VIN 3

Hi Gizzygu,

What a difficult decision for you.

Unfortunately I can't comment on the use lmiquimod cream as I do not have experience with it. I could see you hadn't received a reply though so just wanted to say that hopefully someone with experience will come a long soon. 

If there's anything I can help with then please ask away. 

Take care,

Hi Gizzygu 

If you search in the box next to the magnifying glass at the top of the page with the word “imiquimod”, you will find all the posts relating to it.

I’m going to tag Emma08 as she used this and will hopefully be able to share her experience.

Sarah xx

Can I also add I was told I would need skin grafts too if I went for surgery first, but not now after using the cream.  just small 2-3cm excisions with good margins xx

I have added a lengthy reply not sure it has added xx

I hope my reply gets added for you xx

I will re do my reply if it doesn't get added xx

Many thanks Sarah and apologies for the delayed response but I have had problems trying to log onto the site.  I cannot seem to get any info from the magnifying glass "imiquimod". Kind regards.

Hi Emma, I am unable to see your comments re your lengthy reply.  Is it possible to get them added please.  Thank you so much.

I had biopsies in 4 places and came back as VIN3 I had a choice of Imiqumoid cream or surgery WLE with skin grafts, I chose to use the cream!! I used it for 16 weeks!!! I won't lie to you it was BRUTAL the first 2-3wks then it became more manageable. I got lots of tips and support from a VIN group on Facebook. I struggled to get the cream twice so was only able to apply it twice a week for 12-13 weeks then did it 3 times a week. At the start I was using the whole sachet!!! But then learnt from other women little is more so that's what I did. I Applied vaseline to surrounding healthy areas to prevent the cream touching healthy skin and only apply tiny amounts using a cotton bud. I was treating 2 large areas one either side. At first I woke the next day feeling rough with a bad head and tired, then as weeks went by I woke fine, I'm a community carer and have been able to do my job all the way through. Just remember little is more and don't apply more thinking it will work better!! At first my skin was so raw, weeping and painful. I took paracetamol did the cream and straight to bed!  Slept with a pillow in between my knees. It does get easier trust me. I did think oh goodness I can't cope with this 16 weeks but got by as I was scared of surgery and being put to sleep. I learnt to pee by wearing disposable gloves and covered sore skin up then rinsed with cool water. In between I applied Dermol lotion which was prescribed. So after 16weeks the cream had removed 2/3s of it and I'm scheduled for surgery on the 26th of April for which I can stay awake for!!! I have small areas left and my Gynaecologist says 2-3cm excisions will give clear margins. I would advise anyone to try the cream if surgery scares you, I didn't think it would do anything but it clearly has for me. I also took an antihistamine on cream nights as well as recommended by another lady who used Imiqumoid cream. Take regular photos and throughout treatment if you go for the cream you will see how it breaks the affected area up, my pics are unbelievable the difference is amazing from start to end of the cream. If I can help you in any other way please do reply I will certainly chat to you. 

Whatever you decide to do you can win this battle.

Big hugs to you.

Emma xx 

Hi Emma, How kind of you to respond so quickly and with all the information I needed.  I am leaning more towards an operation due to the area where the Vin3 is.  It is right next to the anus and I would find it very difficult to apply the cream as I am overweight and dare I say OLD (75) lol!  I am at risk to go under anesthetic so they have now informed me they can do a spinal anesthetic, where obviously I would be awake.  This week coming I will make my decision and hope I don't have to wait too long for the op as this has now been going on for 6 months.  However I will not hold my breath as with all the strikes etc, it could be another 6 months!!  Just out of interest, I have been having injections, Methotrexate and Humira plus steroids for my arthritis and came across an article stating a person using drugs causing immunosuppression could be the reason/factor for Vin.  I do hope your surgery goes well and I wish you all the best for a full recovery.  Again to reiterate my thanks for all of the information.