New member--leaving on a trip and I'm worried

[jackie333]

I guess you've all heard the story.
I was diagnosed with Vulvadynia by a GYN specialist but she didn't have an answer and so I have been referred to an 'ultra' specialist who is supposed to be really awesome. I am so hoping I get relief--especially since my fiancee and I are leaving for a two week trip to Israel in two and half weeks. I have an appointment with the new doctor in another week.
This trip will entail hiking and lots of walking and I am so worried : (
Its' the trip of a lifetime and has long been in the works--please  keep me in your thoughts.
I am probably older then most of you, and here is a little bit of my history.
I've had bladder infections since the age of 5, and about 15 years ago--(I am 68) I had  terrible vaginal pain accompanying  a severe bladder infection. Now I have no bladder infection but recurrent episodes of terrible burning pain where I can hardly walk.
I'm normally a very upbeat person, but this is almost more then I can handle : (
Jackie333

[alessandria]

Hey Jackie! Just wanted to send good thoughts your way -- I hope your ultra specialist can figure things out for you, and that you'll have a good remedy by the time your trip comes around! That sounds like it will be a seriously incredible adventure, I'm excited for you!

[zarli]

Hi Jackie, WOW such an exciting trip to look forward to. I, like you am older than most on here and I am also hitting the skies for a trip of a life time!!
I initially let this condition ruin my excitement but I am being proactive in seeking the right foot wear, numbing cream etc etc...
I hope you can do the same and try to relax, things will most probably be wonderful. Many kind warm wishes sent your way.

[jackie333]

Thank you so very much!  It's difficult to talk about this problem with anyone who really hasn't experienced it and I am so grateful that I found this group of caring and understanding people.
I truly am looking forward to the trip and hopefully the specialist I'll be seeing this coming Tuesday- (the 11th) will offer  help in having a pain free trip.

Actually, I have a lot to be grateful for. My HMO is making the search for a good specialist possible, and the fact that the doctors on staff were willing to refer me to another doctor when they couldn't come up with a cause for the pain.
I really appreciate the good thoughts!

[jackie333]

I had an appointment with the Gyno who was recommended by the first Gyno I saw a couple of weeks ago, in the HMO system I belong to. This new doctor did a thorough exam and was very  hopeful. Ladies, we are not alone! She said  our problem is not rare--just extremely frustrating at times. Here is what she  did for me. I am to see a Physio Therapist  for a series of exercises which she feels will help the Vulvodynia and my unstable lower back too which she thinks may be causing a lot of the problem--referred pain. She also prescribed Lidocaine cream because I am leaving on a trip next week--She also prescribed Cipro just in case I come down with a bladder infection while I am gone--call it a peace of mind prescription!
The only difficult part is she prescribed a compounded prescription cream that won't be ready until I return from the trip and it is so expensive I may have to scrimp on my grocery shopping!  cry:

[zarli]

That sounds so positive Jackie. A wonderful piece of mind while you are away. I think good hormones will be running through your blood because of your trip and you will probably not notice any pain !! The power of the mind is a tremendous thing, I have been reminding myself of that a lot lately. I have had 2 pain free days in a row and I am ecstatic !! Don't know why I can't figure it out but I hope it keeps up. All the best to you and I am sending my best wishes to you for your journey and will be highly anticipating your return posts

[jackie333]

Thank you! I agree, I think  the rush of 'happy adrenaline' will be helpful...
I did start the Estrace Hormone cream last night and I feel about 80% of the pain is gone. It is still early in the morning and I usually feel better in the morning--so I will see as the day progresses. I have busy day ahead--friends are visiting from out of town and I am cooking up a storm here in Huntington Beach..
The doctor also is sending me to a physio Therapist who will have me do exercises which should help my lower back and the pelvic floor. I am somewhat cringing at the thought of what she is going to do  
Zarli, I would love to email you--and I did try last week but since I am a new member, the mail wouldn't go through...I think I am a 'seasoned enough' member now  
Jackie

[zarli]

hey Jackie
It would be great to email each other I will send you my email through a personal message xx

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