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Mhillwt Asked June 2019

Mom and more tests. What to do?

Hi I usually post about the trauma of my fathers death last summer but my mom declined a lot since he died and I have been staying with her at night for the last year (I have an apartment in manhattan that sits empty). Mom is 87, has Congestive Heart Failure, Diabetes, BP issues, mild cognitive impairment, anxiety and depression (from dads death), trouble walking, various aches and pains but continues on with laundry and cooking daily (all within the confines of the home). For the last 3 months, she has had severe vaginal burning - I have taken her to several gynocologists and they prescribed so many estrogen/steroid creams and tablets but nothing has worked...….last week I took her to another gyno in the city who was extremely THOUROUGH in her exam and noticed moms distended stomach (mom was always really thin until the diabetes meds have caused some weight gain - esp bloated stomach)…..she did a gyno exam (moms 5th in 3 months) and wants her to do a vaginal ultrasound - she is also stumped but feels this test can really look at whats going on inside and perhaps see if there is fluid in her abdominal/pelvic area (cardio doesn't believe its heart related because her legs and ankles are not swollen)…...I'm worried that this exam will HURT mom during and then after - the area is already really sensitive and don't want to cause her more pain esp since no one can figure out why the burning for 3+ months. What to do? I told the dr my concerns and she was sympathetic -she said I should tell the dr administering the test to start the ultrasound on the outside and then also do lots of gel on the inside... I do feel that she needs this test to get to the bottom of things - but not sure if it will...what to do!

Sendhelp Jun 2019
Bacterial vaginosis:
This can cause an increase in vaginal pH levels. A person with bacterial vaginosis may experience itching, burning, or pain in the vagina. They may also feel a burning sensation when urinating and notice a white or gray discharge.

OR:
Diabetes and genital itching
Genital itching and burning can indicate a female or male yeast infection. ... In diabetes, blood glucose levels can go abnormally high, which can therefore provide ideal conditions for naturally present yeast to grow and also diminishes the body's ability to fight infection.
Mhillwt Jun 2019
She has been tested and no yeast infections and dye us type 2 fudnetjc but controlled
gladimhere Jun 2019
Mom understands, then do the test.

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Mhillwt Jun 2019
Diaper rash creams like desitin and ad cream made it worse ..I was surprised by this!

Mhillwt Jun 2019
no yeast or uti infections and went over any detergents etc ie nothing new ...she understands the test but feels she needs to do it at this point after almost 4 months of burning

Hedgie Jun 2019
Also recommend Cranberry supplements. I started Cranberry supplements because I got UTI's. However, I found that vaginal dryness / itchiness / burning disappeared. I take 3 capsules twice a day. You could try this for two weeks and see if there was any improvement. If not, then get the vaginal ultrasound.
Mhillwt Jun 2019
Asked pharmacist about cranberry and she said fine but I said even with blood thinners and she researched and said no ...do didn’t buy tablets but purchased the juice and told mom to dilute and drink 1 glass per day
cwillie Jun 2019
I assume they've ruled out a yeast infection?
You mention her cognitive impairment is mild so I guess it should ultimately be up to her, does she understand what a trans-vaginal ultrasound involves?
And are you using a diaper rash cream to give her a little protection and relief?
B3z5wb Jun 2019
I had a yeast infection and never knew. I was in pain for 6 months at least. Was suggested I use a vaginal moisturizer. I was on a strong antibiotic for UTI and the doctor told me to also take for a yeast infection after a few days on the medicine. All Itching and burning was gone. 4 doctors and no one tested me for a yeast infection. Correction came by accident. This could actually be a yeast infection. I’d ask for something to correct that first. It may be that simple.
freqflyer Jun 2019
Mhillwt, let's consider something else that could be causing the burning. Has Mom changed the detergent and/or softer when washing clothes? What about the soap she uses when bathing?

Has she bought any new undergarments or slacks, and didn't wash them first before wearing? Some garments come with a spray on the material that needs to be washed out.

Does Mom wear bladder pads or Depend type garments? If yes, is she changing them frequently?

My primary doctor had recommended for me to have Activia several times a week, as that helps to bladder and vaginal health, and sure enough it works for me. Also been taking a cranberry pill made by AZO.

As for the ultra-sound test, I would vote yes to help eliminate or to find what is the problem. Your poor Mom needs to have this issue fixed so she can once again be comfortable.

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