Trouble understanding all of this...

Hi Ladies!

I love this site. It is a little haven for me when I can't understand and just need the suppport. My problem is confusing I am 34 just had a TAH March 11th 2003. All went well for the most part but since NOv/Dec 2003,I have been having vaginal problems. It was suspected it was BV and I was on flagyl/Clinamycin for almost a month. Relief finally came (for 6 weeks) then yesterday I notice the symptoms again. I see my dr. immediately and he does the swab thingie to rule out whatever or to narrow it down. Also I should say due to the severity of the last infection my Dr. referred me back to the gyno who did my surgery in the first place, ( and of course I was in a heathy state of well being at the time of the appt) . Beginning of January. His recommedation was that if it happens again my GP has to do a swab and determine cause first, b/c I was treated with RX before a swab, and every swab that was done came back inclusive due to the prescription.

So then my Dr. just said something interesting (hormonal). I have read the threads here and have a hard tome understanding hormones never mind the creams and whatever. My questions is how do I or what kind of questions do I ask my dr in regards to this, I see him this Thursday (Feb 26th, 2004). I can relate to the vaginal atrophy symptoms but I will definaltely get my Dr. advice and not try to daignose myself here.

Ladies any help here on what type of questions to ask would be helpful!

Thanks in advance with your support...

In hormones we trust,

Abda

Hi Abda Your DR has the right idea by recommending that you get a swab done the next time the symptoms appear, before treating whatever it is, to find out what it is you're dealing with. Treating one type of condition with meds for another can mask the condition without really clearing it up.

Have you seen this article on vaginal dryness and atrophy?:

vaginal dryness

It lists some of the hormonal remedies that are available to treat symptoms of vaginal dryness if that is the issue. Vaginal dryness can feel like you're getting some type of infection... for me it feels itchy, scratchy, burning, kind of like I'm getting a yeast infection but without the white cheesy discharge. When you're having symptoms, if the swab turns out negative, vaginal dryness is a good bet. Your DR ought to be able to tell just by taking a look in there, and hopefully you can get a prescription for one of the vaginal estrogen products to try.

I hope this helps!
s,
-Linda

The clinic I go to and had the swab done at just called me tonite and it isn't BV! That is good so now what, hormones ?... is being dizzy for no reason a symptom of hormones? I am anxoius to see my dr now. If they do a blood test to check my hormones will it determine if I have low estrogen in my vagina? Does anybody know ?

thanks for the support!

Abda

Dizziness can be a sign of hormone imbalance..... and you are far enough post op that it's not unreasonable to ask your DR to test your hormone levels. Unfortunately, the test won't show whether the estrogen level in your vaginal tissues is too low... you can have adequate estrogen in your bloodstream and/or saliva and still have a deficiency in the vaginal walls. Your DR can probably tell by looking, though, if low estrogen might be the problem that's causing you all this discomfort. And, if low vaginal estrogen is the problem, using some vaginal estrogen should provide relief within a week or so

Let us know what your DR says, OK?
s,
-Linda

Well today was a pretty good day considering what is going on inside my underwear!!! I thought I was acually feeling better too, but tonite I go to the bathroom and wham!! I have pink tinge blood in my panties and when I wipe (acually quite abit). I feel scared and worried, this isn't the only time either I have had bright red blood in the past and just a bit of it. Really this is so weird why hasn't my Dr. told me about vagina estrogen cream. I need to see him I will go to the clinic if it gets worse but I do have a complete check up thursday... wish me luck!!!

Thanks for your support!!!

Abda

Ouch that sounds so uncomfortable! The spotting can also be a sign of vaginal estrogen deficiency... The walls of the vagina get tiny tears and abrasions. It also increases the likelihood of both bacterial and yeast infections, so it's good to get it taken care of. Good luck with your DR visit!
s,
Linda

Today I talk to my dr. via telephone and he prescribed me premarin vaginal cream (estrogen). I am sopposed to take 2mg every other day for a week and then 2xwk then 1x a wk then 1 x month for I am not sure...but I will find out Thursday ( I will get the details then). But I haven't taken it yet I am worried about all the side effects!!!! I am sopposed to take it tonite!! This was good news until I read the informamation on the bad stuff. This is so confusing but I guess I should just do it. IT seems alot of people have too.

In hormones we trust,

Abda

Oh that is great news! Premarin cream is VERY effective on vaginal dryness. As long as you use small amounts (and it sounds like your DR has a good plan for how much you should use) it doesn't have any side effects on the rest of your body, it just works on the dryness. I really think you will notice a big difference using the cream.

Once you take care of the dryness problem, if you want to you can switch to a weaker form of estrogen for 'maintenance'. But Premarin cream is the strongest for quickly healing dry tissues.

Yay!

s,
-Linda