This is a guest post from Jeanne (real name), whose pelvic pain has responded positively to alpha interferon injections. After relocating from New Jersey to Chicago, Jeanne had to stop the interferon treatment because she couldn't find a doctor who would administer it.
As always, if you'd like to write a guest post about your experience with pelvic pain, please email me at madpeachblog AT gmail.
Previous guest post: Hannah's Story: Success with Yeast Treatment
Jeanne's Story
Hello all who are suffering this hell, I am sitting here with the worst burning I have felt in years. I have seen at least nine doctors so far here in Chicago, and they all just want to "refer" me to someone or something...else!! This time, because my husband and I attempted intercourse after many weeks of abstinence - the typical burning after turned to deep burning and sticking way into my pelvis - I think it may be a UTI or IC. By the way, I have had vestibulitis since childhood, when I could not insert a tampon because of the pain.
I was fortunate enough to have a wonderful ob/gyn in New Jersey who suggested I try alpha interferon injections around the vestibule...don't cringe, they weren't really painful at all - and I had MIRACULOUS results, so much so that we sent him a box of cigars the following week. I knew it worked when I was able to wash the vulva in the shower, I was always terrified to touch the area, but I noticed it felt no pain, almost numb - I was overjoyed!! Now don't get me wrong, these aren't suggested for everyone with vulvar vestibulitis, but since mine was secondary to an HPV infection (though I never had warts), the doctor believed that my pain was from VIRAL causes - similar to Hannah's story...oh, interesting too that I was also diagnosed with fibromyalgia since the diagnosis of v v.
The relief lasted for at least 6 years, though I still had entry issues due to vaginismus, but no burning at all...I want you all to know that there ARE some treatments that do work - please read the articles on interferon and vestibulitis. It is very promising - and I am living proof that it does work, and hardly any side effects at all....they have actually found out that women with vestibulitis are insufficiently producing their own interferon (anti-viral), therefore, the dosing of alpha interferon is a viable treatment.
My problem is NO ONE will even "touch" interferon out here....they keep prescribing lidocaine and antidepressants - but I know better. Ladies - the interferon was helping - it offered UNBELIEVABLE relief. I am actually considering flying back to New Jersey just to have another course of injections.
Thank you Esther, for your blog, and god bless everyone of the brave women who are suffering from this awful disease. We must keep on sharing our own information with each other, so we can help each other get better.
Have a wonderful day! I need to get an ice pack and some anti-inflammatories...
Jeanne's Story
Hello all who are suffering this hell, I am sitting here with the worst burning I have felt in years. I have seen at least nine doctors so far here in Chicago, and they all just want to "refer" me to someone or something...else!! This time, because my husband and I attempted intercourse after many weeks of abstinence - the typical burning after turned to deep burning and sticking way into my pelvis - I think it may be a UTI or IC. By the way, I have had vestibulitis since childhood, when I could not insert a tampon because of the pain.
I was fortunate enough to have a wonderful ob/gyn in New Jersey who suggested I try alpha interferon injections around the vestibule...don't cringe, they weren't really painful at all - and I had MIRACULOUS results, so much so that we sent him a box of cigars the following week. I knew it worked when I was able to wash the vulva in the shower, I was always terrified to touch the area, but I noticed it felt no pain, almost numb - I was overjoyed!! Now don't get me wrong, these aren't suggested for everyone with vulvar vestibulitis, but since mine was secondary to an HPV infection (though I never had warts), the doctor believed that my pain was from VIRAL causes - similar to Hannah's story...oh, interesting too that I was also diagnosed with fibromyalgia since the diagnosis of v v.
The relief lasted for at least 6 years, though I still had entry issues due to vaginismus, but no burning at all...I want you all to know that there ARE some treatments that do work - please read the articles on interferon and vestibulitis. It is very promising - and I am living proof that it does work, and hardly any side effects at all....they have actually found out that women with vestibulitis are insufficiently producing their own interferon (anti-viral), therefore, the dosing of alpha interferon is a viable treatment.
My problem is NO ONE will even "touch" interferon out here....they keep prescribing lidocaine and antidepressants - but I know better. Ladies - the interferon was helping - it offered UNBELIEVABLE relief. I am actually considering flying back to New Jersey just to have another course of injections.
Thank you Esther, for your blog, and god bless everyone of the brave women who are suffering from this awful disease. We must keep on sharing our own information with each other, so we can help each other get better.
Have a wonderful day! I need to get an ice pack and some anti-inflammatories...
