Hi my name is Jen
I hope it is ok to just jump in....
I have been going out of my mind!
May I share my story with you? and ask also is there any one else that has been experiencing this dreadful complaint
4 months ago I went to the Doctors with slight rectal bleeding. He told me that my rectum was dry and to use some aqueous cream. I did..... He also informed me that I had a slightly pertruding hemroid! As if I didn't know... And that this would be quite painful... Yes it was..
During this time over a week or so I noticed a red blood spot and having going on safari down there with my hubby, I found a little hole.. And a few like paper cuts. The doctor told me it was fungal.. And gave me to Daktarin... This cleared the Paper cuts but the hole was a little more insistent in staying.. I thought it was a fistula.. Any way it has cleared up now and has left a little scar...
So.. during the 2 months that the rectum area took to heal, my vagina and vulva became swollen itchy and red. Doctor told me I had thrush or fungal infection and told me to use dakatrin.. EEK this burned and made it worse.. I got into the cycle of itch and scratch and found hot water would ease the scratch.. Over time the itching got worse and my vagina became inflamed... I then had to go to the emergency walk in centre with scalding in that area.. :(As you can imagine the redness was now in-between my legs...I was now ready to commit suicide.. With a very angry [:@]Vaginal area The Doctor there treated me with antibiotics and Betnovate cream ( For skin infection) this was three weeks ago.
The cream seemed to make things worse! I took the course of antibiotics and still the redness sore and itching was there 2 weeks later.. I was now on the dreaded itch and scratch cycle!!! I have found that placing an ice pack in that area stops the itch! Thank GOD
I went back tot he Doctor, showed him the area was still very sensitive and he told me to stop using the betnovate as it was not the right cream.. I could have killed him and me right there right then!!!! He continued to give me more Daktarin and again it antagonised the vaginal area into being more inflamed and more dry.. OH HELP! I have been out of my mind!
BACK I WENT He has now got me on A stronger antibiotic.. Since Thursday and he also took a swab.. At long last! it is now Sunday.. My husband says it looks a lot less red but I have to tell you I am still itching andat night its worse. I am almost continuously having an ice pack in a clean hankerchief on my genital area
History
--------
I am 48
I was 21 Stone a year ago I have now reached 18 stone 2
I do have periodic herpes that I infected myself with from a cold sore.
Period every two months and missing one some times making it 3 months
Peri menopausal .. Obviously! with hot flushes at night
Been through an awful amount of stress in the last 2 years.
Itchy skin in areas such as under arms, wrists and legs
I have used tea trea oil in a baby bath soak seems to make it burn more..
Has any one been through anything like this or has any one got advice..?
I really need support and help before I do something I might regret!
I have become a prisoner in my own bedroom! 🙁
RE: HELP Please Vulva and vaginal swelling
Sounds like you are doing the right thing with taking higher dose anti-biotics and using ice packs for the itch.Take somepro-biotics aswell, to preserve your gut flora. Make sureyou take the anti-biotics for the full course.Was the problem ever diagnosed as cellulitis? Sounds very similar. What about a soothing cream such as calendula? Wouldn't use tea tree oil- too aggressive. Poor you! Sympathy coming your way.....
RE: HELP Please Vulva and vaginal swelling
Hi, thanks for your reply!
I am in a lot of pain and urinating frequently.. It constantly feels like I need to wee.
I am drinking lots of water..
Burn - itch burn itch burn itch:(And a very red swelling....
Nothing diagnosed, just told to go to casualty if it gets to much.. Iwonder if 3 weeks of this stuff is to much?
Callendula also burns!
I am at the end of my tether.
Thanks for your sympathy.. It is well needed
RE: HELP Please Vulva and vaginal swelling
Jen
if you are experiencing burning sensation and frequent need to wee, then that suggests the infection outside may have travelled into your urethra, sounds like cystitis or even a kidney infection. Could be a result of being run down with all the other problems.
sympathies and get well wishes, have you considered any complementary therapies (e.g. reiki) to assist you in healing?
RE: HELP Please Vulva and vaginal swelling
Thanks for your reply and hello
I will try anything once!
I am at the end of my road!
Reiki yes can this be sent distant
RE: HELP Please Vulva and vaginal swelling
Poor you! I went through a stage during pregnancy where I recurrently had thrush and the dreaded swelling, itching and burning (irritant vulvitis)cycle you mention was vile. My doctor prescribed pessaries which provided some comfort, but it still went on for ages - I honestly believe it was justhormonal as nothing I did seemed to cure it; I've also had the same thing happen when I went on the mini-pill and it stopped when I gave them up.
So I guess I'm recommending you look at hormonal issues here, but only because that was what it was for me. The only other suspectedtrigger I've ever had was the lubricant on condoms (nonoxynol-9), but whatever it is I hope you get it sorted soon and you have my total sympathy.
Sending lots of positive thoughts and luckto you, G. x
RE: HELP Please Vulva and vaginal swelling
If it is coming from the urethra I would try a cranberry supplement - you can get it from health food shops as capsules. I have a lot of infections and that has been helpful. Also I know it's difficult but you have to try to stop itching it and puttingputting stuff on it etc - it may be that you are inflaming it more. Like if you keep scratching you get hives. Also - if it is acidic i remember my doctor giving me some purple stuff for my bath water (think it was potassium permanganate??) and also (I think) some zinc cream - it hurt like hell to put it on but it did sooth it. It was a long time ago...
Good luck,
Joss
RE: HELP Please Vulva and vaginal swelling
HAVE YOU HAD A DIABETIS CHECK ? It can be a symptom of that.
Have you had Thrush treatment for your vagina? Sounds lke raging Tweeties to me aggrovated by all the wrong creams etc. If you had rectal thrush then it stands to reason you have it vaginally too. Thrush in the rectum starts with it in the gut, if if has not been cleared out that way,usually get oral treatment for the gut,then you will still getbouts ofthrush. Stop using tee tree down below, go without knickers when ever possible, try get some paper pants from such as boots,do not use soap or talc, only very clean clear water instead of using a sponge use aflannel below to wash and boil it daily, keep it for your self only, have towels for your own use aswell,that you can boil. Canestan cream is available from the chemist, but please have the diabetic blood test if you haven't already, take the first urine of the morning,having not eaten after 10pm, this will also help the doctors.
lyn
RE: HELP Please Vulva and vaginal swelling
Hello and thanks for your reply and for your support
Yes I was treated for thrush 3 weeks ago along with my first course of Antibiotics..
Well At least I think I was.. I had 4 tablets to take two on one day and two the next.. The chemist said that the doc gave them me incase the antibiotics caused the thrush!
Thing is I have no vaginal discharge...
Seems noone really knows whats going on..
ALL I KNOW IS I AM IN AGONY
RE: HELP Please Vulva and vaginal swelling
You didn't say if you'd had a Diabetes check. Here is a link for you to read. Lyn
[link= http://www.diabetesuffolk.com/Complications/Thrush.asp ]http://www.diabetesuffolk.com/Complications/Thrush.asp[/link]
In your first post you state ....I am 48
I was 21 Stone a year ago I have now reached 18 stone 2
This alone can be a factor for Diabetes and I'm surprised your Doctors have over looked this investigation. I congratulate you for your weight loss, continue the good work. Also get them doctors working on you.
RE: HELP Please Vulva and vaginal swelling
It could be either lichen simplex or lichen sclerosis.
[link= http://www.eczemaguide.com/eczema_basics/eczema_like/lichen_simplex_chronicus.html ] http://www.eczemaguide.com/eczema_basics/eczema_like/lichen_simplex_chronicus.html [/link]
[link= http://www.bbc.co.uk/health/conditions/lichensclerosus1.shtml ] http://www.bbc.co.uk/health/conditions/lichensclerosus1.shtml [/link]
GP's often don't diagnose these conditions. It took me many years of being eventually referred, first of all to a general consultant, then to a gynacologist and finally to a dermatologist to finally get the diagnosis.
Please insist on a referral by your GP, or if you can see a dermatologist privately, so much the better. There are some that specialise in conditions of the vulva.
Lesley
RE: HELP Please Vulva and vaginal swelling
Lesley, that sounds like maybe the answer to the ladies problem. I myself have never heard of it. ;)Lyn
RE: HELP Please Vulva and vaginal swelling
Why don't you try using some Sudacrem cream on the area?
You say all other crems you have tried just irritate the area, so why not give this a try? If its sitable for soothing a baby's skin i'm sure it won't aggrivate yours too much.
I would also be very pushy with the G.P.
Your problem seems to have gone on longer than it should. Ask for a referral to a specialist and get this problem sorted once and for all.
Also, make sure you are drinking plenty of fresh water daily, and you could try Cranberry juice which is excellent for treating bladder and urethral infections.
Hope you feel better soon.:)
Kate xxxx
RE: HELP Please Vulva and vaginal swelling
Hey, thanks all for your support. I don't feel so alone now..
The itch seems to be subsiding... My doctor has referred me to dermatology. Its only took him 3 months.. Thanking God for small mercies.
Kate, yes I have tried sudocrem... Seems not to make a lot of difference..
The 'state of play'
right now is, that I have a sore painful feeling right on the end of my clitoral hood.. And when I pea it is even more sore.. I am drinking lots of water. Cranberry supplements - Boots Total Menopause and am now just over half way through a pack of500mg Antibiotics.. I am eating low fat live yoghurts to keep my tummy healthy!
I am continuing to cut out sugars.
Apart from the pain right in the centre of my being (Clitoral) and soreness on peeing, my temp is 36.7 (normal) and I am beside myself hoping that each day will see a little bit more positive.
The ice packs are seeming to irritate the sore feeling. Feels like a catch 22 thingy right now. I have been a prisoner of my bedroom now for nearly 4 weeks! Hasany one of you ever experienced anything like this? Or am I the only one?
Thank you for your attention and kindness
RE: HELP Please Vulva and vaginal swelling
Just want to say I applaud you for your openness and honesty. I have no solutions, but give you my love and support and healing thoughts, and ask that you please keep us informed as to what develops, as I'm sure it could help others
Sharon x
RE: HELP Please Vulva and vaginal swelling
You poor thing - I hope you're feeling a little better by now.
This sounds like a thrush related vicious circle to me - I recognise the exact clitoral symptom you are describing,so you are not alone if that's any comfort to you. However,because you are still taking antibiotics it is likely that your body's flora may take a week or two to return to it'shealthy state of balancebut it sounds like you are doing everything you can to help it, like eating live yoghurt every day. But please do finish the course of antibiotics though- that's really important. Continue to eat live yoghurt too as that will help to re-establish the good bacteria in your body.
I would suggest you also use the live yoghurt on your vulva, and dip a tampon in the yoghurt for internal use vaginally. Change the tampon several times a day and apply fresh yoghurt to thearea. This is sometimes the only thing that can be tolerated down there when you are in the grip of a fungal infection like thrush, and it won't do any harm.
You couldtake an oralprobiotic supplement for a month or so once you've finished the antibiotics to re-establish high levels of good bacteria and prevent further attacks. Its best tobuy a brand that is refrigerated as that keeps the bacteria live.
Also, use aqueous cream (availablefrom the chemist)to wash down there, rather than soap. Shower the cream off, and air dry or use a hairdryer set on cool - don't use a wash cloth or towel because sometimes dermatitis/thrush cycle is set off by reactions to soap powder residues on towels etc. You couldalso keep a jugof cooled boiled water by the loo to pour over the area after peeing which will help prevent stinging. Go without anyunderwearand wear a loose skirtas much as you can.
There is also an old fashioned preparation called Acigel that you can use to head off vaginal flora imbalances - it comes with an applicator for intra-vaginal use and doesn't contain the strong chemicals of over the counter thrush treatments. It just alters the acid balance so making it less likely forfungal and other infections to take a hold and is available without presecription as I don't think its even classed as a medicine.
Sorry if I've gone into too much detail or sound like I'm preachingbut I justthough it might help to share what's worked for others.
epinay
x
RE: HELP Please Vulva and vaginal swelling
Thank you for your replies and support;)
I returned to the doctors on Thursday [:@]with swelling and itching still there. My Doctor told me to persevere with the Daktacort cream. I have done so and the itching seems to have subsided. However, I have realised that the pain in my vulva seems to be connected with frequent urination.. I am still sore and red down there. But getting a little respite
Friday was a good day and so was saturday.. Today (Sunday)the painwas back with frequent urination. I have been drinking water by the bucket loads. So I am in the process of trying to clear my bladder. I think my poor vular has been through a traumatic 4 weeks. I will be so glad when all this subsides. for more than two days.. My sanity is at risk.
I am nearly at the end of the last 5 days antibiotics (Third Lot) and when I do my shopping tomorrow will buy some live yoghurt. To eat. My vaginal culture came back normal and Doctor tested my Urine.. Both Normal
I have applied the Daktacort cream twice today, but sometimes feels pointless because of the amount of Urine that keeps passing. when I have urinated, and I have dried myself, as I stand up a little leeks and feels hot on my vaginal area...Sore and painful. I have been taking cranberry suplement twice a day for the last few days
Now that the itching is subsided a little, I can tell that over the 4 weeks since scalding the area I have been getting UTI's every 3 or 4 days...
The good news is My annoying little petruding hemroidis back to whereit belongs inside the bowel and my cut on the anal area is healing. So something good!
I am sorry that some of you recognise these symptoms I can onlysympathisewith you.
RE: HELP Please Vulva and vaginal swelling
Ouch! sounds familiar - I have Lichen Planus a close relative to LS!
See my post about vulval pain here:
[link= http://www.healthypages.net/forum/fb.asp?m=402902 ]http://www.healthypages.net/forum/fb.asp?m=402902[/link]
Our support group might be useful to you?
Love Purple x
EDITED to add link & signature
RE: HELP Please Vulva and vaginal swelling
Thank you for your replies and support;)
I returned to the doctors on Thursday [:mad:]with swelling and itching still there. My Doctor told me to persevere with the Daktacort cream. I have done so and the itching seems to have subsided. However, I have realised that the pain in my vulva seems to be connected with frequent urination.. I am still sore and red down there. But getting a little respite
Friday was a good day and so was saturday.. Today (Sunday)the painwas back with frequent urination. I have been drinking water by the bucket loads. So I am in the process of trying to clear my bladder. I think my poor vular has been through a traumatic 4 weeks. I will be so glad when all this subsides. for more than two days.. My sanity is at risk.
I am nearly at the end of the last 5 days antibiotics (Third Lot) and when I do my shopping tomorrow will buy some live yoghurt. To eat. My vaginal culture came back normal and Doctor tested my Urine.. Both Normal
I have applied the Daktacort cream twice today, but sometimes feels pointless because of the amount of Urine that keeps passing. when I have urinated, and I have dried myself, as I stand up a little leeks and feels hot on my vaginal area...Sore and painful. I have been taking cranberry suplement twice a day for the last few days
Now that the itching is subsided a little, I can tell that over the 4 weeks since scalding the area I have been getting UTI's every 3 or 4 days...
The good news is My annoying little petruding hemroidis back to whereit belongs inside the bowel and my cut on the anal area is healing. So something good!
I am sorry that some of you recognise these symptoms I can onlysympathisewith you.
jen I came across your story by accident as I was looking up the daktacort cream and this sounded like my story. I know its years since you wrote this but I am interested in the outcome, I went through all the creams and finally a bioposy of the area and the gyn diagnosed lichen sclerosus, and im still no better off,if you have any update I would love to hear , I only went through the drawer of creams and I think this was the best
Martinac
Jen's description is very similar to mine. So I am also interested in hearing how things turned out. I ended up having surgery because the vulvar agglutination had become so bad. I am still in constant agony. No solution in sight.
Have you consulted a doctor?
Have you consulted a doctor?
Between 2006 and 2017...i doubt if she still seeks suggestions on this