self-exam questions

[sparkleseahorse.livejournal.com]

hi,

recently I got a speculum because my doctor told me my cervix was eroded and it's been giving me some problems. I tried it out today and was quite impressed I could get it to work/I could see anything. I have my period right now, so I don't have a clear view of my cervix. one thing that did concern me, was on the side of the vaginal "canal" or whatever you want to call it, THAT appears eroded, and it looks almost like there's a tear. I'm sure that's not possible, because it doesn't hurt or anything. whenever I look at cervix pictures online, everyone has nice smooth vagina "sides." thinking back, I'm not sure if my doctor said my cervix was eroded, or that I just had "erosion." is this possible?

I suppose it's also possible that because I have my period, there is a lot of stuff in there and that's what's making things scarier than usual? i'll look again next week.

thanks

awaiting US results and insight on my lab results and other things

[glass-houses.livejournal.com]

Hi folks. It's been a long time.

I had a Paragard for a year and a half a few years ago, but I was a fool and used a cup and found it sitting in there like a necklace pendant. I felt guilty and embarrassed that I did that to myself, so we went back to using condoms. I don't mind condoms, and he doesn't complain. Do they still make Magnum XLs? I can't find them anywhere and they were the perfect size.

( Rambling about confusing lab test levels ahoy. )

Spotting/pain problems.

[mediawar.livejournal.com]

Pills, random bleeding, pain, etc.

( Cut because this is really long! )

update re: colonoscopy & full description of the process

[brigittefires.livejournal.com]

First off, thanks everyone for the help leading up to my colonoscopy the other day.

Preliminary results are: no internal intestinal involvement with the (as yet technically suspected) Endometriosis; no sign of Crohn's disease. Caveat direct from the doctor that since I have IBS and a family history of Crohn's and am only 28 that I'm not out of the woods on that yet, but at least it's not an immediate concern.

Mostly I just wanted to share the joy. But if anyone is getting one in the future and wants to know the process, follow me down the rabbit hole.

( This way, Alice. )

BV- How will I know when it's gone?

[boltedshut.livejournal.com]

I have come to accept that I have been battling BV for years. I just went to the doc because I had a gnarly yeast that wouldn't go away, but she also told me I had a case of BV. Didn't even know I had it again... Great.

I don't do traditional treatments because they make me nervous, she suggested: cleocin and metrogel. No thanks!
I'm going to do a round of boric acid pills for 2-3 weeks to kill the BV.
My question is- how will I know when it's gone? Especially since I'm so used to having an angry vagina. Should I just go back to the doc to check in a month? I'm worried she'll try to pressure me into more medicine- I won't take it but still.

Edit: Would love to know if there are any holistic gynos in the Minneapolis area that might help me as well