Dear MenoBuddies,
I am calling on you for some help, encouragement as well as advice. Like many of you, this perimenopausal time has exacerbated my anxiety, with health anxiety being at the top of the list. I took lexapro for a year and it did help. I felt better and decided to go off of it in September of last year. I bring this up to give you some background. I feel that I'm slipping a bit, having been off the antidepressants for about 9 months now. My mom has been ill, our youngest is getting ready to graduate high school, so I'm feeling overwhelmed and perhaps blowing this "vaginal issue" out of proportion. I would appreciate your opinions.
For months now I have been having the itching and burning that many of you have described in past posts. I was particularly interested in Just Ducky's responses as she encouraged me to seek the advice of a dermatologist as they tend to have answers with regards to vaginal skin issues that many gyn's miss. Anyway I have been to both and am running out of options.
A couple of weeks ago I was back yet again to the gyn's with the burning and itching. My vagina feels red and inflamed, not dry. I ended up seeing a nurse practitioner that day as my doc was booked. No problem there. She seemed very competent and did a vaginal exam and a wet mount to see what was going on. I had what she described as a "mixed vaginitis". In other words, under the microscope it showed both yeast and bacteria. She gave me one diflucan pill to take that day for the yeast and put me on oral flagyl for 7 days. Last Tuesday was the final day on the oral meds. I felt much better. My vagina looked good for a change.............Today, today, today.......the burning and itching is back! Now I did have a period in between that time so perhaps my PH is off again? I am starting my week tomorrow knowing that I have to be on the phone with the gyn's office first thing so that I can go in for another exam! Have any of you had any problems with bacterial vaginitis and yeast at this time? My pharmacist told me that he thought they should have given me the yeast pill AFTER I finished the flagyl but who knows at this point.
My final question is one that I have not seen much discussion about and it is quite embarassing for me to ask. What type of soap do you girls use when you wash your vaginal area? I have changed just about everything in the hopes of trying to get this issue under control. The nurse practitioner suggested Dove unscented while the dermatologist recommended Cetaphil Gentle Cleansing Bar. The Cetaphil is what I have started using and I noticed that it does indeed have fragrance. They call it a "masking fragrance". How often do you girls wash your vaginal area, how embarassing to ask! I think in my efforts to work this problem out, I may have been washing too much.
On a final note, I decided not to use tampons, only pads. However this just seems to keep the moisture close to the labia area unless I change every time I go in the bathroom. Trust me, I have done that too. I have read posts from years ago here where women have been literally at their wits end over vaginal itching and burning. However not much is written on the types of soap all of you suggest or whether peri has brought you more issues with PH imbalance within the vagina causing a flare up of not only the inside of the vagina, but the outer labia as well. I definitely feel that there is a hormonal connection here. I hardly knew I had a vagina until about 4 months ago when this hell started.
Thank you for reading this lengthy and poorly written post. I am really struggling and could use any advice or encouragement.
Thank You,
Kaydee
Full Version: Vaginitis, yeast, burning, itching, probiotics!
Power Surge Forums > Board Discussions > Your Skin: Dryness, Itching, Vaginal Dryness, Disorders, Discomfort
Kaydee,
I had the same type of problem years ago when I first entered peri. I, too, was treated for yeast and then bacterial infections, ate yogurt, used over the counter Monistat on a daily basis, tried herbal remedies, nothing worked long term and I think all the medications were creating the PH imbalance. Then I went to a woman's clinic and the woman doctor there prescribed me a vaginal gel called "Aci-jel". I use it nightly, half an applicator full and haven't had problems in years even when starting HRT recently. It isn't cheap...it runs around $30 per month but I was spending that and more on the other things I was trying. If you Google it you can read what it is and maybe mention it to your doctor. As I understand it restores the proper PH balance. All I know is that it worked for me after years of discomfort...maybe it would help you also.
Lee
I had the same type of problem years ago when I first entered peri. I, too, was treated for yeast and then bacterial infections, ate yogurt, used over the counter Monistat on a daily basis, tried herbal remedies, nothing worked long term and I think all the medications were creating the PH imbalance. Then I went to a woman's clinic and the woman doctor there prescribed me a vaginal gel called "Aci-jel". I use it nightly, half an applicator full and haven't had problems in years even when starting HRT recently. It isn't cheap...it runs around $30 per month but I was spending that and more on the other things I was trying. If you Google it you can read what it is and maybe mention it to your doctor. As I understand it restores the proper PH balance. All I know is that it worked for me after years of discomfort...maybe it would help you also.
Lee
Hi Kaydee,
I was wondering how you made out.
When I thought I had yeast (which I never did) and I was given diflucan (which was 3 different times, 3 different drs) they always gave me two. One to take that day and one to take 3 days later. Maybe just one, gave it a kick start, but wasnt enough to make it go away.
20 years ago, I was a phamacists asst. Believe me, when it comes to meds and how they are taken..THEY know more than the doctors, so if he thought you should have taken one...then the other..then he is probably right.
I would definitely call the gyno back..and go back in, if you have to.
As far as periods..I havent had one in years, but..I recall there were times, if using a pad, that the moisture there was enough to either itch me...or irritate me. Unless the doc tells you otherwise, I would stick with the tampon.
As far as washing...if you are bathing or washing there more than once a day..thats too much. Once a day..should be enough for anyone to wash there. I would think, more than that could cause itches or dryness as you are washing your natural oils away. After what I went thru..I know more about skin now, than I ever did in my life.
Right now...since my problem was solved..I just use my normal body wash "there"..I use the suds..not straight soap or liquid...but, during my years of buying out the shelves of walmars feminine products, I discovered summers eve feminine wash..only, I bought the generic walmart brand. This isnt soap...and its hypoallergenic and PH balanced. Once more..I used the suds. I suds it up in my hands first. This makes you feel so clean and silky there. I believe another girl here tried it and still uses it after I posted about it back then.
Let us know how you make out when you call the doctor.
You also can use over the counter hydrocortisone cream, if you get that burning or itching feeling. Unlike what some people think...this CAN be used there and is way too weak to thin the skin (like some claim it does). It helps a great deal. I have rx cortisone for my psoriasis...but, if I feel a little itchy..and I dont see anything..I will still use the over the counter kind first.
I was wondering how you made out.
When I thought I had yeast (which I never did) and I was given diflucan (which was 3 different times, 3 different drs) they always gave me two. One to take that day and one to take 3 days later. Maybe just one, gave it a kick start, but wasnt enough to make it go away.
20 years ago, I was a phamacists asst. Believe me, when it comes to meds and how they are taken..THEY know more than the doctors, so if he thought you should have taken one...then the other..then he is probably right.
I would definitely call the gyno back..and go back in, if you have to.
As far as periods..I havent had one in years, but..I recall there were times, if using a pad, that the moisture there was enough to either itch me...or irritate me. Unless the doc tells you otherwise, I would stick with the tampon.
As far as washing...if you are bathing or washing there more than once a day..thats too much. Once a day..should be enough for anyone to wash there. I would think, more than that could cause itches or dryness as you are washing your natural oils away. After what I went thru..I know more about skin now, than I ever did in my life.
Right now...since my problem was solved..I just use my normal body wash "there"..I use the suds..not straight soap or liquid...but, during my years of buying out the shelves of walmars feminine products, I discovered summers eve feminine wash..only, I bought the generic walmart brand. This isnt soap...and its hypoallergenic and PH balanced. Once more..I used the suds. I suds it up in my hands first. This makes you feel so clean and silky there. I believe another girl here tried it and still uses it after I posted about it back then.
Let us know how you make out when you call the doctor.
You also can use over the counter hydrocortisone cream, if you get that burning or itching feeling. Unlike what some people think...this CAN be used there and is way too weak to thin the skin (like some claim it does). It helps a great deal. I have rx cortisone for my psoriasis...but, if I feel a little itchy..and I dont see anything..I will still use the over the counter kind first.
My GYN suggests we use nothing but water to clean the vaginal area. That's what I do. I have only had about one yeast infection in my life, and that was probably 30 years ago. I did notice that when I was still having periods, I only used pads and my skin was irritated at the end of the period. I haven't had one in 9 months (yea!), so I'm not having to contend with pads.
I have a skin condition there called lichen Scloroscis. It started in my 30s. I use a tiny bit of any ointment called Clobetosol (spelling?). It helps a lot. It's not for a PH imbalance, but for the skin condition. If I forget to use it (2 or 3 times a week), the skin gets irritated and tight. It's a prescription cream.
I also make sure I wear only cotton panties. Nylon doesn't breathe and makes a good breeding ground for infections. It's hot and humid here in Georgia, so I wear cotton most of the time.
Good luck. Having an itch there is so awful!
WriterMom
I have a skin condition there called lichen Scloroscis. It started in my 30s. I use a tiny bit of any ointment called Clobetosol (spelling?). It helps a lot. It's not for a PH imbalance, but for the skin condition. If I forget to use it (2 or 3 times a week), the skin gets irritated and tight. It's a prescription cream.
I also make sure I wear only cotton panties. Nylon doesn't breathe and makes a good breeding ground for infections. It's hot and humid here in Georgia, so I wear cotton most of the time.
Good luck. Having an itch there is so awful!
WriterMom
Hi peri
Sounds like you may have some candidiasis which causes rampant yeast infections - believe me I know - but I had it in a more pervasive form. It's the same yeast issue that causes thrush. I also took diflucan - a very very potent medicine - and had to have liver enzyme tests regularly when I took it - that's how strong it is. May I suggest that you take all and I mean all sugars out ouf your diet for a period of time maybe months. And that includes natural sugars like fruit and all but the most unrefined carbohydrates - these things metabolize into glucose and feed the candida (yeast). Also a good shmear of plain organic plain yogurt may give some relief and healing topically along with the best oral probiotic you can find. Whole foods has an excellent liquid on that you take on an empty stomach. They keep it in the fridge but I don''t know what its called. Don't wash too much and air dry so as not to aggravate and cotton panties or skirts and "commando" might help.
Please let me know how you are doing - my old friend
Love pooks
Sounds like you may have some candidiasis which causes rampant yeast infections - believe me I know - but I had it in a more pervasive form. It's the same yeast issue that causes thrush. I also took diflucan - a very very potent medicine - and had to have liver enzyme tests regularly when I took it - that's how strong it is. May I suggest that you take all and I mean all sugars out ouf your diet for a period of time maybe months. And that includes natural sugars like fruit and all but the most unrefined carbohydrates - these things metabolize into glucose and feed the candida (yeast). Also a good shmear of plain organic plain yogurt may give some relief and healing topically along with the best oral probiotic you can find. Whole foods has an excellent liquid on that you take on an empty stomach. They keep it in the fridge but I don''t know what its called. Don't wash too much and air dry so as not to aggravate and cotton panties or skirts and "commando" might help.
Please let me know how you are doing - my old friend
Love pooks
Clobetasol is a high potency steroid (look it up). I am surprised your gyno gave you this for the vaginal area.
I get genital psoriasis. It is treated with westcort..which is a mild steroid (rx). I have stronger steroids for other parts of my body, but was told by the dermatologist to never use it them that area or on the face.
I am sure it cant kill ya..but use it as little as you can. I do that with the mild one that I have, too. Less is better than more.
I get genital psoriasis. It is treated with westcort..which is a mild steroid (rx). I have stronger steroids for other parts of my body, but was told by the dermatologist to never use it them that area or on the face.
I am sure it cant kill ya..but use it as little as you can. I do that with the mild one that I have, too. Less is better than more.
QUOTE (WriterMom @ Jun 9 2008, 09:13 AM) 
My GYN suggests we use nothing but water to clean the vaginal area. That's what I do. I have only had about one yeast infection in my life, and that was probably 30 years ago. I did notice that when I was still having periods, I only used pads and my skin was irritated at the end of the period. I haven't had one in 9 months (yea!), so I'm not having to contend with pads.
I have a skin condition there called lichen Scloroscis. It started in my 30s. I use a tiny bit of any ointment called Clobetosol (spelling?). It helps a lot. It's not for a PH imbalance, but for the skin condition. If I forget to use it (2 or 3 times a week), the skin gets irritated and tight. It's a prescription cream.
I also make sure I wear only cotton panties. Nylon doesn't breathe and makes a good breeding ground for infections. It's hot and humid here in Georgia, so I wear cotton most of the time.
Good luck. Having an itch there is so awful!
WriterMom
I have a skin condition there called lichen Scloroscis. It started in my 30s. I use a tiny bit of any ointment called Clobetosol (spelling?). It helps a lot. It's not for a PH imbalance, but for the skin condition. If I forget to use it (2 or 3 times a week), the skin gets irritated and tight. It's a prescription cream.
I also make sure I wear only cotton panties. Nylon doesn't breathe and makes a good breeding ground for infections. It's hot and humid here in Georgia, so I wear cotton most of the time.
Good luck. Having an itch there is so awful!
WriterMom
After reading your post about clobetosol, I was concerned and looked it up.
I read that for my lichen sclorosis, it is the preferred treatment, and that "Whereas the long term use of high potency are purported to result in adverse changes on the vulva such as atrophy and striai, the long-term use of clobetasol in patients with lichen sclerosis does not appear to have any adverse effects. "
If it were being used for some other condition, you probably would have an adverse affect from long-term use.
So, for this condition, it's the best thing. But thanks for looking out for me and alerting me to this!
WriterMom
I read that for my lichen sclorosis, it is the preferred treatment, and that "Whereas the long term use of high potency are purported to result in adverse changes on the vulva such as atrophy and striai, the long-term use of clobetasol in patients with lichen sclerosis does not appear to have any adverse effects. "
If it were being used for some other condition, you probably would have an adverse affect from long-term use.
So, for this condition, it's the best thing. But thanks for looking out for me and alerting me to this!
WriterMom
UPDATE!!
Oh girls, this is getting ever so embarassing. I went back to the gyn today after having had treatments 2 weeks ago for Bacterial Vaginitis and Yeast. This is what they refer to as a "mixed vaginitis". I have changed laundry soap. I have done literally everything I could to make sure that my vaginal area was clean, etc. Turns out, that too much washing could have contributed to the problem.
Anwyay here is what happened at my appointment today. I saw the Nurse Practitioner again. She is the one who first diagnosed me and gave me one oral difulcan for yeast and 7 days of oral flagyl for the bacteria. Two weeks later, both are back. Both the yeast and the bacteria. OK, this is not like me, but I cried right in the office!
She put me on Clindesse which is a vaginal clindamycin cream (which has very scary warnings I might add). I use that for tonight then use another dose of it in three days. I take a diflucan today for yeast and another one tomorrow (these warnings are scary too). I finally finish up all of this (whew!) with an applicator full of a vaginal yeast cream.
I asked her, "how in the heck"????? She said that vaginitis is very common in peri and menopause and that somehow my vaginal PH is out of balance and she wanted to try a stronger antibiotic.
Do you realize that MOST gyn's say that no soap of any kind should ever be used on the vagina or the labia? So Writermom is correct. However..............HOWEVER!!!!, how in the world would you feel fresh and clean? I'm going to try the Dove unscented soap and see how things go. My back is sore and I'm trying to keep my mind from thinking that I have some bad pelvic infection which has spread. My youngest graduates on Saturday and I am just praying that I feel better by then.
I'm in a really rough spot right now. My anxiety is at an all time high. I have no appetite at all. Thank you all for your kind responses and for your thoughtful PM's.
Love,
Kaydee
Oh girls, this is getting ever so embarassing. I went back to the gyn today after having had treatments 2 weeks ago for Bacterial Vaginitis and Yeast. This is what they refer to as a "mixed vaginitis". I have changed laundry soap. I have done literally everything I could to make sure that my vaginal area was clean, etc. Turns out, that too much washing could have contributed to the problem.
Anwyay here is what happened at my appointment today. I saw the Nurse Practitioner again. She is the one who first diagnosed me and gave me one oral difulcan for yeast and 7 days of oral flagyl for the bacteria. Two weeks later, both are back. Both the yeast and the bacteria. OK, this is not like me, but I cried right in the office!
She put me on Clindesse which is a vaginal clindamycin cream (which has very scary warnings I might add). I use that for tonight then use another dose of it in three days. I take a diflucan today for yeast and another one tomorrow (these warnings are scary too). I finally finish up all of this (whew!) with an applicator full of a vaginal yeast cream.
I asked her, "how in the heck"????? She said that vaginitis is very common in peri and menopause and that somehow my vaginal PH is out of balance and she wanted to try a stronger antibiotic.
Do you realize that MOST gyn's say that no soap of any kind should ever be used on the vagina or the labia? So Writermom is correct. However..............HOWEVER!!!!, how in the world would you feel fresh and clean? I'm going to try the Dove unscented soap and see how things go. My back is sore and I'm trying to keep my mind from thinking that I have some bad pelvic infection which has spread. My youngest graduates on Saturday and I am just praying that I feel better by then.
I'm in a really rough spot right now. My anxiety is at an all time high. I have no appetite at all. Thank you all for your kind responses and for your thoughtful PM's.
Love,
Kaydee
Kaydee...I lived thu 3 treatments with the diflucan (2 pills each time). I believe the warnings are NOT for when we take it that way, but for those who take it continuously, for various reasons. And I cant begin to tell you how much monistat I pumped into myself..lol
I know many doctors, and even things I have read on the net, say to use just water, there. I think we women are all alike..we cant get used to that. I tried it..and I am sure I was clean..but, knowing I didnt use soap..made me feel that I wasnt. Thats when I tried that summers even feminine wash.
Now that I know that I had no yeast, no feminine dryness and no soap irritation, I just went back to what I have always done. I have no problems now..well, only if this psoriasis rears its ugly head, but since I was diagnosed and treated it there..it hasnt shown up on the feminine skin..I only get a spot here and there in the groin area or bend of leg. The westcort gets rid of it quickly.
Ya know when something is burning, or itching..there..we tend to want to clean ourselves..like we are gonna wash it away. I think thats worse. At one point, I thought I had jockitch/ringworm. I was showering twice a day. (And then are you ready for this one?) Using a blow dryer to make sure there was no moisture for the fungus to breed. I was actually making what I really had...worse.
I have learned a lot about skin in the past year and a half. Water dries it out more. It washes away our natural oil..especially when its hot water. Its just like running hot water in a greasy pan..that takes the grease and melts it and washes most of it away. Once a day is more than enough to clean your skin..anywhere.
Writermom, I am glad you checked it out. I use the psoriasis forum online (national psoriasis foundation). The first step to treating it is topical steroids, so I am sorta familiar with whats out there. I also saw others, say the same as I did..that the stronger..shouldnt be used there.
Of course, if you have something..that needs the stronger steroid..then thats what you have to use. It did sound to me like you dont use all that much of it anyway.
When these doctors give me something..the first thing I do..is find it online and read. I dont know if thats a good thing..or a bad thing..lol However, so far, whatever topical they have given me...works..with no side effects that I notice.
Um...how come men dont have to go thru this kind of stuff...lol
I know many doctors, and even things I have read on the net, say to use just water, there. I think we women are all alike..we cant get used to that. I tried it..and I am sure I was clean..but, knowing I didnt use soap..made me feel that I wasnt. Thats when I tried that summers even feminine wash.
Now that I know that I had no yeast, no feminine dryness and no soap irritation, I just went back to what I have always done. I have no problems now..well, only if this psoriasis rears its ugly head, but since I was diagnosed and treated it there..it hasnt shown up on the feminine skin..I only get a spot here and there in the groin area or bend of leg. The westcort gets rid of it quickly.
Ya know when something is burning, or itching..there..we tend to want to clean ourselves..like we are gonna wash it away. I think thats worse. At one point, I thought I had jockitch/ringworm. I was showering twice a day. (And then are you ready for this one?) Using a blow dryer to make sure there was no moisture for the fungus to breed. I was actually making what I really had...worse.
I have learned a lot about skin in the past year and a half. Water dries it out more. It washes away our natural oil..especially when its hot water. Its just like running hot water in a greasy pan..that takes the grease and melts it and washes most of it away. Once a day is more than enough to clean your skin..anywhere.
Writermom, I am glad you checked it out. I use the psoriasis forum online (national psoriasis foundation). The first step to treating it is topical steroids, so I am sorta familiar with whats out there. I also saw others, say the same as I did..that the stronger..shouldnt be used there.
Of course, if you have something..that needs the stronger steroid..then thats what you have to use. It did sound to me like you dont use all that much of it anyway.
When these doctors give me something..the first thing I do..is find it online and read. I dont know if thats a good thing..or a bad thing..lol However, so far, whatever topical they have given me...works..with no side effects that I notice.
Um...how come men dont have to go thru this kind of stuff...lol
QUOTE (PeriKaydee @ Jun 10 2008, 04:44 PM)
UPDATE!!
Oh girls, this is getting ever so embarassing. I went back to the gyn today after having had treatments 2 weeks ago for Bacterial Vaginitis and Yeast. This is what they refer to as a "mixed vaginitis". I have changed laundry soap. I have done literally everything I could to make sure that my vaginal area was clean, etc. Turns out, that too much washing could have contributed to the problem.
Anwyay here is what happened at my appointment today. I saw the Nurse Practitioner again. She is the one who first diagnosed me and gave me one oral difulcan for yeast and 7 days of oral flagyl for the bacteria. Two weeks later, both are back. Both the yeast and the bacteria. OK, this is not like me, but I cried right in the office!
She put me on Clindesse which is a vaginal clindamycin cream (which has very scary warnings I might add). I use that for tonight then use another dose of it in three days. I take a diflucan today for yeast and another one tomorrow (these warnings are scary too). I finally finish up all of this (whew!) with an applicator full of a vaginal yeast cream.
I asked her, "how in the heck"????? She said that vaginitis is very common in peri and menopause and that somehow my vaginal PH is out of balance and she wanted to try a stronger antibiotic.
Do you realize that MOST gyn's say that no soap of any kind should ever be used on the vagina or the labia? So Writermom is correct. However..............HOWEVER!!!!, how in the world would you feel fresh and clean? I'm going to try the Dove unscented soap and see how things go. My back is sore and I'm trying to keep my mind from thinking that I have some bad pelvic infection which has spread. My youngest graduates on Saturday and I am just praying that I feel better by then.
I'm in a really rough spot right now. My anxiety is at an all time high. I have no appetite at all. Thank you all for your kind responses and for your thoughtful PM's.
Love,
Kaydee
Oh girls, this is getting ever so embarassing. I went back to the gyn today after having had treatments 2 weeks ago for Bacterial Vaginitis and Yeast. This is what they refer to as a "mixed vaginitis". I have changed laundry soap. I have done literally everything I could to make sure that my vaginal area was clean, etc. Turns out, that too much washing could have contributed to the problem.
Anwyay here is what happened at my appointment today. I saw the Nurse Practitioner again. She is the one who first diagnosed me and gave me one oral difulcan for yeast and 7 days of oral flagyl for the bacteria. Two weeks later, both are back. Both the yeast and the bacteria. OK, this is not like me, but I cried right in the office!
She put me on Clindesse which is a vaginal clindamycin cream (which has very scary warnings I might add). I use that for tonight then use another dose of it in three days. I take a diflucan today for yeast and another one tomorrow (these warnings are scary too). I finally finish up all of this (whew!) with an applicator full of a vaginal yeast cream.
I asked her, "how in the heck"????? She said that vaginitis is very common in peri and menopause and that somehow my vaginal PH is out of balance and she wanted to try a stronger antibiotic.
Do you realize that MOST gyn's say that no soap of any kind should ever be used on the vagina or the labia? So Writermom is correct. However..............HOWEVER!!!!, how in the world would you feel fresh and clean? I'm going to try the Dove unscented soap and see how things go. My back is sore and I'm trying to keep my mind from thinking that I have some bad pelvic infection which has spread. My youngest graduates on Saturday and I am just praying that I feel better by then.
I'm in a really rough spot right now. My anxiety is at an all time high. I have no appetite at all. Thank you all for your kind responses and for your thoughtful PM's.
Love,
Kaydee
Hi again,
I only use the Clobetosol about twice a week. And I use a tiny bit - maybe a quarter of an inch from the tube. It says not to use it more than 10 times per month.
I remember a former GYN once telling me that our bodies heave a natural cleansing process, and that to douche or use strong or scented soaps or cleansers on our vaginas is not necessary, and can be harmful. It will upset the natural PH. Soaps can be very drying. So, I just use water, although I think something like the Fem Wash that is formulated to be like our bodies is ok. I haven't had a yeast infection or anything like that in over 30 years.
I also swear by wearing the cottom panties. They breathe so much better than nylon or even silk. Although silk is a natural fiber and will breathe better than nylon, and especially that microfiber. It doesn't breathe at all. And if it's been a hot day and I prespired a bit that day, I change the undies before I get into bed that night. It just feels better.
Hope you are feeling better soon!
WriterMom
I only use the Clobetosol about twice a week. And I use a tiny bit - maybe a quarter of an inch from the tube. It says not to use it more than 10 times per month.
I remember a former GYN once telling me that our bodies heave a natural cleansing process, and that to douche or use strong or scented soaps or cleansers on our vaginas is not necessary, and can be harmful. It will upset the natural PH. Soaps can be very drying. So, I just use water, although I think something like the Fem Wash that is formulated to be like our bodies is ok. I haven't had a yeast infection or anything like that in over 30 years.
I also swear by wearing the cottom panties. They breathe so much better than nylon or even silk. Although silk is a natural fiber and will breathe better than nylon, and especially that microfiber. It doesn't breathe at all. And if it's been a hot day and I prespired a bit that day, I change the undies before I get into bed that night. It just feels better.
Hope you are feeling better soon!
WriterMom
I stopped wearing underwear to bed, altogether. Matter of fact, for a while there..I wasnt even wearing them when I was at home..during the day. I would just change into another long nightgown. I was so irritated, I couldnt stand anything there at all.
I think using a little suds....for me..makes me think I am cleaner. Its probably the same as using just water, which I also heard too...that we shouldnt use any soap there. Also, when I use my ointment..I feel like I need a little something..to wash that away.
Since I found out that I never had yeast..and know what I have...the little bit of suds doesnt seem to be harming anything.
For me, the worst of my whole 2 1/2 year ordeal was...not learning that it was psoriasis....which I will have forever...but knowing I had something, and the gynos kept making me thing I had nothing. I really felt helpless..and is why I return here. I KNOW there are a lot of women here, getting the same old dryness story..when maybe, they have something else.
I think using a little suds....for me..makes me think I am cleaner. Its probably the same as using just water, which I also heard too...that we shouldnt use any soap there. Also, when I use my ointment..I feel like I need a little something..to wash that away.
Since I found out that I never had yeast..and know what I have...the little bit of suds doesnt seem to be harming anything.
For me, the worst of my whole 2 1/2 year ordeal was...not learning that it was psoriasis....which I will have forever...but knowing I had something, and the gynos kept making me thing I had nothing. I really felt helpless..and is why I return here. I KNOW there are a lot of women here, getting the same old dryness story..when maybe, they have something else.
QUOTE (WriterMom @ Jun 11 2008, 09:03 AM)
Hi again,
I only use the Clobetosol about twice a week. And I use a tiny bit - maybe a quarter of an inch from the tube. It says not to use it more than 10 times per month.
I remember a former GYN once telling me that our bodies heave a natural cleansing process, and that to douche or use strong or scented soaps or cleansers on our vaginas is not necessary, and can be harmful. It will upset the natural PH. Soaps can be very drying. So, I just use water, although I think something like the Fem Wash that is formulated to be like our bodies is ok. I haven't had a yeast infection or anything like that in over 30 years.
I also swear by wearing the cottom panties. They breathe so much better than nylon or even silk. Although silk is a natural fiber and will breathe better than nylon, and especially that microfiber. It doesn't breathe at all. And if it's been a hot day and I prespired a bit that day, I change the undies before I get into bed that night. It just feels better.
Hope you are feeling better soon!
WriterMom
I only use the Clobetosol about twice a week. And I use a tiny bit - maybe a quarter of an inch from the tube. It says not to use it more than 10 times per month.
I remember a former GYN once telling me that our bodies heave a natural cleansing process, and that to douche or use strong or scented soaps or cleansers on our vaginas is not necessary, and can be harmful. It will upset the natural PH. Soaps can be very drying. So, I just use water, although I think something like the Fem Wash that is formulated to be like our bodies is ok. I haven't had a yeast infection or anything like that in over 30 years.
I also swear by wearing the cottom panties. They breathe so much better than nylon or even silk. Although silk is a natural fiber and will breathe better than nylon, and especially that microfiber. It doesn't breathe at all. And if it's been a hot day and I prespired a bit that day, I change the undies before I get into bed that night. It just feels better.
Hope you are feeling better soon!
WriterMom
Hi Kaydee,
Here's what I did and I feel much better! I stopped using dryer sheets and bought dryer balls to soften my clothes. I stopped using fabric softener. I use cotton toilet paper and sometimes a very "clean" non chlorine bleached toilet paper from the health food store and dab instead of wipe. I use a non allergenic laundry soap. I use only water to wash but I bought the kind of shower head that comes on a hose (my hubby calls it a coolo washer) and gently squirt the "area". Yes, I feel nice and clean. I go au natural to bed (no undies). I don't wear tight jeans or slacks. I buy cotton panties and yoga wear. Sanitary products still bother me but I found tampons better than pads and I spend the money for the non chlorine bleached ones although towards the end of my period I get very dry. I have managed to de-stress my life and get lots of exercise and eat well.
I still have a bit of discomfort at times but no where near the amount that I had before. I really feel for you as I have been there myself! You have probably read some of my old posts. I am also getting longer durations between my periods and some of my other symptoms are also improving. I wish you all the best.
Here's what I did and I feel much better! I stopped using dryer sheets and bought dryer balls to soften my clothes. I stopped using fabric softener. I use cotton toilet paper and sometimes a very "clean" non chlorine bleached toilet paper from the health food store and dab instead of wipe. I use a non allergenic laundry soap. I use only water to wash but I bought the kind of shower head that comes on a hose (my hubby calls it a coolo washer) and gently squirt the "area". Yes, I feel nice and clean. I go au natural to bed (no undies). I don't wear tight jeans or slacks. I buy cotton panties and yoga wear. Sanitary products still bother me but I found tampons better than pads and I spend the money for the non chlorine bleached ones although towards the end of my period I get very dry. I have managed to de-stress my life and get lots of exercise and eat well.
I still have a bit of discomfort at times but no where near the amount that I had before. I really feel for you as I have been there myself! You have probably read some of my old posts. I am also getting longer durations between my periods and some of my other symptoms are also improving. I wish you all the best.
Just wanted to add my 2 cents. I'm 51, off the pill for almost 3 mos after 14 yrs. I noticed more irritation and feeling like I had an infection. Forgot about discharges --had them before the pill. Now they're back. anyway, I take diflucan --have for years. I go on and off with itching or feeling irritated. But, for washing, my nurse pract. also said don't use soap. I still continue to use Cetaphil gentle skin cleanser. This is a liquid and fragrance free. Don't use the bar soap or another one that's called, facial cleanser. I use this for my face and lightly around the private areas.
Years ago, before the pill, i always got yeast infections. family dr. said, Stop wearing underwear to bed! Don't use minipads (i had been doing this everyday), and if you wear pantyhose, cut a hole in the crotch area, which i did. Great improvement after that. Since i'm chemically sensitive, I started using fragrance free laundry products years ago, and definitely, no fabric softener. White unscented toilet paper. If you don't use frg free laundry detergent, I would definitely switch. You can buy static eliminator cloths and throw them in the dryer.
Years ago, before the pill, i always got yeast infections. family dr. said, Stop wearing underwear to bed! Don't use minipads (i had been doing this everyday), and if you wear pantyhose, cut a hole in the crotch area, which i did. Great improvement after that. Since i'm chemically sensitive, I started using fragrance free laundry products years ago, and definitely, no fabric softener. White unscented toilet paper. If you don't use frg free laundry detergent, I would definitely switch. You can buy static eliminator cloths and throw them in the dryer.
Hi Everyone,
I am happy to report that last week I had yet another appointment with the gyn over the vaginitis/yeast/itch, etc. Everything appears to be healed. My PH seems to be balanced. I did ask him about the Aci-jel because one kind poster mentioned that it has helped her. There is also a new product out called Rephresh which is also used to balace vaginal PH. Eveything I have read online about these two products appears to be very positive. My gyn commented, "well, there is no clear proof that they work and indeed they could mask an infection". By the way, HE is starting to grate on my nerves. I can't tell you how nice it feels not to be itching and burning for the time being. At this point, I'm almost afraid to be too hopeful.
sbgd: One of the female dermatologists that I saw for my inflamation gave me the EXACT recommendation that you did. The male dermatologist who first examined me told me to use the Cetaphill Gentle Cleansing Bar on the vaginal area. Using suds only and very sparingly. However the female dermatologist came in and told me that she swears by the Cetaphill Gentle Cleansing Lotion. I use it on my face because I have rosacea. It is wonderful and very safe and effective for cleaning the vaginal area. She told me that any patient who comes in to be evaluated for any type of vaginal irritation or skin inflamation should be advised to use ONLY the Gentle Cleansing Lotion (not the one for face and not the bar soap) to sooth and stop the inflamation. It gently cleans and mositurizes. Now it can't stop yeast and it can't stop vaginitis, but it can certainly safely sooth that delicate skin while it is inflamed. Both dermatologists, and the gyn said the less soap used on the vagina/labia, the better.
Hearfelt thanks to all of you who have responded and encouraged and sent PM's.
Love,
Kaydee
I am happy to report that last week I had yet another appointment with the gyn over the vaginitis/yeast/itch, etc. Everything appears to be healed. My PH seems to be balanced. I did ask him about the Aci-jel because one kind poster mentioned that it has helped her. There is also a new product out called Rephresh which is also used to balace vaginal PH. Eveything I have read online about these two products appears to be very positive. My gyn commented, "well, there is no clear proof that they work and indeed they could mask an infection". By the way, HE is starting to grate on my nerves. I can't tell you how nice it feels not to be itching and burning for the time being. At this point, I'm almost afraid to be too hopeful.
sbgd: One of the female dermatologists that I saw for my inflamation gave me the EXACT recommendation that you did. The male dermatologist who first examined me told me to use the Cetaphill Gentle Cleansing Bar on the vaginal area. Using suds only and very sparingly. However the female dermatologist came in and told me that she swears by the Cetaphill Gentle Cleansing Lotion. I use it on my face because I have rosacea. It is wonderful and very safe and effective for cleaning the vaginal area. She told me that any patient who comes in to be evaluated for any type of vaginal irritation or skin inflamation should be advised to use ONLY the Gentle Cleansing Lotion (not the one for face and not the bar soap) to sooth and stop the inflamation. It gently cleans and mositurizes. Now it can't stop yeast and it can't stop vaginitis, but it can certainly safely sooth that delicate skin while it is inflamed. Both dermatologists, and the gyn said the less soap used on the vagina/labia, the better.
Hearfelt thanks to all of you who have responded and encouraged and sent PM's.
Love,
Kaydee
Kaydee, I also have rosacea. I was diagnosed in my late teens and the dermo was the one who introduced me to cetaphil. back then that's the only product they had. I'm glad one of your dermos was on track with what to use. For anyone buying, be careful, because for some reason the cetaphil people have changed the gentle skin cleanser bottle and it now looks exactly like the gentle facial cleanser bottle. I buy mine at BJ's and looked at the bottle and assumed it was the wrong one. after roaming around drugstores i discovered they changed the bottle. When i went back to Bj's it was actually the skin cleanser. I don't know why they would make the bottles look alike.
I hope you cont' to be itch and burn free. It really does affect your whole mood and sense of well being. take care, Sue
I hope you cont' to be itch and burn free. It really does affect your whole mood and sense of well being. take care, Sue
Hi Sue,
I felt like I had to add this point as well. The dermatologist that I always see for moles, rosacea, etc. is a male and he is the first one who looked at my inflamed "area". He thought at that point I had a dermatitis from changing soaps and washing so much so he advised a cortisol cream to bring it under control and wanted me to head back to the gyn. Anyway, he called in one of the female dermatologists who is in the same practice to have her take a look. She agreed that it was too soon to tell exactly what was up, but SHE is the one who told me to use the Gentle Cleansing Lotion by Cetaphill for the vaginal area. She said that so much vaginal irritation is because as we age our vaginas and labias don't have the same kind of protective moisture. Just like Ducky said, when you use hot water on your vagina and labia, you are really washing all the protective oils off that delicate skin. So what the Cetaphill lotion does is cleanse the area while helping to sooth it and help it retain moisture. I am only now beginning to understand just what Ducky meant and how important the female dermatologists opinion was. But I'm telling you...............just about all the docs agree that as women age and the tissues get drier and more delicate.....NO SOAP, only warm water. Still a hard concept for me to grasp!
Thank you all again for your opinions on the most personal issue!
Love,
Kaydee
I felt like I had to add this point as well. The dermatologist that I always see for moles, rosacea, etc. is a male and he is the first one who looked at my inflamed "area". He thought at that point I had a dermatitis from changing soaps and washing so much so he advised a cortisol cream to bring it under control and wanted me to head back to the gyn. Anyway, he called in one of the female dermatologists who is in the same practice to have her take a look. She agreed that it was too soon to tell exactly what was up, but SHE is the one who told me to use the Gentle Cleansing Lotion by Cetaphill for the vaginal area. She said that so much vaginal irritation is because as we age our vaginas and labias don't have the same kind of protective moisture. Just like Ducky said, when you use hot water on your vagina and labia, you are really washing all the protective oils off that delicate skin. So what the Cetaphill lotion does is cleanse the area while helping to sooth it and help it retain moisture. I am only now beginning to understand just what Ducky meant and how important the female dermatologists opinion was. But I'm telling you...............just about all the docs agree that as women age and the tissues get drier and more delicate.....NO SOAP, only warm water. Still a hard concept for me to grasp!
Thank you all again for your opinions on the most personal issue!
Love,
Kaydee
QUOTE (PeriKaydee @ Jun 10 2008, 03:44 PM)
UPDATE!!
Oh girls, this is getting ever so embarassing. I went back to the gyn today after having had treatments 2 weeks ago for Bacterial Vaginitis and Yeast. This is what they refer to as a "mixed vaginitis". I have changed laundry soap. I have done literally everything I could to make sure that my vaginal area was clean, etc. Turns out, that too much washing could have contributed to the problem.
Anwyay here is what happened at my appointment today. I saw the Nurse Practitioner again. She is the one who first diagnosed me and gave me one oral difulcan for yeast and 7 days of oral flagyl for the bacteria. Two weeks later, both are back. Both the yeast and the bacteria. OK, this is not like me, but I cried right in the office!
She put me on Clindesse which is a vaginal clindamycin cream (which has very scary warnings I might add). I use that for tonight then use another dose of it in three days. I take a diflucan today for yeast and another one tomorrow (these warnings are scary too). I finally finish up all of this (whew!) with an applicator full of a vaginal yeast cream.
I asked her, "how in the heck"????? She said that vaginitis is very common in peri and menopause and that somehow my vaginal PH is out of balance and she wanted to try a stronger antibiotic.
Do you realize that MOST gyn's say that no soap of any kind should ever be used on the vagina or the labia? So Writermom is correct. However..............HOWEVER!!!!, how in the world would you feel fresh and clean? I'm going to try the Dove unscented soap and see how things go. My back is sore and I'm trying to keep my mind from thinking that I have some bad pelvic infection which has spread. My youngest graduates on Saturday and I am just praying that I feel better by then.
I'm in a really rough spot right now. My anxiety is at an all time high. I have no appetite at all. Thank you all for your kind responses and for your thoughtful PM's.
Love,
Kaydee
Oh girls, this is getting ever so embarassing. I went back to the gyn today after having had treatments 2 weeks ago for Bacterial Vaginitis and Yeast. This is what they refer to as a "mixed vaginitis". I have changed laundry soap. I have done literally everything I could to make sure that my vaginal area was clean, etc. Turns out, that too much washing could have contributed to the problem.
Anwyay here is what happened at my appointment today. I saw the Nurse Practitioner again. She is the one who first diagnosed me and gave me one oral difulcan for yeast and 7 days of oral flagyl for the bacteria. Two weeks later, both are back. Both the yeast and the bacteria. OK, this is not like me, but I cried right in the office!
She put me on Clindesse which is a vaginal clindamycin cream (which has very scary warnings I might add). I use that for tonight then use another dose of it in three days. I take a diflucan today for yeast and another one tomorrow (these warnings are scary too). I finally finish up all of this (whew!) with an applicator full of a vaginal yeast cream.
I asked her, "how in the heck"????? She said that vaginitis is very common in peri and menopause and that somehow my vaginal PH is out of balance and she wanted to try a stronger antibiotic.
Do you realize that MOST gyn's say that no soap of any kind should ever be used on the vagina or the labia? So Writermom is correct. However..............HOWEVER!!!!, how in the world would you feel fresh and clean? I'm going to try the Dove unscented soap and see how things go. My back is sore and I'm trying to keep my mind from thinking that I have some bad pelvic infection which has spread. My youngest graduates on Saturday and I am just praying that I feel better by then.
I'm in a really rough spot right now. My anxiety is at an all time high. I have no appetite at all. Thank you all for your kind responses and for your thoughtful PM's.
Love,
Kaydee
My gyno says do not use soap every single time and especially never use antibacterial soaps down there because they are too drying for delicate skin. I use a body wash that is ph balanced for the area. It is called very private. I only use it every other day. the other days I just use plain warm water.
How about another 2 cents? I had a really itchy vaginal area problem when I went for my annual exam a couple of years ago. The Dr. said it was a fungal infection and said it was caused by "wiping" the wrong way. Huh? I'm 49 years old and have been doing it the same way all those 49 years! He gave a prescription for one pill (probably the once mentioned here in many posts) and for a cream to use several times a day (can't recall the name of it). The problem went away and stayed away for about 4 months. Then it returned. I find that it seems to be worse on the last day of my period and for a few days thereafter, so have blamed it on the dampness, etc. of the pads (especially during continual 100 degree heat!). After that the itching seems to go away, just to return during the same time during my next period. The Dr. told me to wash the area with soap and water following every trip to the toilet. There's no discharge at all, just itching. I've put it down to perimenopause and just wash the area during my shower and use a powder to try to keep the area as dry as possible.
I have been feeling pretty good "down there" and started using dryer sheets again. OUCH, the inflammation, itching and burning 
So once again, I stopped the dryer sheets and fabric softener and lo and behold, I feel better.
So once again, I stopped the dryer sheets and fabric softener and lo and behold, I feel better.
Have any of you had side effects while taking the diflucan?
I have taken it about 2-3 times, but only 1 or 2 pills. When it was 2..one was taken on day one, and one 3 days later. No side effects here.
QUOTE (WriterMom @ Jun 11 2008, 08:03 AM)
Hi again,
I only use the Clobetosol about twice a week. And I use a tiny bit - maybe a quarter of an inch from the tube. It says not to use it more than 10 times per month.
I remember a former GYN once telling me that our bodies heave a natural cleansing process, and that to douche or use strong or scented soaps or cleansers on our vaginas is not necessary, and can be harmful. It will upset the natural PH. Soaps can be very drying. So, I just use water, although I think something like the Fem Wash that is formulated to be like our bodies is ok. I haven't had a yeast infection or anything like that in over 30 years.
I also swear by wearing the cottom panties. They breathe so much better than nylon or even silk. Although silk is a natural fiber and will breathe better than nylon, and especially that microfiber. It doesn't breathe at all. And if it's been a hot day and I prespired a bit that day, I change the undies before I get into bed that night. It just feels better.
Hope you are feeling better soon!
WriterMom
I only use the Clobetosol about twice a week. And I use a tiny bit - maybe a quarter of an inch from the tube. It says not to use it more than 10 times per month.
I remember a former GYN once telling me that our bodies heave a natural cleansing process, and that to douche or use strong or scented soaps or cleansers on our vaginas is not necessary, and can be harmful. It will upset the natural PH. Soaps can be very drying. So, I just use water, although I think something like the Fem Wash that is formulated to be like our bodies is ok. I haven't had a yeast infection or anything like that in over 30 years.
I also swear by wearing the cottom panties. They breathe so much better than nylon or even silk. Although silk is a natural fiber and will breathe better than nylon, and especially that microfiber. It doesn't breathe at all. And if it's been a hot day and I prespired a bit that day, I change the undies before I get into bed that night. It just feels better.
Hope you are feeling better soon!
WriterMom
Hi WriterMom,
I am 54 years old and had my last period in June of 2006. I was given Clobestol around 15 years ago for Lichen Sclerosus and it worked like a charm. Initially I used it a few times a week, but after a while I only used it as necessary. However, for the past few months the itching has returned and I am very uncomfortable even though I'm using the Clobestol more frequently (2-3 times a week). I just wanted to ask you a few questions about your experience with LS.
Did you have a biopsy to confirm your LS?
If you did, was it very painful?
How long have you been using the Clobestol?
Are you using any other medications (e.g., Estradiol and/or Testosterone)?
I had a biopsy done almost 20 years ago and from I remember it was very painful. That biopsy only revealed inflammation and hyperkertosis. I was treated with Testosterone for many years. However, after a while the T was not that effective and that is when I sought out a Doc. at St Lukes Hospital in NYC who gave me the C. without doing another biopsy. He diagnosed the LS on the basis of my symptoms.
My new Gyn. who is not a specialist in LS wants to do another biopsy to rule out that the LS is not turning into cancer and I am so scared.
Any info you can share with me would greatly be appreciated.
Gladys
QUOTE (PeriKaydee @ Jun 10 2008, 04:44 PM)
She put me on Clindesse which is a vaginal clindamycin cream (which has very scary warnings I might add).
ok.well i picked up my prescription for clindamycin 2 days ago and i read the enclosed sheet with it(which has the scary warnings) and then made the mistake of googling......i haven't started the medicine yet cause my anxiety has got the best of me now....I really need to start using it because my lady parts feel miserable.....someone please tell me they have used this medicine and had no problems...
QUOTE (moonlight @ Jul 24 2009, 12:58 PM)
ok.well i picked up my prescription for clindamycin 2 days ago and i read the enclosed sheet with it(which has the scary warnings) and then made the mistake of googling......i haven't started the medicine yet cause my anxiety has got the best of me now....I really need to start using it because my lady parts feel miserable.....someone please tell me they have used this medicine and had no problems...
someone....anyone......
I thought i'd bump this thread back up in hopes of getting a response.......
Nevermind....i'm not gonna stoop to begging to get a response here....i will just google some other forum and try to find the help I need.At the very least i was hoping for some kind of encouragement(i.e."oh,use the medicine moonlight,you'll be fine")but i didn't even get that much,did i ?That's the one thing i despise about this site,people will take the time to post about pets,healthcare or to tell a joke or something,but alot of times someone is desperate for help,nobody even bothers.I don't know why i even come here anymore....... 
QUOTE (moonlight @ Jul 25 2009, 11:40 AM)
I thought i'd bump this thread back up in hopes of getting a response.......
Hello there, I'm a real newbie to all of this...I have no budget to even go to the store to try all of these perscribed or suggested things so, over the years I have developed some of my own crude methods of treatment.i hope I don't start a war or something because, yes we are very delicate down there and, should do the right thing...i have used monostat and vagisil until I have been blue in the face..The itching drove me over the edge..( not to mention the burning during urination)So brace yourselves..THIS does work within 24 hours...if you have the nerve and, it does hurt at first.. use absorbine junior on the enitre area, then coat it in vaseline with pure aloe vera combined!! Repeat as you feel the need for 24 hours...then, just keep it coated in the mixture for the next couple of days...like i say, it's radical but, sometimes you get driven to the brink.I am just saying it works for me like a charm.Not a fun thing to do to yourself.The pain lasts about thirty seconds to a min but I find the relief is worth it!!! I do support not using anything but a ph balanced soap.The best I've found is Ph balanced shampoo suds.Make sure that the shampoo says on the label that it is PH balanced.If it doesn't say, it's not!!! I'm not sure I should even post this cause I know you ladies will be shocked and horrified..Really, I am normal, just have had to suffer through a lifetime of bad ecomonics and no medical coverage.You do what you have to when the chips are down and, yes, you do get calloused and bitter.But, that has inspired the grit that has kept me going.
I have used clindamycin many many times and I have no ill effects from it whatsoever! and there are very few antibiotics I can take. Last dose was a month long dose for a bladder infection. I screwed up the first two weeks and was diligent with the second two weeks. So a month of pills and still no ill effects!
ladybugs....thanks for taking the time to reply,i really appreciate it... 
I was prescribed a vaginal cream,not pills...have you ever used that?
p.s....i sent you a pm
I was prescribed a vaginal cream,not pills...have you ever used that?
p.s....i sent you a pm
QUOTE (moonlight @ Jul 25 2009, 12:26 PM)
Nevermind....i'm not gonna stoop to begging to get a response here....i will just google some other forum and try to find the help I need.At the very least i was hoping for some kind of encouragement(i.e."oh,use the medicine moonlight,you'll be fine")but i didn't even get that much,did i ?That's the one thing i despise about this site,people will take the time to post about pets,healthcare or to tell a joke or something,but alot of times someone is desperate for help,nobody even bothers.I don't know why i even come here anymore.......
Moonlight, I don't think anyone was intending to ignore you. I just think there haven't been any readers who have been prescribed this cream that have seen your post yet. I'm sorry if we neglected you. Please accept my apology.
If you trust your medical professional that prescribed the cream, then I would recommend you try it - following the instructions exactly. If you notice any side effects at all then call the doctor or pharmacy for advice. I know how scary thei warning on medication can be for possible side effects.
Good luck to you!
Smarty
Thanks for the reply smarty.....
I regret writing such a mean post....but once you click "add reply" there's no way to stop it.....i had let my anxiety get the best of me and was desperate at the time.....my apologies to everyone...
I regret writing such a mean post....but once you click "add reply" there's no way to stop it.....i had let my anxiety get the best of me and was desperate at the time.....my apologies to everyone...
QUOTE (moonlight @ Jul 25 2009, 12:26 PM)
Nevermind....i'm not gonna stoop to begging to get a response here....i will just google some other forum and try to find the help I need.At the very least i was hoping for some kind of encouragement(i.e."oh,use the medicine moonlight,you'll be fine")but i didn't even get that much,did i ?That's the one thing i despise about this site,people will take the time to post about pets,healthcare or to tell a joke or something,but alot of times someone is desperate for help,nobody even bothers.I don't know why i even come here anymore.......
Well let me first say I love your name , Moonlight I am in love with the moon, cool name.
So sorry you felt this way , you know when I first came on I felt a lil left out but then like the others said sometimes the readers might not have an answer for you or have your symptoms. Now it always catches my eye because I have suffered intensly with this for over 19years.
This is what I did and you can google or try it or leave it whatever you feel you want to do but it worked for me.
Calendula ointment by hylands I rub that up there and around when I feel the pain, itching etc coming on.
Replens now this was also a life saver it does sometimes give you a bit of an orangish discharge but it workded.
Supplements called SUPER CRANACTIN by Solaray. Helps not let the bacteria stick to the uretha and bladder etc.
Water, water
Cranberry juice with crushed ice.
Cut out coffee, sodas etc.
Dont wear tight pants, wear cotton panties or at least cotton liners in panties.
I wash with summers eve vaginal wash no drying soap.
Those are a few tips from someone who suffered and had gone to docters, gynos etc and all they wanted to do was give me hormone creams. To much cancer in my family I wanted to help my body heal itself.
I also drink teas herbal ones that have diuretic prop. in them like Uva ursi, cornsilk, cranberry, elderberry, etc.
Sure hope this helps you.
Oh yes VIT E suppositories seem to have helped alot of gals to.
Take care
Tinks
moonlight -
I am sorry you have suffered with too....I went thru a bad bout of it about 3 or 4 months ago.....listen to Dr. Tinkybug...she fixed me and she can help you too!!! That darling woman was as patient with me as she could be and don't ya know she was RIGHT...I also took the advice of another gal here on PS and used a small amount of OTC hydrocortisone cream in the initial stages (use sparingly, like once or twice a day for a day or so)....that kick started the healing and relief and the hyland's and tea did the rest....hang in there....it will be okay...
CIC
I am sorry you have suffered with too....I went thru a bad bout of it about 3 or 4 months ago.....listen to Dr. Tinkybug...she fixed me and she can help you too!!! That darling woman was as patient with me as she could be and don't ya know she was RIGHT...I also took the advice of another gal here on PS and used a small amount of OTC hydrocortisone cream in the initial stages (use sparingly, like once or twice a day for a day or so)....that kick started the healing and relief and the hyland's and tea did the rest....hang in there....it will be okay...
CIC
QUOTE (thesnipster2ooo @ Jul 25 2009, 09:48 PM)
Hello there, I'm a real newbie to all of this...I have no budget to even go to the store to try all of these perscribed or suggested things so, over the years I have developed some of my own crude methods of treatment.i hope I don't start a war or something because, yes we are very delicate down there and, should do the right thing...i have used monostat and vagisil until I have been blue in the face..The itching drove me over the edge..( not to mention the burning during urination)So brace yourselves..THIS does work within 24 hours...if you have the nerve and, it does hurt at first.. use absorbine junior on the enitre area, then coat it in vaseline with pure aloe vera combined!! Repeat as you feel the need for 24 hours...then, just keep it coated in the mixture for the next couple of days...like i say, it's radical but, sometimes you get driven to the brink.I am just saying it works for me like a charm.Not a fun thing to do to yourself.The pain lasts about thirty seconds to a min but I find the relief is worth it!!! I do support not using anything but a ph balanced soap.The best I've found is Ph balanced shampoo suds.Make sure that the shampoo says on the label that it is PH balanced.If it doesn't say, it's not!!! I'm not sure I should even post this cause I know you ladies will be shocked and horrified..Really, I am normal, just have had to suffer through a lifetime of bad ecomonics and no medical coverage.You do what you have to when the chips are down and, yes, you do get calloused and bitter.But, that has inspired the grit that has kept me going.
Dear 'thesnipster'
Welcome and good on you for finding something that works.
Actually am beginning to feel that a lot of us were great Doctors in our past lives!
Guess what helped me?Plain,white yoghurt!Honestly.
It was an Arab lady who passed this tip onto me.It works
No you don't eat it but apply to full area with a little inside
Best Wishes
Elizabeth
Well...i used the clindamycin vaginal cream for 7 days and i'm still alive....i don't know why i had so much anxiety about using it(well,yes i do,i googled the side effects and scared myself)....
I'm wondering.....is it possible that i had bacterial vaginosis for a long time(like a year or so) without knowing it?I had been to the dr. so many times complaining of burning,itching,etc....and i always thought i had a yeast infection,but the yeast meds wouldn't help(and i thought the brand i bought was faulty).....i'm suprised the dr. never did an internal exam and swabbing before to see what was going on.
anyway,i feel so much better now since using the clindamycin ...well,except i really do have a yeast infection now from the antibiotic.
I'm wondering.....is it possible that i had bacterial vaginosis for a long time(like a year or so) without knowing it?I had been to the dr. so many times complaining of burning,itching,etc....and i always thought i had a yeast infection,but the yeast meds wouldn't help(and i thought the brand i bought was faulty).....i'm suprised the dr. never did an internal exam and swabbing before to see what was going on.
anyway,i feel so much better now since using the clindamycin ...well,except i really do have a yeast infection now from the antibiotic.
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