I am in feeling very down and in despair. I just can't see any light at the end of the tunnel. After months of bladder problems in August 2015 I got better then was diagnosed with Vaginal Atrophy in May 2016, which was improved by systemic HRT and vagifem. When I went to see my menopause specialist for follow up this September she diagnosed Lichen planus and told me to use steroid cream and vaseline. I didn't believe her (gut feeling!) and went to see another sexual health consultant in London who did an internal and gave me a good report regards the vaginal health (PH, no inflammation, VA or lichen planus etc). However, that caused a lot of delayed pain but improved after 10 days. Both she and the menopause specialist decided I should see a vulva dermatologist to definitely rule of LP as they disagreed. I saw her three weeks ago and although she can categorically say I do not have LP and is glad I didn't use the steroid cream, ever since she did the Q tip test I have had vulval pain/tenderness and it's getting me down so much. I can't use the vagifem as it makes it worse and this is worrying me because I don't want the atrophy coming back. Haven't used it for 14 days now. Last night I tried to gently put on a little barrier emollient to protect the area but I woke up in agonising burning pain at 2am. I am also having breakthrough bleeding (possibly from increased oestrogen) and will soon have an ultrasound, but I know I won't tolerate the transvaginal ultrasound, as I have significant touch tenderness now.
I just don't understand how the vulvodynia can worsen when I have used the vagifem religiously, balance active and Hyalofemme moisturiser and improved the situation enormously, but now am left with this neuropathic pain and cannot continue with local treatment, or get on with life - just the simplest things like sitting is uncomfortable or wearing clothes down there.
I wondered if anyone else can identify with this and how they moved forward. Thank you for reading...