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vulval irritation, itching and burning


Thu, February 09, 2012 12:03 AM

hello everyone, I am in serious need of help! I have been through the ringer with all the different types of meds.  I am currently on Remicade (for the second time) but tried all other biological meds out. I have been on immunosuppressants for quite some time.  When I was on remicade the first time I began to get alot of vaginal irritation and itching.  I visited my obgyn and they tested me and told me I have bacterial vaginosis.  This happened so many times!! I would get treated and the discharge would stop but had itching and irritation continuously! I was always told, "well it may be because of the crohn's" or "it may be a combination of the disease and the medication." Or "you have so many bowel movements so your bound to get irritated."  I was prescribed a mild steroid cream and had no luck!!! Fast forward, years later I reached my breaking pointangry.  At times its unbearable, to the point that just wearing underwear bothers me.  Having sex is torture, even with lubrication!!! I was seen by another obgyn who offered me something different  he suggested having a punch biopsy , results were nonspecific, but red flagged two things that could be the culprit.....1- an allergic reaction, 2- a reaction to medication.   I was prescribed a stronger dose steroid cream and nothing has changed!!no He told me to see my GI, she said that it could be just from the medication.  Immunosuppressants cause this sort of thing or my body could just be fighting the medication.  I am told that any other treatment for this could make the condition worst, and I don't have any other options for treatment for my crohn's.  Curious to see if anyone else is having this same issue.  I am highly frusturated with the issue.  I am 33 years old, I am constantly uncomfortable and feel like my sex life is non existing.  I just don't know what to do, HELP! Liz

FPO browny54
Joined Nov 9, 2008

Sun, February 12, 2012 1:49 PM

 Reply posted for wheresthebthrm.

No I deffinetly appreciate any input! I have always used Dove Soap and have switched to the sensitive on that dove makes and have had no change. I know I do want to go for other opinions and change drs but right now financially things are so tough. I live an hour away from boston and go out that way quitw often, but between gas copays for meds and visits and insurance deductilbles its hard to but myself in a situation where further testing would be required! Its something I want to do but will have to wait a while! I do appreciate yours and anyone elses input I was really wondering if anyone out there was having similar issues! Thanks

FPO browny54
Joined Nov 9, 2008

Sun, February 12, 2012 1:30 PM

Don't get irritated with this question, but have you changed your soap?  I've heard Dove is the only thing some women should use (not intentionally name dropping, equivelents prob. would do) -or an oatmeal bath (aveeno makes a great one)  ...perhaps you even need to use a handmade soap to guarantee you aren't getting ANY chemicals or synthetics of any kind?  It sounds like you are definitly either super sensitive or having a rare reaction to meds, and honestly whatever it is - if your OB has let it go on for this long w/o really wanting to help you find out why, I'd find a new one.

Sorry again for bringing up the soap, it was probably the first thing you did. But just in case right...?  Best of luck to you...Vaginas are so damn tricky just when you think you have everything figured out -BAM! :)

FPO wheresthebthrm
Joined Jun 19, 2009

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