oral lichen planus

[shilpa18]

I was diagnosed with OLP in September 2019.I used to mention to my GP and my dentist that my gums get imflamed when I have periods but both never thought much about it blaming it on my hypothoiroid and age _48 years.I see the dentist regularly and follow all the advice about dental hygiene.I had to undergo biopsy in October which confirmed that it is Oral Lichen Planus.Ever since then my life has changed completely.I use Oranurse toothpaste, have to eat very bland food, soft food.Inspite of that some days are really really bad when my mouth gets sore.I feel very very depressed...as it is I had faced two traumatic events in last three years-burglary at my home and losing my mum to cancer...somehow I could not mentally cope up with the later...first it was my mind now the depression is showing itself in form of this horrible condition...I feel very weepy all day...I am not able to feel positive about anything anymore...have joined a Mind Cognitive Behavioural Therapy program but it does not seem to be helping...have also lost 10 kgs in these six months...This condition worsens due to stress but the condition in itself is adding to my mental stress.The oral maxillofacial consultant at the local hospital gave steroid mouthwash for a month and half but no change.So I have to go to specialist Dental hospital this Friday.I was avoiding taking steroids internally but looks like that is the only option.I have tried oil pulling, taking curcumin but no gain.Feeling miserable...life took a horrible turn suddenly and just do not want to continue...

Sending 💐 and 🤞 that the Dental Hospital can help. Sorry I’ve no advice to give but I didn’t want to just read this and move on.

thanks for your wishes...this is first time I am writing something on Mumsnet...felt good to see such a quick response...

There’s always someone around to listen. I hope today is a better day for you. 😄

I was diagnosed with this as a child. I had all my amalgam (metal) fillings taken out and replaced with white ones. It helped a lot but I do still get the odd patch. Nothing like it was though. I used to get ulcers on my tongue and dryness all over my inner cheeks, it was awful. Definitely recommend speaking with your dentist about getting fillings changed.

I don’t want to add to your worries but would like to add, for the sake of other people who might read this post, that when my dentist diagnosed mild oral lichen plants he didn’t mention that you could get it in other warm, moist parts of your body. Once I googled it, I realised that I also had it in my vagina (it was very sore) and I was under the hospital for a long time as it is a pre-cancerous condition. (In case anyone is worried, you can see a sort of grey slime).

@mdh2020 yes, I have to keep an eye on both mouth and vagina for any changes. My mum has lichen planus in her vagina and has regular check ups. I'm really hoping I don't get it down there as she has been in agony after the biopsies. The mouth one was bad enough when I was a teen.