TMI about vaginal issues.

[Novella]

Definitely get a swab done and if that doesnt lead o a successful course of action possibly request a specialist referral probably dermatologist or even gynae

I was also going to suggest intestinal worms as they can make the area itch and with young children around they can be hard to avoid. Hope you get some relief soon

[helle]

I had thrush constantly for about 12 months and in the end I went to a naturopath who helped adjust the flora in my gut... It sort of worked but it didn't cure it completely. I also cut out sugar and carbs, took the edge off but it was still meh...
Then one day I found a pamphlet in a chemist about the vagina and I got talking to one of the ladies there and she suggested that perhaps it was dermatitis and recommended washing in pintarsol (obviously you don't wash up there with it but around...) I also stopped using disposable pads and tampons and I don't think I have had a "thrush" attack since. Just some food for thought I'd get a swab done tho, yours sounds a lot worse than mine was and it would be good to rule everything out.
Gl! xx

[Astrolady]

Thanks for all the replies girls. I did read on a forum about a girl with similar issues and someone suggested trying Zyrtec in case it was an allergy. She also did a few other things like changing shampoos/soaps to ones that were free of something and using Cepacil cream and some other cream that had a menthol in it.

I got Zyrtec yesterday, because I am known for other allergies where I can be fine one day and my body decides the next that I am going to be allergic to it for the rest of my life. Hence why I am replacing my washing powder this week, although I have no other itchy patches. I took a Zyrtec before bed and had one of the best nights sleeps in ages LOL. I did wake up to scratching but just in the area where I knew a sore had developed not all over, and 2 mins later I was asleep again. I know they can cause drowsiness, so not counting my chickens yet.

Got up this morning and it was pretty itchy so have taken half a Zyrtec to see if it helps. I know I am probably only masking the issue but will see how I go for a couple of days and if still no good will be back to the GP. She said to come back if the cream she prescribed didn't help anyway, which it did for a few days which is why I was nearly healed and then it was like I got used to it, so will request a swab when I go back.

I have checked a few times for critters, but have never seen anything.

[AnyDream]

Glad you got some sleep at least. Hope it clears up soon, it sounds awful

[BellyBelly]

Kat - you poor thing! It must be awful.

Given you have IBS as well, no matter if this is thrush or some other dermatitis, I would still be really strongly thinking there are gut issues going on here, and a really potent, ramped probiotic would be ideal as well as majorly cutting back sugar (soft drinks, juices, usual sugars) as well as all the wheat products as you can (white flours, biscuits, cakes, pastries etc). You can take a probiotic but many things in our diet kill them and leave us out of balance again. Make sure you switch to cotton underwear only (or better still go underwear free if you can) and tight fitting clothes. It sounds silly, but when I was in my early 20's I think mum bought me some nice g-strings and every single time I wore them, I got thrush - it was bizarre, never had that with underwear before! One day she asked me if I liked them, and I said, 'Actually its funny, every time I wear them (even one use!) I get thrush!' Turns out she did too. So fabrics can be a problem too.

Loads of ideas in the BB article on thrush which I am halfway in the process of updating. Drink lots of water to hydrate, flush and rebalance (replace other drinks with only water, bit of lemon in if you like it), get rid of sugar and wheat where possible and you'll notice lots of problems start to ease up or disappear. Its hard, but remind yourself of what you're going to get rid of in return x

https://www.bellybelly.com.au/health...trol-of-thrush

[Astrid]

At least if you can minimising the scratching it will allow the area to heal a bit.

I found garlic along with probiotics helps a lot. I cringe now every time I have to take AB's as I know I will flare up again. I need to lose weight as well, as too much fat in the area keeps it warmer.

Oh another tip, dry off that area well. Use a hair dryer as part of your drying off routine, just externally

[Astrolady]

I have actually been doing the hair dryer since it got really bad because using a towel to pat dry would make me want to scratch. Same with wiping when I go to the loo have been blotting dry and not wiping.

I have been struggling to stay awake this afternoon. I actually did lay down and slept for 5 mins here and there. So it has got to be the Zyrtec. Will take the other half a tablet (can have half every 12hrs) tonight before bed, and hopefully I won't need to take one again tomorrow morning, like I needed to this morning. Have had no desire to scratch however so far today.

Kelly I'd love to do try the Miessence stuff, but it's way out of my price range although I have probably easily spent that if not more on different creams the last few months.

[BellyBelly]

You dont need to use Miessence hun I know its expensive - if you like, post in the expert area for Nicole, she could post you something out that might be cheaper and good quality - and a professional opinion on what it might be?

[Livinthedream]

Have you tried a fluconazole tablet? You should be able to get it over the counter at a chemist. It worked a treat for me. I hope you can get it sorted soon.

[k4t]

Sounds like you're having a horrible time. I'd second what the others have said - get a swab done to rule out resistant thrush or bacterial vaginosis. If that comes back negative and it does turn out to be dermatitis then sometimes a short course of steroid cream can get it under control. Ask your GP for a specialist referral if they're not familiar with this.

[Astrolady]

Had a **** night again last night. So the Zyrtec from the night before must have just been a coincidence Just waiting for 8am to roll around to see if I can get into my doctor this afternoon, and I will request a swab.

[BellyBelly]

You poor thing Really feel for you hun, persistent issues like that really do your head in. Hang in there!!! Until you know what it is for sure its hard to know what will work on the pharmaceutical side of things.

[Mildez]

Sorry to hear the Zyrtec didn't help for long. Definately get the swab done and see if anything shows. The issue I had went on for months and months but now I am back to normal.

[AnyDream]

If you can't get an appt, insist that the dr told you to come back if your condition hadn't improved and get them to squeeze you in.

[Astrid]

It does suck when it does not go away.
Realised I have suffering on and off for over 10 years. Worse since having kids. I blame part of it when they add some deodorant to the pads I used (why do they have to mess with things???) I suffer from IBS as well, I wonder if there is a connection?

[Astrolady]

I managed to get in for 3.15pm today, so I will call into school and give Kameron my house keys so he can walk the boys home. I don't want them coming with me LOL. I couldn't get into see my regular doctor, but managed to get another female doctor there. In a way I hope the swab does come back with something.

[willow5]

Good luck hope you get some fast answers!

[Astrolady]

I went and asked for a swab. This female doctor was all for it. She said "since your due in November, we'll do a pap smear at the same time" wait, what, hang on that wasn't in the deal LOL.

One of the things she is checking for is Chlaymidia (sp), but she did say it looks like I have an early onset of lichen sclerosus. That however can only be diagnosed by a skin scraping .... umm ouch.... and done by a gynecologist So if my swab and pap smear come back clear that is where I heading. She has given me another cream to try which is given to people with lichen sclerosus.

Go back Monday arvo for results.