Ora's question/long answer

[Guest guest]

Ora ask if I used the applicator to insert the Estrace cream or did I use a pea size amount to spread on the vulva. When I started to use Estrace about two and a half years ago I only used the applicator because that is what my GYN told me to do. When I ask him how much and how often he really didn't have an answer. So, when the area that was irritated felt normal again I cut way back on using Estrace and was taking the small 0.3 mg pill.

This past year it got worse again and so my primary doctor gave me an RX for the larger 0.625 mg hormone pill. That helped for a short period of time then I really became miserable with burning and pain... that's when I joined this wonderful group. I felt so stupid when I read about using the cream on the vulva because I hadn't done that, except.... when I would get out of bed in the morning and some of the cream was on the vulva. But it didn't feel very good! It seemed too dry and was very irritating when I put on my cotton underwear... so I thought it was not a good idea to use it on the outside. Sigh!! So I would clean the area then use some lubricant that made the tissue feel better. I must have a dozen different lubricants that I've tried in my search for relief. Everything from baby lotion to Corn Husker's Lotion. Don't laugh the Corn Husker's felt the best until I bought equate brand (Wal-Mart) of 'Personal Lubricant Jelly' in a 4 oz. tube. It is on the shelf with all of the other lubricants. On the back of the tube it states, 'Recommended for personal lubrication when vaginal dryness causes discomfort.' So when the Estrace cream feels too dry I add a pea size amount of this jelly over the top of it. Makes a world of difference.

Now that the pain has stopped I am going to try inserting the cream again and see which works the best, on the inside or the outside, using a pea size amount. I don't want to use any more then is really necessary so will be experimenting with it. I am anxious to speak to the GYN specialist in Orlando July 16th and get some guidance from him and a diagnosis of exactly what my problem is. I received an 8 page form to fill out and take along when I go for my apt.... it's large type so not too bad. It had an attached letter and the letter head read, 'Advanced Gynecology of Central Florida, P.A.' Do some GYN doctors have more training then others or are some more interested in treating these problems? My GYN has an excellent reputation in the area and is easy to talk to but he doesn't seem to know much in this area. And I want to add, I went to a female GYN one time during the first year or two of this problem, and she said I had a yeast infection, but she didn't run a test to be sure. Turned out I didn't have a yeast infection! I'll never go back to her.

Vera/Florida