Hey sistahs I have been on a constant journey to get healthy and lose weight. I was diagnosed with PCOS when i was 12 years old and some how it remained under control as far as symptoms other than cysts until i was 19 when i gained 30lbs in 30 days and since have gained another 20. I dont know where to begin and the last doctor i went to acted as if i dont need to treat my PCOS unless Im trying to get pregnant which I think is absurd but I am left at square one each time I go to the doctor I have not met with anyone who has given me any medical advice or otherwise I just need help. I really need to lose this weight and get my life back. I dont want to be a victim of the disease.
I've been through most of that too. At age of 11, I started out with very regular periods; but they were extremely heavy, clotted, and painful. I went through numerous pads & tampons a day, but I thought this was normal. At age 19, I tried BCPs but side effects were too debilitating, so I quit. At 21, I gained 7 pounds & began having multiple, heavy periods per month - near the point of hemorrhaging. Longest bout lasted 6 mos (nonstop). Every OB/GYN I tried said it was normal or all in my mind. By 25, had gained 35 more pds, had high cholesterol, was depressed & having hot flashes, fluctuations in mood & sex drive, & panic attacks. By now, married & infertile, with adult acne & hirsutism. Then around 27, stopped having periods for 2-3 mos at a time. I'd self-diagnosed by then; docs still had no clue. After separation/divorce at 29, finally found OB/GYN & Endocrinologist to diagnose PCOS & IR. With help of Metaformin & OrthoEvra, I finally lost 15 pds, got periods under control. However, the OB/G could only do BC & ultrasounds; he didn't know how else to treat me.
So a yr ago, at 36, I found a doc w/PCOS experience. However, we tried Actos for stomach upset from Metformin and found that it wasn't strong enough. So the 15 pds came back and hair growth got thicker. Now, I'm back on Met, but off my BC so I can TTC. It's been about 6 mos. I'm ovulating w/normal periods; but still no pregnancy or weight loss. So I'm walking more and about to try the alternative remedies mentioned above to help lose weight, get my #s under control, and conceive.
I too am ready to get off the 'PCOs rollercoaster'. My nerves are shot, my self-esteem is declining, my clothes are too tight (and the economy is too tight to buy new ones), and Mr. Right has finally come along - so I've gotta get it together.
Hi
ceke have you had an hsg. You should get one. they put a fluid in your cervix then they take pictures. If the liquid doesn't flow to the stomach then there is a problem. Most times it can be fixed. I'm in the process of trying to get my tubes fixed. They appear to be abnormal says the doctors. Well I wish both of you luck and take care.
Myss Maya - It's a difficult journey and we all know what you're going through. One of the hardest parts is finding a good physician. Do your research and find a physician who specializes in PCOS. It can be challenging, but they are out there. That will get rid of some of the ignorant dr comments like you should only worry if you want to get pregnant. That's definitely not true because if we don't treat our PCOS it can lead to weight gain, diabetes, and other health problems. Continue to try and maintain your weight on your own and increase your exercise where you can. Once you find the right dr, they may put you on Metformin which can definitely help with the weight along with a low GI diet and exercise. Good luck Hun!!
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BeBe (28) and Jermaine (26)
My Angel
Braelyn Shanteah
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Myss Maya,
I to am battling with discouragment. I just recently got diagnosed with Pcos by my GYNECOLOGIST. The thing about that is that she didn't even prescribe me anything to control the symptoms, but referred me to a Reproductive Endocrinologist. I am so exhausted with going back an forth Doc to Doc just to feel like I'm a square one all over again.
Malissa_ 28, I know how you feel, I was recently diagnosed after 3 years of going from doctor to doctor, recently moved from Arkansas to Oklahoma with my hubby and his new job and went to a new doctor and wham! Diagnosis just like that, I am on birth control called Sprintec. It is hard to understand this because I have had blood test completed last May for thyroid, diabetes, cancer, and everything under the sun, including an ultrasound on my ovaries last year, and they said they found nothing. I went to a free clinic since my hubby was laid off last year and we lost all of our health coverage. We moved to Oklahoma and he is currently working a job w/o insurance and benefits so we can make it, meanwhile, I am looking for a job, going to grad school, and I am so depressed about this PCOS, I bled 6 months straight,heavy periods with heavy clotting, and before that no period for 2 years, In 2006, had the same problem & then after taking a hormone pill it started back , in 2007, absent period for 2 years, doctors can not understand or find anything, 6 months ago bleeding everyday for 6 months, no health insurance to find out why, went to free clinic last month, and know I know it is PCOS. My husband is not very supportive and all he thinks is himself & when he is going to have sex again since it has been at least 8 times since August 08. I told him every time we do this, I bleed more heavy, and have worse cramps. He does not listen, My family told him he should not pressure me and that the bible says not to have sex while a woman is on her period. I am so depressed, I don't know what to do either.
Ladies this has been tough trying to figure out whats going on with my body I have been to different doctors and nobody seems to know the magic cure or at least decent treatment. I have now started the ortho-evra patch and its working ok but its expensive and the doctor that gave it to me isnt really someone i should trusting with PCOS issues considering shes just my GP but whatever I just started Nutrisystem today and hopefully I will lose weight and help some of the symptoms disappear.
Malissa - An RE really is the best dr for your PCOS. Many gynecologists don't know enough about it for treatment. I know the dr's are a pain, but a referral to an RE is a BIG step. Hang in there.
Myss Maya - Have you seen an RE?
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BeBe (28) and Jermaine (26)
My Angel
Braelyn Shanteah
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A reproductive endocrinologist is a type of medical doctor who specializes in treating people with reproductive disorders. Many infertile couples choose to see a reproductive endocrinologist when deciding upon fertility treatments. It is a reproductive endocrinologist's job to identify factors involved in your infertility and appropriate methods with which to treat these factors.
Even if you are not TTC, an RE specializes in reproductive disorders...which is a big part of what PCOS is. Most gynecologists are certified in the health of the female system, but are not familiar with the disorders and the treatments for correcting the problems. Some gynecologists have gone further into their study and can help identify a disorder and suggest treatment. But most of them have not. They can tell that there is a problem, but often when it comes to getting diagnosed and seeking treatment, they will refer you to an RE.
HTH
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BeBe (28) and Jermaine (26)
My Angel
Braelyn Shanteah
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bebeuga,
Thanks for the advice. I did finally see the RE. They put me on metformin 850 mg 2x's a day. I'm still in the beginning stages of taking it. So I've been feeling a little uneasy in my tummy. I know I just need to be patient. with this. I have lost 5 lbs in 3 weeks with the combination of the Metformin, diet, and walking a lot more. I go back tomorrow to get some blood work done. This is to do a progesterone count (to see if I've ovulated) This is still a little confusing to me, but I'm learning. They asked me to go back in 2 months to see if I'm regular as far as my cycles. If I'm not regular then they will proceed with an x'ray of my fallopian tubes to see if they are closed. I want another baby so bad, and I'm hoping that everything will be o.k. For the meantime I'm just keeping it in Gods hands and trying just to relax and do what I have to do on my part.
Malissa - Girl, it will happen. With many women, Met alone gets them pg. For me it took Met and a low dose of Clomid but everyoe is different. Did you gradually increase your Met to your prescribed dose? It's best to start small with the Met to determine what you can handle. For example, I never could get above 750mg/day of met XR. Go slow with it and the tummy troubles will settle down. Good luck
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BeBe (28) and Jermaine (26)
My Angel
Braelyn Shanteah
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Malissa - An RE really is the best dr for your PCOS. Many gynecologists don't know enough about it for treatment. I know the dr's are a pain, but a referral to an RE is a BIG step. Hang in there.
Myss Maya - Have you seen an RE?
Well I have been to an RE that was also a GYN and when I saw her she really didnt want to help me until I was ready to get pregnant but I am just trying to get healthy and live life and lose weight and when I asked for a referral to another one from my GP they told me all the ones they knew would only help if I was trying to get pregnant. I have just decided to just continue with Nutrisystem it has been 1 week since I started and I am down 2lbs so YAY for small victories I havent lost weight in 5 yrs. So I will just see where this takes me.
Hey Sistahs 
Hang in there.
