I’m new....and im scared.

[Caryland]

Hi Everyone. Im post-menapausal, recently noticed white patches on vulva with itching. Thought it was thrush so bought some canestan. Itching stopped but white patches ( looks like scar tissue) still there. GP mentioned Lichen Sclerosis and referred me, i have Gynae appointment in 2 weeks. I have made the mistake of going on the internet (!!) so many awful things this could be. I am so frightened. Just need to talk to someone.

[KTSt]

Hi Caryland,

You have been referred and getting it seen to- that is the most important thing.

We all are guilty of using dr net and worrying ourselves, but the fact that you've got this referral quickly is a good thing.

i have had ongoing checkups for 20 years or so, starting with smear tests that showed pre-cancerous cells and for the last 6 or 7 years, vulval changes. let me assure you that these problems tend to be slow developing and once you are "in the system"- referred to Gynae for investigation then you will be well looked after and closely monitored.

Not all lichen sclerosis develops into more serious conditions, it is just one of several risk factors... and at this stage it sounds like it's just a possibility, not a definite diagnosis.

Good luck!

[Caryland in reply to KTSt]

Hello KTSt,

Thank you for being so kind and reassuring. I am trying to put things into perspective. Your reply has really helped. I rang my GP this morning and am going in for a reassuring chat later. Its wonderful to have support from this site, I don't feel so alone.

I hope that everything goes well for you. Thank you again.

[AskEveTeam]

Hi there. Thank you for your post and we're so sorry that you're feeling frightened, it's a horrible feeling and please know that you're not alone. When you're feeling worried, please do remind yourself that even if it is Lichen Sclerosus, this isn't a cancer, or an automatic pathway to vulval cancer - it's really important to remember that. A previous reply is absolutely hits the nail on the head - we worry ourselves so much by going on the internet and reading horror stories. Remember the internet is unbalanced, and the happy/success stories aren't posted about nearly half as much as people who have had bad/sad/negative experiences.

You're having the gynae appointment in two weeks, which is brilliant and means you're being looked after.

Best Wishes

Ask Eve x