y/Benedryl & Estrace cream & Yeast

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-----Original Message-----From: Elliott Sent: Monday, November 22, 2004 12:21 AMTo: VulvarDisorders Subject: RE: Dusty/Benedryl & Estrace cream & Yeast

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Thanks, I just had no idea what it was! As far as using soaps in the vulvar area, I simply don't, and haven't in a long time. I never have really thought much about the water drippling down from the shampoo though. I do have some sort of chemcial sensitivities though. I cannot tolerate any perfumes at all, I have to be careful what kind of household cleaners I use, and I use only unscented body lotion.

I would strongly suggest you see an allergist. When I was first chasing down what was wrong with me, three different GYNS looked at me said it looked like allergy to them. I immediately made an appointment with an allergist (calling and asking around to find one who could administer chemical allergy tests. The first one I saw only had the T.R.U.E. test available and I was allergic to a number of things on that . (you can find this test on internet) . Based on those results he referred me to a chemical allergist. It was the beginning of my improvment - finding out what to eliminate in my life. Even some of my medicines were a problem as they contained yelllow dyes and I tested positive to those. So do yourself a favor, make an appointment. I took all my personal care products with me - and if the product was too big, I took a written sheet on the contents. Even with eliminating my allergens - it took many months for skin to really begin to look and feel mostly healed.

I really want to try the Estrace too... I guess I'll just have to toughen up, huh? I am only 32, but I really like all the info that Dee has posted about the E. & T. creams. If I ask for the Estrace how should I ask for it to be compounded, I mean do most people ask for it in a special type of base, like how you mentioned the Benadryl and olive oil. And also, I read Dr. Willems thoughts about the E. cream, but how do you know if you have a yeast infection while using it? I mean, how do you distinguish between a healing itch and a yeast itch? Sorry for so many questions, but "where" is a yeast itch usually located? Does that make any sense? I mean, does it usually feel like it's inside vaginally, or all over the external vulva?

I don't know the answers to ur questions above - trial an error is what worked for me - regarding compound base after reading posts and archives. I didn't read Willems book so I'm not familiar with his theory. Since I never itched when I did have yeast, I am unable to answer those questions.

In all honesty Dusty, I think the way I would describe it is I'm really "ticked off" right now. I'm so mad that I came out of such a "wonderful" 18 month remission. I despise all this mess... the Endo and IC too! Sorry for ranting.... but I'm not giving up "hope," my faith keeps me going...

Do I remember you saying that your remission was right after having a baby? If so, you may really want to consider having your hormones checked thoroughly. Perhaps you have a hormonal component to your disease that needs to be addressed. I realize that's tricky with the endo, but it may be that you need testosterone or progesterone or something else, like thyroid medication that may be the key to help you heal.

FOr me there were several components to my disease : daily use of Always light days for urinary incontinence due to menopause. This irritated skin. Menopause itself causes less estrogenation of the area. Cold turkey cessation of Prempro HRT on my docs advice when WHI study warned of the dangers of HRT, caused me to undergo severe vulvovaginal atrophy. Almost simultaneous was a hypothyroid diagnosis causing further hormonal imbalance and chemical allergies. Severe low back problems have caused pelvic floor issues and last but not lease, chronic yeast developed after the vulvovaginal atrophy occurred.

I now take thyroid meds, have been tested and eliminated my allergens, no longer use pads daily, use a different form of HRT (Patch estradiol and oral Progesterone) and am doing pelvic floor physical therapy. To that regimen I added (quite by accident) Danactive probiotic drink which has improved by white cell count in the vagina and eliminated my chronic yeast problem. I no longer need to do topical applications of anything (cortizone, benedryl, estrogen or testosterone) as a regular daily event, but I am not pain free either. I am 70% improved from the onset of my disease and think perhaps that the application of estrogen and testosterone to the area would help tremendously, but every time I try, I end up spotting. Since neither my doc or anyone else can figure out why (I'm using miniscule amounts), I'm at the proverbial brick wall for the moment.

Good luck

Dusty