Immune System Disorders Archives

autoimmunity strikes again

Hi all,

I was a regular on this board a year ago and have had extensive healing as a result of what I learned here and put into practice--SR, Bob McFerran's diet, and regular exercise. It's not an exaggeration for me to say that this site saved my life.

I had been plagued with mysterious autoimmune conditions for years. Consistently conditions were misdiagnosed or missed all together. When I did get a diagnosis, I was typically told that nothing could be done or I was written a host of prescriptions that "might" work. With all of the new practices that I put into place my health started to change. I lost 25 pounds and I began to see many psitive changes in my body. My constant digestive and elimination problems (LGS) have all but disappeared. I was crippled by muscles spasms and joint pains that are almost non-existent now. I sleep better and think more clearly. The quality of my skin, hair and fingernails has improved. This has been an amazing gift and I am thankful every day for the healing guidance that Bob and Walt so generously give.

Throughout the last year, I have had one nagging problem that I couldn't seem to touch, that in fact kept getting worse. My vulvovaginal area from clitoris to anus, burns. I went to a doctor in May of 98 who told me that she didn't see anything wrong. I have a long history of yeast infections and thought that was the problem. She said no, I didn't have yeast and in fact yeast treatments didn't touch it. I was tested for STDs. I don't have any.So I went home and just accepted that this burning must be part of my aging process and thinning vaginal walls. I didn't know where to look for answers. I had about a two-month reprieve. Other than that the pain has been constant for a year and a half. In the past couple of months it became unbearable. Intercourse, even touching, is out of the question. Yesterday, I went to a new doctor, a GP not a GYN. She has given me a preliminary diagnosis of Lichen Sclerosus et Atrophicus. Sure enough, after viewing pictures and doing a self exam, I must say that this looks like what I have. She has referred me to a GYN for confirmation of the diagnosis and treatment. Like most autoimmune conditions this one has no cure. Treatment is with potent steroid creams or testosterone. Left untreated the skin of vulvovaginal area can fuse together. It looks like mine has already started to do that. Pain can last for years. Naturally this puts a damper on my sex life and is creating challenges in my relationship, despite a very supportive partner.

For me the big message is to be more diligent with my practices. Although dietary changes, meditation, exercise and supplements are all an integral part of my life now, I am not perfect in how I do it all. I know from experience that the tools I got here are the ones that work. I guess I just needed a reminder to stay on track.

If anyone has information about, or experience with, Lichen Sclerosus et Atrophicus please share it with me. I would like to learn.

Thank you all for being here.

Namaste,
Pam

Re: autoimmunity strikes again (Still, not "again".) Testimonial.