Letting off some of that steam...

I've had two reasonable days this week for the first time in ages with pain at about 3 or 4 out of 10. Today I'm at a 6 and feeling low... Only been on nortriptyline for about 3 weeks and its a low dose so not expecting a miracle yet. Having osteopathy treatment seems to be causing flares for days after treatment but ultimately I feel like its on the right track... I just feel so tearful today as it's one of those days where I can't see the light at the end of the tunnel. I seem to flare when I'm hormonal (around ovulation and several days before my period) and am thinking maybe that's because my body is more susceptible to pain then I don't know. I've tried so many things this last year. It's been a year now. Feel like my sense of womanhood has been stripped from me. I've heard nortriptyline can take a few months to show effect so I'm holding on desperately to that notion. Just feeling so incredibly flat today. I thought I may be able to attempt sex yesterday if it continued improving but today I'm not so sure.... This is such a cruel and twisted thing. This chronic pain with no solid guaranteed way forward. I keep reading over some of the success stories and trying to hold out some hope. Today I just feel like utter shit. Excuse my french. That tell tale burn is firing on my left side and the deep ache I get is saying hello too. Hate it. Steam over.

I know how you feel. I've had a rough few days with my pain flaring up with no obvious trigger. Today has been a bit better though, thankfully, maybe as I had acupuncture yesterday. I'm also hoping the nortriptyline will show more effect in time. I've noticed my heartbeat is quick (it's always been a bit quick, but more now than usual > 100bpm) so I think I'd better speak to the GP before increasing to 40mg/day. I'm on several other meds which means I'm more prone to side effects. I think you really need to give the nortriptyline a bit longer but I understand your frustration totally. I feel so angry some days, especially when I've had a few better days and then it's got worse again and I analyse everything I've done/eaten and can't find any trigger factor.
It's good to read the success stories and also to have a rant and, as you say, let off some steam.

It's so frustrating when there's no obvious trigger. I feel like what the hell am I doing wrong? Analysing everything like you say. I'm definitely going to persevere with the nortriptyline as side effects for me have been tolerable. It's such a waiting game.... I've never had accupuncture. Does the therapist treat you specifically for the vulvodynia pain? I'm so sorry to hear you've had a rough few days too, but today hopefully is a sign some relief is coming. I'll keep my fingers crossed for you. Sometimes I just want to scream out all my hurt and anger I just don't know what to do with it all. Are you on other meds for this, or is it other things? I feel like I should be trying to do things like have sex but its been so long and although my vagina doesn't actually hurt, pretty much everywhere else does! Sorry probably TMI there! Just so sad today. Thanks for replying. It does actually help knowing other people can relate to this hideous pain.

Yes, there are acupuncture points specific for genital and bladder pain. But also points for general pain, I think. I have needles in my feet and lower legs, hands, abdomen and upper chest and one in the top of my head. The effectiveness of the acupuncture seems to vary from treatment to treatment but I'm sure it has some effect. My other meds I was on before this pelvic pain started (I have fibromyalgia so pain in my neck, back, hips and knees though generally not everywhere at once).

I think trying to keep doing things is admirable as long as one is sensible - there are certain things I just can't contemplate right now and in fact have been advised to avoid as if I do them and my pain flares then it will increase muscle tension and feed in to the vicious cycle of pain.

I hope you have a better day tomorrow

I may look into accupuncture as well. Thank you. I think I have a stupid sense of must try or else I'm a bad person... I don't know. Thank you for the encouragement today. Wishing you some good days too.