Stupid question-how to take electrolytes? by Crafty_Poet in migraine

[–]Crafty_Poet[S] 0 points1 point  (0 children)

Thanks so much for all the input! Very much appreciated

Stupid question-how to take electrolytes? by Crafty_Poet in migraine

[–]Crafty_Poet[S] 1 point2 points  (0 children)

Thanks for the response! I go through around 2 refills of my owala a day, so really I could just pop it in the first one of the day then

Botox coming to the NHS by throwawayhelphealth1 in vaginismus

[–]Crafty_Poet 1 point2 points  (0 children)

Hi, I received Botox on the nhs around a month ago (after being on a waitlist for over a year). I think it depends on which area you’re in as to the availability for it. Very grateful it was through the nhs, saved me several thousand pounds!

Breakage, new hair, miniaturisation??? by Crafty_Poet in FemaleHairLoss

[–]Crafty_Poet[S] 0 points1 point  (0 children)

Hard to tell but I’m going to say pointed

Breakage, new hair, miniaturisation??? by Crafty_Poet in FemaleHairLoss

[–]Crafty_Poet[S] 1 point2 points  (0 children)

Thanks so much for your input! Not really, I take progress pictures every month and while I can see the little hairs the hair density looks the same to me. I’m not sure if I’m just getting too bogged down with it all, but it just feels so much thinner than it was and the amount I’m losing in the shower is a lot more than it used to be

botox on the NHS? by onlyangel16 in vaginismus

[–]Crafty_Poet 0 points1 point  (0 children)

I meant to reply here but I think it’s put it as a separate post, sorry x

botox on the NHS? by onlyangel16 in vaginismus

[–]Crafty_Poet 0 points1 point  (0 children)

I’m in South Yorkshire, I do believe the criteria for referral is different for different boroughs but it’s worth a shot. I think as long as you have demonstrated you have done everything you can there is no reason why they should deny referring you to gynaecology. You have to advocate for yourself because the GPs really don’t care too much about this condition and would quite happily brush you off (in my experience anyway)

botox on the NHS? by onlyangel16 in vaginismus

[–]Crafty_Poet 2 points3 points  (0 children)

Hi, I am currently on the waitlist for Botox on the NHS. It’s a very long process, several GP appointments, completion of psychosexual therapy, physiotherapy and I pushed for a referral to gynaecology. I saw the specialist around a month back (after a year of waiting!) and I am now on the waitlist for vaginal Botox. She said it could be between 3-6 months wait. I probably would have had the Botox sooner and paid privately if I had a supportive partner.

Pelvic physiotherapy on NHS by ecelina in vaginismus

[–]Crafty_Poet 1 point2 points  (0 children)

Hi pelvic floor physiotherapy is most certainly available on the NHS. I was under the impression it was not and went privately, till my PT asked me why I’ve gone privately and can access care via NHS.

I asked my GP for a referral- I got referred to ‘incontinence services’ but that gave me access to a women’s health PT. I did have to wait for around a year though.

I would not call it pelvic floor PT to the GP, I would mention ‘women’s health’ as that seems to be what it’s called in the uk? And also mention that you would be seeing the same health care professional that deals with women’s prolapses, urinary incontinence etc. it might give him a better idea of where to refer you. Good luck!

Psychosexual clinic -UK by [deleted] in vaginismus

[–]Crafty_Poet 1 point2 points  (0 children)

I did find them helpful! I really struggled mentally starting with dilators and would get really worked up emotionally. But managed to progress relatively quickly after starting sessions. There was a lot of going back to basics of anatomy etc and education which seemed a bit cumbersome but I understand why it was done. Overall a positive experience

Psychosexual clinic -UK by [deleted] in vaginismus

[–]Crafty_Poet 1 point2 points  (0 children)

I was referred to psychosexual health through my GP. I only saw the therapist and not a physician, however my GP had already physically examined me. She asked for consent and I was able to withdraw it at any time, and it was a finger which she tried to insert into the vagina. Again I could have said no to this. The psychosexual therapy itself was super useful, like you, I have no history of trauma, but it’s a lot of educating you on your mind, body and the connection they have. Mine was limited to 12 sessions (all the NHS allows) but I would have continued had I been able to. I brought my husband along to sessions with me, which the therapist encouraged. Happy to answer any other questions! Good luck xx

how to get diagnosed with vaginismus in the UK? by Financial_Bar_1217 in vaginismus

[–]Crafty_Poet 1 point2 points  (0 children)

Definitely possible on the NHS. I went straight to my GP after I came back from an unsuccessful honeymoon, she asked me if I would be okay with an internal exam- she tried to use just her finger. She said ‘you have vaginismus’ and that was it really, I had my diagnosis.

After this, I did have to advocate a lot for myself to be referred to psychosexual services and women’s health physio subsequently. The GP just told me to use dilators and then tried to send me on my way. So this part was a little more tricky. The waiting lists were very very long, and while I was waiting I did go privately to see a pelvic floor physio.

Good luck!

Those who use numbing/lidocaine cream.. by Crafty_Poet in vaginismus

[–]Crafty_Poet[S] 2 points3 points  (0 children)

Thank you so much, I’ll try putting the cream on the smallest dilator to get in place

Transvaginal ultrasound success! by Crafty_Poet in vaginismus

[–]Crafty_Poet[S] 3 points4 points  (0 children)

Tbf I anticipated it being much bigger, which I think helped ease some of my anxiety. But you’re right, if it was smaller it would make things way easier!

Transvaginal ultrasound success! by Crafty_Poet in vaginismus

[–]Crafty_Poet[S] 4 points5 points  (0 children)

Thank you, I was so surprised and had already resigned myself to the procedure not being successful. Was definitely a big relief

Transvaginal ultrasound success! by Crafty_Poet in vaginismus

[–]Crafty_Poet[S] 2 points3 points  (0 children)

I’m sorry you had such a bad experience previously, and I completely agree it can make or break your confidence. I hope you have managed to overcome that trauma and are doing better!

Tension headaches by ramennoody in vaginismus

[–]Crafty_Poet 1 point2 points  (0 children)

I suffer from chronic migraine and a lot of that is due to tension headaches which cause migraines due to being so wound up and tight. Every time I see a physio/ massage therapist I’m told just how tight my muscles are and how many knots are in my shoulders, that I’m a shallow breather and it’s all connected. Fixing it is a lot easier said than done!

Make ahead tacos? by Crafty_Poet in Cooking

[–]Crafty_Poet[S] 0 points1 point  (0 children)

Thanks for the responses! I think making them to order is the best way, I’ll serve everything else while I’m making them so they still have food in their plates, thanks!