Tracking Progress with Patience and Self-Compassion

Healing from Lichen Sclerosus is rarely linear. Some days you might feel like you’re making great progress, and then — seemingly out of nowhere — a flare-up appears. This can be disheartening, especially when you’re trying your best. But here’s what I want you to remember: progress is not perfection. It’s the quiet, steady commitment to your wellbeing — even when it doesn’t look or feel perfect.

In this chapter, we’ll explore how to track your journey with clarity, curiosity, and kindness.

Why Tracking Matters

When you’re dealing with a chronic condition like LS, it can be easy to forget how far you’ve come. By documenting your experiences, you can:

• Notice early warning signs of a flare-up
• See patterns in what helps or worsens symptoms
• Communicate more clearly with healthcare providers
• Reclaim a sense of agency and control

But the goal isn’t to obsess or micromanage — it’s to understand and support yourself better.

What to Track

You don’t need a complex system. Even a simple notebook or notes app can help. Consider tracking:

• Symptoms: Itching, burning, tearing, pain during sex or urination
• Flare-ups: When they happen, how long they last, possible triggers
• Treatments used: Creams, ointments, PRP, Morpheus8V, etc.
• Hormonal changes: Menstrual cycle, menopause, HRT
• Emotional wellbeing: Stress, anxiety, mood changes
• Lifestyle factors: Diet, clothing, exercise, sexual activity

Over time, these notes can reveal helpful insights — such as whether flare-ups coincide with stress, hormonal shifts, or certain products.

Be Gentle with Yourself

Healing is a process, not a race. There will be ups and downs. Some days will feel like setbacks. Others will bring tiny, quiet victories.

• Didn’t need to apply cream today? That’s progress.
• Managed intimacy without pain? That’s progress.
• Advocated for yourself at a doctor’s appointment? Huge progress.

Celebrate these moments. They matter.

How to Measure Progress (Beyond Symptoms)

Your skin might be healing — but that’s only one part of the picture. True progress includes:

• Feeling more confident in your body
• Being able to enjoy activities you’d been avoiding
• Improved sleep, comfort, or intimacy
• Reduced anxiety about symptoms or flare-ups

Even if your LS hasn’t “gone away,” your ability to live well with it is a powerful sign of healing.

Managing Setbacks

Flare-ups don’t mean failure. They don’t erase your progress. They are a normal part of living with a chronic condition.

When setbacks happen:

• Go back to your soothing routines
• Use your prescribed treatments as directed
• Revisit your notes to look for triggers
• Reach out for support — you don’t have to do this alone

The Power of Reflection

Every few weeks or months, take a moment to reflect:

• What’s working?
• What’s not?
• What do I want to try or explore next?

This isn’t about judging yourself — it’s about supporting yourself.

Progress Looks Different for Everyone

Some people see quick changes. Others experience gradual improvement. There’s no “right” pace — only your pace.

Trust your process. Trust your body. And remember: even when it feels like you’re standing still, your commitment to healing is carrying you forward.

In the next chapter, we’ll shift from monitoring symptoms to nurturing self-care — and explore how to create a daily vulval care routine that supports comfort, healing, and confidence.