Menopause Matters Forum

Menopause Discussion => All things menopause => Topic started by: Whatsupwiththis on August 14, 2019, 07:55:53 PM

Title: Not only VA but now Vulvadynia
Post by: Whatsupwiththis on August 14, 2019, 07:55:53 PM
 :'(crap....
Title: Re: Not only VA but now Vulvadynia
Post by: CLKD on August 14, 2019, 07:58:34 PM
Did your GP diagnose? 
Title: Re: Not only VA but now Vulvadynia
Post by: Whatsupwiththis on August 14, 2019, 08:03:45 PM
Yes...
Title: Re: Not only VA but now Vulvadynia
Post by: Joaniepat on August 14, 2019, 08:43:27 PM
That's not very helpful, is it? Just a fancy  name for pain in the vulva, and you already knew that.
JP x
Title: Re: Not only VA but now Vulvadynia
Post by: Whatsupwiththis on August 14, 2019, 09:27:06 PM
Yes Birdie she went into great detail.  Also put me on mild antidepressant for night.  Must stay on Vagifem inside and cream on outside for life.  If this combo doesn't work she has other things on her arsenal.  Thx.
Title: Re: Not only VA but now Vulvadynia
Post by: Whatsupwiththis on August 14, 2019, 10:37:33 PM
Thx Birdie...just another thing us menopausal women deal with.  Quite common apparently.  Seems it can go away on it's own in months or years. 
Title: Re: Not only VA but now Vulvadynia
Post by: CLKD on August 15, 2019, 06:36:12 AM
Morning!

It's The Change - does what it says on the tin  >:(

I can't remember whether you have read the vaginal atrophy and bladder problem threads here?  If you put vulvadynia in the search box, something will probably pop up - make notes  ;)

How R U from the waist upwards?

 :hug:
Title: Re: Not only VA but now Vulvadynia
Post by: suzysunday on August 15, 2019, 10:38:49 AM
Just to say all sympathy with you. These problems are so hard to put up with. They seem to take your life over. 
Title: Re: Not only VA but now Vulvadynia
Post by: Whatsupwiththis on August 15, 2019, 01:10:21 PM
Morning...CKLD. Fine waist up...I was shocked by the diagnosis as I don't have fibromalgia, migraines, IBS, am very healthy.  My biggest problem is stress and CHOCOLATE!  I love CHOCOLATE.  Now told I can't enjoy my fav food.😞😭😤
Title: Re: Not only VA but now Vulvadynia
Post by: Maryjane on August 15, 2019, 01:35:25 PM
As you're aware Vulvodynia is umbrella term & a 100 & 1 things can cause it.

Hormones, back, bladder, an over tight pelvic floor, irritants, hips so many things as there is a huge network of nerves in the area and especially the pudendal nerve.
Title: Re: Not only VA but now Vulvadynia
Post by: Whatsupwiththis on August 15, 2019, 01:55:20 PM
Thx Maryjane...yes I have heard many things can cause it.  My GP says process of elimination.  I can't do physio pelvic floor treatments due to cost.  Physio is not covered here in Canada so trying to find something online that I can perform at home.  So confusing.
Title: Re: Not only VA but now Vulvadynia
Post by: CLKD on August 15, 2019, 08:24:30 PM
It would take a Very Brave Person to pry me away from chocolate  ;D

However, if you have any left over ;-)

How's today been thus far?
Title: Re: Not only VA but now Vulvadynia
Post by: Whatsupwiththis on August 15, 2019, 10:16:06 PM
AIN'T TOUCHING MY CHOCOLATES..NO HOW..NO WAY😜.  Today is a better day.  I'm learning to except the diagnosis now just a matter of finding out best treatment.  I want my vagina GONE.
Title: Re: Not only VA but now Vulvadynia
Post by: Whatsupwiththis on August 15, 2019, 10:59:22 PM
I sure hope so Birdie...
Title: Re: Not only VA but now Vulvadynia
Post by: Rose B on August 16, 2019, 03:36:20 PM
Bad luck! I was diagnosed with vulvodynia a few years ago, and things have def improved since then. Sounds like you have a few options to try.

In case its any use, things that have helped me:

making sure I use vagifem regularly to keep VA under control
avoiding washing vulva with anything containing sodium lauryl sulphate. I use epaderm or Yes intimate wash.
switching to PH balanced lube
wearing cotton pants ( or does that mean trousers in Canada?)
not wearing anything tight  eg jeans, trousers. Initially could only wear skirts & dresses, so winter difficult.  Diamond gusset thick cotton tights were a lifesaver. Can now wear cotton leggings and jeggings.  Still no trousers or jeans.
stress relief espec mindfulness.
I have also had a course of hydrocortisone and hyaluronic acid injections to area of most discomfort. Done by my gynae and seemed to help. Partic good on scar tissue.

Sounds like you already have a few options to try.
Title: Re: Not only VA but now Vulvadynia
Post by: Whatsupwiththis on August 16, 2019, 04:46:36 PM
 Thx. Rose...some days are ok and other days YIKES.  I'm on Amit. 10 mg. at night as well as Vagifem and Estragyn.  Just using warm water in shower NO SOAP and see how it goes.  My GP is really good and knows me well.  Never thought I would end up with this.  Never had yeast infections however when I was in my early 20's (many moons ago) I did get shingles in groin area.  Seems that might be the culprit.  GP says VVA can cause all sorts of issues.  How did you cope?  How are you doing now?
Title: Re: Not only VA but now Vulvadynia
Post by: CLKD on August 16, 2019, 05:55:40 PM
Shingles down there  :o .......


Title: Re: Not only VA but now Vulvadynia
Post by: Whatsupwiththis on August 16, 2019, 07:07:49 PM
Actually in upper groin area right near pubic bone.  I was in AGONY but now beginning to think this eventually caused all these problems.