Doctor Frustration

drama queen · 08-23-2007, 01:18 PM

So I went to a doctor yesterday that had been recommended to me by the Nurse Practioner who did my pap smear last year. She claimed that he would be able to help me with suspected PCOS, etc. I had such high hopes for my visit. She had mentioned that he would probably put me on met to see if it helped me get regulated and lose some weight. I got there and after we got through the initial visit (the fun pap stuff), I mentioned the PCOS to him - since he hadnt brought it up even though the NP that talked to me at first wrote it in big letters on my chart. He basically told me that since I hadnt actively been TTC, there was no need to even worry about it. I asked about the other symptoms/side effects and he pretty much said to lose weight. Well no kidding! It's just so frustrating when they dont even want to listen just because I'm not trying to get pregnant! I guess maybe I'll lie next time and say that I am!!!

Navi · 08-23-2007, 02:58 PM

While losing weight is a good idea...Obviously it's not a good idea to ignore all your other symptoms. Definitely find a new doctor.

Ella831 · 08-23-2007, 03:31 PM

Drama Queen,
You are right it is frustrating when you go to a doc.visit and you have high hopes and they don't even listen to you. You feel like screaming and saying hello aren't you suppose to help me here,isn't this what you make the big bucks for. It is also frustrating when they tell you to loose weight like you can just change that with no problem. Especially when weight gain is a symptom and problem with having PCOS. I am sorry to hear that the doctor was so insensitive. Are you going to keep going to him or are you going to look for another doctor.
God Bless,
Ella831

GoLdIeLoCkS78 · 08-23-2007, 03:43 PM

I can totally relate to that! My doctor did put me on met but said I really have no reason to worry and I shouldn't have any trouble getting pregnant! I find that strange since fertility is one of the major problems with PCOS. I feel like we as the patients are better informed about PCOS most of the time and we spend our doctor appointments educating them on what needs to be done. I find this very frustrating when PCOS isn't exactly an uncommon condition. I don't know what is up with half these doctors! They don't listen, the don't seem very knowledgeable, and don't think that PCOS is anything to really worry about. Ok, I'm done with my rant.

I'm crossing my fingers because I managed to get an appointment at the Mayo Clinic and they are PCOS experts.

VeganMom · 08-23-2007, 04:22 PM

Get another doctor and write this one's practice a letter about how you were dismissed. Put it in his job file. Hmmmph.

PCOS is about hormone imbalance. It affects your whole body, not just your ovaries, and it needs seeing to whether or not you are TTC! PCOS puts us at higher risk to heart attack, developing type II diabetes, and much more.

Brush up on the PCOS FAQ and demand bloodwork at the very least so you can see where you hormones are at. Including ovarian and thyroid hormones.

http://www.inciid.org/faq.php?cat=infertility101&id=2

GL!
V.

mzamethystcrow · 08-23-2007, 04:37 PM

It's like a lot of doctors don't understand that (for me anyways) PCOS is one of the causes of being overweight! And it's REALLY hard to lose it!

AngelD · 08-23-2007, 05:45 PM

I wrote this in my thread that you commented in but just to be sure you see it, I'm pasting it here.

I suggest that you go get a second opinion. You should not have to wait until you're TTC to be tested. PCOS and insulin resistance can lead to all kinds of other serious complications, among them heart problems and diabetes. I think it's crazy for a doctor to wait to diagnose something until you're TTC when it can seriously affect you in even more serious ways than just not being able to get pregnant!

Definitely get a new doctor!!!!! This one OBVIOUSLY does not understand PCOS and the implications of it beyond fertility issues. His dismissive attitude is another reason to hit the road and seek help elsewhere. Go to three, four, five or more doctors if you must until you get satisfaction. You MUST advocate for yourself, that's something I've learned over the years when it comes to doctors and having my symptoms blown off as nothing as well. Go in when you see your next doctor armed with all the information you can find about PCOS and treat it almost like a job interview...use that info to support your belief that you have it and need to be tested and started on treatment, support it with the evidence you bring in and how it describes your symptoms and also support the need for immediate attention and testing to it by the information about all the other adverse health effects it can cause beyond fertility problems, just like you would go into a job interview to convince the employer that you're the best person for the job.

I had been to other doctors before since I was a teenager complaining of PCOS symptoms and they all just told me not to worry about it and being young, I thought they must know what they were talking about because they were doctors so I didn't push the point. Then I moved to where I am now 2 years ago and went to my new doctor complaining about the same litany of symptoms I'd had since the age of 15 (I'm 31 now!) that were getting worse and not being able to lose any weight even though I was very active and ate healthy and was having trouble getting pregnant and had that issue before. The first time I thought it was maybe thyroid and he agreed to test it but when that came up ok, he failed to follow up with any more tests and like yours, just told me to eat better and exercise more...I didn't advocate for myself so it took another whole year for me to get answers when I finally decided to stand up for myself and demand them. The most important thing you can have is your health, don't let anyone, even a doctor, threaten that. Not testing and/or treating you when you are having a problem that's obviously not the way a normal body works is in essence putting your health at risk.

Sarabeth28 · 08-23-2007, 05:53 PM

Please do not give up!! I was in the same boat where a doctor who told me to lose weight and join a gym!!! Where was her bedside manners was beyond me!! I was so surprised by her comment! It took me awhile but I did find a doctor who really listen. Just keep pushing. Ask questions before making in appointment. Make sure the doctor is aware of PCOS. There are still so many out there who do not know. And honestly has not even heard of it. Again don't give up.

drama queen · 08-23-2007, 08:38 PM

Wow - its funny, I can almost imagine y'all stomping your feet and swinging your arms while you all wrote your replies - much like I was while I was writing mine! I definitely know that I have to find a new doctor...I just hope that my insurance will cover it to find a new doctor! But y'all are right - it is so frustrating knowing that i am more informed and knowledgeable than someone who is being paid to know things. I had planned to print out some information, but the fact that he came recommended by a nurse practionier, I thought I would be safe with him at least knowing something!!
I will definitely be my own advocate next time!! Thanks for listening - I was just so mad, had to vent!!

**On another note, I did join a gym last week, and after working out for an hour everyday except the weekend, I'm starting to at least feel good - I guess exercise does go a long way

Maudie · 08-23-2007, 10:50 PM

Definately get a new doctor!

I plan on printing things out and highlighting and underlining things for my appt!

msmedical2017 · 08-24-2007, 02:30 PM

sorry you hsd 2 experience that doctor visit it sucks that doctors always blame being over weight on everything i had my own experience with doctors after this one dr called me fat instead of over weight i filed a complaint and got a new dr u should do the same