Hi everyone. I haven't posted in a while but I do lurk and read.
About 2-3 years ago, prior to entering menopause, I was having severe burning/itching/redness in the vestibule/perineum area. Now, this was not new and had been going on for years. Always treated for yeast. I had one GYN tell me he thought I had LS but didn't like to biopsy because he felt it wasn't necessary. He treated me with clobetasol which sort of kept me feeling okay. I then got into some flare and tried to get an appointment with him but he was out so I got one of the other partners. She biopsied me (which is a whole different story) and it came back negative. I've been doing somewhat okay using milder ointments and such. In fact, as I entered menopause, things seemed to feel better. Partly I think because my own natural moisture decreased and I wasn't sitting in a puddle of it all day.
But then, earlier this year I found some lump in the clitoral area and a took a good look at things I saw some fusing in the clitorial area and just above the urethra. Freaked out over the lump and got in with yet ANOTHER partner. He didn't know what the lump was (and fortunately it resolved so it was some sort of cyst under the skin). But he was a little alarmed at the fusing. Told me to use Premarin for 3-4 works everyday and really "work" the area and to return for a check. He thought this would unfuse it. When it was time to go back, it coincided with my annual exam which was scheduled with my regular doctor--the one who initially said I had LS. I went through everything with him, he took a look, and said "I don't see anything unusual, looks fine to me." And that was that.
I have continued to use the Premarin but I noticed last night that I think the fusing looks worse. I am in my second full year of post meno and drier than ever. The thing is, things "feel" okay down there so I don't know it's going on. I do get the occasional itch. In fact, I've been jogging/running and I think that might be setting things off a bit.
Anyway, I'm starting to feel like crying now. I live in the Virginia/DC area and I don't know where to turn. My GYN practice obviously cannot handle this (all they care about is BABIES). I have scoured the internet and I can't find anyone that advertises this except for Dr. Goldstein in DC and another in Virginia. Both of which do not take insurance and have a pretty high fee for first visit.
The other thing, and I've never seen it mentioned: whenever I use clobetasol for any length of time, I get strange metallic taste in my mouth and my food tastes like metal too. This scares me because it tells me this stuff is definitely hitting me systemically. Not good. Not sure it's going to help the fusion at this point anyway.
I need to "get on" trying the Borax solution. Tried it a few months ago (and posted) but I think I had the solution all wrong as it would not mix with the water. Just sank to the bottom. Creams, solutions, treatments, make me a little nervous because I have very sensitive skin EVERYWHERE. I have to be extremely careful with all sorts of things I put on face (moisturizers, makeup) as I will get a rash with about 80% of products.
Anyway, not sure what I'm looking for, but maybe if anyone is from this area they have some recommendations for physicians. I just don't know what to do and I'm afraid that in another year, I might be totally sealed up.