Hi, I'm new here, only found out yesterday that I have LS after years of going to the doctors about soreness and stinging in my lady parts. It makes me feel I need to go to the loo a lot does anyone else get this?
Also I see that a lot of you use Borax or baking soda in a spray bottle, in what quantities do you use it,? I'm scared to make it to strong. Where in the UK do you buy Borax or is it not available in the UK?
I want to thank all you ladies for sharing all your advise, so pleased I found this site.
I had not ever heard of this illness before yesterday, even though I lost My gran and my Grans sister to vulva cancer when I was in my early teens, I wonder if she had this illness too.
x
Yes, I have had the need urinate frequently. I attribute it to two things. Sometimes it's simply an anxiety respeonse for me but I have times it's connected to an LS flareup in the clitoral area. (I think so anyway!). It's very frustrating. Mine comes and goes...
I wonder how old you are? I'm post menopausal and for me the wanting to go to the loo frequently [having everything else checked out first] is being treated by low dose HRT pessariies. But I also agree with what Sandra says below. I think that LS gives rise to such feelings of discomfort and sensitivity that it can make you feel like you want to go to the loo even if you have just been. I'll follow this thread with interest to see what others think. Every best wish, Heather.
Thank you for your reply Sandra, it drives me nuts the need or the loo.
'As far as can see I don't have any white bits, I have all the other symptoms, so can it really be LS?
I'm post menopausal too, that's what they kept telling me was wrong for years, but it just seemed to bad to be that. But when I got my diagnosis yesterday I had not heard of it before.
x
I have got LS and that is now - finally - being properly treated. But I was told that the 'wanting to go' thing was caused by lower vaginal atrophy which is why I'm having the HRT pessaries prescribed and it does seem to make a difference.
I didn't have white skin for until many years of itching and then finally a diagnosis. So, yes, according to my experience it could still be LS.
I can comment on frequent urination. Yes, I go a lot, but if I don't drink coffee or tea, not as much, much less irritation, especially coffee..the acid irritates an already inflamed area. Plus constricts the urethra, which makes more pressure, and having to go more.
Yesterday they put on those pessaries too, so far had one long headache, I hope that won't be long term. How long does they take to make a difference? Do you the spray with Borax?
Hi Cynthia, that sounds good advise, I must try and drink more water. I try not to drink so I don't have to go, but I think that might be a bad idea..lol
Within my experience it was clearly related. Especially when fusing started to happen around that area. Somehow it triggered bladder infections as well. Drinking sufficiently remains important.
Next to that I spray after every bathroom visit either with baking soda ( three to four pinches in a Perin bottle with pleasantly warm water) or with borax ( three pinches)
Plus I take baking soda (1/3 cup) or borax baths (1/6 cup) baths and soak in it till the water cools off too much. (every other day) The bathing keeps LS in other areas in check as well. Good maintenance is important.
Next to diet: no sugar, no alcohol, no caffeine are my big ones; gluten free and almost dairy free, except for a good quality yoghert (small amount) Any time I take it a little easier with my diet I get punished and LS starts to act up.
Wishing you well. It's not easy to get into a new routine with your LS. But in the end you more or less 'winn'.
I'm starting to change my diet but I do like a cup of tea or 3...lol and chocolate.
'I'm trying the bathroom routine, early days yet to see if it will help.
Thank you for your help and advise much appreciated
Heather, everything that Hanny said about diet is vitally important. For most of us we learned the hard way. We all like all the things we have had to give up, as far as eating and drinking....but when you see how your body reacts, and the further suffering it causes, you get to the point where you gladly go without because it is just not worth it! As far as water is concerned, it is important to drink a lot because it dilutes the urine, so it doesn't burn as much, but above all keeps us from getting infections. Many of us also find that using unscented huggies wipes keeps us clean, after bowel. movements, and this will also keep.bacteria awAy from urethra, thus keeping infection away..Baking soda spritz's after urination has antibacterial properties, so that helps too.
Yes I always feel like I have a water infection when I have a flare, I used to get it tested but was always negative so I do think it's part of LS. I was diagnosed by biopsy as I don't have any white areas. I haven't had any fusing but I've lost structure and I have quite significant shrinkage. My symptoms were extreme itching and very red purple areas and bruised easily during normal sex. I'm perimenapausel im hoping it will improve when I complete the menapause. Food and drink especially wine 🍷 give me problems I'm also fructose intolerant. So diet is important. This is a great group
With great information and advice xx
JO, did the HRT pessaries cause any burning with having LS. I agree about atrophy with no oestrogen. I need these but worry about the side effects. Do they make you bleed as if having periods? I know they only get absorbed in that area like cream HRT. I've been told I need vagifem or some brand what has it been like for you?
Just with plain water. My doc has advised me against using Borax but I know that others on here are v positive about it.
Hi Sue, I'm using Vagifem 10 mg inserted with applicator, 2 to 3 times a week for 6 weeks. Gynae reckons doing this even once a year or so will make a huge difference. I've had no side effects at al - it's a low doseage and I feel comfortable about using, so I'd encorage you to have a go.
Are unscented Huggies OK then? I've kept away from anything like that, but they would sure be useful. I feel a bit dumb, why does giving sugar up help down below? I'm sure I should know this...lol
oh Justine yours sounds just the same as mine to the letter. I haven't had a biopsy he felt sure it was without one, but I have to go back in 8 weeks and if the treatments haven't helped then I have to have one 😭 Not looking forward to that. Only just had the stitches out on my leg for squamous cell cancer, so the thought of stitches down there scare me a bit.
Hi Jo,
thanks for for the quick reply. I have first meno appointment at clinic tomorrow so I think they'll suggest it as I am atrophied there. The consultant wrote to gp also saying I need it. Did it hurt putting it up there, personal question I know just things are a bit sore atm. So after six weeks when will you use it again? Are there different doseage? Just need info for tomorrow that's all. I would worry using it then get side effects on top of L S?