& Mojo ;)

[Guest guest]

HI & MOJO .

OH dear me,

I just saw where you said it 'might' be MS, hon I sure hope not! Sending out some positive thoughts your way hon.

I tend to agree with you too in that a lot of vulvar diseases are autoimmune or genetically connected. So many have other things in common, like thyroid, or Fibromyalgia or Chronic Fatigue, interstitial cystitis (IC).

Sure makes you wonder eh?

I just mentioned to someone else who has Scleroderma, a hardening of the V skin 'and' elsewhere and can even be systemic inside with organs, that there are many who believe a bacteria is the common denominator (not genetics or autoimmune) but a tiny bacteria that's often missed called Mycoplasa, and believe that being on long term antibiotics may just work for many of those diseases... In fact can't swear to it but thought I saw something even about MS and that theory.. I know I have about CF & Fibro.

With Ulcers it took a hundred years to realize it's not what you're eating or what's eating you (stress) LOL but a darn bacteria called H-Pylori and soon as they found that out, there was a cure so to speak for ulcers... so ya just never know.

About the steroids? ME too and should have listened to my body, as I had a horrible reaction by the first 2-3 weeks but the doggone doctors insisted I stay on one and that was for 9 miserable months till I was a total absolute mess. *sigh* They can be good but the doggone doctors told me to even slather it on (the worst thing in the world to do *sigh*) as I know, now, that is. Back Then?.... I was the good little obedient patient. *sigh* so I'd give a steroid a 2 week trial and see how it goes, one should know within that time frame. Honestly as bad as they were for me it was the abuse and overuse as told to by ignorant doctors that caused my problems but used correctly they can be great so don't be afraid of them either...

MOJO?

Hon you can use that sample of Estrace every day (bedtime is best tho) but those are really tiny so it won't go far but if you just use that small peasize it should last 3-4 weeks... and maybe within that time frame you'll begin to see a big difference, I hope so.

Funny your doctor said here's the Estrace (sample) for 'comfort'. Yes down the road as it rebuilds things it does make it comfortable..... but like I recently mentioned I sure don't think of it as an 'immediate' comfort or soothing thing to use if in a flare up as it might really irritate you. Some it doesn't at all, it's just that I don't think of it as a 'comfort' med, *grin* but one down the road as it takes time to work, then yes. I am glad you were able to get some.

As to the topical steroids? They really can be wonderful especially to help halt itch, inflammation or burning.....BUT..... unless you have LS, I'd say it should be a very mild to low potency one like hydrocortisone or Pramasone or Aristocort... those usually aren't too bad for those side effects. It's the first class ones like Clobetasol I was on that can be very risky if overused as they can thin that tissue in a short amt. of time.

But generally the lower potency ones are ok for a short time and you should see some results within 2 weeks... if you don't or are worse off..... that is the time to taper down with a topical steroid and probably get off eventually, you definitely do not want to quit a steroid cream/ointment just cold turkey.... that's a real no no as you might feel 10 X's worse with a rebound effect... but honestly I wouldn't be afraid of them perse... just use them wisely.

As far as 'oral' steroids?? Hon I doubt it would help and I'd really be leery of doing that with so many bad side effects that can leave you with. If necessary for some very painful diseases that's totally different, it can be a life saver but I sure wouldn't suggest that for V. pain of any type. Just my thoughts on that one.

Hugs and good luck .

Dee~