His and Her Health

Hello, I suspect that I may have vulvodynia/vestibulitis due to a pelvic infection that began at the begining of june, was treated with strong antibiotics, which subsequently caused me to develop a raging yeast infection. This yeast infection was treated with single doses of diflucans, none of which seemed to do the trick. Then, I was prescribed flagyl for what a doctor thought was a bacterial infection after I had had a severe reaction to canesten 3 (my attempt to erradicate the yeast with otc meds). I was also given Terazol 7 for the yeast which got worse with the flagyl. I developped a sensitivity to the Terazol and had to stop taking it. I was finally prescribed three pills of Diflucan to be taken in succession. This reduced my swelling and itching and general pain. I was finally able to walk again after two months of agony. My swelling and redness has gradually declined over the past few weeks, and I almost feel normal. But, I find it very hard to sit for long periods of time because I've noticed that my lower back is sore, and this pain sometimes radiates into my legs and buttox. I also occasionally feel a swollen nodule in my tailbone area that is sore to the touch. I am not on any medication at the moment, and have been told by my doctor(s) that I don't have any kind of infection (according to tests). I still don't feel 100% and think that I might have some sort of nerve damage as a result of intense and prolonged swelling over the length of two months, and that this is connected to my lower back pain. I have never been to a gynocologist, and would like to know if there are any good ones in my area: Toronto, Ontario, Canada. Thank you for your time,<BR>Em<P>------------------<BR>

Unfortunately, I cannot recommend specific doctors. However, your story is a familiar one to me. Current research the idea that allergic reactions to topical medications such as Terazol or Monistat may be one cause of vulvar vestibulitis, one type of vulvodynia. The back pain you are experiencing may be from tightening of the pelvic floor muscles because of the discomfort you felt in your vulva and vagina <P>------------------<BR>Andrew T. Goldstein<BR>Director, The Center For Vulvovaginal Disorders