[NotCatEyed]

Thats something i never heard of! But it sounds like it's worth a try. Besides what could we possibly lose? I'm a little confused though because I thought lemon is alkaline once it enters the body not acidic. Can you explain this better to me?

ilovehim: You are very correct. I looked it up. Actually once consumed lemon is in fact alkaline. But you should apparently eat 80/20 alkaline acid diet in order to promote the right ph balance. Things like sugars, dairy, meat, alcohol are actually acid foods and should be eaten marginally(20%)...Unfortunately I don't do this very well, which might explain my problems. I like thinking about this as a balance challenge. I do not believe in absolutes but I could gladly add several glasses of lemon water to a meal, canceling out smaller portions of good-but-bad foods like beer or meats. So both lemon and cayenne are alkaline forming which is good for your body's ph balance. Seems a little counterintuitive but the body works in mysterious ays.

"the body will try to compensate for acidic pH by using alkaline minerals. If the diet does not contain enough minerals to compensate, a build up of acids in the cells will occur."

http://www.energiseforlife.com/list_of_alkaline_foods.php

http://home.bluegrass.net/~jclark/alkaline_foods.htm

[anitsirhc]

I too am curious as to whether or not anyone else has had an actual culture done. I don't want this question to be forgotten. I've noticed that so many posts can happen here that certain questions get forgotten or over looked. This one is important. anitsirhc, when you go see your doctor request a culture too. That's what I'm going to do.

honestly, i'm not really sure what the difference between getting a culture done and what they usually do. can you tell me? i will definitely ask when i go though.

[Morphia]

I too am curious as to whether or not anyone else has had an actual culture done. I don't want this question to be forgotten. I've noticed that so many posts can happen here that certain questions get forgotten or over looked. This one is important. anitsirhc, when you go see your doctor request a culture too. That's what I'm going to do.

[anitsirhc]

Yeah, sorry I went into a big long story about what happened to me. Got a little carried away. But to sum up:

- the dull, crampy feeling may be a result of cervicitis (inflammation of cervix), which could be an indication that your upper genital tract *might* be involved

I don't mean to be an alarmist, but I don't think the pain is normal, and you should try to get to the bottom of it. If the doctor/RN tries to brush it aside like they did with me, don't let them.

One suggestion is - if you get antibiotics, get the oral rather than the vaginal gel/cream, because those target the lower genital tract. (Hopefully the pills won't make you sick and stuff.)

ok i'll probably make an appointment and go to planned parenthood on monday. right now it's kind of bad. worse than it's been before.

and i refuse to take antibiotics for this anymore so that won't happen. i hate antibiotics. and doctors. my doctor once prescribed me flagyl 500mg 3x a day (obviously too much) and i was throwing up and really sick.

but now i'm worried about going to the doctor cause i started the yeast arrest today and they always say "no gels or creams or anything inserted in the vagina 2 days before the apointment." how am i supposed to get tested? i dont' want to stop taking it. ughh this is all so frustrating!!!

oh, and don't be sorry about telling me your story haha.

[lori]

i always thought cramps and back pain were normal symptoms. guess i was wrong!

Yeah, sorry I went into a big long story about what happened to me. Got a little carried away. But to sum up:

- the dull, crampy feeling may be a result of cervicitis (inflammation of cervix), which could be an indication that your upper genital tract *might* be involved

I don't mean to be an alarmist, but I don't think the pain is normal, and you should try to get to the bottom of it. If the doctor/RN tries to brush it aside like they did with me, don't let them.

One suggestion is - if you get antibiotics, get the oral rather than the vaginal gel/cream, because those target the lower genital tract. (Hopefully the pills won't make you sick and stuff.)

[anitsirhc]

alright i will tell my doctor about it when i go. i go to planned parenthood too. i haven't always had this crampy feeling with bv. i noticed it for a while when i first got bv (but i didn't have the pain until after my doctor gave me clindesse) and since then it's been on and off. it could be from my birth control too cause i kind of get pms symptoms when i start a new pack (like cravings, i eat so much crap whenever i start a new pack) and i just started it this week. but i will mention it to my doctor. i always thought cramps and back pain were normal symptoms. guess i was wrong! and i think i did have bv for a long time without knowing it also. i didn't know anything was wrong until my doctor told me (when i went for my annual pap.) and i always had discharge too, i just thought it was normal discharge. so i could have had it for a really long time without knowing.

[Morphia]

hey ladies, just a question. cramps are a sign of bv right? they feel like period cramps just not nearly as bad. i just hurt down there.

I get it. But I, like Lori, had this stuff for an extended period of time without knowing it.

[jewelscando]

Yes, if you go back on the boards, the discussion of HPV was brought up several times, and I think 1 person was diagnosed with it, but others were not. For me, I've had a partial hysterectomy, which means, I'm almost MAN!! Ok, just kidding, but, all they left in were my Ovaries.

I still "Ovulate", because I do still get cramps however, I DO NOT HAVE PERIODS obviously. My B.V. started about a year or so after the Hysterectomy. Started out small, then NOW, it's frequent. But, seriously, for me, the flagyl vaginally has been my biggest success to date, keeping it at bay for longer periods of time.

I do have 1 worry though. Do you all think, since obviously this is not a cure, that my body could start building up a resistance to the Flagyl vaginally??

I've researched inserting the pill vaginally, and find nothing on it. My doctor doesn't seemed concerned with anything bad happening to me, however, I didn't ask him about building up a resistance.

anitsirhc, with everything in life...everyone's symptoms are different!!! I don't get cramps with B.V. just a smell. Morphia get's burning, I don't. So, I would just watch it closely. If it get's worse, you might want to get checked out and make sure you're not developing a bladder infection or kidney infections.

Morphia... can you ask your doctor about entering the flagyl vaginally?? I told my doctors about this board, and when I try different things, they write them down, and do their own research!! OBVIOUSLY, I'm not the only person going in for this same issue!!!! But I'd be interested in knowing what our doctor says compared to mine!! Thanks!!

[lori]

hey ladies, just a question. cramps are a sign of bv right? they feel like period cramps just not nearly as bad. i just hurt down there.

I talked about this a couple days ago - I had the same experience. But I've learned it's NOT a common symptom.

I had undiagnosed BV for at least 3 years - went to 3 different gynecologists, at least 12 times, but all they did was test for STD's (all negative) and didn't treat me for anything. I had a bunch of pap tests, too, and luckily, they were all normal. But the report always said things like - "inflammation" and "cervicitis" and "acute cervicitis." (Cervicitis = inflammation of cervix)

So I would ask the doctor - "What should I do about the acute cervicitis? It sounds bad." And she would say, "Oh, nothing. Everyone has it, it's normal."

And I had a dull, crampy feeling all the time. I would complain about it, and the doctors would tell me that it's no big deal.

Anyway, the pain got progessively worse. For me, the nasty smell and discharge were the least of my problems, I was in pain all the time! I finally just walked into a PP clinic, and they diagnosed me with BV right away. They gave me metrogel and I felt better for the 1st time in 3 years.

So that's what happened to me 4 years ago. I've been dealing with recurrences, since then - whenever the BV comes back, I feel the dull pain before I see/smell any funky discharge. When I went back to PP for more treatment, I told my RN that I had a dull pain, and she told me that crampy pain is not a common symptom of BV. So I went to a different doctor, who was much more understanding.

What scares me about this is that I'm afraid the cervicitis was/is an indication of PID. BV makes you more vulnerable to PID if you also have chlamydia/gonorrhea/procedure, and luckily I haven't had to deal with those.

But there are now sources online that says PID can be caused by BV, independent of these other factors. (WebMD: "PID can also develop as a result of bacterial vaginosis (BV) ...") So this really upsets me, to know that there is a possibility that my upper genital tract became infected because I went to a bunch of retarded doctors who didn't treat me.

Anyway - that dull pain you feel may be a result of cervicitis. I really recommend that you get it looked at.

Here's a med journal article you might want to read - Risk Factors for Cervicitis among Women with Bacterial Vaginosis

[anitsirhc]

hey ladies, just a question. cramps are a sign of bv right? they feel like period cramps just not nearly as bad. i just hurt down there.

[Morphia]

Hi Morphia,
did you take the flagyl orally or vaginally, just wondering...

I took it orally.

[Morphia]

Wow, that is actually pretty intriguing information. Thanks Morphia!

Okay, so ladies, here's the plan. Next time you're at the gyno with another suspected BV infection, instead of the usual whiff test and/or wet mount, how about we request a culture? Get a more specific diagnosis of the exact bacteria that's messing you up. Couldn't hurt, right?

Has anyone had a culture done before? What were the results?

That is exactly what I intend to do Friday. I have it all planned out. I'm going to tell him that something isn't right and that he needs to send a culture off to the lab to make sure there isn't something we're missing. I did read something about the mycoplasma being a cause at one other place but can't remember where. So, this may be something to really consider. I also do know that there is at least one person on this board that had a culture (can't remember who) but it came back that she had nothing wrong with her. Just this inexplicable smell. She's the one that went to some reproductive specialist. Can't remember her name...

[EDIT] I also wonder if the woman in that thread who had the ureaplasma was actually tested for bv or if she was just given visual diagnoses. She doesn't seem to be around the board anymore so I can't ask.

[lori]

Also, read this woman's story. I did read this entire thread but can't remember if what she dealt with was mentioned here or not.

http://hpvsupport.com/viewtopic.php?t=6953...erial+vaginosis

Also, do a search for bacterial vaginosis on that board. Apparently its pretty common with those with HPV.

Wow, that is actually pretty intriguing information. Thanks Morphia!

Okay, so ladies, here's the plan. Next time you're at the gyno with another suspected BV infection, instead of the usual whiff test and/or wet mount, how about we request a culture? Get a more specific diagnosis of the exact bacteria that's messing you up. Couldn't hurt, right?

Has anyone had a culture done before? What were the results?

[bvgirl]

Hello ladies..

You know what I have to agree and agree again that bv is such a stressor. I mean actually having to always sniff yourself (for me it is every minute of the day) to check and see if the bv is becoming reactive again. To wonder if people are smelling you and then they wonder about your cleanliness(oh my gosh). To sit frustrated and exhausted because a product and or a medicine did not work or better yet to use a product and it rids you of the bv but then it comes right back unannounced..

It is a total huge pain. But I will continue to fight.

Just needed to vent a little..

[Morphia]

Here's another reason why I worry about Clindamycin. This is a reply to a message that I posted at another forum. Cleocin=oral clindamycin. But I'm sure you already know that.

You need to try one treatment at a time. After each treatment, go to your doctor and get checked and have a culture to make sure that you are clean. It will take some time for the BV to disappear. I was taking Cleocin for 2 weeks straight and then, I started incorporating yogurt and acidophilus w/ bifidus. Since then, I've been clean since November 2006.

The only battle I have now is with the rare yeast infection. No OTC drugs has effect on it. Diflucan doesn't work. My infection has grown resistant to all the treatments. I've tried terazol and the boric acid. Currently, I'm being treated with gentian violet. I go to my doctor for 12 days and have them administer the purple dye in my vagina. So, I'm hoping this will work. I was also told to do a douche of vinegar with water and salt, only to be sprayed on the outside and not inside like a "regular" douche and rub some cornstarch.

I firmly believe that the Cleocin is what assisted her in getting this rare strain of yeast and that the yeast just replaced the bv. There was a battle in her vagina and the yeast won. She said in another post that she has the Candida Glabrata form. That shit is damn near impossible to kill.

I told her that the Cleocin will be my last resort.

Also, read this woman's story. I did read this entire thread but can't remember if what she dealt with was mentioned here or not.

http://hpvsupport.com/viewtopic.php?t=6953...erial+vaginosis

Also, do a search for bacterial vaginosis on that board. Apparently its pretty common with those with HPV.

[Aggravated]

Sorry ladies. We had storms here last night and I lost my internet service until now. I didn't ask my doctor about the Clindamycin. I know a lot of you are worried about that...maybe someone else with an appointment soon could ask? Sorry again.
As for me, she told me that the "wiff test" came out good...no smell. She then looked under the microscope and said that she could see what might be the beginning of a BV infection, but not serious yet...well, the fact is it never really went away in the last year, but she seems to think I'm dealing with normal discharge...it's NOT normal!
Anyway, she wrote me a prescription for MetroGel. Gave me 3 refills and told me to use it just once a week for 2 or 3 months, instead of the normal full week of 5 to 7 days in a row. I told her the MetroGel hasn't worked for me since the first time I used it, but she seems to think using it this way will keep me in balance. She also told me I could use probiotics, but by the time they get to where they need to be, it's not as helpful as you might wish because a lot of it is destroyed in the stomach acid (even though they claim to have coating to prevent that).
She told me that the HP washes are ok to do, not harmful, but they could dry me out (haven't had that problem) and not to do it too often because too much could throw me off balance as well. She said that she doesn't reccomend using Rephresh because that can dry you out too. She also told me the usual, not staying in a wet bathing suit, no baths, no soap down there...same old same old...nothing new. Sorry I can't be more help.

[ilovehim]

Arj75: Has your town ever heard of HIPPA? Damn, people are soooo insensitive these days. Not only do you have to worry about the damn discharge but now you have to worry about folks thinking you have HIV. People think this shit is funny but it's honestly not. I had a rumor started about me like that and I wanted die but after a while I just said fuck it. Who cares!

Same here girlfriend! Especially since I lost weight dramatically after having my son. Via C-section...I wonder, would my BV be worse if i had given birth vaginally?

[ilovehim]

I have a new BV treatment option that I like. I thought I could share it with you ladies. I was talking to a friend who is very fond of the lemon juice/cayenne/maple syrup fasts for flushing out the system, and I thought the acidity of the lemon juice may be of help to me(of course nix the sugar because that wouldn't help at all).
So, I'm not fasting, but I have been eating no/low sugar diet....and I am drinking lots of very lemony water, which I find quite yummy, and I feel better!! I was itchy and uncomfortable 2 days ago, and a few bucks worth of lemons and I swear I feel a difference. I can see how the vitamin c plus the acidity are both helpful in fighting BV. I am traveling in asia so my treatment options are really limited. But when life gives you lemons!!

I also am using garlic clove suppositories, which is another way of reducing symptoms. So, anyway, if people are looking for non-antibiotic remedies this might be one of them worth trying. It's cheap and natural: Garlic and lemons. I am going to add some hot pepper to the lemon juice if I can tolerate it, because that is supposed to also really help. I will give an update on how well it works in the longer term.

Thats something i never heard of! But it sounds like it's worth a try. Besides what could we possibly lose? I'm a little confused though because I thought lemon is alkaline once it enters the body not acidic. Can you explain this better to me?

[lori]

sorry if someone already posted this but i found a site that ships the fem-dophilus in an iced package. this is the link:

http://www.iherb.com/store/ProductDetails....p;pid=JRW-03005

it's also cheaper than what you posted as the price on your blog, lori. and thanks for your answers about the refrigerater stuff. i'll probably just buy it from here though.

That is awesome, anitsirhc! I've been looking for something like that. The best I found online was at www.n101.com (they also stored it in the fridge and shipped it in a cold-pack) which I posted in this board, but for some reason I left it out of my blog. Brain fart.

The price here is even better. I think I will buy mine from here in the future, too. Thanks!

Has anyone tried oatstraw tea?

No. Do I drink it, or douche with it? (One can never tell )

[ilovehim]

STOP THINKING ABOUT YOUR VAGINA. I know it's hard because it's burning and everything, but just don't think about it before the appointment. The more you think about it, the more you obsess, and the more you go on crazy freak-outs. It's totally useless, because there's nothing you can do until you see your doctor.

Think about shopping. Or watch a good movie. Give yourself a makeover. I don't know what relaxes you, but you know what I mean.

If you absolutely can't stop thinking about it, as bvgirl suggested, type out all your concerns and questions so you can bring it with you when you go to your dr's appointment.

Most definately! I couldn't agree more with this answer. The best thing to do is avoid thinking about BV at all costs. The only thing stress does is make matters worse. Tell me about it i've been taking Zoloft. & I owe it all to BV...Atleast it helps me cope with this shit!

I still can't stop my paranoid thoughts! Last night I went to a party with my boyfriend, and I felt so humiliated and disgusted with myself. The minute I walked in there everyone turned the other way. I got that feeling you get when you're in school and go sit in someone elses table and everyone rejects you. OR better yet when you get on the school bus and none of the kids want you to sit next to them. I was so ASHAMED! *tears*

Q:Can anyone please tell me if I can use tampons? I can't stop the odor while using pads and this is bringing me down!