How do I attack this?

Mamadjc · 04-26-2006, 02:54 AM

Recently, I went to the doctor, described my symptoms to him, and he agreed that I should be tested for PCOS. He said that he would set me up for a vaginal ultrasound. So, okay. I get a call a couple of days later, from the hospital, saying that they were setting me up for a regular ultrasound.I was confused, so I called the doctor back. His nurse called me, to explain that they would start with this, and if they didn't find anything, THEN, they would do the vaginal. Well, that's not what he told me, but okay.

I go, I have the ultrasound. No cysts. Well, I suspected as much. I hear nothing from the doc I wait, and then I call. His nurse again calls me back. No cysts found. Nothing else. I call back. I ask what is the next step. No call. I wait a week, call again. His nurse leaves a message on my machine. "No cysts found, so he says you probably don't have it, but we can do the 3 hour glucose test if you really feel like you need to."

WTF?

There is an actual Women's clinic in the same town, so I called them. They told me that they do bloodwork, a history, and several other things to determine if you have it or not. Kicker is, with my insurance, I have to get a referral from my PCP to do it. (unless I want to self pay)

Should I just call and be blunt, say that he isn't getting it, and ask for the referral? What if he won't give it? Can he do that?

I am SO frustrated and upset. This was my ultimate nightmare response, the reason I PUT off going to the doc for so long. Sigh.

locagirl · 04-26-2006, 03:12 AM

Yeah - it's a bit stupid. I don't quite know what doctors think they're doing sometimes, but I had a regular ultrasound and no cysts showed up, then they did a vaginal ultrasound and it turned out I did have cysts (not that it made any difference b/c they then put me on no meds at all and just told me to lose weight because they weren't that bad :s ). You just can't win with doctors......

Mamadjc · 04-26-2006, 03:47 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by locagirl

Yeah - it's a bit stupid. I don't quite know what doctors think they're doing sometimes, but I had a regular ultrasound and no cysts showed up, then they did a vaginal ultrasound and it turned out I did have cysts (not that it made any difference b/c they then put me on no meds at all and just told me to lose weight because they weren't that bad :s ). You just can't win with doctors......

I agree. I DON'T think that they know what they are doing, and it's scary. I am so frustrated and depressed.

snfr02chic · 04-26-2006, 04:06 AM

You are paying for that Dr. visit so you need to demand that you get the proper txt!!! Demand that he tests you 100% for this thing, and also know that you don't have to have cysts to have PCOS!

Chickerini · 04-26-2006, 04:49 AM

You have every right to call your PCP and ask for a referral. You don't really need to give a reason, but if they ask, I would explain that you have never had this completely evaluated and, since it is a complicated condition with significant long-term health ramifications, you feel it would make sense to have it evaluated by a clinic that specializes in such work-ups.

There have been several books published in the past year with lots of important information and any of them would be a good place to start getting educated. If your current doctor gives you trouble about the referral, go in armed with information and a list of what you want done, heck, take your books along too. Ask your PCP about his/her experience in diagnosing and treating this condition and which of the metabolic/cardiac/physical complications does he/she worry most about and how does he/she treat them. If you have done your homework, you will quickly know if your current doctor knows squat, and if he/she doesn't, and you do, you can be pretty well assured that you'll get the referral.

You might check with your insurance plan and the Women's Clinic; the physicians and ARNPs in Women's Specialty Clinics are often eligible to be PCPs. You might just be able to switch to have your PCP be one of the practitioners at that clinic.

This is a condition with lots of potential bad (very technical medical term

) consequences, so I would urge you to be firm and persistent in your quest. Remember, you are paying these guys to provide medical care. You would expect and demand appropriate "diagnosis and treatment" for your car. Are you worth any less?

starlite · 04-26-2006, 05:16 PM

I would call the doc who suspected pcos and tell them that you would like the blood work done since you know that you can still have pcos w/o cysts. If they refuse to do anything, or if you want to tackle it a different way, just ask for the referral. Most docs don't have issues w/ giving them. I may say this might be the best bet. If not to the women’s clinic, try an endocrinologist. IMO, they actually know more about pcos than other docs. This is a disorder that stems from the endocrine system because of hormones. The hormones then are what cause the symptoms. I was dx'd solely on cysts, irregular cycles, and history (previous weight issues and slight hair issues). My blood work came back in the somewhat normal range, but because of the other things my doc still put me on Met. I hope you can get the answers you need. And remember, you're the one paying the doc. If you're not happy w/ the service, go to someone else. GL!

SN3W14 · 04-26-2006, 05:25 PM

When I was dx with PCOS I never received an ultrasound. Should I have received one? They only did blood test!

Mamadjc · 04-27-2006, 06:42 AM

I called and left a message stating that I felt that I need to be tested further, because even if it ISN'T PCOS, something is still wrong with my body that is causing it to do these things. So, he is giving me the referral. he was ticked, but he's doing it.

Chickerini · 04-27-2006, 08:20 AM

You go girl !!!!!!

starlite · 04-27-2006, 04:29 PM

Congrats! Sorry he seamed ticked, maybe looking for a different doc wouldn't be such a bad idea. Doctors are supposed to be there for their patients and work to finding what's wrong, not getting upset because they have to refer to a specialist. I'm glad you get to go though.

SN3W14 - You don't have to have an u/s. If you feel like you should have one, by all means just ask for it. But you can still have pcos w/o the cysts. I have had many u/s, but that is because I suffer from cysts and they cause pain.

DesignerGal · 04-27-2006, 04:39 PM

I dont understand why GYN's are like this with PCOS! Mine was the same way and I just went to an RE myself and asked for it and she did it. I had to beg my regular Doctor and he said "you have regular menses so you dont have it." OKay? DO you call a cycle anywhere between 30-40 days regular? I dont and Im not a doctor. What really frustrates me is the statistics that 1 out of 9/10 women have PCOS! If its so common why arent mroe GYN's educated about it? Its ridiculous! Someone needs to put pressure on ACOG and Insurance companies and get them to start testing for this right off the bat!!!

Maybe I will start a campaign!!! IM steamed!!

JessicaRN · 04-27-2006, 06:02 PM

Way to go mamadjc! You have to remind the doctors that YOU'RE the boss, not them. Some doctors get pissy about being questioned (I'm sorry, I forgot MD = GOD) but it's your health, not theirs. I guess I'm lucky becuase I live in a populus area so I can fire my doc and go to another relatively easily but others who live in more rural areas can't.

Go with the women's clinic, they know more about reproductive issues than a general practitioner.

Good luck!

- Jess

Mamadjc · 04-28-2006, 03:57 PM

Thanks everyone. I am so intimidated by doctors, it's not even funny. I am supposed to find out next week when my appointment is. I will keep you posted.