Struggling

I'm 20 years old and living in Australia.

I was recently diagnosed with vulvodynia after several trips to the doctors and finally to a gynaecologist who put me on 10mg endep to start pain management.
I didn't realise at the time how much of an effect this would have on my life. My doctor sort of played it off as though it is incredibly common and easy to live with, but recently I am finding this to be false.
I've been in a relationship with my partner for over a year now and although he is incredibly supportive I find myself feeling guilty and useless in the relationship because we have virtuallly no sex life.
I'm going to have to go back to the doctors to have my pain medication increased as it has not helped in the slightest.

I need advice. A lot of it. I need tips on how to deal with the depression, the anxiousness and the pain!
What do you guys find works for you? What makes it worse.

Much love, elle x

Hi Elle
I am also from Australia. I also started on 10 mg amil but you usually won't get any relief until you get up to 25/30mg. I have heard of a lot of people who gave up on it because they didn't up their dose and couldn't handle the tiredness but persevere if you can and I am sure you will get relief. My pain was constant and only mildly irritated with sex so I am alittle different to you. My pain was debilitating and Amiltriptyline saved my life I took 35mg for 4 years with only flare ups if I sat for too long or wore jeans or tight pants etc. I made the mistake of not trying to find out the cause of my V and took it for granted the meds would get rid of it. But when I tried to wean off the Amil my V came back with a vengeance. It is IMPORTANT to remember we are all different and different things will work for different people. I am a lot older than you and had a very extremely stressful situation in my life which made my V worse or maybe even created it to begin with.

Please don't get scared or frightened because your Vulvodynia could disappear over night. Remember a lot of people who get cured don't go on these forums any more. I think you need to get pain relief FIRST and then have a good look at your life style etc for what may have triggered it for you.
I know of a great vulva pain specialist in Melbourne that I would highly recommend you to try, but I don't know where your from.
I am here for you, you are not alone on this journey.
Best Wishes Zarli

Elle - I am in the same boat as you. This is a recent problem for me and I still haven't had my diagnosis confirmed - I think it is a skin issue turned into vulvodynia. Still searching for a dr that will work with me. It's hard to stay positive and I think reading on the internet makes it even harder. There are some people out there that do a great job of providing support and giving you the reassurance that you are not the only one going through this, but it can be very depressing to read about the severe cases that are going years w/ no relief. Unfortunately most of the people posting things online are those still struggling. I am really trying to limit my online searching to only medical websites and articles otherwise my sanity is going to suffer even more than it already has! I am sure I will continue to check back here , but I need to work on building my mental strength back up to tackle this issue with all I have. I have been letting the negativity of my situation bring me down too much! Best wishes to you Elle. Try your best to stay positive and I will do the same.