Hi Consider,
Congratulations on getting this sorted out.
I am sorry you face yet another challenge.
Vulvodynia is known to be very painful and very frustrating.
I have known of women recovering well.
I hope the steroidal cream is being used as a temporary measure.
Steroids can eventually cause skin thinning and may cause other changes with prolonged use.
Often, an anesthetic (lidocaine) or other pain-relieving topicals are prescribed.
Lots of good information here:
https://www.nva.org/what-is-vulvodynia/
Sounds like you are very comfortable with your psychiatrist.
Vulvodynia can be quite a challenge. You are facing other challenges, as well.
Learning to take life one day at a time can be a challenge, for sure.
It's one of the most helpful lessons I've learned for managing life's ongoing challenges.
I hope you continue to make strides toward full recovery.
Self-compassion may be very helpful to a less stressful healing experience.
DejaVu