thoughts on vagifem post hormone receptive BC

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  • LM070917
    LM070917 Member Posts: 323
    edited May 2016
    Hey lamp, I have tried numerous things but I found xylocaine (a numbing gel) really works!

    I tried it yesterday, along with a regular (daily) moisturiser (Replens) and a lubricant (astroglide) and had painless intercourse with my husband for the first time in 4 months. Hooray! There is hope! Xylocaine can be bought over the counter so you don't need a prescription. Only thing is you won't have much sensation down there, but hey there are other ways. I was really nervous, but also practised kegel exercises to relax. Good luck ladies 😀
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  • bjb01
    bjb01 Member Posts: 77
    edited May 2016

    lamp....check these out

    You can also try hydrogenated vegetable oil as a lubricant. For example, Crisco is a hydrogenated vegetable oil that is solid at room temperature and has been reported to be an effective lubricant for vaginal dryness.

    Application of a small amount of Crisco to the posterior vaginal area creates a protective and lubricated layer over the skin most susceptible to trauma during sexual intercourse. To make application easier, the Crisco can be removed from its container and stored in a small decorative glass jar by the bedside or in the bathroom.

    Adapted from R Barbieri, MD; OB-GYN Management 2013


    and this

    http://www.peoplespharmacy.com/2011/10/13/olive-oil-may-restore-marital-bliss/

    trust me on these :) be patient however, but trust me

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  • Lamp
    Lamp Member Posts: 43
    edited May 2016

    I'm on it bjb01! Thanks for sharing!

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  • wallycat
    wallycat Member Posts: 3,227
    edited May 2016

    I'm currently only using olive oil or coconut oil but my onco said estring or vagifem are OK; the cream, she said no to.

    There's another thread on this, but for those ladies nervous about using hormones, the Mona Lisa Touch is supposed to be the next best thing to sliced bread. It is a laser that "rejuvenates" the vagina and increases natural lubrication. Zero drugs.


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  • bjb01
    bjb01 Member Posts: 77
    edited May 2016

    my gyn and my Mo gave me the ok to use vagifem as it isn't systemic . Instead of ev 4 days, I chose ev 6. Then to that as i stated earlier, I ise crisco as a moisturizer at least 2 times a day (average 12 hrs per day) as well as olive oil as a lubricant. I can only tell you that it is a combo that works VERY for us :)/

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  • corky60
    corky60 Member Posts: 726
    edited June 2016

    Lamp, have you had any SEs from the Vagifem? When I used it for a month I had breast tenderness in the lumpectomy breast. But I thought it the estrogen was supposed to be limited to the vagina. Thanks, Corky PS I'm not taking any hormonal meds.

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  • Lovinggrouches
    Lovinggrouches Member Posts: 530
    edited June 2016

    Do you have to have a script for vagifem? Is it very expensive?

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  • bjb01
    bjb01 Member Posts: 77
    edited June 2016

    i had no SE from vagifem. I've been on it for a long time. it's helped with lowering my UTI's and yeast infections....not to mention allowed me to keep a happy and healthy sex life with my partner

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  • bjb01
    bjb01 Member Posts: 77
    edited June 2016

    it is prescription only. unfortunately it's no longer on my plan, but my gyn gave me over a years worth of samples!!! even on insurance it's expensive, however, my pharm almost always had a coupon. you can find some on Vagifem's website as well. i think it's totally worth it

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  • Lamp
    Lamp Member Posts: 43
    edited June 2016

    Hi Corky60, No s.e. at all.....only improvements! I had a bad case of vag atrophy etc. much more bearable now on vagifem! I've had to have patience, hasn't happened over night! Going into my 7th month on it, still not able to have comfortable intercourse! Using extra light olive oil for comfort daily.....Only time will tell!

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  • bjb01
    bjb01 Member Posts: 77
    edited June 2016

    lamp......this makes me smile. it does take time and patience is a must. but it pays off. I highly suggest crisco shortening three times a day as a topical vaginal moisturizer. no bigger than the size of a dime. it has really made a difference, again in time. i've said before, i feel like somethings missing when I don't do this at least 2-3 times per day......... :):) the extra virgin olive oil we use for intercourse and he and I just love it

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  • gardengypsy
    gardengypsy Member Posts: 769
    edited June 2016

    Lamp

    Me, too. Going to my gyn tomorrow and will post here if there's anything new to support us.

    From all the reading, I am guessing that the expensive options like Mona Lisa will not work with my budget. I am not sure how much the dilators ost.

    Hang in there.

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  • Frill
    Frill Member Posts: 311
    edited August 2016

    We've been talking about the same thing in the Mojo thread. Maybe it's I've been bitching about it, too. I'm having the whole dryness thing plus some other fun issues, but one woman recommended coconut oil every day during the day. If you're not familiar, coconut oil is solid (like crisco, sort of), so I'm thinking it would be easy to insert. I have some already because I wanted to do something else with it, plus it's organic.

    Anyway, there's some great advice over there, too, about things to do not involving hormone options. I'm curious as heck about them, though. I see my GYN/ONC on Thurs, and will be curious to see what she has to say about all my complaints.

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  • Lamp
    Lamp Member Posts: 43
    edited October 2016

    Hi how is everyone doing! Any news to report....

    Doesn't seem to matter what remedy I'm using.....vaginal atrophy .....ugh....can't stand it!

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  • bjb01
    bjb01 Member Posts: 77
    edited October 2016

    Lamp.....are you using the Crisco daily? that is what I have been instructed to use 2-3 times a day. it takes very little, but it's like using lotion on your hands. you will eventually feel awkward w/o it. I totally swear by that, then using EVOO as a lubricant when having intercourse. of course, there's the vagifem used as directed. doing these 3 things has made a HUGE difference, but it does take months to "get up to speed" so to speak :):)

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  • bevin
    bevin Member Posts: 1,902
    edited October 2016

    My Onco blessed my Gyn ordering and prescribing Vagifem. They both state it stays local. It has helped a great deal. I can actually have intercourse without tremendous pain now. Good luck on your decisions

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  • Frill
    Frill Member Posts: 311
    edited November 2016

    I have to get MO's permission before Gyn will prescribe Estring. I'm just in between MO's right now - I got rid of the old one and am waiting to see the new one.

    Weird question, but I guess I'm desperate enough to try anything. Has anyone tried vaginal weights? They're supposed to help with atrophy. I got a set, but haven't used it yet because I'm waiting for insides to sort of heal from chemo and let the coconut oil do its thing, too.

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  • Lamp
    Lamp Member Posts: 43
    edited November 2016

    Hi bjb01, that's my problem, I'm trying too many remedies.......I need to stick to one regime! Im not giving anything a chance!

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