Monday, February 24, 2003

The results of my "nether region" skin biospy came in today. I have two separate issues - one of which my gynecologist had never seen before: Syringomas. A benign tumor of the sweat glands. They are common in other parts of the body, but very rare in the vulva region. My doctor had never seen one before. They can be itchy but are otherwise harmless. Who knew the vulva had sweat glands? Lichen Sclerosis. The primary initial symptom is itching. Duh. LS is thought to be an autoimmune disorder - the body attacks itself. This is not news on my front. Fortunately we caught my LS early in the game so it can be controled with ointments. It appears as if it is a permanent condition. sigh... By the way, the term lichen refers to its appearance - it's thin like lichen on a rock. It is not actually lichen - which was what I thought at first and could not believe it. Way too bizarre. My poor anal-vaginal area seems to be a disaster zone. I now have four different issues down there: Vestibulodynia. Vulvodynia. Lichen Sclerosis. Syringomas - very little information available for the rectal-vulva version of this puppy. Quite a hit parade. But fortunately, I'm responding well to treatment and my Interstim Implant gets fixed next Monday, so I am cautiously optimistic that I'll be past the pain within the next month or so. Which would be nice. I'm starting my fourth month of significant discomfort and would like to stop it here. 8:37:46 PM    comment []

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