Vulvodynia/Yeast/Hormones? Splits in skin... what I've tried... and a piece of my story

Submitted by mulchfairy on December 1, 2012 - 1:04pm
Body: 

Dear Everybody,

This is my first time posting, but I've been reading some of the posts on this forum, off and on, for awhile... and now I have so much to say that I'll have to leave a bunch out, and this will STILL be too long! I was diagnosed with pelvic organ prolapse about a year ago, and then about seven months ago I found the Whole Woman protocol and began practicing the posture and exercises. I'd like to write more about my prolapse experience, and what's happening now... but I'm going to save that part for another time. (I DO just want to mention that my gynecologist was a heartless bitch with all the intelligence, understanding and compassion of a Xerox machine... but I'm DONE with her now. 'Nuf said!. ;P

To summarize: currently, I have the "First Aid" video, the 1st Wheel Yoga video, and the book. My prolapse symptoms have improved noticeably, and it is a GREAT comfort to know that there are things I can do that actually make a difference to my health and functioning! Thank you, Christine, for your brilliant work, and for your dedication to helping ALL women!! And thank you, too, to the women who post here, and do so much good for others. I only wish our politicians and doctors would follow your example... what a world we would have!

I am also one of those women who downloaded Christine's article on Lichen Sclerosus, and expressed interest in a video on the subject. I have actually been diagnosed with vulvodynia, NOT L.S.... but I have long felt that my vulvodynia symptoms have an autoimmune component to them... and since Western medicine has pretty much NOTHING to offer me other than drugs and surgery, I was interested to hear more about Christine's theories on the subject, to see if there was anything that might apply to me.

A little more of my history: I am 50 years old, and I have suffered from vulvodynia for as long as I can remember-- since age 5, at least. It has been a terrible thing to bear, and has affected my life a great deal. I also deal with ongoing anxiety, depression, and PTSD symptoms; as a child, I was sexually, physically and psychologically abused by my father for thirteen years, starting (I'm guessing) at about age 3. I am convinced that the many years of abuse, and resulting adrenal/"fight or flight" chemicals that my body learned to produce at the slightest provocation, are a major factor in the various physical problems I deal with. In addition to the vulvodynia, PTSD, and anxiety/depression, these include insomnia (of course), phantom bladder pain, genital herpes, IBS (my bowels pretty much just stop working whenever I have stress or a change of routine (i.e., frequently), and wait for things to get "safe" again... by which time I'm generally constipated), and frequent yeast infections. Oh, and I've been told I have fibromyalgia, but I refuse to accept that diagnosis... because I'm determined to get BETTER! :)

I've worked hard, trying to figure out how to reverse the effects that the abuse had on my body. I have had a LOT of counseling, and have tried MANY supplements & therapies, both alternative-medicine and Western. I'm not on any drugs; I don't like them, and they don't work for me anyway. I get regular aerobic exercise (some running, walking, and Christine's videos), not only for my general health, but because of the positive effects of exercise on the hypothalamus and brain chemistry. I am careful in my diet, focusing on whole, natural foods and avoiding white sugar & flour and processed foods in general. I drink water, try to "think positive", and I try to get enough sleep... but like anxiety and depression, that's frequently not something I can control.

And now, of course, everything has shifted in my life, all at once. This past year, I've had to say goodbye to so many things (tears now)... but I'm not going to go into that in this post, either. Let's just say, there has been a huge amount of change-- and stress-- this year... on MANY levels.

Anyway... I AM working around to a specific couple of questions, here. Firstly, since reading Christine's article, I've recently (like, a couple weeks ago) started putting a small amount (maybe 1/8- 1/16 of a teaspoon) of raw local honey high in my vagina, once or twice a day, and also taking red clover supplement pills-- I've been taking one in the morning and one in the afternoon/evening. The bottle says that two pills contains 800 milligrams of red clover (stem, leaf and flower). I understand that Christine recommends the tea, and I have ordered it... but in the meantime, the pills were what I could find locally. Any idea whether I'm close to the right dosage? And... does it start to help right away, or does it take awhile? It FEELS like it might be helping... but it could be coincidence, or wishful thinking...

I must admit I was a little nervous about both the honey and the red clover -- the honey, because it's a form of sugar, and if sugar feeds yeast, as I've often been told, then putting honey in the vagina seems risky. But at this point, I'm more than willing to reexamine old "facts", in search of new insight! :) Also I was concerned about taking red clover on a daily basis, because it contains phytoestrogens... and because, frankly, I couldn't follow some of the reasoning in Christine's section on molecular structure of various estrogen molecules and their rings and so on. I wondered if anybody can explain to me why it's okay to take phytoestrogens on a daily basis, with no regard to where a woman is in her cycle?

Please understand-- I don't mean to be disrespectful. I've just tried so many things, over so many years... let's just say that I AM capable of taking a "wait and see" approach. (heck, I do it every day)... but I also like to know the WHY of things, whenever possible.

Another question I have right now, involves a post I read recently about using apple cider vinegar for yeast infections. If I remember right, Christine said that she had recently come to believe that much of the vaginal discomfort she'd experienced, which she'd thought was due to L.S., might actually be yeast/fungal related... and so she had successfully self-medicated with apple-cider vinegar, applied topically.

That rang a bell for me... because I'd had the experience, some years back, of suffering for YEARS with what I thought was vulvodynia, and then being treated for yeast, and having a surprising, significant amount of relief... FOR AWHILE. Could yeast have always been a factor... since I was five? I wonder... but I'll never know. I've been tested plenty of times (sometimes they found yeast, sometimes they didn't)... and treated, too. But I still wonder... because if I have a resistant strain, they wouldn't have gotten rid of it with a traditional course of medication,which would explain the frequent reoccurrence of pain and itching... and they never, ever RE-tested me.

Anyway... For the past several years, I have had a problem with splits in the skin between my anus and my tailbone. Sometimes they are really bad, and painful, and nothing I have done seems to help. Other times, they heal up for awhile. I have wondered whether the problem might be fungal, or bacterial, and have tried more frequent washing, and application of yogurt, dilute white vinegar, and several commercial antifungal creams, with no success. A couple months ago, the splitting got bad again, and I tried the usual range of home remedies, and added tea tree oil, which I applied straight (but it stung too much) and then tried diluted in olive oil. My external vaginal areas were itching and burning a lot, too, so I tried the dilute tea tree oil on them as well. It wasn't clear whether it was helping or not, at first... but before long, my labia swelled up (which they'd never done before), and my entire vaginal and anal area turned red and swollen, a couple inches out on each side into the surrounding skin. Did I mention that it was intensely painful? Well, it was.

I finally stopped using ALL the home remedies, and made an appointment with Planned Parenthood for an exam (we've recently moved, and I don't have a doctor here yet, nor do I know anybody) but it was a week or so before they could see me. So by then I was so desperate for relief that I broke down and bought OTC vaginal yeast medication (clotrimazole 3, I think it was)... and I used it for twice as long as the package directed... figuring that if I had yeast, it was probably a resistant strain, and would need a longer course of medicine.

The OTC medication started helping immediately... which told me I WAS probably dealing with yeast. It didn't help the redness and inflammation of the skin back by my anal area and tailbone... but at that point, any relief was VERY welcome! When I finally got into Planned Parenthood, they took a sample and identified yeast as the culprit (STILL! After SIX DAYS of clotrimazole!! DEFINITELY a resistant strain, I think...), but they didn't have the facilities to tell what kind of yeast it was. Damn! That would have been good to know... especially since the appointment cost $350. Anyway, they gave me Diflucan, and told me to take it once a week for four weeks. That's the first time I've taken more than ONE of those, and as I've mentioned, I don't like Western drugs... but considering the seriousness of the infection, I figured it was a good idea. They also prescribed Terazol cream, which I'd used before-- only they told me to use it just EXTERNALLY, to see if it would cure the anus-to-tailbone split, and the inflammation. They said if it didn't help, I should see a dermatologist, and get a scraping cultured.

The diflucan worked for the vaginal irritation; by the end of four weeks, my vagina was in better shape than it had been for quite awhile. And the inflammation on the skin near my anus and tailbone, and around the outside of the vagina, gradually subsided (AFTER the skin all blistered and peeled off!). But the Terazol cream didn't seem to do much for the "split", at all. I finally gave up on the Terazol, after three weeks, and made an appointment with a dermatologist... but right before the appointment, the split healed... so I canceled the appointment, because there would have been nothing for them to see.

Unfortunately, the split subsequently returned (as it has been doing for years, off and on). I don't particularly want to see a dermatologist, as I figure they'll either give me an antifungal or an antibiotic or some kind of steroid... and I'm not too excited by any of those options. So I have been trying the apple cider vinegar (straight) on it, as well as honey... and it seems to me that it has helped somewhat. Since I am also really scared that the yeast infection will come back, I have also been using the vinegar topically on the exterior of my vagina/vulva. (And yes, it stings, but surprisingly, not nearly as much as I feared it would... maybe because the skin is in a lot better shape than it was). I had been having some pain again, particularly around my urethra, after I stopped the Diflucan, and I had no way of knowing for sure whether the yeast was coming back, or if it was just vulvodynia. I'm not eager to pay them more money to find out! Not if there are still other things I could try first.

Anyway. It seems to me the vinegar and honey helps both the urethral rawness and the splits, and washing the area every day seems to help... but it's hard to be sure yet. Is it okay, do you think, to use undiluted vinegar externally for a couple weeks? Three? And... once or twice a day? I'm just feeling my way here, so any input would be appreciated. I've also inserted a small amount of yogurt vaginally, once or twice since I stopped the Diflucan... thinking if the honey was supposed to feed the acidophilus, I'd better make sure there was some acidophilus in there for it to feed!

The split came back a couple days ago, but I immediately washed it and did the vinegar and honey treatment, and it seems to be a little better again... I guess we'll see.

Oh... I've tentatively come to the conclusion that the swelling and inflammation I experienced at the height of the "infection" may have been, in part, an allergic reaction to the tea tree oil. After I'd been on the diflucan for four weeks and the outer skin inflammation had pretty much subsided, I tried putting straight tea tree oil just on the split. The next day, the redness/ inflammation on the external/buttock skin and that whole area, started coming back again with a vengeance! I immediately stopped the tea tree oil, and the inflammation gradually went away again... over the next four or five days. Don't think I'll be trying tea tree oil on my sensitive parts ANYMORE!

I'm afraid this will be both overwhelming and incomprehensible... ask me questions, please, and I will answer them. I know I've strayed from the subject of POP, and even L.S.... but when you've been trying to heal vulvodynia for fify years, as I have... well, I just couldn't resist seeing if you might have any other ideas/insights for me. Thank you VERY much for listening... and for being there!! I'm really sorry it's so long, but I couldn't figure out how to make it shorter, without leaving out important things. Next time will be better, I promise!

Holly

Forum:

Spamelah

December 1, 2012 - 3:11pm

Hugs to you, first of all. What a lifetime of stress.

Yeast will need to be dealt with systemically. You should consider changing your diet. Years ago I read "Feast Without Yeast" by Bruce Semon for my Autistic son. Some actually draw a link between vulvodynia and celiac disease. I don't know if you have other symptoms that might make you think you have an issue with gluten/wheat.

I hope you find continued relief. And, yes, no more tea tree oil on the privates! Ouch!

Aussie Soul Sister

December 1, 2012 - 4:36pm

Dear Mulchfairy,
I am 50 also.
I have had a yeast infection for yrs which culminated in an unbearable 6yrs of a( scratch it off) itch where that just made it worse - but compelled to scratch anyway. I tried vinegar, apple cider vinegar, tea tree oil - all those things took off the skin, causing bleeding. I tried Bepanthen creams & still itchy, though it healed the skin somewhat. I changed toilet paper, pads anything & nothing seemed to work long term. I got some relief during periods ( used tampons though not now)
Over the last year I have been eating coconut oil - about 2 heaped tsp a day with breaks - now I take it 1tbspoon daily. A few mths ago I realised that I was hardly having any discharge ( white), and my itch is 99.9% relieved. I have put it down to coconut oil as it is an antifungal. The relief is immeasurable.
I realise you have more skin problems than I, & Christine's remedies are indeed tried & tested, with great results - she also talks of using a probiotic capsule every 2nd day high in the vagina.
Since doing WWP I have found a new love for my women's body as a whole, and the wonderful physical & spiritual sacredness of my pelvic organs in their job they do. That in itself is one part of healing the sacred feminine.
(((hugs))) & best wishes
Aussie Soul Sister

Surviving60

December 1, 2012 - 5:31pm

Thank you Mulchfairy for sharing this story. You are quite a fighter. I'm glad that Whole Woman has been a part of your success in getting your life back together. Please keep us updated.

Spamelah has mentioned something which is suddenly quite relevant to my life, so I'll throw out this idea for what it's worth. I never gave much thought to gluten sensitivity until just the last few days. My husband eats a very healthy diet (moreso than me, for sure!) and has no digestive issues. However, he has been struggling for decades with a mysterious skin rash which has never responded to any of the strategies we've tried. Recently he read something that suggested a connection, and he went gluten-free. The rash has started to clear rather dramatically in only a few days, and his digestive system feels better than ever to boot. - Surviving

fab

December 1, 2012 - 6:13pm

Dear Mulchfairy,

I appreciate your candidness in bringing this issue up on the forum so that it can be a shared learning experience for us all, but for you personally who have been suffering so very much I would seriously consider a personal consultation with Christine. She is the one who has done the research on this and is very busy in the process of making the DVD you have referred to.

Personally speaking, I have not suffered in your way, but have applied the honey when things have become dry and for this same reason, I drink a cup of red clover tea each day, but I am post menopausal and of course dryness is to be expected.

You are someone still experiencing their cycle so dryness per se is not your problem, but a yeast/fungal condition is. Any dryness then would appear to be a by-product of either your yeast infection or the treatment thereof.

Apple cider vinegar is an anti-fungus which can help a sub species of tinea, ring worm which may be what causes vulva itching and redness. It addresses this problem.

Honey (as is the yoghurt or probiotic) is for the general health of the vulva and vagina (and intestines) as they are reliant upon the microorganisms which honey can restore. And you would possibly be looking at restoring acidic balance and good bacteria in the after math of a yeast infection and anti-biotic treatments etc.

If you wash and apply vinegar to the pelvic area too frequently, you will possibly dry the area out and like any dry skin and more especially where there is normally a natural lubricant, it will become sore just to add to your problems. So I would suggest that if you try the vinegar once a day for a few days and then decide whether there is any noticeable difference: in that I mean the itch itself may have abated somewhat; if so then it may be worthwhile pursuing the vinegar treatment a few more days even at the risk of dryness, for as you say these things can be quite tenacious and treatment needs to be continued post 'apparent' cure to ensure the infection actually has gone and has not just fallen back to a low level ready to blaze back up within a few days to a full on inflammation or ease chug along at an irritating low level.

Christine has described on another thread that just a pea size amount of honey is required. You are familiar with the site now so honey or vinegar in the search box would probably bring these up for you.

You say you have gone off white sugar and flour, and I certainly congratulate you on that. That is no mean feat and I think both good decisions. But whoelmeal flour etc still has gluten. I agree what spamelah and surviving are suggesting about a full on gluten free diet is certainly worthwhile you trying.

best wishes, Fab

fab

December 1, 2012 - 6:25pm

Dear Aussie Soul sister

Thanks again for reminding us of the value of coconut oil; it has many beneficial aspects and more to the point here specifically for skin being an anti fungal as well as being high in vitamin E.

I love the way you flitter onto this site with your helpful advice and hugs and threads. I think of you as the dancing queen (don’t be aghast).

And mulchfairy I would definitely consider Aussie souls sister’s suggestion.

Best wishes, Fab

Spamelah

December 1, 2012 - 8:01pm

YES! Medium chain fatty acids: coconut oil. Very wonderful fat. I use a ton of it in cooking and eating.

If you love coconut, I have many recipes. My favorite right now is a "fudge" coconut almond bar (fudge layer is actually medjool dates/almonds/raw cocoa).

Organic, virgin, unrefined coconut oil is optimal. That way you get all of the beneficial properties. With honey, it should also be raw to contain the live enzymes.

If you are worried about cholesterol, I will tell my experience. I had my panel run 13 months ago. Total Cholesterol 180, HDL 76, LDL 93, Trig 53.

A year ago I started taking coconut oil regularly. In July 2012 I adopted more of a Paleo diet (caveman: meat, fat and vegetables). I ate a TON of fats and eliminated grains. In November I had another cholesterol panel run because my doctor thought I was going to kill myself. This is what we saw:

total cholesterol: 185, HDL 87, LDL 90, Trig 39

My cholesterol health IMPROVED. Hah! Coconut oil is magic. Antibacterial and antifungal.

More than you wanted to know, but we are so inundated with incorrect and outdated info on dietary fats I thought I'd hop on my soapbox for a bit. The original studies on coconut oil were done on hydrogenated coconut oil. Trans fats.

chickaboom

December 2, 2012 - 2:16am

I want!

Aussie Soul Sister

December 2, 2012 - 3:30am

Dear Fab,
Thankyou Fab for your kind words...
I flitter back on to tell you that one day we could all get together & dance Christine's beautiful faerie dance in our bare feet, with flowers in our hair, wearing our favourite attire!!
(((hugs)))
Aussie Soul Sister

Surviving60

December 2, 2012 - 7:48am

Thanks Spam for pointing out this difference. I always wondered why c.o. was so highly regarded here, when everything else I was hearing had it on the "bad" list. - Surviving

Spamelah

December 2, 2012 - 7:54am

"Fudge" layer:

1 cup raw nuts (I used macadamia and almonds)
8 medjool dates (important to use medjool for moisture content)
1tsp vanilla
pinch sea salt
4T raw cacao/cocoa powder

Throw it all into a food processor and process until a ball forms. You might have to sprinkle a little water on it to get the ball to form. Make sure it is formed and not crumbly. Press into an 8x8 pan greased with coconut oil. You can actually just use this mix to make truffles. Roll into balls and chill (roll in coconut or nuts first?).

Filling:

2c unsweetened shredded coconut
2-3T honey
1/3-1/2c almond flour
1/3 c (or more) melted coconut oil
pinch of salt

Mix this all together until it forms a somewhat moist mix. You might need to play with the amount of honey and oil to get the right consistency. Just keep adding wet/dry ingredients (no such thing as too much topping!).
Press this topping onto the fudge layer evenly and firmly.
Drizzle with melted dark chocolate and top with almonds (either whole almonds all lined up so each piece you cut has a single almond on it or with chopped almonds).

Chill until firm. I cut these up after chilled for a few hours and store them in the freezer.

louiseds

December 2, 2012 - 8:00am

Hi Mulchfairy

The phytoeostrogens are the reason why red clover is effective. They are very weak (as far as oestrogen goes - it is not like taking oestrodiol daily!) There are few receptors for these phytoestrogens in the breasts, so they are unlikely to affect breast tissue negatively. But there are lots in the vulva.

Phytoestrogens occupy the beta oestrogen receptors like cars in a car park, so there is no room for the inflammatory metabolites of our body's own oestrogen, to get a foothold, so they just keep circulating in the blood stream until they get filtered out by the kidneys and excreted in urine. That's the main reason why red clover is 'OK'. I can tell if I am having sufficient dosage because my skin goes nice and soft, and my vulva is happier. I used to drink a lot of clover tea, but the quality has dropped, so I am using Promensil tablets which are made from red clover only. One tablet a day seems fine.

Re fibromyalgia, I always have a laugh at this diagnosis because 'fibro' relates to muscle fibres and 'myalgia' means pain. Der! It is not really a diagnosis, rather another way of saying what you just told the doctor. Yes, I know it is a medical condition, but really it is just a symptom (a damned painful one! Been there!).

Boy, you have had a hard time! It must be very difficult to tell what causes what. Tea Tree oil. Good conclusion. It is powerful stuff! I think you might initially have been dealing with burn, but maybe the thrush moved in on the burned tissue. It is often hard to tell the type of inflammation from one incident to the next.

I too have previously had to use two types of thrush meds to clear it up, and still had residual inflammation for some time.

I like the diet suggestions that have been made. If you are prone to thrush, try taking anything out of your diet that could conceivably contribute fungus or mold to your system, eg mushrooms, old veges, aged cheese. Also, try to steer clear of sweet vegetables and other sources of sweetness. You may crave them. A diabetic diet might be just the ticket, with low GI foods, which metabolise to sugar more slowly. This means no refined foods, all whole foods. No sugar. This helps to keep your blood sugar steady, so fungus cannot feast when your blood sugar goes up. A steady blood sugar level helps your whole metabolism to become less 'volatile'. I did this for a whole week. It was really boring, but it did calm the residual inflammation, and I think my body liked it. BTW, have you been tested for diabetes? Thrush is common in diabetics.

Re the anal split, do you know what causes it to happen? I get a rash sometimes just at the end of my tailbone. About twelve months ago it got extra inflamed and I ended up with a nasty batch of boils that spread out from there. Antibiotics eventually knocked then off, after many tries of home remedies lessened them, but didn't make them go away. I also get nasty dermatitis (not contact) on my hands. It is as if my body needs a skin rash to erupt, and/or crack, in order for the toxic stress to leak out through it. When it clears up I am usually in a better demeanour, ie it seems to be related to stress.

This rash does split, and boy, is it painful! I think it is on a drainage line for perspiration, so it is often moist. I use a combination of dabs of tea tree oil, and vinegar, and have also used chapparal balm and prickly heat powder (fuller's earth), which is also high in zinc. It comes and goes. I have used cortisone cream once, but I don't think it worked any better than the above. It just thinned the skin and made it crack more. It has occurred only since perimenopause. Thrush? Maybe? I also get very itchy under my breasts and wear a fresh bra, or none, every day. Splashes of vinegar before drying after a shower seem to keep it at bay. I think I am sensitive to my own perspiration. It was similar when I was about 13, with a nasty rash in my armpits (may have been hormonal). Maybe it is simply that I am becoming more alkaline since menopause? Time to ditch the soap and look at ways of acidifying my body.

Maybe my acid tongue has been overworked, and I just need to shut my mouth for a while and let the acid build up again? Woooo! That was Freudian. ;-)

That will do for now. Time to sleep.

Louise

Aussie Soul Sister

December 2, 2012 - 6:44pm

Dear all lovely Sisters,
Thinking back there have been 3 occasions where tea tree oil has been effective.
One of my DD as a child under 12yrs, developed a small red splodgy skin condition dotted over her torso. The doctor's prognosis was no cure & if it did go away it was a long term, & prescribed cortisone cream. I went to the bathroom when I got home & saw my bottle of tea tree oil & applied the oil neat on all the splodges, once or twice daily & in 3 DAYS it was gone NEVER to return!!! Co -incidence? maybe, but the alternative scary!!
Once I developed an irritated pimply rash under my arm probably due to shaving. I applied tea tre oil straight - stung like *** but gone in a few days.
Sometimes I get this weird oval shaped fungal spots usually on areas which are covered with clothes, under breasts, though had one recently higher on front of one breast. Tea tree oil gets rid of them in about a week - I'm told they spread if not arrested...
Also tea tree oil diluted in water in a squirty bottle sprayed on children's hair, daily before school, is said to prevent nits from jumping on from other children's heads while at school....worth a try!!!
(((hugs))) & Best wishes
Aussie Soul Sis

mulchfairy

December 2, 2012 - 6:58pm

Hi Spamelah-- Thank you for your kind words! :)

Diflucan actually IS systemic treatment for yeast... albeit a Western Med/"chemical" one. After four weeks on it, I'm thinking it probably cleaned the yeast out of my system pretty thoroughly. At least I hope so!

You asked about wheat/gluten intolerance. At this point, I have no reason to think I would have a problem with wheat; I was tested for sensitivity to a bunch of foods a few years back, and it showed a slight sensitivity to corn, potatoes and peanuts, but wheat and dairy tested fine. I know these things can change, though... so I will keep your suggestion in mind, and probably do some gluten-free experimenting, after I finish checking out the things I'm currently trying. Thanks again!

mulchfairy

December 2, 2012 - 7:00pm

Hi Spamelah-- Thank you ... (duplicate post)

mulchfairy

December 2, 2012 - 8:03pm

Dear Aussie Soul Sister,
(Drat it, I'm not very good at using this forum setup yet! But I suppose it'll get easier, like most things... ;)
I DEFINITELY know the unbearable/irresistable itch WELL... and am VERY glad to NOT be having it right now! The fear, of course, is that it will come back... so I want to do everything I reasonably can to prevent that. Hard to have faith that it can change... right now, I have just very minor burning, but it makes me really anxious, whenever I think about it... because I'm afraid it's getting worse again. And I have a feeling worrying is the WORST thing I can do... but it's really hard to stop!

Coconut oil IS wonderful... though I've never eaten it in the amounts you describe. That's so wonderful that you've had so much improvement!! :) I wasn't aware it was considered an antifungal... though I'd heard it was a very healthy form of fat! I'll definitely give it a shot.

I use coconut MILK quite a lot in cooking, because my husband is lactose intolerant... and we sometimes use the oil as a sexual lubricant (when I feel up to having sex... which isn't all that often, unfortunately). It works pretty well for that, though occasionally you get a batch that feels "gritty". Also it gets really hard to get out of the jar, in cold weather! Anyway, I'll see about eating more of it... I actually have a couple jars, because for awhile I was into making little no-cook carob candies out of it, mostly coconut oil and carob and just a little sugar or agave... and everybody really loved them, so I bought about three or four jars of coconut oil. Then we moved... but I still have the oil. Guess I won't have to worry about it expiring after all! :)

I could get some probiotic capsules, I guess... I've used them for years, on and off, but could never tell if they were doing any good. Mostly I've swallowed them; I gave up on inserting them because sometimes they came back out without having actually dissolved, and if I pre-opened them, the gritty powder would irritate me. So I've mostly used yogurt for "self-acidophilization"... not that I could tell if it was helping either, but at least it didn't make me more sore! Maybe there are liquid ones... that might be good. I'll have to look into that.

That's great that you've learned to love your body... I've come a long way on that, but there's a ways left to go. The Whole Woman work definitely helps, though. I like how the change in posture actually has gradually made me feel like a different kind of animal... my perception of my body is shifting, and I actually have hope that maybe it's shifting into something positive, that I can be proud and delighted to be. Wouldn't that be great! :)

hugs, and thanks,
Holly

Spamelah

December 2, 2012 - 8:15pm

A bit of allergy testing experience here, too. IgG or latent allergy food testing is notoriously unreliable. My son tested OK with wheat but removing gluten from his diet eliminated horrible gas within 48 hours.

Diflucan sure is a systemic treatment. I guess I meant going yeast free to avoid the need for meds and to give long term relief. Seeing your history, taking the meds just doesn't seem to be getting to the root of the problem. Radically changing a diet is hard.

Good luck with your detective work. It can be a daunting task! I've been there...

mulchfairy

December 2, 2012 - 8:22pm

Dear Surviving,
I think the Whole Woman protocol is BRILLIANT... and I intend to tell everyone I (reasonably) can about it. So far, I haven't had much chance... as I don't know ANYONE here, in this new place. But that will change, eventually, I'm sure.

That's so terrific that your husband's rash is clearing! How exciting to finally see positive change in a long-term problem like that. I hope it keeps up.

As I wrote to Spamelah, I will definitely bear the gluten idea in mind... because even though I don't really have most of the symptoms mentioned, and I've not had any trouble with wheat, nor tested as sensitive, still I know our bodies change all the time... and that what wasn't relevant, can become so. Thanks for sharing your husband's story. My congratulations to him... and I hope the "good" continues! :)

mulchfairy

December 2, 2012 - 9:12pm

Dear Fab,
I am happy to tell what I can-- and happier still if there is a chance it might help somebody else. And I will think about having a consult with Christine. It seems to me that there are a few things that are being suggested here that I might try first, and I will reread her paper and look at more old postings here, and so on. But probably I will get to that point. I would just want to make sure I have all my ducks lined up neatly first... so I don't forget to ask anything important. :)

Yes, I am still experiencing my cycle... but suspect I am coming to the end of it. All my life, my periods have been extremely regular... and just in this last year, suddenly they're not. Like right now... I think I was supposed to get one several days ago, and I haven't. That's not like me. So I'm guessing I'm in the "perimenopausal" phase. I wasn't quite clear if red clover was okay for women who were still menstruating... but that was the impression I got, so that's why I started it. Also I read another post where a woman was dealing with anal fissures, and Christine thought it sounded hormonal... so that also made me think maybe the red clover would be worth trying. Also Christine suggested applying a vegan form of omega-3 oil... I don't know if it worked for the woman, and I haven't tried that yet, but probably will.

I think I have already been using the vinegar for close to a week... I'll have to check. So far, I haven't noticed any drying... but the split isn't totally gone, either, and there is a little soreness in the external vaginal area and urethral... meatus? I think that's the word. The opening area, anyway. I'm thinking I'll give it another week... see what happens. I apply the honey and vinegar at the same time, by the way-- one right after the other. Is there any problem with that, do you think?

Thank you for your kind and supportive words, and careful and detailed suggestions. They are MUCH appreciated!! :)

mulchfairy

December 2, 2012 - 9:15pm

Looks terrific, Spamelah-- thanks for sharing! :)

mulchfairy

mom30

December 2, 2012 - 9:47pm

Just thought that I would add, that sometimes if I get a case of vaginal itching, I put straight coconut oil on the whole area. I do it for a few days at night before I go to bed, and in the morning. It has helped more than anything else. I have also used it for those little cuts on the inside of my nose you get in the middle of winter. (I believe those are caused by fungus getting in there too) I think it's great!!!

mulchfairy

December 2, 2012 - 9:59pm

Dear Louise,
Terrific description of the functioning of phytoestrogens... "like cars in a car park". Love it!! So it sounds like you're saying that the estrogen our own bodies produce can cause inflammation... and that the phytoestrogens keep it from being absorbed... and that's a good thing... have I got it right? That the phytoestrogens occupy the receptors that the natural estrogens would have... only the phytoestrogens have a more beneficial effect. That's what I'm getting... please correct me if I'm off-track!

I have ordered some red clover tea (Alvita, I think it is) and it should arrive anytime. I'm thinking maybe I'll keep taking the supplement pills every day for awhile, and try drinking some tea, also... see if I notice any difference. I know that herbal things vary in strength... and I have no idea how much "active ingredient" these red clover capsules I've got, actually contain. Maybe I'm not getting enough yet. I'll see whether I can find out anything about the supplement you're taking also.

Re: a "fibro" diagnosis... YES... it's EXACTLY like "vulvodynia"! Translated, means, "my vulva hurts, and we don't know why". SOOO-O-O HELPFUL!!

It IS VERY difficult to tell what causes what. I have done so many different diets and treatment protocols, I cannot tell you. I am not diabetic, though... I know that, as I have been tested several times, and the last time just a couple years ago. Also I have been limiting the sugar in my diet for a very long time... and though I am by no means perfect about it, I feel confident that I don't eat enough to drive my body into diabetes.

No, I really think that my immune system is weakened by never getting quite enough sleep (insomnia) and the adrenal-type chemicals that constantly get pumped into me whenever I get the least bit scared or upset about something. That's what a very wise and kind gynecologist that I once had, told me. She was convinced that when I learned to manage my stress and my sleep, that everything else would take care of itself... because basically my body was strong, and I take good care of it.

I will do as you suggest, though, and get really strict about the whole foods/no sugar thing again. Definitely there is some room for improvement, with the holidays and other stuff going on. It sucks, but I can at least give it a week or so of being really "virtuous", and see if I can tell any difference.

The split doesn't follow a really clear pattern, but I think if I sweat a lot it maybe makes it worse, and if the buttocks get pulled too wide apart, the skin just seems to be super-weak, and it splits. When I first started having it, several years ago, there were sometimes lesions associated with it that were very itchy and painful, and I assumed they were herpes... but that's not usually the kind of skin that herpes would happen on. So I've never been quite clear if it might be fungal, or bacterial... or (possibly, as Christine suggests), hormonal. I'm going to get some vegan omega-3 oil caps, and see if applying some of that does anything. Worth a shot!

I hardly ever wear a bra, except for a sports-bra when I run, which is only two or three times a week, for an hour or so. But when I do wear one, it has always itched... not really a rash, though. MOre like I just can't wait to take the thing off. And my breasts are very small, so it's not like there's a lot of dampness under them. I think possibly I'm sensitive to synthetics, elastic and so on. Oh, and I did get a rash in my armpits once, about a year or so ago... it was when I changed deodorants, and I think I just had a reaction. I stopped using the new deodorant right away, but the reaction persisted for about a month. Finally cleared, and has never come back.

That's all I can think of... but you've certainly given me a lot of great food for thought, and believe me, it means a whole lot! (Now I have to go look at a paper my son is writing for college... oh, and he just informed me he has to turn it in tomorrow morning... ;P

Thanks again, and rest well--

mulchfairy

louiseds

December 3, 2012 - 2:42am

HI Mulchfairy

After all the systemic anti-fungals there won't be any fungus left, but there might be other micro-organisms that will get out of hand without the fungus to keep them under control. I would be looking at a month long course of systemic probiotics now, to try and get some good bugs back and get your bug system balanced again.

Spamelah

December 3, 2012 - 7:30am

I used to get a nose split in the same spot EVERY winter until the last 2 winters. I wonder if eating all of that coconut oil/butter has helped? I still get a split on my thumb, though. They HURT. Maybe this winter I'll not have that, too?

If we continue to get the splits in the same area each time, could it be we have a dormant fungus in that spot or that the skin is weak there from repeated splitting? I guess I wonder if applying coconut oil or other antifungals proactively on that one spot all winter will keep it at bay?

I also take Wild Oil of Oregano capsules (North American Herb and Spice organic brand) in the winter months. I call it my "shield". I do not get ill after flying anymore if I take two of those before I leave and 2 when I hop on the plane on the way home. Amazing stuff. Maybe you could try taking it orally or finding a topical cream with P73 oregano oil in it and use it on the split? This is not something you take forever; just for maybe 2 weeks and see if it helps.

Surviving60

December 3, 2012 - 7:58am

Mulchfairy, how are you managing your sleep? This is another thing that has come onto my radar lately. It's best to go to sleep by 10:00 AM and rise by 6:00 AM (I'm a morning person, so it isn't that hard for me, but I know it would be impossible for some.....). It's also best to try and sleep in total darkness. These measures allow for maximum melatonin production and help balance our hormones. I've been reading Christine Horner's book (she has a great interview on the video page of this site - go to the Resources tab and look for Videos). Dr. Horner is heavily influenced by Ayervedic practice. Lots of good ideas in her book, many of which I'm actually managing to follow.... - Surviving

Aussie Soul Sister

December 3, 2012 - 11:28am

Hi all,
I have had nose splits every winter, and this year had one briefly. There was a difference in frequency, duration and severity, maybe due to coconut oil. I also eat as much avocado as I can...
"Food for Thought" to wear out a pun!!
By the way I just love the forum names - so imaginative.
(((hugs))) & Best wishes
Aussie Soul Sister

mulchfairy

December 4, 2012 - 5:07pm

Hi Louise--
I just went out and bought some Jarro-dophilus probiotic capsules today-- and I also made an appointment to talk with Christine tomorrow! I'm nervous, because I want to communicate well and I generally find it difficult to talk with people I don't know... and this is about something IMPORTANT, too! But I will make up notes beforehand, and that always helps. :) Also I've started eating two heaping tsps of coconut oil in the morning, mixed with carob powder. Hope it helps, as I really like it a LOT! ;) I still haven't gotten my period, btw, and I think I may be having hot flashes (very suddenly feel an urgent need to take my sweater off)... at least, I'm guessing that's what it is. Will keep you all posted... :)

mulchfairy

December 4, 2012 - 5:12pm

Hi Spamelah,
The Oil of Oregano sounds like a good thought... I'm writing it down now! Plus, I have to fly on a plane in a couple weeks; sounds like another reason to try it... :) Thanks!

Mulchfairy

mulchfairy

December 4, 2012 - 5:31pm

Hi Surviving--
How do I manage my sleep? Well... a lot better sometimes than others! I know the importance of getting to bed early, and I do try to do that... and sometimes I do well. Then other times, other tendencies take over... and I find myself going to bed at 12 or 1. I get really upset with myself when that happens... which actually doesn't help much.

And of course, lots of times it doesn't matter what time I go to sleep... early or late, I either can never achieve deep sleep, or I wake up and just STAY awake, and usually achey and uncomfortable... and that's when the anxiety/depression is usually worst, also. Frequently this lasts for several days, sometimes as long as a week or more... I have suspected hormones, but haven't been able to figure out a pattern.

I've just asked my husband to see if our library has that book (what is it called? All he's seeing is books about cancer), and I'll go look for the interview. As to the absolute darkness, I'm not sure I can do that... but our setup is pretty good. No nightlights, and we always close the blinds... but they could be a bit thicker.

Anyway, thanks for the ideas... and I'll keep working on it. :)

Mulchfairy

Surviving60

December 4, 2012 - 5:54pm

Mulchfairy, Dr. Horner's book is called "Waking the Warrior Goddess" and it is about cancer (specifically breast cancer, because that is her background). But she points out in the book that it is really about women's health in general, and all the things that are good for it and bad for it. Balancing the hormones naturally, all the things we can do to arm ourselves to fight off disease, how to live longer and better. Really, she should have given it a broader title in my opinion, because she is talking about WAY more than just cancer. Watching the interview I kept wanting to shout, "OK, tell us what we need to do, Dr. Horner!!" And the book really does that. This book has a place of honor right next to my copy of "Saving the Whole Woman". - Surviving

mulchfairy

December 4, 2012 - 9:57pm

Sounds like an excellent resource, Surviving! Thank you again! :)

Mulchfairy

louiseds

December 5, 2012 - 3:28am

How about doing a trial this winter by proactively treating the split spot and see what happens?

louiseds

December 5, 2012 - 3:37am

Yeah, when it gets out of whack it is hard to get back to a pattern. I have just gotten myself out of a non-pattern like yours.

Our bodies like patterns, but my distractable mind has always tried to saboutage my patterns and routines. It is a constant battle for me. On the sleep front, about three months ago my counsellor told me to decide what time I wanted to wake on most mornings, how much sleep I need per night, and simply set the alarm to *wake up at the same time every morning*, and not snooze it repeatedly. It has worked well, resetting my internal clock so I wake at 7am almost every day (even though the lengthening days of summer tend to wake me earlier). I really don't need the alarm any more, but I set it anyway, as a kind of unconscious reminder. I get tired at the right time every evening, more or less.

The principal is that if I get to bed early enough I will get enough sleep and feel good the next day. If I am late to bed, then I miss out on sleep, and the following day is not as, um, smooth and energetic as normal, ie I punish myself by going to bed too late and get a reward for going to bed early enough. This way seems to work better than going to bed at the same time every night, for creating a sleep routine.

Getting up at the same time is a good place to start. It makes it easier to build more patterns into my day, and not run out of time at the end and have to stay up to finish things off.

Louise

fab

December 5, 2012 - 4:08am

Dear Mulchfairy,

I am really glad you have arranged a consultation with Christine, the best deserve the best.

About menopause and estrogen and Phytoestrogens, and inflammation. With the onset of menopause there are shifts in estrogen and if you have existing inflammation then the combination can impact your health. In your particular case being 50 years old, you may very well be peri menopause, however this does not mean that you are ready to absorb phytoestrogens without side effects. I know I tried. All those seeds and grains and soy nonsense. Unless you can know categorically that your problem has resulted from a reduction in estrogen, which as you have suffered vulvodynia since you were five seems hardly the case. I personally would not touch them.

Fortunately for me the only time I suffered such was from nylon underwear which were the 'rage' at the time and of course my problem was simply solved with dispensing with the underwear.

Best wishes, Fab

louiseds

December 5, 2012 - 6:21am

Hi Mulchfairy and Fab

It is important to remember that menopause is caused by oestrogen deficit only in the sense that oestrogen levels decrease, during perimenopause, then fall enormously once menstruation has ceased. However, it is not that simple. Many of the unpleasant signs of menopause are caused by the high Luteinising Hormone levels that are another characteristic of menopause. Men, of course, spend their whole lives with lower oestrogen levels than women, and oestrogen plays as important a part in keeping their bodies health, but they don't experience unpleasant symptoms all their lives.

There are other hormones involved too. Mulchfairy, I think you will learn a lot from your consultation with Christine. We simply cannot go into the detail on the Forums, which are forums, run by volunteers, a place where women can share their stories and find answers. Many of the answers to difficult questions are buried in here somewhere, but many are not. There are a lot of opinions.

Louise

Spamelah

December 5, 2012 - 7:14am

I will treat the nose and thumbs spots starting at the first snowfall and get back to everyone! Hard to say what will be the answer since I've adopted a few health changes this past year, but I'll be the guinea pig.

mulchfairy

December 5, 2012 - 11:22am

Hi Mom30,
I have also found coconut oil to be soothing. Right now, I'm going to try eating more of it, too! And putting it in the nose sounds like a good idea also. Great stuff. Thanks! :)

Mulchfairy

Daphne11

February 1, 2013 - 2:05pm

Hi,
Thanks for sharing your experience with cholesterol and coconut oil.
Along with pelvic issues I, too, have elevated cholesterol numbers (290 total...). Nothing seems to work.
I have decided just now to take organic, virgin, unrefined coconut oil along with DGL (no glycerin licorice tablets) which worked for me a decade ago. Starting a new lower-cholesterol regime. Thanks again for the insight. Daph

Daphne11

February 1, 2013 - 2:16pm

Hi,
Wanted to add here that tea tree oil is excellent for the nits that kids bring home. When my daughter brought home the little buggers from a friend's house I first went nuts. Then I tried the store stuff for weeks. Finally, I searched the web for home remedies and bought tea tree oil (Australia). Adding 7 drops to a container of a day's shampoo cleared up the problem. For a year (paranoia!) we both shampooed daily with the 7-drops a day. We had stopped finding anything in our hair after a few weeks! Of course, we hot washed linens and clothing for a while, but I wonder if that was necessary since the nits need the head for living and breeding.
This regime was easier and cost so very little compared to the products that were not effective.
On a desert island I would want chocolate and tea tree oil - so many uses for it!

Aussie Soul Sister

February 1, 2013 - 4:37pm

Dear Daphne,
Coconut oil may increase your GOOD cholesterol so make sure you get the separate numbers.
I know someone whos Dr deliberately would not separate the numbers - their GOOD cholesterol had gone up - they have coconut oil.

Peace... calm
Hope this helps...
(((hugs)))
Aussie Soul Sister
Have a Whole Woman Posture Day xx

louiseds

February 1, 2013 - 8:25pm

Amen, Daphne. A ukelele would be nice too.