Hiya wonder if anyone can help?
Am going out of my mind with problems down below: itching, burning, dryness, stinging most of the time… Am too embarassed to Mention to dr or BCN hubby an I haven’t done the deed for over a month. Don’t really want to use lube as I think psychologically will upset me ( am only 27) so have ordered sone replens. Just wanted to know really that it is def def safe to use with strongly ER+ BC.
Any help greatly received xxx
Not really my area (middle-aged, single, celibate!) but there are several threads on here that refer to exactly this, so you could try typing ‘replens’ into the search box. I did and found this thread which may help as it suggests it is prescribed by some GPs to people with ER+ bc. share.breastcancercare.org.uk/forum/viewtopic.php?f=95&t=34593&p=613853&hilit=replens#p613853
Btw, you might be surprised if you mention this to your GP that she/he is totally non-fased… after all you’ve told us andwe are strangers!
Hope you find the rlief you need physically and anxiety wise and have some fun again soon
Thank you I will give replens a go and mention it to my dr
merry Christmas xxx
I would also urge you to speak to your doctor as it could also be thrush or an ongoing low-grade infection, which will need antibiotics. Also, you want to rule it out as you don’t want to risk hubby getting the same thing if you do feel brave enough for sex!
It may not be, but make the appointment, write down exactly how you are going to explain the problem and practice saying it, so you feel confident when you are facing the doctor. It will be easier than you think.
Good luck and hope you are more comfortable soon.
Annie
Don’t be embarrassed to speak to your BCN, they know it’s a well recognised SE! At our local support group the BCN handed out packs with different lubricant aids! If you don’t want to speak to her face to face you could write an email, note etc! x
Hiya thanks all have already had antibiotics for it and it’s not cleared up used all the thrush creams and tablets available. Have now been to boots and got some so will give it a bash over Christmas period then make an app after Christmas. Xx
Hi, I was told it was fine by Gp. I’m on tamoxifen.
Sounds very similar to probs I’ve had. Despite using only simple soap etc and having a constant watery discharge, non offensive, no smell etc which I was told was tamoxifen. I still had probs with my skin getting very sensitive in areas, dried and raw feeling. It has settled down now i’m on my fourth pack of tamoxifen but I can find that overnight I have ‘leaked’ a lot. I hate it. Don’t know if I made it worse at the start by cleaning too much it’s hard to tell. I’ve got ONC in week or two and will be giving her my long list of issues with tamoxifen.
Hope you get some relief soon. It’ll drive you nuts!
cx
Replens was recommended to me by BCN on the basis that it is OK to use if ER+, likewise Sylk. My supportive GP prescribes both on the NHS (free of charge).
Hope this helps. Best of luck.
Dear Butterfly83
Not that I want to put you off Replens but it does contain parabens. I try to avoid parabens so I went for Sylk. I used it regularly for over 5 years and felt very happy with its natural contents. My BC was 100% ER and PR positive.
Good luck with whatever you decide to use.
Jeannie
Jeannie - I’d be interested to know which of the ingredients in ReplensMD is a paraben? (The applicator is apparently paraben-free).
Thanx
Answering my own question…
According to ReplensMD their three- and six-packs of pre-filled applicators are free from parabens and preservatives - there is certainly no mention of a paraben in the ingredients list which comes with the product (six-pack of pre-filled applicators which I get on NHS prescription). Apparently the 35g tube does contain methylparaben (ReplensMD say “it is present in ReplensMD 35g tubes to prevent the contents being affected by repeated exposure to the air. It is an essential ingredient as one tube can last up to a month and so be opened several times”).
So, I am happy that in using the pre-filled applicators I am NOT exposing myself to any parabens.
Hi Butterfly 83,
Hoping you’ve seen my latest post about Replens and that you hadn’t been put off using it.
I use it and also Sylk. I was recommended both by the BCN so I told my GP who promptly printed out a prescription for both. I know it’s an embarrassing subject but in the long run you may save yourself a considerable amount of money by overcoming your embarrassment, especially as the pre-filled applicators of Replens are designed to be used every 3 days. In my case I only had to tell my GP once and it was then put on repeat prescription so I just order a repeat prescription on-line on a regular basis.
Best wishes and good luck.
Hi Butterfly83 - I had very similar problems to you so bad there were times I could have cried. Used Replens for about 6 weeks and the problems disappeared. Have only needed to use it a couple of times in the last 18 months so I would say give it a try. Warning; it can sting if you apply it when you are very sore but the stinging soon wears off. Good luck.x
Does anyone get the ‘soggy’ feeling when they use it? I do and am fed up of it. I have asked my oncologist for vagifem now, and she has agreed i can have a low dose cream - phew!