Hello,

I am 60 and was recently diagnosed with Lichen Sclerosus. This was very unexpected. The only changes I have noticed I attributed to menopause.

My diagnosis experience was horrible and am hoping to know if this is normal?

Had a pap done and that was when doctor indicated I had LS. The pap was painful and I went home torn and bleeding. This has never happened in the past. During exam, doctor asked if I wanted a prescription for LS. Since I was not having any unusual symptoms I indicated I wanted to think about it. So went home did some research and used a mirror to check the area. I had not looked down there in years. LOL I did see changes such as thickening, fusing and a little bit of white patches.

I followed up with message to doctor that I wanted to go ahead and get prescription.

Then doctor stated I needed to come back in for biopsy. This was not indicated previously and doctor had made it seem like she knew what I had and was ready to prescribe something.

So I go back in for biopsy. Is it normal for that to be very painful? I felt everything. Two punch biopsy and subsequent stitches. It was horrible and I hope to never have to go thru that again.

Three weeks later I follow up on biopsy result and doctor proceeds to tell me they never sent to lab because it was too expensive and she already knew I had LS. What???! It cost me $200 out of pocket for that biopsy. Not to mention the pain involved.

I need to find another doctor as I feel this whole experience was unprofessional. I am in Southern California so would expect there to be someone specializing in LS. I am willing to drive a couple hours for a good doctor. Even thinking about flying to Florida to see Dr. Jill Krapf.

Can anyone recommend a doctor on the West coast? Or how you found one.

Has anyone had similar experience with diagnosis?

Thank you!