More gynae issues

[lea78]

I cant believe i have had to visit the doctors again today after having 2 recent vaginal thrush infections, dryness in that area and a bartolin cyst, today i started bleeding abnormally.

I have had yet more swabs done and  my water is being sent off, i have an appointment to go back next Monday to be reviewed, doctor said it could be erosion which i have had in the past.

My day started so happy, and i was making cakes then suddennly i am bleeding and end up going doctors again, how things can just change.

I now have something to worry about again, i apologized to the doctor for having to go again, it makes me feel like they will think i am a hypochondriac or something and i explained that i cant fake these things i go with genuine complaints and he said i hope you dont feel like we think your making these things up.

I have had numerous appointment leading up to diagnosis of sjogrens plus the endometriosis i have too so its no wonder i have got in a situation where i wonder what the doctors think of me.

Sorry for the moan but feel so down about it all

[Scottietottie]

Hi Lea 

I cannot think that your doc is going to think you're a hypochondriac. Every time you have gone it is for something specific that has needed to be dealt with.

I completely understand you being down about the issues you are having and about having to visit the doctor frequently - I mean who wants to??

Gynae issues can also cause mood changes in themselves as I'm sure you know.

Feel free to moan. That's what we're here for! I hope things get sorted for you soon and that you feel somewhat better.

Meanwhile ((((( hugs )))))

Take care - Scottie 

[Dolly Dimples]

 Lea, don't ever feel  that your putting Doctors out.  or us!  i t's their job. 
   Any sudden bleeding, where ever from needs investigating. 
          Hope you soon feel more comfortable, Dolly x
       

[lea78]

Thank you both for your replies and reassurance, i am such a worrier, the anxiety is setting in now as to why i am bleeding but i suppose by next monday i will know more.

I have low tummy pain now which feels similiar to a period but my period ended about 5 days ago.

I asked the doctor could sjogren be causing the dryness down below and he hadnt heard of sjogrens affecting that area, all i know is in the last 2 months i have had a few gynae issues going on that are all happening at the same time.

thanks again
Leanne

[cargillwitch]

Don't mean to contradict your doctor  ;)but between us gals sjs sure can do a number on your bartholin glands which provide lots of vaginal moisture! I lost one 8 years ago when it became abscessed after almost a year of it swelling on and off. They are also exocrine glands and looking back this was the area I first noted dryness in! I have had countless vaginal yeast infections since and always need a good quality lubricant for sex.I am surprise ( somewhat) that this area is so often just relegated to the footnotes when it comes to sjs. Perhaps because it isn't as " polite" as dry eyes , nose and mouth for discussion but it sure puts a crimp in your life as a woman!

[Shine]

I have been suffering from severe vaginal dryness and itching. Since I gave up dairy and wheat I've had no yeast infections but the dryness and itching are driving me nuts! NOTHING has helped. Any suggestions?

[A66eyroad]

Hi, Shine! Welcome! Glad you found us!

I swear by KY Liquibeads. They come in a box of six and is pretty expensive at $12 or so, but I only have to use it once a week. It's like a one-inch round marble that you place with an applicator (like a tampon). Be sure and wear pantiliners!

This is a subject we've written about a lot on this forum. If you'll go back to the World Forums page and plug a key work into the search engine, you'll find a wealth of knowledge. If there's every something you want to discuss, feel free to ask! This is the friendliest place on the planet!

Hope this helps,
A66ey

[lea78]

Hi Shine, the vaginal dryness is new to me at the moment, i have only experienced it in the last 2 months and not really suffering with the itching as yet even with the infections its more burning and irritation than itching so i am not much help unfortunately

[soycoffee]

I have been suffering from severe vaginal dryness and itching. Since I gave up dairy and wheat I've had no yeast infections but the dryness and itching are driving me nuts! NOTHING has helped. Any suggestions?

I have severe vulvo-vaginal itching (as does my daughter). What makes the itching and pain worse is using any product with alcohol in it, on it. The only thing that has ever made it better has been when I was on a course of Prednisone prescribed for Bell's Palsy (starting with 50 mg Prednisone for 7 days, then tapering). The itching returned three weeks after stopping Prednisone. I begged for Prednisone again, and finally got a prescription for 5 mg daily of Prednisone. That helps.

Also I am using Ocusoft foaming eyelid scrub on the area, which keeps it calm. The two in combination, Prednisone and Ocusoft eyelid scrub, are not completely soothing, but help. I'm also evaluating, but not yet ready to endorse for this purpose, Dove Sensitive Skin Body Wash (or the CVS imitation), because it leaves a soothing film behind on the skin.

Are there others here with this problem? Since it responds to Prednisone, the theory is that it is autoimmune. An itching autoimmune disease that could affect the area is Lichen Planus, but the dermatologists I saw 5 years ago for it did not diagnose anything except that I'm mildly allergic to cortisone creams.

I've hijacked the thread, so we would need to start a new thread in order to find each other online.

Soycoffee

PS And now, for the last six months, I have the severe vaginal dryness. :-(

[irish]

lea, I am surprised that your doc has not figured out that any dryness in mucous membranes, no matter where they are, is to be expected in Sjogrens. All my early childbearing years when having pap smears, etc., my docs would all say"my goodness but you are dry down here". Like, yeah, I know, I have been that way much of my life.

Also, when a person gets really dry the mucous membranes can sort of wear off and cause bleeding. It is possible that the dryness could be causing the abrasion. I would ask your doc about this. Also, when a person has vaginal dryness the number of yeast and bacterial infections increase.

This is because we don't have the normal amount of mucus being secreted in that area and what we do have is not of normal consistency, etc. which is what fights off the infections. Men have it so much easier!!!!!!!!!!!! Good luck at the doctor. IRish

[lea78]

Thank you Irish,

the bleeding only lasted a day and i think the cyst has gone but now have an idea this will not be the end of infections and the dryness. Will see what my doctor says Monday, i am seeing a different one than this week so may know more about sjogrens.

It seems to me a lot of people even doctors just see this as a disease effecting the eyes and mouth when it is clear there are many more symptoms.

Leanne