Hi UD

Re my physical ailments - I cured myself of the hyperacuosis after 11 years of suffering with it and now only have synptoms when I have a cold.

The VS and vulvodynia are supposedly permanent but I'm working on that! It's a great deal better than when I first got it (at age 12). I used to be covered in open lesions, up to my eyes on pain meds and steroids, but now I'm not and I'm not on any meds for it.

I was able to have a relatively normal SL from when DD1 was born as childbirth improved it (don't know why). I still suffer with pain after SL and am sensitive to virtually every chemical there is, so can't use soap etc anywhere near feminine bits

I am currently trying homeopathy for it with limited success (it does ease pain but does not cure it).

I am intending to go back to the hospital as they have more treatment options than when I was diagnosed in 1996 (back then I was told, 'you have VS, it's for life and there's nothing we can do. Here have these steroids and go home.')

Now there is oestrogen supplements, interferon (because it's thought to be an auto-immune disease, interferon helps the white blood cells to fight better), and there is surgery, but that's drastic and a last resort option as it can leave scar tissue.

For the moment I am just using homeopathy and positive visualisation and hoping to myself that I recover from it.

The CP, well, that's brain damage caused by prematurity of birth, so that is forever but it's not an illness so I'm not bothered.

There are some advantages to being disabled. I'll list them to keep my PMA up:

1. I never have to stand in queues.
2. Men are always stopping and asking if I need help with stuff
3. I get a lot of extra money from the government for being disabled so I can afford to go on foreign holidays and I wouldn't be able to otherwise.
4. People always give up their seat on buses for me.
5. I think I am more mature than my years because of stuff I have put up with.
6. I can get free medical treatment and free dental care because I'm disabled.
7. I get free access to many educational courses.
8. Job opportunities are great because people are always trying to find disabled people so they fulfil the government's 'equal opportunities' policy.
9. If I go to a theme park, they let me on all the rides first.
10. Everyone remembers who I am because I look different

I can't think of anymore.

Jo.