Is it me or is it one thing after another?

[mallenfaye]

Hi,

Not posted for a while as touch wood, crohns wise things are looking a bit better.

However, whilst being on steroids (pred and budesonide periodically) I came into contact with chicken pox. Sadly it has left me carrying the Herpes Simplex virus and I keep getting outbreaks in the worse place possible. Brace yourself to cross your legs in sympathy here, I keep getting ulcers in and around my vagina. Been to see my GP who gave me a high dose of Aciclovir 800mg five times a day for seven days originally and then since then I take a lower dose of 400mg three times a day for five days which doesnt seem as effective. Does anyone else have this issue and if so any adive would be great?

Thanks!

 

[littlemissh]

Just a point - the chicken pox virus is varicella zoster virus and causes chicken pox and shingles. Herpes simplex virus is a different virus which causes cold sores and genital ulcers.

 

[mickey]

Sounds like your immune system is further compromised. Beef up on vitamins and treat yourself kindly. Feel better!

 

[Soybean]

I don't have any advice I'm afraid, just wanted to say I hope they get it sorted quickly for you.
I understand how painful it is because last year when I was really poorly, alongside a massively painful swelling in the perineum area I had lots of ulcers on my lady bits, turns out it was all caused by a fistula. Before the drs realised it was a fistula and put me on ciprofloxacin (which very quickly started to heal things up) I used aloe vera gel (straight from the inside of an aloe vera leaf). Out of all the creams/ointments/gels etc that I tried, this was the only one to give me some relief from the pain.

Soybean xx

 

[Peanuttt]

Ask them for a topical cream too... helps w the pain & keep gauze over the ones outside. I went thru that too & the topical cream helped. Also (not trying tp sound weird here) make sure when u sleep at night you "air it out." If those dont work, ask for Famvir... Its a single dose pill that stops the virus in its tracks & allows for healing.

I feel ur pain & hope u get better soon!!

 

[Andjela]

herbal tonic

virus or not, boils and ulcers are common with chron's and UC. when i am flaring i get them on the areas you mentioned but also along my cheek bone. at one point i tried tonic called Sweedish Bitter (readily available on line) and it helped ease the pain and the inflamation of the skin. although people take it orally, i used it topically and it worked for me. good luck.

 

[mallenfaye]

Thank you all for your advice and support, its always nice to know your not the only one having "issues".

Littlemissh, I know its not the same virus as the chicken pox but my GP explained that they are all from the same family of virus's and because of the azathioprine and steriod use its not surprising I have it. It is also the same family as the HPV virus and my smear also came back with abnormalities, but luckily nothing to worry about. Its just frustrating when you think everything else is getting better something else stikes you!

I have asked for a topical cream and was given Emla,what a wonderful thing that is. Going to boost up on vitamins etc and hope it all helps.

Thanks again for everyones input etc.

x

 

[littlemissh]

One thing to consider if the ulcers are regularly recurrent, which as you say is more likely as you are on immunosupps, is a regular smaller dose of acyclovir/famcyclovir etc- as a preventive measure.
Lets hope they clear up and stay away!