Re: V. pain (Kristy)

[Guest guest]

Kristy, I noticed that you keep pointing out that vestibulodynia was formerly known as vulvar vestibulitis. I realize they have "changed" the name, ...but honestly...I don't think it matters! We are all here due to some kind of vulvar pain, period. It took me ten years to get a diagnosis of Vulvodynia, did that really help me? Not really. Seems like we all end going for "some" if not many of the same types of treatment anyway. It would be so nice if everything would 'fit" into a neat little box...*sigh*...but it just doesn't. I'd like to add my two cents to some things you addressed, Kristy...just because there is such a variation and not all black & white. And please know right now, I don't mean any of this as a smart aleck...just adding my thoughts. >>>>>>>Having IC, problems with the bowel such as Crohn's, and endometriosis can cause pain in the same area as vestibulodynia This is good example how PT might help. Those conditions could cause trigger points that need attention to help the possibly referred v.pain. >>>>>>>vestibulodynia (formerly known as vulvar vestibulitis syndrome) Right or Wrong, I still call it vulvar vestibulitis, because in my mind, the new name didn't do anything! Doesn't really tell us anything other than what we already know...pain in the vestibule! I'd much rather the Medical community find TRUE ways to treat or better yet, CURE v. pain then to waste time changing the name! I realize "itits" refers to inflammation, but whether it's actually inflammation or not who cares...(sure feels like it when you're burning,

stinging, irritated & RAW) it's still vulvar pain! *yuck* >>>>>>vestibulodynia is just a subcategory under vulvodynia justlike vaginismus. These are both symptoms just like vulvodyniabut doesn't tell you what's causing it. Bingo! Using the different names doesn't tell us anymore than we already know, that it's simply v. pain and if the TRUE cause was known...we could fix it! >>>>>>it's important to find the cause first because if one jumps straightin to PT (if they do it) without knowing what is causing theproblem first it can do more harm than good to the patient. Kristy If we KNEW the cause, well, again we'd fix it. It makes sense that chronic pelvic pain would aggravate the pelvic floor muscles. It makes sense that walking around

"clinching" the muscles due to pain could add more pain. So...if any of you feel like PT is a good option...I say, go for it! There is nothing wrong with trying to rule that out...especially if you have good access to the PT's that are up to date with pelvic floor dysfunction. I wish we had a RULE book that 'would' tell us EXACTLY what to do...but we don't, so do what makes the most sense to each one of you individually...and I truly wish you all the best and so sorry that ANY of us are walking down this road! I pray you'll find at least "some" comfort in knowing you do not suffer alone... And now for a bit of humor...(which I'm sure we all could use MORE of) I suddenly feel like "tiny tim" from "A Christmas Carol"........ "God Bless us Everyone"...and I truly mean that!!! ~Chelle ~Laughter does the heart good, like a medicine!