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AIBU?

Share your dilemmas and get honest opinions from other Mumsnetters.

Original poster

AIBU to go totally TMI but could do with advice from some medical types

56 replies

catgirl1976 · 08/09/2018 18:28

So...nearly name changed and apologies in advance for this being TMI central

I have Lichen Sclerosis (yaay). It's been bad lately and although I have Dermovate cream it's not touching it. I've also had a lot of clear, watery discharge. Going for a wee is like peeing acid. It's not good.

Anyway, I had a look down there with a mirror to see how bad it was, where to get the cream etc and I noticed that my fanjo looked like it was falling out. I can see what I think is my cervix and the inside looks like it's full of intestines or something (sorry - told you it was TMI)

I assume I've had some sort of prolapse. I'm really upset and feel gross. I have had continence issues which have been getting worse lately. I have a six year old who was on the 99 percentile for head size and weight and was yanked out with forceps so things haven't been right since then, but basically my fanny looks like a mineshaft that has collapsed.

If there are any medical types could you possibly advise me as I am freaking out.

Do I wait till Monday to see my GP or do I go to a walk in? Will I need surgery? If so, is it a long waiting list (I know no one can answer that).

Will I go back to normal? Can I have sex now / ever again? Is there anything other than dermovate for the lichen.

I;m embarrased to go to a doctor given the lichen (but obviously I'll still do it)

Thank you. Sorry it's a bit grim

OP posts:
Original poster
catgirl1976 · 08/09/2018 19:48

Thank you all for your advice and general loveliness
I don't know why I feel so down - I know it's not going to make me ill - I just feel like I'm not a proper woman (ridiculous) and that DH will leave me (he won't) and very. very old (I'm 42 so not old or young).

I just want to go to bed and sob for 12 hours. Total overreaction I know.

OP posts:
Original poster
catgirl1976 · 08/09/2018 19:49

And I'll ask for that other ointment - Dermovate is doing nothing. Except making me do a silent scream into a towel every time I apply the bastarding stuff, so Thanks

OP posts:
Kittykat93 · 08/09/2018 19:56

Poor you op. You've had great advice here though so won't repeat anything. It's so frightening but don't be embarrassed, it's a common problem following childbirth and they will have seen it loads of times. Thanks

PandaPieForTea · 08/09/2018 19:57

Have you treated for thrush? Thrush loves a bit of damaged skin, so LS can make you more prone to thrush. You can be treating with dermovate when you actually need to treat for thrush. I’d take a fluconazole capsule to clear thrush and see if that helps.

Coveredincake · 08/09/2018 19:59

Clobetasol is the medication in dermovate.

Original poster
catgirl1976 · 08/09/2018 20:04

Oh. Looks like I'm stuck with the Dermovate if it's the same active ingredient.

I'll get a canestan tablet tomorrow. Can't hurt. Thanks

OP posts:
Polkadotdelight · 08/09/2018 20:11

I was going to ask about thrush too. I had it recently and weeing was very stingy. Everything felt like it was hanging low and when I looked with a mirror I was worried about a prolapse but actually it was all just swelling. It's worth treating for thrush with an over the counter oral medication and cream until you could get to a GP.

Starlings27 · 08/09/2018 20:19

I felt like this when my rectocele was diagnosed... then I had surgery and all seemed well, but very recently I’ve had some trouble with it again, and I know exactly what you mean about feeling old and unattractive and gross. The gynaecologist I saw said half of women who have given birth vaginally have some form of prolapse, which did make me feel better. And, it’s kid of depressing but I hope slightly comforting, but eventually it just becomes the new normal.

TheProvincialLady · 08/09/2018 20:24

Bless you. I felt very similar when I found my prolapse last year at a similar age. I had a repair operation which was not a nice experience but has totally changed my quality of life. You will be ok.

deptfordgirl · 08/09/2018 20:25

I had a baby 6 months ago and have had issues with infections and scar tissue since then. I was referred to gyn by gp after getting an emergency app and only have a month to wait. Hopefully yours will be even quicker.

Original poster
catgirl1976 · 08/09/2018 20:26

You are all making me feel a lot better and a lot more 'normal' - thank you

OP posts:
MorningsEleven · 08/09/2018 20:27

You've nothing to be embarrassed about. Does sound like a prolapse though, which will be exacerbating the LS. I would push for a non-surgical route in the first instance. Best of luck.

Jt123 · 08/09/2018 20:31

Hiya, I’ve just seen this and although I’m not too sure about the LS, I at one point thought I had a prolapse - but apparently the weird intestine looking stuff is just our vaginal walls, and depending on what time of the month due to hormones it can all soften and if u give a little push while looking in the mirror while sat down we can see quite a lot, dr says if u have a prolapse it’s more like a bulge - rounded swollen type to look at sorry I know all sounds abit too much but I hope this helps

FabulouslyGlamorousFerret · 08/09/2018 20:40

Clobetasol is the medication in dermovate.

And that is why you should listen to advice on the internet 🤣🤣 .. I'm going to have to go and check my 'bad' creams name now (it might be betnovate) .. sorry for the duff info

FabulouslyGlamorousFerret · 08/09/2018 20:42

Ahhh 'SHOULDN'T' .. I need to put the gin down!!

Original poster
catgirl1976 · 08/09/2018 20:53

Thanks Mornings

JT maybe it is just swelling from the LS or something. It looks like sausages (bleurgh) rather than a bulge.

And don't worry Fab [grin[ I'll ask the GP if there are any alternatives

You are all the loveliest vipers. Isn't being female just super Grin

OP posts:
littlecabbage · 08/09/2018 21:11

catgirl1976 Sorry for the shock you've had. May or may not be a prolapse, but if it is, you're in good company and loads can be done to improve things.

I have one too (instrumental delivery, blah blah blah) and felt horrified when I first realised. But managing it okay so far and off to see a pelvic physio on Tues.

@TheProvincialLady Do you mind telling us more about which type of prolapse you had and how it affected you, and what the surgery was like? Only if you want to of course.

Original poster
catgirl1976 · 08/09/2018 21:14

Thank you little - good luck with the physio Thanks

OP posts:
RJnomore1 · 08/09/2018 21:15

Aw jeez cat, I hope you remember me, not seen you around far ages. That sounds shit mate. I don't have any advice for you but don't feel rotten about it, get it seen to as soon as you can.

Btw we are NOT old (we are same age ). My 98yo nana is old. We are just getting started.

Haireverywhere · 08/09/2018 21:26

Please call 111 or see your doctor as we may be wrong or not appreciate your medical history and/or potential risks or complications.

TheProvincialLady · 08/09/2018 22:02

No problem 🙂 I had rectocele and enterocele and the whole area was apparently extremely thin. I had bits missing internally - birth damage from two big babies, one instrumental delivery.

I had been suffering what I thought were lots of digestive symptoms. Constipation, pelvic pain, abdominal pain. But it wasn’t until I woke up with pain in my fanjo and when I looked down there was a lump sticking out. Called 111, had an appointment with out of hours within an hour and was told I needed a gynae referral and to see my GP. I decided to see a private gynaecologist who told me I needed an operation in the next 6 months but the situation deteriorated really quickly and I kept getting urinary retention, so had the operation 3 or 4 weeks later.

The operation was major surgery and it was quite painful. Not helped by getting an infection. I basically spent six weeks in bed which was nothing like the recovery time I had been told to expect. But went badk to work shortly after and recovered quite quickly afterwards.

Since then I have had noo problems, no pain, no constipation, no funny contortions to go to the loo, no struggling to have a wee. Sex is completely fine, no pain at all. I can’t lift anything remotely heavy and I won’t be running or jumping on a regular basis but I feel so SO much healthier than before the operation. Looking back I had been putting up with a lot but the symptoms sort of crept up on me and I had just adapted to the new normal.

I do agree with haireverywhere that you should really call 111 and get some advice. Good luck and if you have any more questions feel free to ask, I have no shame!

littlecabbage · 08/09/2018 22:59

Thank you, it's so useful to hear other people's stories as I will likely need surgery in the future. I'm glad it turned out so well for you.

Original poster
catgirl1976 · 08/09/2018 23:15

RJ of course I remember you Grin how are you?

TPL - thank you that's really helpful - I am glad you are ok now

OP posts:
RJnomore1 · 08/09/2018 23:48

Hey cat 😁 I'm good hope you are soon too girl.

Original poster
catgirl1976 · 09/09/2018 11:30

I will be. Had a little pity party for myself yesterday but I've pulled myself together now :) How's things with you? x

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