:
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Mammogram shows no signs of cancer
GP didn't think that not using the 'ovestin' would trigger breast tenderness, what would she know >:(. Appt to see her next week and physio for the back the day after ::)
This is wonderful news. I had been following your thread but had nothing to add as I have no experience. I am glad all is okay. :)
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Tnx. Still need to see the GP about the breast tenderness etc..
She won't know whether stopping the 'ovestin' since Sept is likely to be the cause of that though :-\
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Hi CLKD
Very pleased to hear your mammogram result was fine. It must be a great relief. I have only just seen this thread and have read the last few pages. Can I ask why you stopped using the ovestin in September? I thought you had to continue with it for life?
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Hi! Many do need treatment for ever. However: I don't have symptoms, in face since mid-last year I required less and less with no recurrence. So I stopped in September and the symptoms of sore, nippy breast began in mid-October. MayB too much of a co-incidence :-\. Because the breast is the side that underwent surgery in the 1990s, the GP is going to have a lookC - I don't suppose she will consider that my ovaries may be active enough so that I don't need the 'ovestin'. It has worked really well for several years, internally and on the outer labia when necessary.
I know my symptoms of VA so if I get a niggle, will do a reload.
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So pleased to hear about your clear result CLKD 👏 !
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Tnx.
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Thanks for answering CLKD. That’s interesting. I had just assumed I would carry on for life and had never anticipated I might get to the stage where I might not need treatment. As you say, you can always start it again if required.
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:bouncing:
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Bounced - there R plenty of references to this problem!
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This thread certainly proves what a nightmare VA can be!
Right now I am suffering a flare up, I can only put this down to the very humid conditions we are having in London.
Anyone else suffering a flare up?
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Yep. Humidity being blamed. I've upped my regime. (ovestin)
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I suppose the good thing about flare ups is I have come to recognise the warning signs, it starts off with a twinge turning into a dull pain in the left part of my groin and that’s when I use more Ovestin and plenty of moisturiser.
I don’t need to use an extra Vagifem pessary as the Ovestin is doing a great job applied locally.
Interestingly I am not getting intense burning like I used to and this is due to the fact the regime I am on is working, the flare ups not being too distressing as they used to be.
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My belly begins to feel strange :-\ with a slight feeling of constipation.
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Hi, what humidity levels are we talking about?
Coming from Queensland, Australia where humidity can be anywhere between 60%-99% on a hot summer day. It’s just terrible high humidity, high temperature. But I would say I don’t really notice any difference myself from summer to winter with vagina atrophy. I’m probably more bitchy and if there’s any menopause symptoms, “it’s I’m turning on the AC”.
Menopausal and vagina atrophy is hard enough without adding the stress of being hot :(
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Morning. Nowt like you have over there in the ways of humidity. i.e. there was a sharp shower of rain here at lunch time, then the air became heavy and DH and I were sweaty. I'll have a look-C at the cricket later as they tell us the weather etc. at the beginning of the game.
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Lyncola we can't cope over here if humidity is at 5% ;D
It's the clammy skin I can't cope with
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It was 69% humidity here last night and 43% right now.
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Bounced for new members
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:bouncing:
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:bouncing: :ola:
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:bouncing: