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[Kate W]

Hello ladies,
I'm about 8 years post meno and due to terrible nocturia and dryness had been on vagifem for about 2 years, everything was good no more nocturia and the dryness and splitting had stopped.  However, in December I had 2 spots of blood and was told I had to stop vagifem immediately and since then everything's been returning to how it was before.

Last week I had to have a hysteroscopy and the gynae said she thought I had lichen sclerosis which was causing the pain when putting in the speculum and could also cause bleeding.  I was given some steroid cream and she said she'd like to see me for a possible biopsy in a few months. 

I'm sure she's wrong about the lichen sclerosis.  All of the problems I have now are, I'm sure, due to being left with no treatment for the atrophy plus the stress of having a hysteroscopy.  I really can't face having more tests at the moment either.  I've ordered some v.moisturiser and if that helps I shall go and see my gp to see what he says.

I haven't used the steroid cream as the itching problem cleared up the day after I had the hysteroscopy. 

Can you tell the difference between va and ls?

[racjen]

Hi Kate W, I have LS and I think the main difference is that it's entirely external, it only affects the vulva, clitoris and labia, not the vagina itself. So if you're getting pain or other symptoms inside the vagina it sounds like VA. My main symptoms of LS were intense itching around the vulva and anus; at first I thought it was thrush, but when it didn't respond to treatment I was lucky to go to a GP who recognised it straight away and sent me for a biopsy. It's also characterised by the skin turning a pearly greyish-white colour, usually in patches which thin and tear easily, leading to a build up of scar tissue. It really is important to get it diagnosed properly, because untreated it does have a small risk of becoming cancerous, and it's really easy to treat.

[Kate W]

Ok, thank you for your replies.  I'm still waiting for the results of the hysteroscopy so I'll get that over with before deciding what to do next.

[CLKD]

Get back on the Vagifem in the mean time.   Insist if necessary.  One should not have to suffer and quite honestly, two 'spots' of blood should not have been the reason to stop treatment for vaginal atrophy.

How long B4 you get the next appt. Kate?

[Hvenab]

I was told by my gp a few years ago I had LS as I had soreness, itching, pale patch anyway my gp scared the life out of me and said I needed 6 monthly check ups and steroids. I did push for diagnoses and had biopsy. Came back as n evidence. I was told to use diprobase to wash and moisture. It's all settled now and no issues in that area. I would get checked for piece of mind x

[racjen]

Yet again important women's health issues are left up to the discretion of individual, often ignorant GPs. My LS was diagnosed by biopsy at Exeter Hospital, and at the time I was told I'd get a yearly check-up (whether with GP or hospital I don't know, was a bit shell-shocked at the time). 8 years later I've not had a single check; I asked the private specialist I saw a couple of times about my menopausal problems and she said it should be being checked yearly, and yet when I asked the NHS Gynae I saw earlier this year she said no, we don't bother unless your symptoms are causing problems. Guess work time again.....

[CLKD]

Lack of money ?  Lack of knowledge  .  Maybe a Thesis for someone? 

[Tc]

Its outrageous. It makes me want to scream. Why is the medical profession intent on waiting for a condition to get worse before treating instead of being pro active and treating to stop it getting worse. They are the same when it comes to preventative treatments. And it doesnt even make sense in financial terms.
Aargh!!
Kate w. Hope you get your results soon so you can resume treatment.x

[CLKD]

I agree Tc.  Surely it saves money in the long run to treat sooner rather than later 

[Tc]

The way the NHS is run from the top doesnt make financial sense.  A couple of examples:
a friend in hospital management told me they pay 5 times the amount for disposable gloves and wet wipes per pack than I could get them for in the shops. And they are the same.

When my wife died they wouldn't take back the walking frame. the charity shops are overrun with them and there are mountains of the damn things. They are metal and could be sterilised.

If it was a private business it wouldve gone under years ago. There's lack of funds and then theres mismanagement of funds !!!

[Kate W]

I've got an appt to see gynae in May so will sort this out then.. It's been made worse as I'm awaiting the results of the hysteroscopy as an ultrasound found that my womb was thickened, that was scary enough and the lichen sclerosis was on top of that.  That's why I'm no longer on vagifem and don't think I really want to go back on it either, but until everything's sorted one way or the other I'm in limbo at the moment.  It's horrible.

[racjen]

Yes, I second what Birdy says - LS needs to be diagnosed by biopsy. It isn't painful as they give you local anaesthetic, but it is a medical procedure and as such is a bit traumatic, so I'd make sure you have someone with you and to drive you home.

Tc - I had the same after cancer treatment. I had bags and bags of unused, unopened prescribed drugs, plus all sorts of sterile dressings and bits and bobs brought round by the District nurses, and they couldn't take any of it back. Incredible waste - I just don't get it.

[jessieblue]

Can anyone tell me what is involved in a biopsy for LS please?  I am petrified of medical tests and I keep getting inflammation and irritation down there that I think is thrush but it doesn't respond to thrush treatment.  I have this at the moment since using vaifem for 2 weeks so I have stopped as I clearly cannot tolerate oestrogen.  I am trying desperately to make an appt at a GUM clinic.  Its been 3 days and I am awaiting a call back as their phone lines don't work!!  I was on hold for 40 mins then got cut off!  I have emailed them 3 times and just got an email back today asking for my telephone number.  I guess I wait another 3 days for a call to book an appointment...….its so frustrating as I am in a full blown flare up of something and don't know what to do.  I have a feeling maybe I have LS.. I did ask my private GP last year and she said definitely no but I understand it needs a biopsy to be sure.  I currently have a red angry rash.  Does LS present like this?

[CLKD]

Thrush the 1st time needs diagnosing by a professional as it can mimic other things.  Thrush thrives on sugars.

If it isn't responding it stands to reason that it ain't thrush. The treatment can aggravate the condition - when I used Canestan pessaries it burned so much that I had to sit in a cool bath for hours 

I suggest that you eat lots of LIVE yoghurt, also applying it into the vagina is soothing.  Lay on a thick bath towel, apply and rest.  Seems strange that an NHS Clinic doesn't have good 'phone lines  . 

Some are sensitive to the fillers/packaging of Vagifem.  I haven't had problems with Ovestin which is applied by applicator.

Why don't you believe your Private GP?  .  If worried, make an appt. to see your Practice Nurse? Ours are very good and some can prescribe.

[CLKD]

 . eyebrows WHAT 

NOOOOO