DUAL DIAGNOSIS?

Hi guys

I've read quite a few posts on this forum to try and get an understanding of other peoples' experiences and to see if they relate to my own. I feel comforted to know I am not alone. However it is clear to me now that our experiences are all so different. My vulva pain began in March 2011 (although I do remember experiencing occassions of pain as an adolescent). I initially ignored the pain for several months, expecting the problem to 'just disapear'. However, it just got worse. I eventually went to the GP thinking they'd know what the problem was and have a straightforward cure. Boy was I wrong! So there began my path to Nowhereville. After seeing various doctors and specialists, I am still suffering from vulva pain most days of the week. I saw a Melbourne gyno at St Vincents who said I had Contact Irritant Dermatitis. When I mentioned Vulvodynia (as I'd done some research before the apt.) he said he didn't believe in that diagnosis and reccommended all the ususal advice off the net, such as white cotton dax, hypoallergic toilet paper, no soap, no hot baths, etc, which I have pretty much followed to the letter for several months to no avail. I also got reffered to the Royal Womens for a second opinion and the Dermo-Gyno said there nothing visably wrong with my vulva and diagnosed Vulvodynia. Although when I saw the specialist physio there she said I did have redness down there. So I just feel confused. I have tried various remedies, including creams, vitamins, cleaning regimes, Endep, ice packs, Ural, etc. but nothing has gotten rid of the pain for good. Sometimes something I try will help with relief, but not always. So basically my burning, stinging pain comes and goes. Somedays it won't be there, but mostly it is to some degree. It could come in the morning, day or night. The biggest trigger is after urinating. But there isn't anything on the net about pain after urinating, only during. Also heat is a problem. I tend to overheat very easily, most because I'm obese and don't exercise (I suffer from depression which is currently under control). I love to be healthy again, so I knew whether my obesity was contributing to my problems. I read somewhere that being of a healthy weight was the single best thing you can do for vulva pain. Housework or electric blanket use also doesn't help with the overheating. Can anyone else relate to my experiences? I'd be greatful to know I'm not alone.

Nicole

Welcome to the forum

I hope you find our community supportive and helpful.

Are you on or have you tried any medication such as anticonvulsants/antidepressants specifically for the pain?

Hi and thanks for the reply Sebby. Yes I'm currently on 70mg Enep (Amitriptyline), which I was told was the max dose. However, it has done nothing for me so am thinking of stopping, but will be discussing with GP this week hopefully. I've been on this medication for over 3 months and figure it would have done its job by now.

Nicole

70 mg may be the max dose for depression, but my doctor said the max dose is 150. That's what I went up to. I noticed a slight difference with unprovoked pain, but my provoked pain during intercourse stayed. It's definitely worth looking into though. Everyone is different.

Let me just say, I am so glad that you went and got a 2nd opinion after that ass of a doctor. Doesn't believe? What does he know?

Good Luck!

Thanks for taking the time to reply Amtali.

The prescribing specalist did say 70mg for vulva pain was the max for this medication, although I know as you have mentioned that some doctors prescribe higher doses of medications depending on the needs of the individual they are treating. I believe she also mentioned there were other medications I could try if Endep didn't work, but my next apt. is months away due to the clinic being so busy. So I guess I'll just wait until then, as I just don't feel this is the drug for me, but I'll discuss it with her when I see her. I've made a GP apt. in the mean time about what to do in the mean time.

By the way, the gyno I mentioned in my first post was a lovely man but I just think he was 'old school', as in he was from an older generation and not into newer diagnosis such as Vulvodynia.

Take care

I am already on Sertraline for depression and anxiety so cannot go on ami. I am on Lyrica (anticonvulsant) 400mg.

I have also found relief with the unprovoked but yes provoked pain is still there...think it always will be but I manage it as I have always had to do.

Deff discuss pain killing options with your doctor...

Good luck and don't give up