Vulvodynia Support
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» Hope to all my suffering ladies
New girl on the block  EmptyFri Oct 23, 2020 12:04 am by ringostarr26

» Please tell me this can get better
New girl on the block  EmptySat Jul 18, 2020 7:38 pm by sammykramer

» By no means cured, but doing much better!
New girl on the block  EmptyMon Mar 16, 2020 1:26 pm by tinkerbelle2

» How I cured my Vulvodynia!
New girl on the block  EmptySat Dec 07, 2019 11:54 am by Millie

» 7 months since the diagnosis
New girl on the block  EmptyWed Aug 14, 2019 2:38 am by agtoronto

» Gabapentin Gel. or other topical creams
New girl on the block  EmptySat Jun 15, 2019 5:22 pm by mary jane

» IMPORTANT FOR UK SUFFERERS
New girl on the block  EmptySat Jun 15, 2019 5:21 pm by mary jane

» Help New Diagnosis
New girl on the block  EmptySat Jun 15, 2019 5:07 pm by mary jane

» 6 days post Vestibulectomy - Is this normal?? please tell me about your postop healing process!
New girl on the block  EmptyTue Jun 11, 2019 12:56 am by VVSSufferer

Gabapentin Gel. or other topical creams

Thu May 10, 2018 9:43 am by Rosie21

Hi I have been suffering for some years with this abominable pain. I have tried most of the systemic drugs , I asked specialists and Doctors if I could at least try a topical treatment but because this requires a special prescription have been refused Has anybody had a chance of trying these? Thank you I will try to put a link on to some of the research into Gabapentin Gel. Thanks.

Comments: 2

Putnams 'bony parts' cushion or Putnams 'Dr Huff' cushion - which is best?

Sat Aug 01, 2015 4:17 pm by Fielder

Hi everyone,

I'm a newbie.  I live in the UK.  

I'm trying to work out the best cushion to get for my vulvodynia.  I suspect that I could have pudendal nerve involvement (the aching and burning pain is from vagina to clitoris) and I have rectocele and some tailbone pain too.

I have seen some good reports on older threads regarding the Putnams pressure relief cushions....with some ladies …

Comments: 11

An absolute success story- please read!

Fri Mar 08, 2019 10:57 pm by Persevere1990

Dear All,

I posted on here back in March 2017 having just got a diagnosis of vulvodynia after a few months of relentless and acute pain. I was desperate, I was hurting, I was scared I would never know life without pain there again.

I tried creams, acupuncture, numbing gels, frozen pads, baths with various internet recommended concoctions- convinced myself I had lichen sclerosus, herpes, thrush- …

Comments: 0

I'm sorry im rambling

Thu Feb 21, 2019 5:49 am by Jet227

hey, im 19, ive been struggling with this almost a year. The first week I became itchy I went in to check about a yeast infection another week later. I have been to 10 different doctors a total of about 15 appointments for this problem for the past 11 months. I have been tested for everything including having a biopsy. I was first told basically to just go home and use hydrocortazone, then I went …

Comments: 1

New member need advice please

Thu Feb 28, 2019 11:33 pm by PANDORA123

Hello, I have just been diagnosed with unprovoked vulvodynia. Im really scared and worried. It burns a lot and it hurts to sit down. I have been prescribed amitriptyle 10mg. Can anyone give me some hope that I can get better from this condition. Feeling low and depressed.

Thanks

Comments: 5

MonaLisa Touch

Fri Feb 08, 2019 7:35 pm by rl2091

Hi All,

I'm wondering if anyone has any experience with the MonaLisa Touch treatment for Vulvodynia? My pain started when I went on HRT(pill) for anxiety mainly and my pain abruntly stopped when I stopped HRT. However, when I started on the HRT patch (at my dr's suggestion), the pain returned and has never left. That was 7 years ago. I found MonaLisa Touch on the internet purely by accident …

Comments: 3

Diagnosed Recently

Tue Jan 08, 2019 3:55 pm by flissyg

Hi All,

I’m so glad I’ve found a place where there are others who understand how I feel!

So this is my story:-

I’m 36,  and 4 months ago, whilst innocently sitting in bed reading I experienced a very sharp stabbing pain in my clitoris. It last only a few minutes and then subsided as quickly as it came on. It put it down to “one of those things”.  The following morning I woke up …

Comments: 4

New and need advice and help

Wed Dec 05, 2018 3:26 pm by Cin124

Hi everyone,

About three months ago, I started having vaginal and vulval itching. Then, about two months ago, my vulva started to feel painful and look swollen, so I went to the doctor. I was tested for herpes, chlamydia, and gonorrhea which all came back negative. I also had to do a vaginal swab test and the only thing that came back positive was yeast infection. I was prescribed hydrozole …

Comments: 6

New here would very much appreciate advice at the end of my rope

Wed Jan 09, 2019 9:09 pm by Jma990o

This might be a little long but it's been such a long time I've even been able to talk about my problems openly thank you in advance for any helpful advice.
So ok I'm 24 I've been having this problem for over two years seen quite a few doctors and obgyns alike and nobody will take me seriously I have had a few utis and yeast infections and even bv once and this all started after one of the utis …

Comments: 3


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ves
Sebby (Admin)
Zazu
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Post  Zazu Tue Apr 05, 2011 3:16 pm

Hi everyone,
I've been looking for a good online forum for vulvodynia and this one seems just right! I was diagnosed with provoked vestibulodynia (vulvar vestibulitis syndrome) about six months ago and have been living with it for over a year. I was actually teaching abroad when it started and tried to find help from over five Korean ob-gyns. Here's just a small list of some of those adventures: crouching in a bucket every morning b/c bathtubs are rare, being told to use bee hive glue (propolis) in the soak, having my vagina dyed purple with gentian violet to cure yeast infections. I finally found a scholarly article on vulvodynia written by a Korean researcher who I made an appointment with and all he told me was that it was untreatable. Everything I've read has pointed to the lack of information for doctors in Western countries but there is nothing available to women, at least in Korea who suffer from this.
My partner and I packed our bags and flew home to Canada where I waited six months to see a specialist. She had me try a gabapentin/lidocaine topical cream for three months but it caused a lot of extra irritation. Most recently, she put me on Elavil but I had to stop taking it (even at low dosages) because of the side effects. I've been in physio for a few months, although we keep having to stop pelvic work to focus on chronic lower back pain and knee pain. I'm going back to the specialist on Friday.
Any suggestions on where I could go from here would be appreciated so much!
Thanks!
Zazu

Zazu

Posts : 64
Join date : 2011-04-05
Location : Canada

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Post  Sebby (Admin) Tue Apr 05, 2011 6:06 pm


Hi Zazu and welcome to the forum

Wow they sure have zany treatments in Korea! I can't imagine having a purple vagina! although it is often red!

Its terrible how so many doctors lack knowledge about this condition. More research and awareness and treatment is so needed.

I think physio is definitely a step in the right direction. I too have lower back pain and have had since I was little on and off. You will be suprised how many women with Vulvodynia do have this!

I couldnt take Amitriptyline as I was on Citalopram (SSRI Anitdepressant) for panic attacks. Im only on 10mg of Cit now

So instead I have tried Pregabalin (anticonvulsant) which is also used for neuropathic pain like Ami. I am on 300mg. I had to build up to 300mg slowly as it does make you feel dizzy and drunk when you first start it! I could have sworn I was starting my day on a bottle of whiskey lol but I managed it and still managed to go to work.

The side effects have worn off now and I am finding the flare ups are shorter and the average pain level a little less.

It might be worth giving it a go

I also only wear 100% white cotton knickers and wash them on a high temperature with no detergent. I also only use water and no soap of any kind on my vulval area.

For sitting I have just bought a foam doughnut cushion (with a hole in the middle) this means there is no pressure on the vulval area when I sit down and is perfect for my computer desk at home

Oh I nearly forgot! I am doing pelvic floor biofeedback as issued by Dr Glazer from www.vulvodynia.com. It will take many months before I know if it is effective.

Take care



Sebby (Admin)
Sebby (Admin)
Admin

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https://vulvodyniasupport.forumotion.net

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Post  ves Tue Apr 05, 2011 10:24 pm

propolis and gentian violet? Jesus!
Hello there Laughing

I used to put gentian violet (along with hydrochloric acid) in horse's hooves to cure thrush but it's not quite the same thing. At least they didn't give you the acid Shocked

I too have provoked vulvodynia (10 years now. yay) And have found no treatments that either improve it or make it worse... so far. That said I haven't had any physical therapy at all for it so on the advice of some here I've now booked an appointment with a gyno who specialises in vulval disease/pain and also pelvic floor, so she might give some advice. Looking forward to seeing what results Sebby gets with biofeedback as well.

Anyway welcome to the forum!

ves

Posts : 11
Join date : 2011-03-21

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Post  Aussie Wed Apr 06, 2011 4:08 am

I have had good results with biofeedback. My specialist said I no longer need it as I can control the muscles well without it. I just need to concentrate on doing that constantly and legnthening the muscles.

Give it a go! I can relax muscles now, I never even knew exsisted

Aussie

Posts : 230
Join date : 2011-03-15
Age : 35
Location : Queensland, Australia

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Post  lisa98 Wed Apr 06, 2011 9:03 am

Hi- welcome to the forum.
I'm also doing physiotherapy, and doing the exercises recommended in amy stein's book, Healing Pelvic Pain. I too have lower back pain that I have been focusing on before getting to the pelvic stuff with my physio.
However, I think daily internal massage has been useful-possibly not because of the releasing of muscles but rather the contact with the skin- it seems to be making it less sensitive. I use sea buckthorn oil as a lubricant for this and perhaps that has improved the health of the skin, also. I have tried antidepressants but have gone off them because of the side effects and their inefficacy- in particular they made me constipated which made the condition worse, so it was not worth it to be on them. I think dealing with my stress and improving my digestive health are also important steps on the way to recovery. Fingers crossed.
How bad is your pain? what kind of things set you off?

lisa98

Posts : 33
Join date : 2010-07-31

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Post  Zazu Wed Apr 06, 2011 3:00 pm

Thanks for the welcome!
It's really nice to be reminded that there are still lots of things to try, because it is so frustrating when something you pegged your hopes on doesn't work out.

In terms of meds, I will definitely see what my doctor suggests after amitriptyline and want to explore the Pregabalin (thanks Seby!). @Lisa98, one of the main reasons that the amitriptyline didn't work for me is that it made me constipated too and I found that was too painful during my periods (plus the debilitating brain fog). Did you find that it was most painful during your periods? Even without the ami, I've found that my periods the last three months have been a lot more painful (cramps, bowel movements), as well as a lot of uterine pain after orgasm (only 1, in a long while, but now am too afraid even for outercourse). I've been worried about endometriosis or uterine fibroids, or could this just be another complication of PVD/VVS?

Biofeedback is something I've been interested in for awhile. It's fallen down the list of priorities - I'm trying to get back to physio for pelvic pain first, and maybe then try biofeedback. Do you have to go to some kind of biofeedback practitioner? My phyio doesn't do it, I don't think. It involves a dilator hooked up to electrodes and a machine that measures muscle behaviour, right? I'm sure I can read more around on the forum.
Thanks for the suggestion on the book Healing Pelvic Pain- I'll definitely look into it (is that where it recommends daily internal massage?).

The actual pain is worst with penetration, and that means I haven't been able to have sex for just over a year. We just started seeing a sex therapist, but that's definitely been the hardest part. I have some day to day irritation - putting in tampons can hurt but isn't impossible, wearing pads, sitting in pants for a long time, walking. The number of lifestyle adjustments has been crazy and sometimes impossible - Canada is too damn cold for skirts in the winter! or searching for sensible shoes that fit orthotics but are also good for skirts at work (on a tight budget!) because of the back pain is enough to drive you mad. Anyway, I can tell this is turning into a rant. Thanks to anyone out there generous enough to read all of it! Smile

Zazu

Posts : 64
Join date : 2011-04-05
Location : Canada

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Post  Sarah001 Wed Apr 06, 2011 4:08 pm

Hi there, orthotics? Are they for pronating, supinating or a leg length difference? I'm betting you're going to fall into the pelvic misalignment/instability group of us on here which can set the V off too. Lower back pain, knee pain, needing orthotics it's all ringing bells for me!
Sarah001
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Post  Mouse Wed Apr 06, 2011 8:26 pm

Hi and welcome Zazu,

I'm sorry you have ended up here but you will come to know that this is an amazing group of fabulous women!

I tried Gabapenten after the Ami, I think that's in the same family as the pregab. My success with drugs was fairly limited, my brain wouldnt give in. Youngest child! I would say though that anything is worth trying because it may work for you.

What has worked for me is therapy. I'd put this at the top of the list. You know this isn't in your head but it's a lot to deal with. Chronic pain erodes everything. Sorting my head gave me the strength to fight this from every angle. So then I threw in diet modification, pelvic floor physio, stress reduction affraid meditation, becoming social again, sitting in the sun (aahhh it's autumn now) well I tried anything that would give me endorphins.

I have generalised unprovoked so pain all the time. I worked really hard on getting my sexuality back - I've now found that can be fleeting. So it's a work in progress. The therapy made me deal with things I've pushed so far down it's been like coughing up furballs pale It's nice that they are out but it's changed how I feel about being in a relationship and I'm married to the loveliest man (well mostly, he's only human).

Have a really hard look at everything you put in or do with your body. It's a healing process. I limit coffee and alcohol (hmmm well mostly again - but vodka, soda and fresh lime get me through). I gave up sugar and that wasn't easy. I'm already gluten free because of the other joy in my life. I'm treating this as a healing phase so have tackled everything because I don't want to be doing this forever.

Oh and it's working! I am currently 90% painfree.

I have a lovely specialist but she only had the same old solutions so I took my recovery into my own hands. Just got pissed off with waiting for the cure to turn up. I think amongst us we will work it out for ourselves. If you haven't had your pelvic floor checked, try that, it can make a huge difference.

Good luck with your recovery
xx.

Mouse

Posts : 303
Join date : 2010-09-09
Location : New Zealand

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Post  Zazu Mon Apr 11, 2011 12:58 pm

Thanks again for all the encouragement and suggestions! I went to see my gyno on Friday and she put my on gabapentin because I couldn't tolerate low doses of the amitriptyline. How does gabapentin compare to pregabalin? She also recommended that I try using the dilators for 20 min per day, as well as keep up with the pelvic physio. This sounds like a lot of poking and prodding down there but it seems to have helped other ladies so it's worth a go Shocked

I've also tried a lot of lifestyle overhauls too, along the lines of what you do Mouse. I saw a naturopath who put me on an anti-yeast (no sugar, no refined flour, no peanuts, no vinegar) diet which I did for awhile. Since then I've tried to modify it to a more livable one but it's made me have a lot more energy and get sick less.

At one point my physiotherapist asked what I do to relax. I said - go out, see friends, watch movies, read, etc. She said "So you're really good at distracting yourself but what do you do to relax?" That made me realize the mind-body connection is probably affecting the V so I've tried some meditating and guided visualization type stuff. I just find that along with all the Vulva-hygiene lifestyle changes, all this is hard to stick to on a regular basis. That's the most frustrating aspect to me. It's so true that it takes over two months to start a habit (and so many new habits!). Patience is the hardest one to form tongue

Zazu

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Location : Canada

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