symptoms Archives

LSSN Mini Summit on Vulvovaginal Conditions

Sep

LSSN Mini Summit on Vulvovaginal Conditions

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=lLPT8xf6F7U As we all know, education is foundational to health. If we don’t know about our bodies and vulvovaginal conditions, it’s difficult to take care of them. LSSN exists to empower people with LS through evidence-based information and support. And this year, we’re bringing you even more opportunities to access information and experts in the field. For the first time, LSSN is hosting a mini-summit! The LSSN Mini Summit: Vulvovaginal Conditions is a 3-day virtual event that will provide you with the information and support you need to take control of your vulvar health. It will take place Friday, September 29, through Sunday, October 1, 2023. You'll learn from leading experts about vulvovaginal conditions rarely discussed, including Lichen Sclerosus. Other conditions include: Hidradenitis Suppurativa Persistent Pelvic Nerve Pain Persistent Genital Arousal Disorder Genitourinary Syndrome of Menopause Lichen Simplex Chronicus Overactive Pelvic Floor Muscles. You'll also be able to connect with…

May

By Kathy

Kathy Blog

Giving Yourself Grace

Listen to the podcast here: Introduction Hey! Welcome! We recently held our annual (W)holistic Healing Summit. If you're not familiar with it, check out this post. If you are, then you know it's a major event full of education and community. I have a small team of volunteers that help me pull it off, but I do the bulk of the work. My planned recuperation break was rudely interrupted by my second autoimmune condition, Sjogren's. I spent days barely able to walk around my bed to get to the bathroom. Joint's sore. Dehydrated with cracked lips and tension headaches. It was not the break I needed. So, I thought it was the perfect time to bring this episode of the Lichen Sclerosus Podcast back. I originally recorded this before my Sjodren's diagnosis. At the time, I had no idea what had zapped my energy out of the blue. I'm thankful…

Dec

By Kathy

Podcast

How To Help Children Affected by Pediatric Lichen Sclerosus

https://youtu.be/n_kMuoUogL0 Introduction Today I am joined by the amazing dermatologist, Dr. Sandy Flann, who is an expert on pediatric Lichen Sclerosus. Dr. Flann was the lead clinician for pediatric dermatology at the Orpington Hospital in the UK. She now works for West Kent Dermatology. She has been treating patients for over 20 years. Yes, you heard that right, Pediatric Lichen Sclerosus! As we know, Lichen Sclerosus can affect anyone, of any age - children included. Unfortunately, there is a lack of research and resources for parents of children with Lichen Sclerosus. So, today we're going to find out about treatment, what to look for, the progression of symptoms, and how we can help our children become comfortable in their skin. This is an important episode if you have a child with LS, or if you plan on having children (as it’s important to know some of the warning signs to…

How to keep your quality of life with Lichen Sclerosus

Dec

By Kathy

Uncategorized

How to keep your quality of life with Lichen Sclerosus

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=VKZTAUKpNcw Introduction Hey, welcome. I’m so glad you are here with me at Lichen Sclerosus Podcast. In this episode, I decided to take a little break from the interviews, and just speak from my heart. That is, I want to talk about not letting Lichen Sclerosus control your quality of life; not letting it rob you of who you are or the way you want to live. Lichen Sclerosus Support Network – A Huge Thank You To Our Sponsor! Before we jump into today’s episode, however, I want to thank our sponsor, Lichen Sclerosus Support Network (LSSN) for making this podcast possible. LSSN is helping get people diagnosed earlier and get the treatment and care they deserve. Be sure to follow them on IG and FB @lichensclerosussupportnetwork. The Ways in Which It Can Feel Like Lichen Sclerosus Controls Your Life During our last virtual meetup (get information on the meetups…

My Lichen Sclerosus Diagnosis Story: Kathy

Nov

By Kathy

Podcast

My Lichen Sclerosus Diagnosis Story: Kathy

I'm so excited to bring back one of my favorite guests to discuss my Lichen Sclerosus diagnosis story. Lou! If you don't know who Lou is go back and listen to the episode "Lou's Diagnosis Story". She is so much fun and I could not wait to speak with her again. We go in-depth on my lichen sclerosus diagnosis story and discuss some of the decisions I made. My hope is that you learn something from my experiences or at the very least know that you are not alone. Please reach out: IG - https://www.instagram.com/lichensclerosuspodcast/ FB - https://www.facebook.com/lichensclerosussupportnetwork Don't forget to signup for the virtual meetup.

7 Ways to Stop Vulvar Itch From Lichen Sclerosus

Oct

By Kathy

Podcast

7 Ways to Stop Vulvar Itch From Lichen Sclerosus

Do you suffer from vulvar itch? You know the one I'm talking about. The one that makes your vulva feel like ants are crawling all over it. That unforgiving desire to scratch. Yeah, that one. This week we discuss why we itch when we do and I give you seven ways ladies combat the itch. Itching has always been my primary symptom. I detailed some of my struggles with it in a previous episode Symptoms of Lichen Sclerosus As always, don't forget to subscribe and share. Follow me on Instagram @lichensclerosuspodcast and on FB @lichensclerosussupportnetwork. Vulvar Itch Resources: https://www.medicalnewstoday.com/articles/326495

The Mental Health Side of Lichen Sclerosus

Oct

By Kathy

Podcast

The Mental Health Side of Lichen Sclerosus

Introduction This week I make my contribution to World Mental Health Day and took a closer look at the mental health side of Lichen Sclerosus. In this episode, we discuss what research has been done on Lichen Sclerosus and mental health. Further, I highlight some stories from other LS warriors who talk to us about how Lichen Sclerosus has impacted their mental health. Important Message about Lichen Sclerosus and Your Mental Health First and foremost, when it comes to Lichen Sclerosus and mental health issues, you are not alone. You aren’t alone in feeling isolated, anxious, confused, scared, frustrated, lower self-esteem, etc. Many of us struggle with similar feelings. In fact, I often hear women reach out to me saying they find the mental health aspect of Lichen Sclerosus to be worse than the physical. The Research on Lichen Sclerosus and Mental Health Study #1 Perhaps unsurprisingly, the research on…

Sep

By Kathy

Podcast

Lichen Sclerosus Basics

Introduction Hey, welcome! This week I wanted to create an episode for all my recently diagnosed LS warriors, specifically, I want to run through the basics of Lichen Sclerosus (LS). I’m sure you’ve been everywhere online from the Mayo Clinic to Wikipedia in search of information. If so, you’ve probably encountered the same content, riddled with medical terms you then have to Google because you are not a medical professional. Trust me, I’ve been there! This episode will comprise a broad overview of what you need to know to take care of yourself. We will discuss anatomy, what LS is and what causes it, symptoms, treatments, monitoring, and best practices. Anatomy Basics 101 It is critical to use the proper terms for your anatomy when discussing LS. For example, I didn’t use the word vagina correctly until I started researching LS. This is because growing up, ‘the vagina’ referred to…

How to have BETTER sex even though you have Lichen Sclerosus.

Apr

By Kathy

Podcast

How to have BETTER sex even though you have Lichen Sclerosus.

Just a quick warning, I will be talking about sexual things. If you are sensitive to that I completely understand but this may not be the blog for you. I also want to set proper expectations. Lichen Sclerosus has many symptoms and progressions. Unfortunately, there are too many and span too many degrees for me to cover in one article. This piece will focus on women who do not suffer from severe fusing or other sexual complications that may require surgery. To honor you that are suffering these awful symptoms, I hope to bring in someone knowledgeable about these cases. I do not feel comfortable speaking on it because those are not my experiences and I am sensitive to your plight. Does Lichen Sclerosus Affect Our Sex Life? How does having Lichen Sclerosus change our sex life? How do we talk to our partners about sex? What can we do to make…

Mar

By Kathy

Podcast

Symptoms of Lichen Sclerosus

Everyone suffers from different symptoms of Lichen Sclerosus. Some are affected by one or a variety of common symptoms, such as itching and burning. While others, who have gone untreated, can develop severe symptoms such as fusing or vulval cancer. Consequently, these symptoms are what the doctors look for and treat. Unfortunately, most of us will suffer harder from secondary symptoms. The mental health issues that develop because of a Lichen Sclerosus diagnosis. They are many and can run deep. The scariest part is we may not even realize we are suffering or need help. Common Symptoms: Itching (mostly at night) Burning and soreness White ashy skin or patches Fissures, ulcers, nonhealing legions, and blood blisters Excessive sweating between your legs Misshapen vulva Chronic urinary tract or yeast infections Severe Symptoms: The fusing of the labia The fusing of the clitoral hood Valvular scarring Secondary Symptoms: Depression Isolation Fatigue Anxiety…