New member - Glad to find this connection

I discovered this site yesterday and like most people here, feel so reassured that I'm not the only person in the world trying to live around this pain. My symptoms started after I was diagnosed with interstitial cystitis almost 20 years ago. Since then, the I.C. smptoms have abated but i have Vulvodynia flare-ups for no apparent reason lasting from a few days to months. So many comments here have resonated with me. Did I do something to cause this? How do I prevent my life from revolving around this? How do I stay engaged in the world when I just want to curl up, not talk to anyone, and stop hurting? Have seen many doctors, received varying diagnoses. Tried lidocaine ointment, biofeedback, diet changes all with no effect. Exercise helps mentally, but when I need it most it's the last thing I feel like doing. I'm 52, live in Arizona. This group feels like a lifeline.

Hi Laura and welcome. Hopefully you'll find some interesting threads on here and feel free to discuss anything and everything with us all, we're like one big family on here!

Hi Laura and welcome
I hope you find lots of support and advice on here - and that it helps you feel connected. I identify with a lot of the questions you mentioned, too. In terms of what you've tried - it doesn't sound like you've taken the 'drugs' route yet. A lot of women understandably are hesitant to start taking amitriptyline, gabapentin, etc. etc. One thing you might want to talk to your doctor about is a compound cream where they put one of the nerve calming drugs into an ointment or gel. Right now I'm using a 6% gabapentin, 5% lidocaine in diffusimax gel It's a good intermediate option.
Best to you! Be well!
Katie

Could you please tell me the base that is in your cream. Is it compounded with something non irritating like parrafin wax? I want to try this but not yet available in Aus. My doc said he will do up the script if I can find what base others are using. I also am interested in the Ami/Balofcen (sp) gel. Nerve med/muscle relaxant compound.

Laura, you have come to the right place. I suffer with IC too. How did you resolve your symptoms? at the moment I am doing IC diet, oxytrol patch, heaps of water and heat and have ordered cystoprotek and prelief for meals.

Glad to hear this part has subsided for you (remission?! ) dealing with both IC and V is tough, very tough!

Claire

I am new here too and am looking to see if anyone had success with the neogyn cream? I have seen several docs and all say to stay away from all creams. I have tried them all i feel like. I do think my symptons subside when I use nothing but sometimes unbearable. I am a mother of 4 small children and feel like i can't take care of them when I am in pain. It is terrible. I know it is worse for some of you. Mine (vestibulitis) comes and goes. I actually had it gone for over a year and a half and it returned. I thought the birth of my children is what brought it on and when pregnant or nursing i would get inflamed. AUUUUGGHHH. just looking for something to survive right now. Surgery is not an option with my small children that is my doctors next step.

Please advice if you have used neogyn or found any temporary relieve

We've actually got some ladies trying neogyn at the moment but I don't think any of them have reached the end of the recommended trial period yet, I'm sure they'll update us all when they do so keep coming and checking.