Menopause Matters Forum
Menopause Discussion => Postmenopause => Topic started by: shrosphirelass on May 07, 2023, 02:51:37 PM
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I haven't been on here for a very long time as I have been feeling fairly ok. I hope everyone is well.
I was very late menopause (aged 59 ish) and have been been on evorel conti for 4 years (after initially evorel sequi) and vagifem. I am in extreme discomfort. I constantly want to go for a wee and am very sore. It stops me from sleeping and wakes me up when I do sleep. I also have some vaginal bleeding which I'm not sure is related. I did a reload of vagifem and after seeing the dr applied some estriol externally and a small amount internally with my finger for a week as well as 3 / 4 vagifems.
It seems to be getting worse. The dr suggested I do pelvic floor exercises, which I have been doing, but I don't think I do them right and don't want to make matters worse. He also prescribed solifenacin succinate to calm down the bladder, he said there were side effects so I have been reluctant to take it. He also put me on the urgent pathway for a scan for the bleeding though he said it was most likely a blip with the HRT.
Has any one any suggestions of what I could try next and anyone any experience of using the bladder medication.
Sorry for the long message and thanks in advance.
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Perhaps change the VA treatment to Ovestin internally ...... bleeding could be due to the tissue being very thin around the vulva/vagina. Keep applying estriol as often as required, a week isn't enough.
I use KY Jelly in the day if Ovestin isn't enough. It really can be Trial and Error >:( :-\
When I get the need2P I swallow 2 Nurofen 3 times a day until the symptoms ease, it's the sting/nip as the urine flow cuts off that annoys me. It makes me go goosey all over :o
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I am so sorry to hear you are in so much pain. What I find with VA is some of us need daily treatment. Rather then using the vagifem four times a week I would use it daily. It is good you have some estridol cream too. I find mixing it with a little vaginal moisturiser helps when applying to the outer area. I would use the estiodel cream daily too.
I will tell you some things that have helped me. I switched from baths to showers and only wash my whole body in emollient. I apply emollient to the vulva before a shower, wash it off in the shower and then reapply some afterwards to act as a barrier. I had to give up caffeine as I found it was making my bladder symptoms worse.
As well as using VA treatment every single day I also take seabuckthorn capsules which help with the dryness. I use Yes vaginal moisturiser every day too.
Do not worry as I am sure this horrid flare will calm down. I understand how you feel as I have very bad VA myself.
I know women can bleed due to VA. The tissues can be very thin and tear easily.
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Hi Shropshirelass
I'm sorry to hear your having so much discomfort and trouble. I was amazed to see your post today as I have posted about the exact same issues today, constant need to wee and pain/discomfort in my urethra and odd buzzing sensations down below which I'm finding get worse when I sit on a hard surface.
Dancing girl and Flossieteacake have made some very supportive suggestions to help which I'm grateful for as it can feel quite lonely can't it. So I will follow this thread with interest and hope it helps us find some answers.
Sending hugs that things improve soon xx
LJ x
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Shropshirelass - I also meant to say that strangely, like you my issues also recently started to increase with constant bleeding for the last 8 weeks then the urethra/wee thing. My bleeding has stopped now thankfully but the pain below getting worse.
So I am wondering as FT and DG pointed out, if mine was also related to vaginal dryness as I didn't know you could bleed from that. Its odd that we're both having the same issues, but I hope it gives you some comfort that your not alone xx LJ
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Hi Shropshirelass ……. I too have recently had a blip with my VA so can relate to how you are feeling…… my GP gave much the same advice as yours…..and like Flossieteacake now wash with an emollient I was given Dermol I think it it helping though early days 🙄😊……
I also downloaded the Squeezy App and I’m doing that twice daily….. just guessing that I’m doing it right …..and as the other ladies have advised I am using Vagifem daily along with Ovestin and Yes
moisturiser……all such a bind and I’m annoyed with myself as I think I got a little complacent with my regime 🤦♀️
Hope you are feeling more comfortable soon 😘😘
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Thanks all, still the same and feeling utterly exhausted by the lack of sleep. Will keep going with the constant treatment and if it doesn't get better will ask for ovestin and try this vaginally. I find the ovestin applicator really big and concerned it will aggravate the bleeding.
Hope you're feeling a bit better LisaJo.
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Thanks all, still the same and feeling utterly exhausted by the lack of sleep. Will keep going with the constant treatment and if it doesn't get better will ask for ovestin and try this vaginally. I find the ovestin applicator really big and concerned it will aggravate the bleeding.
Hope you're feeling a bit better LisaJo.
You can apply Ovestin with your little finger if that is easier. I apply vaginal moisturiser to insert the applicator or I struggle to insert it myself.
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Shropshirelass - thank you I'm trying to stay positive as its so new and quite distressing.
I hope you are finding some relief now? Is anything starting to work for you?
My GP has prescribed Ovestin for me this week, both internally and I'm using a little external as well. I find the applicator quite awkward too but it does get in there eventually, although not entirely sure how far up!
Im finding when I wash down there or wipe after the loo the sensation goes mad, I'm not sure if anyone else has experienced this? Increased wee sensations after it been touched? It's very odd.
So sending you some hugs, 💚 let's know how things are going for you xx
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Insert the applicator as far up as is comfy. Don't push it initially. As the product begins to work, application becomes easier.
Could it be the clitoris that is sensitive?
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Thanks all, still the same and feeling utterly exhausted by the lack of sleep. Will keep going with the constant treatment and if it doesn't get better will ask for ovestin and try this vaginally. I find the ovestin applicator really big and concerned it will aggravate the bleeding.
Hope you're feeling a bit better LisaJo.
Might be a daft question but did your doctor take swabs and test your urine for infection?
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Hi CKLD
Was that message for me or Shropshirelass? 🙂
If it was for me, thank you, im not sure if it's my clitoris, sometimes it does slightly border on a feeling of arousal, but the sensation to pee takes over. Do you know anything about clitoral sensitivity causing these issues? Thanks x
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Thanks, LisaJo, Things have settled a bit thankfully, so going to continue with the daily treatment, alternating vagifem and estriol until I run out. I'm also going to ask the dr for a referral to a womens health physio (if I can ever get an appt, they said no appts atall when I rang in the week.)
I had to chase up my scan appt which is for the end of the month so much for a 14 day pathway, but grateful for the appt. All bloods came back normal / no further action.
Now have covid and feel rubbish just to add to the joy!
Hope you start to feel better soon.
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Hi Shropshirelass
Glad to hear you're feeling down below and I hope your covid didnt make things any worse for you? I'm going to ask my GP for a womens physio too, I feel like there is a vice around my Urethra constantly at present. Im even having trouble walking and driving now so it's pretty bad. I'm my desperation to try and find what's going on I've made an appointment with a private urogynae who specialises in pelvic dysfunction and I'm hoping he can help. I would pay anything to not be in pain like this.
So how did it go? Did you have your scan and was everything OK? Are you finding any more improvements now?
Ovestin has given me terrible cystitis type symptoms so I've had to stop for now sadly, but have you found it works for you?
Has anyone else suffered increased symptoms with Ovestin? Thanks
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Sorry for the late reply LisaJo. When I first started vagifem I seemed to get alot worse. I think from what Ive read its because whilst the tissues get plumped up it initially causes discomfort, but it does eventually settle down, albeit with flare ups from time to time.
I have generally been better but still have intermitant bleeding and issues with urine frequency. I have my call back appointment from my scan this week so I'm hoping they just discuss the atrophy and give advice and there aren't any other issues eg endometrial lining build up. Fingers crossed.
I hope you are doing better.
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Sorry LisaJo - didn't C your reply/question and can't remember :-\
shrosphirelass - rest. Covid can cause tiredness so get those feet up! Rest.
Don't wait until your prescription is due to be filled, make sure that you get in early. Also you may be able to self refer to a woman's physio.. When I get that need2P I swallow Nurofen 3 times a day until symptoms ease. The VA treatment may take a while to help.