after 9 months of tears and pain i have finally been diagnosed with LS. Been going to the gp back and forth since May being diagnosed and treated for PID, BV, UTD but that was all a waste of time, i never thought i was being taken seriously. I am 21 years old.
Last week i had an operation (laparoscopy) because they thought i could have endrometrosis, was told my insides were perfect but he could see i obviously had an advanced case if LS. (op was a waste of time then if it was obvious!!!!!!) This just shows how doctors can miss this diagnosis, its a tricky one!
Looking through the posts I've noticed many of you all have itching down there, I am lucky enough to not of had that -- yet I am itchy AALL over my body, wonder if that has anything to do with it?
My symptons were mainly a stinging pain after sex, this would last for about an hour sometimes. I would be very dry and lube would sting. Extremely senstive.
Doctor confirmed that i have clitoral hooding. Not quite sure what that means. I also have some shrinking of the vulva area. Does anyone know if the cream 'de-shrinks' it?? (or is that a stupid question?????) I was also very sore, and i think there was even some tearing between my vagina and anus. I would use a cool flannel on my area to soothe, helped so much!
I am scared and not sure if its all really sunk in yet, just been reading up about it and thinking 'i do have this for the rest of my life'. Want to learn more about LS. Do you use the cream for the rest of your life?
I was also reading about how stress can affect LS and 'flare up'. Does anyone else agree with this? I can remember the pain at it's worse and i was incredible miserable at the time (my poor boyfriend) I am more happier now and the pain isn't as bad as when i was miserable. Could there be a link?
Would love to hear advice, or anyone else's experiences. We're here to help each other out xx
Hi there.. I am glad you have at last got a diagnosis. Too many ladies have had to go through false or no diagnosis except being palmed off with cream...yes there is a link between stress and LS... Have you been given a steroid ointment yet? Clitoral hood fusing is normal unfortunately. Some have a shrinking clit, but say the sensations always last...LS does narrow your openings so it is important to use a good lubricant for sex as if you keep splitting the ls will keep narowing and remaining sore on your vaginal opening. Skin becomes delicate so prevention is the best cure...You wont defuse but it can get a little better and the labias have been known to unstick with daily use of a good barrier cream like paladin or sudacreme plus your steroid as prescribed all depends on what suits you. Loads of us use paladin and find it eases the itch and soreness but it is not a cure. Steroid is the only treatment but not a cure......No soap so a good aqueaus wash is a must...If you get into a daily routine with these products and use them without fail your symptoms will lessen and if you protect at this stage you will help to stop a lot more further down the line... I had patches of itching and it was like an excema. You should ask your doc about the bodily one because there is a link between external bodily lichen and genital....... Protection is key in this and you help yourself so take care and keep posting if you want support. Jk
thank you so much for replying am so relieved to finally have answers, and i know what i have.
yes i was given the steriod cream when discharged from the hospital and have been using it.
i went to my doctor today to ask some questions because i feel i want to know more about LS. she told me using the cream after around 3 months things should look back to normal, who knows? i guess i have to just see how it goes and how my body likes it!
thanks for the advice. i did ask her about the itching but she gave me a funny look! Perhaps a specialist would know more about this.
Hi there.....Glad to hear you were given a steroid and it is important to use daily for the first 3 months as prescribed..As far as the itching is concerned you will need to find something to help the soreness and itch as the steroid alone will treat but not nessessarily soothe your skin. You must understand that your skin may return to looking normal after your steroid but there is no let up and you must find a way of finding a daily routine as you have to keep on top of this condition. LS doesnt go away, it has dorment periods but after the initial 3 months you will still need your steroid may be a couple of times a wek or at flare times...Jenni k is right with her info. You have a chance to keep this at bay now so fingers crossed and sorry if I sound like i am giving you a little negative reasoning...you will need some sort of barrier cream that addresses any irrritations and soreness you have down there.The steroid will attack the Lichen that causes the fusing so hopefully you wont progress as you have been doing....Your doc should have referred you to a dermotologist to address you external itching.....take care
but he could see i obviously had an advanced case if LS. (op was a waste of time then if it was obvious!!!!!!) This just shows how doctors can miss this diagnosis, its a tricky one!