I was diagnosed with vin3 in February 2025. Since then I have had 5 biopsies- 5 operations, liquidmon cream 16 wks. Im due to go for my results and care plan from my last operation on 5th October.
My mental health is taking a bashing with all this, treatment-wait- results - treatment plan - wait - treatment repeat.
How do you cope? My anxiety is unreal, I panic , and im always on edge. I do take papaplol 10mg and seraline 75mg. But I would really love some advice about how to stay positive and focused on living your life and not stress about the what ifs. Any advice on coping strategies would be greatly appreciated.
Hi Blondi
We’ve chatted before, so I know you are struggling with things and it’s horrible to live with anxiety.
Did you get anywhere with talking therapies? Have you had a chat with your gp to check if you need your medication increased to see if that helps? My gp reviews my meds on a regular basis to see if I’m ok with the level I’m on, so it may be worthwhile having a chat with yours to see if they feel any changes might be recommended.
I had hoped others in the same situation may reply, but I’ll tag Happyhippo in the hops that you can have a chat as she’s been through a similar experience with VIN.
Sarah xx
For me, the anxiety always increased in the run up to results-it’s natural because we are often scared of what the results will show, but once you know your results on Monday, I hope you’ll be able to relax more, even if there needs to be a plan for more treatment. It’s better to know, as I think not knowing just makes the anxiety worse for us.
I don’t think we can ever fully get rid of the worry, but I do believe we can do our best to manage it. Thinking positively is a good start, but it’s ok to have times when you don’t-we can’t be positive all of the time! It’s important not to focus on worry and negativity all of the time and let it control your life, as that’s not really living. Concentrate on keeping busy and distracted, and try to keep yourself calmer with self help techniques like mindfulness or calming sounds and music. These things all helped me and I hope they might help you too.
Good luck with your results, and let us know how you get on.
Sarah xx
