Pretty much cured!

Hi Ladies,

I felt it was important for me to share my progress with you all, considering it has been almost 2 years of utter hell!
My issues started following the natural delivery of my little girl in March of 2013. She was basically too big for me and the labour and subsequent delivery lasted 4 days!! 4 bloody days!!

I ended up with a large episiotomy and a manual delivery of the placenta- ouch! I never felt right afterwards and saw so many specialists- yet none of them could see or feel anything wrong.. but I would sting like mad- particularly when I walked!

I spent a long time tracking down Prof Wendy Reid at the Royal Free in London. She diagnosed me with 'dodgy skin'.. poss on the Lichen Sclerosis spectrum but she couldn't be sure. She said all my symptoms were coming from my incredibly tight pelvic floor muscle, my pudendal nerve was inflammed and irritated and this causes the stinging and tingling that I often experienced. She referred me to an excellent physio called Helen Forth. I have been seeing her for 3 months now and have NEVER felt so good. I am not totally cured, but a combo on 150mg of pregabalin, some mid steroid ointment for the skin, and a shed load of physio has gotten my pain down from a level 8 on most days to just about a 5 ONLY when I get my period! AMAZING!!!!!!

I know how much any pain in that area can affect self-esteem and self-confidence, I urge anyone really struggling with this to seek a really qualified professional with experience in treating pelvic pain. I know it is incredibly hard but you must have the patience of a saint as this thing does not go away over night and requires a significant amount of work to get on top of. I can have pain free sex.. i'm a bit of a vice but a bit of deep breathing and a couple of glasses of red wine goes a long way towards helping that!

I think the trouble with pelvic pain is that although it can present itself in many similar ways, there is no one cause for it, and subsequently, no one solution. Seeing an experienced practitioner is vital!

Be patient, stay strong, be positive, because it can and it WILL get better.

So much love to all of you... We are amazing women!
xxxxxxx

Thank you for the uplifting words. I hope you are right.

Hi Mariahopes

It's great to read of your progress. Please can I ask what steroid ointment you have been using as I have been on Pregabalin 150mg & Dermovate applied twice a day. I still have soreness & redness below. I've been using the cream since 6th Feb this year!

Did you have soreness too? Did you have any lower pelvic discomfort? I do & I wonder if it could be tight pelvic floor muscles too!

I'd appreciate your advice.
Many thanks

Jo x

What is this "physio" that everyone is speaking of? I'm new to this forum and am seeking out any options to help manage my PVD!! Currently on 30mg of Nortriptyline, daily use of an estrogen/lidocaine compound cream and self pelvic floor muscle therapy with a therawand. All prescribed and suggested by my doctor who specializes in vestibulodynia. I'm 21 years old and have been dealing with this ever since recovering from chronic uti's for 2 years. Never thought I would have issues like this!

Hi guys! I thought I would add to this. I also saw Wendy Reid .. I owe her my life. I also live completely pain free now, she was a godsend. I recommend anyone in London to try and get in to see her. If you can afford it, pay privately, otherwise, you can get in on the NHS if you beg your GP.