Hi there, I have now seen the gynaecologist but it was a waste of time I think!
Docs have told me for 18 months that I've got Vaginal Atrophy and my symptoms match what is mentioned in websites and leaflets re this condition. Soreness, wanting to wee all the time etc.
Anyway I put all my cards on the table with this gynaecologist. But she never mentioned Vaginal Atrophy. Never picked up on it. Anyway fair do's, she gave me a good internal examination. But afterwards she said it was probably Kitchen Sclerosis I had got so she prescribed me some steroid cream. Then she told me to keep using the HRT for the dryness. But I kept saying over and over that none of the three types of HRT that I had tried, worked for me! She never addressed the wanting to wee all the time or the bladder discomfort that comes with Vaginal Atrophy.
So now I feel quite fed up. I will try the creams she gave me, just in case they do help but I honestly think she wasn't hearing me and she is way off beam!!! 
So frustrating. It's like there is no help or anything they can offer. So sorry Have never had steroid cream though. Could that help????
Shirley, I'm so sorry the appointment didn't work out to help you more. I just hope the steroid cream might do something. Did you cope OK with the examination? That wasn't too painful? All I can suggest is to give it the time she said and then go back. I've a feeling you might have to make a real nuisance of yourself there to get the to listen to you! I'm assuming they haven't made another appointment for you?
Hi,i have never heard of that. I am so sorry,she sounds pretty incomprtant. I cancelled my apt. I thought it over and thiught i would get no where also. All the money we spend with such little help,very discourageing. So she didnt see any atrophy?
Ive tryed over the counter cream on outside. It did help at first with vulva irritation. Lately ive just used plain old vaseline and it works just as good.
I've a feeling I've seen a group for it on this site?
It might take awhile,but id see a different gyno
Nevermind,i have heard of it,in fact ive been told i might have a mild case of it. Docs cant agree about that either. Yes there is a group on here for Lichens,im in the group.
Hi Shirley , I hope you feel better knowing at least there is no internal issues ,so that alone will be peace of mind ,sorry that this appointment didn't help you , but maybe giving the steroid cream a whirl might yield results
xx
That was referring to kitchen scleourosis
With all the appointments that end up with no results, I am feeling there is no answer these gyn's have for vaginal atrophy and aside from here no one talks about it. Only creams that don't always work and cause other issues.
Just at the Gyn. and have gone back on HRT -Prempro-lowest dose 0.45-1.5 MG. I was prior on an HRT -Activella-and went off that app. 4 yrs ago. Hot flashes, night sweats, dryness etc became too much. In addition to the new HRT she scripted the Estrace cream (just a small amt.-not a full insert)applied manually 2 X week. In addition to this I have been using, and will continue to use the OTC vag. gel RePhresh (again for dryness, odor etc.) All of the articles I have read and talking with other women, you have to minimize the dryness in order to combat recurring bladder/kidney infections. I don't know if you have noticed but have been told by other Drs. that menopause causes dryness NOT JUST vaginally, (lack of hormones or imbalance of hormones)but in mucus membranes, such as eyes (I have terrible dry eye and just got punctal plugs)nasal etc. Hormones (or lack thereof ) control so many aspects of our bodies and aging . As far as finding the right oral HRT (and of course knowing your own health risks, maybe you are not a candidate -family history etc.) there seems to be many out there, each with their own side effects. One Gyn. told me that a recent symposium she went to they queried the Dr. participants about ages of their patients experiencing menopause issues -hot flashes, night sweats etc. It went "How many treat patients in their 60s, (lots of hands went up)how many in their 70s, this continued on into the 80s with good number of hands still going up. If you are able, get on the computer and really research the types of oral HRT, reviews, ingredients etc and if you find one you think might fit , go to your Dr, and show them that you have tried what they recommended to you and you are still having issues and ask them to script (or give you samples)for you. Healthcare is becoming so scary anymore. I worry about people that don't have access to medical info that they can research and take to their Dr and ask for help. Anymore many medical practices are so overwhelmed that they want you to contact them through e records etc as they are unable to talk with or meet with every patient . I fear many people are going to be lost in the shuffle or become frustrated and give up. Very sad.
Wow! thank you so much for taking the time to write your message, very useful!
Very frustrating Nancy. I've never had steroid cream either and yes it could help with Lichen Sclerosus but I don't think that's what it is for one moment. I still believe it's Vaginal Atrophy so it won't help with the soreness up inside or the urge to wee all the time!
Hi Chris, Thanks for your message. The steroid cream may help the outside bits but that's all. The examination wasn't as bad as I expected. Just a bit of short lived discomfort . Yes I will give it three months. Yes I may have to make a real nuisance of myself I agree. They are going to send me an appointment in about 12 weeks. Might be too late. Might have had my hip replacement by then!
Yes I've heard of it too Lee. It's a job and a half when the docs can't agree isn't it. Will perhaps join the group.
Yes she seemed incompetent to me too. I think I would have cancelled the appt if I had been in your shoes too. Yes she said she saw dryness. But I can't understand why she dismissed the bladder side of it.
Yes a different gynae might help.
Yes that is one thing to be grateful for Jools. I will give the steroid cream a whirl and see why happens.