New member

I would like to say 'hi' to everyone and to introduce myself. I am Irish but have lived in Australia for 7 years now. I originally was diagnosed with degenerative disc disease in 2003 in the UK and have been on fentanyl patches (25) ever since. I started menopause in 2006 and take HRT for that. In 2007 we moved to Australia and it was around that time that I started to experience urinary frequency for which I had a bladder investigation. My bladder apparently cracked and bled when examined, which I wasn't told about at the time. I continued to experience frequency and was given Vesicare tablets, which didn't help. Last year I had a radical nerve block in my back but continued to have referred nerve pain. It was around this time that I began to suffer from pelvic pain and severe itchiness in my vagina. I began to experience severe bouts of cystitis-like symptoms but each time I saw the doctor, there was no infection only some blood and raised white cell count. No one could tell me what was wrong until I saw a leading urologist two weeks ago who after looking at my notes informed me that I have Painful Bladder Syndrome (IC) and Vulvodynia with perhaps some VA thrown in for good measure. I am in so much pain sometimes, that I now have to change the fentanyl patches every 2 days instead of 3. Having this on top of back pain has left me feeling very low but antidepressants react with the patches so that's not an option. Sorry to be so long winded about this but I know that I have to live with what I've got and no amount of crying will change that. I am so glad to find a support group and hope to gain more knowledge through this site. My husband is totally unsupportive and as sex is so painful and my husband, uncaring, I know I will be on my own soon. This really concerns me as I know that I won't be able to work full time due to the pain and discomfort. I am completing my postgrad degree in June. Anyway, thanks for listening and I hope to hear from others who may have similar experiences.

Hi there and welcome. I am so sorry to hear your story. Do you have any other support apart from your husband ? Men.....Some times I have to remember not to judge them all the same !! Do you have a good gp? I would like to offer my friend ship to you and let you know that your not alone. Its great that you are completing your post grad. I am 42 and have had to go back to study so I can change my job because of my pain its hard work but so worth it. You will be ok. Love your self and believe you are strong and will be able to cope if you're on your own as you are more important than any one else.

Thank you Zarli,
Your offer of friendship is greatly appreciated and it's good to know there is someone who understands. I have a daughter and son near me but of course they must live their own lives. Do you find that even though we are loved by family, they don't always want to hear about your pain? I can understand this as they feel helpless and when the pain is constant, no one wants to hear about it, not even me! It has been difficult to study especially as stress over assignments makes the pain worse but it has also been a wonderful experience and given me something to look forward to. I have been busy with assignments this week so didn't get a chance to get onto this site. Hope to hear from you again, zarli x

 Welcome, Celticrose

Hi there just wondering how you are getting on ? What state in Australia do you live in?
Sorry I haven't made contact with you I am so busy but its no excuse !
Hope you are doing well

Sorry just read properly your from Adelaide! Im from Melbourne

Welcome! We have quite a few Australian members!