emeritus update

emeritus · 04-18-2005, 08:51 PM

So, Friday I had my first appointment with the Gynecologist (actually combined a pap smear with telling him I thought I had PCOS)... he said he agreed with me due to my symptoms and said testing me would be a waste of money.
He put me on Yasmin bcp to regulate my periods, decrease unwanted hair and asked me to go for a glucose fasting test to check for metabolic disorders. I'll be going for the test this week and see if I have insulin resistance.
The Dr asked if I wanted to get pregnant yet and I said I was not ttc. He said come back and see him when I change my mind, otherwise I'll see him in a year. How does this sound?
emeritus

krysten · 04-19-2005, 12:44 AM

I have to agree with Curiousme.....he doesnt sound all that interested in you unless you are TTC....I would still have the tests run just so that you will know that everything is okay. I mean the GTT is a good start but its just the begining with PCOS.....

If it were me I would seek a second opnion if I was able.....

Thanks for the update

emeritus · 04-19-2005, 05:07 PM

Thank you very much for your thoughts. I must say, I came out knowing nothing more than when I went in, largely in part to my research throughout this very informational and supportive site.

This doctor is Professor and Chief of Obstetrics and Gynecology at OHSU (Oregon Helath and Sciences University, in Portland) so I imagine he knows what he is talking about and that he has seen many people with PCOS. When I suggested it was PCOS he immediately agreed, as if it was a natural and easy conclusion to make.

Besides, from what I have read, there is no cure for PCOS. It seems like losing the weight via low carbohydrate eating and exercise is the best medicine for long term health. Of course, if insulin resistance/pre-diabetes/frank diabetes are now on the cards then the birth control pill with drospirenone is not only the best medicine and I shall soon find out.

You mention, getting a second opinion, is that to rule out it being something else (and what might that be?) or to go through the process of checking hormone levels (I know my androgen level must be raised due to the hair growth) and ultra sound screening (not all PCOS women have cysts and women with cysts do not necessarily have PCOS) to be certain of the PCOS diagnosis?

You also mention the glucose fasting test is a good idea and I agree but you say this is just the start with PCOS - what else could I do apart from diet, exercise and regulate my periods and hair growth with Yasmin?
Thank you again,
emeritus

emeritus · 04-19-2005, 06:33 PM

Curiousme, I really appreciate you taking the time to answer my questions. Your two cents worth are very valuable. Thanks for your advice. I actually just read your answer aloud to my husband over the phone and he said "wow, these people are very knowledgeable aren't they?" - and you are, so thanks!

I need to have a think about what to do next - see another doctor and hope he's one that cares, telephone this one and ask more questions/ask to be tested or what... I have no pain and I get my periods most months so endometriosis is probably ruled out. The doctor checked my thyroid and said it was ok too. I'll read up on how to diet appropriately now - I'm 200 lbs and 5 feet 8 inches so I have about 60 lbs to lose.

I'm feeling a little deflated but people like you help immensely and I'll pick myself up

emeritus · 04-19-2005, 11:25 PM

I was thinking of doing the Insulin Resistance diet as even if I don't have it (will know in a short while after testing), then it seems like a generally healthy option and not too disimilar to what I would do myself when dieting.

From what I gather daily % intake should be:
Fat 20-30%, Protein 20-30%, Carbohydrate 40-60%
Protein should be taken with every meal/snack
Eat 5 times a day
2 portions carb to 1 portion protein

The difficulty will be getting the percentages right, for example today I did not have breakfast (I know)... I had 2 cups of coffee with 1 cup non fat organic milk, 1 serving of turkey breast and 2 servings of Wolfgang Puck Chicken Tortilla soup.
For my weight I am aiming for 1800 calories per day and 30 mins exercise mon-fri and 3/4hrs sat and sun (love gardening)
www.nutritiondata.com is the best calculator site I have come across and there is a mention of it on this website also.
According to my calculations I have had 440 calories - 16% carbs, 64% protein and 20% fat and I still have an evening meal to have - I should eat more carbohydrates by the sound of it...
be difficult to eat something without anymore protein/fat but I'll see...
I suppose this takes practice.
I'll keep you posted - cheers

leahdione · 04-20-2005, 11:21 AM

I just wanted to let you know that just b/c you have pretty normal cycles it could still be endometriosis. I have endo and I have a period every month, painful, but still a period. But if you do not have pain with period, or during sex it probably wouldn't be endo. Those were the two main factors that convinced my doctor to do a laproscopy to see if it was endo. And it sounds like you are on the right track with the weight loss. I am on Nutrisystem and it is working. Good luck to you.
Leah

emeritus · 04-20-2005, 05:44 PM

Thanks for the kind words Leah - yes, no painful periods under any circumstance so probably not endometriosis. I had my blood test for insulin resistance this morning - in and out within 20 minutes - no 2 hourly test or anything - I was expecting to be in there all morning. Have to wait and see what the results are now. Does anyone know how long does it take for them to come back normally?