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[Robin]

Thanks PM that’s so kind x

[Robin]

Thanks for your all your replies, they were much appreciated. My GP took advice from gynae and I’ve been referred under the 2 week rule. It’s a relief to think i’ll know soon one way or another after a few years of worrying 🙂

[Joaniepat]

Great news Robin, not long to wait! 👍
JP x

[Robin]

Thanks JP and thanks for giving me advice on the subject a year or so ago too. I’ve had my head in the sand since then but can ignore it no longer x

[pepperminty]

Hi Robin,
pleased you have finally got somewhere, or on the route as it were .  This may be worth having a look at? it has a couple of links near the end for lichen.

https://www.bad.org.uk/shared/get-file.ashx?itemtype=document&id=6475.

PMXX

[Robin]

I’ve had my appointment but now I’m very confused. The registrar examined me first and said it was lichen sclerosis with the classic figure of 8, he then went to get the consultant gynaecologist to check if he wanted to do biopsy to check for anything sinister. The consultant looked and said it wasn’t lichen and only requested swabs.  It was all extremely rushed and I didn’t get an answer as to what caused the colour change and discomfort. I came away feeling more confused and upset. How can one doctor be so so sure it is and another sure it’s not? I could carry on trying to ignore the changes but that’s hard without an explanation of their findings.

[pepperminty]

Oh Gosh Robin,

you must be feeling so upset. It is quite common for experts to have differing opinions. They should really have taken a biopsy to check . That is the recomended protocol as far as I'm aware.
I can only suggest that you go private to a dermatologist specialising in the vulva. I can recomend Victoria Swale. https://www.thelondonclinic.co.uk/consultants/dr-victoria-swale

Or and  try your local GUM / sexual health clinic. As they can diagnose and take swabs same day. Look them up in your area online and I know lots of ladies who have had sucess with ruling out and diagnosis.

The trouble is you feel so vulnerable at the time. Sounds like they had no understanding of how a woman feels after years and months of discomfort . It makes me so angry.

Dr Swale writes to your GP with recomendations etc. 

I would not ignore the changes, because they more than likely will not improve on their own.
Once you know what you are dealing with you will feel more in control.

I would also if you are up to it call the clinic where you went and explain clearly that you came away more confused and concerned and was given 2 different opinions and no further diagnosis and can someone call you and clarify?

This may be worth a quick look and it states at the bottom that referal to  vulval dermatologist  should happen or gynae with expertise . Personally I would want a dermatologist if it is the outside skin as they are the experts in skin.

https://cks.nice.org.uk/topics/pruritus-vulvae/management/management/

If you need to PM me please do.

PMXX

[Robin]

Thank you so much PM, have sent you a message xx