I had Vulvodynia. I am free of the burning now. It took 3 years. Looking back my healing took place in 3 phases. First, the food connection phase. I took all weak acids out of my diet. I was depleted of the alkalizing minerals needed to neutralize them. I increased my veggie consumption to about 80% of my intake. I juiced daily (still do). I only drank Evian or FIgi water because of a high PH and bicarbonate content. I This helps to neutralize the weak acids. I gave up Starbucks coffee. I was addicted. I can admit it now. I stopped eating all fruit, dairy and processed foods. It was tough but so worth it. I lost 20 pounds. My migraines went away and so did my acid reflux and high blood pressure. Hmmmm...was my body telling me something?
Phase two was overcoming candida. Due to the acidic enviroment in my body and depletion of minerals my immune system was also depleted. Candida was an underlying issue to the Vulvodynia. I had the help of my wonderful gynecologist. She gave me a month worth of Diflucan. I could not have handled this medicine while I was sick with Vulvodynia. I tried once and wanted to kill myself. You can not skip to this Phase or you will be in pain. The medication is too strong for the depleted system.
Phase three was the best phase because I became acutely aware of the mind/body connection. Now I can keep the switch turned off and not let anxiety go to my vagina. It is amazing. This took 3 years to complete. I am not on any medicines and now I enjoy all my favorite fruits. I drink any water now. The diet was temporary. I never went back to coffee because it is just not good. I avoid processed foods and I have really learned to love cooking organic meals for my family. I went back to school and became a Certified Holistic Health Counselor. Life is good. Vulvodynia was just a turning point. I am now grateful I had it. It changed my life for the better:)
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Add a Comment17 Comments
I have experienced this pain for whole years. I tried all kinds of medicine and have had all kinds of recurrent infections. The answer is to not treat anything with medicine and let the body heal. It will be painful and will take time (in my case it takes at least 9 months), but it will heal you unlike medicine which will only make the pain worse and simply postpone the problem and prolong the disease.
December 23, 2015 - 8:22amThis Comment
Would you be willing to help me? Your story sounds exactly like mine. Over the past 13 months, I've have vaginal ecoli, candida, bacterial vaginosis, candida again, vulvodynia and lichen simplex chronicus. Where do I start?
August 3, 2014 - 2:12pmThis Comment
blessings for your post. I have been struggling with this for 6 years and exhausted with the pain, discomfort and being a guinea pig for doctors. After dealing with cancer and a difficult stem cell treatment...I'm just searching for hope and healing.
March 15, 2012 - 7:50amThis Comment
I would like to be able to "like" an article (this article and others) but not through FB (too private a matter). Thank you for sharing this, really helpful. I had no idea the diflucan needed to be done during the right phase (I had the same bad exp you did the first time I tried it and never went back). I've been trying juicing and raw shakes for about a month, but it's always a bit intensive on my system- do you have recipes you could share?
October 9, 2011 - 8:57amThis Comment
Hi. I would strongly recommend staying away from all fruit except avocado. When the body is detoxing it can be difficult. Usually you feel worse b4 feeling better. If you are eating grains you can eat a little more to slow down the "die off" you may be experiencing. I usually juice the following: dandelion leaves, ginger, carrot, parsley and cucumber. That is a great beginner juicing recipe. As you heal and when you can tolerate fruit you can add an apple. Play around with leafy greens like chard, spinach, watercress and romaine lettuce (not quite as nutritious but good for beginners).
October 9, 2011 - 9:06amThis Comment
I have had vulvodynia for years now, I live with my mom and haven't told her anything about it. I don't feel she will grasp it. My sister is a nurse at Kaiser and I told her but not sure if she even bothered to look it up or it went in one ear and out the other???///
March 31, 2011 - 11:26pmI am suffering with this each and everyday, it's painful. The last time I had sex, it hurt for the 1st time, haven't done it since!
I want so badly to be rid of this once and for all!
This Comment
take a look at fowlergyninternational.com. I saw Dr Fowler for vulvodynia and his protocol (vaginal antibiotics/antifungals/estrogen) has helped tremendously. Also think vitamin D3 may be helpful after reading "Desquamative Inflammatory Vaginitis as a Manifestation of Vitamin D Deficiency Associatd With Crohn Disease: Case Reports and Review of the Literature" by Dr Monica Peacocke. Women with crohns and vulvovaginal burning/pruritus/dyspareunia had their symptoms resolve taking high doses of vitamin d and also calcium.
October 22, 2014 - 12:05pmThis Comment
Hi
September 15, 2010 - 3:15pmI have suffering with V for about a year now. I am taking antidepressants but my doctor is not particularly helpful. I am terribly uncomfortable at times and would appreciate any advice as to where to go now.
Nic
This Comment
Hi Nic - A good place for you to start is our Vulvodynia page where you will find helpful information about the cause, diagnosis, treatments, easing the pain and more. Just go to: https://www.empowher.com/condition/vulvodynia
September 15, 2010 - 5:57pmHope that helps!
Pat
This Comment
Hi Pat
September 24, 2010 - 1:37pmThank you for coming back to me. I've done a bit of research on both this and some other pages. Alot of the advice I have already followed. This is the most incredibly frustrating condition. I've tried modifying my diet, exercise etc. It just feels like there is nowhere else to turn.
Nic
This Comment