I need to know

silver · 05-30-2006, 12:58 AM

5 doctors, 15 years and innumerable tests later, I'm still being told I'm "fine." I have most symptoms..which, albeit, on their own could be a thousand other things, but taken together definitely signal something larger to me. But so far, every PCP and every ob-gyn tell me there's no need to go further, that every test tells them there's nothing wrong with me.

I'd believe them, would really like to believe this is all in my head at this point. Oh, except for one very pesky little symptom that not ONE has been able to explain away yet. Every SINGLE doctor has just scratched their heads, looked at the limited litany of tests they're used to giving, and send me on their way with an, "inconclusive" result.

I'm so frustrated. I feel like a hypochondriac at this point, just begging for something to be wrong with me, when all I want is to really believe that's true.

I just need to know if I should really be pushing for more, or if should start believing them that, despite my symptoms, despite the family history, the tests really are right and I'm "fine."

deesh76 · 05-30-2006, 01:27 AM

I would keep pushing. There is a doctor who can help you. I had the same situation. Had been going to doctors ever since puberty because of irregular/absent cycles. Then as I got a bit older the other symptoms appeared, hirsutism, excess weight, etc. And I went to more doctors and presented them with all of it.

They all kept telling me that I was just over-weight and that some women just have irregular cycles and that as long as I had always been that way there was no reason for concern. I thought different, but I did give up for a while.

Then I got tired of always trying to lose weight and never being successful. I got a new doctor when I moved to a new town a few years ago, and I had never brought the topic up with him. Then about a year ago I went to him for all these symptoms. I was asking to be tested for thyroid and diabetes (diabetes runs in the family), but upon asking me more questions, he determained that I probably had PCOS. He gave me a rec. for an ultrasound. It took me a year to get in for the ultrasound because we have 2-3 month wait lists here and I had to postpone twice, but after I had that done he sent me to a gyno who ran more tests and confirmed 100% PCOS.

So there is a doctor for you. I went through 4 before finding the 5th that helped me. Keep pushing. I'm a believer that a person knows when there is something not right within their own body. If you know there is something wrong, then there is.

Good Luck finding a Dr. to help you.

AudaciousFurball · 05-30-2006, 02:43 AM

Hi there,

I was diagnosed last october after not having had a regular period for 2 years aswell as other symptoms, although I think I have had mild PCOS since my teens, but symptoms only started getting worse at the time my periods stopped.
Had to change my GP as I was told was due to stress caused initially by my bad back ( I suffer from lumbago too). Obgyn first diagnosed me with underactive thyroid, prescribed meds but then, because nothing was getting any better referred me for a pelvic ultrasound "just in case".
Thank god, u/s proved PCOS and am grateful to finally find out what is wrong.
You have to keep pushing, you should see your Obgyn or endo and "demand" further tests. It's frustrating I know, but someone will link all your symptoms and help you out. DON'T GIVE UP!!!

Best of luck,

Dannie.

RockinAngel · 05-30-2006, 04:27 AM

hi there,
i would definitly keep trying!! have you had an internal ultrasound? Have you told them to specificaly look for PCOS?? i had been trying to find out what was wrong for years, and all they kept saying was, your fine, your fine. it drove me nuts, then i looked up some of my symptoms on the internet and PCOS came up, so i asked my doctor to check me for that. She did a blood test which showed one of my hormone levels was to high, so she sent me to have an internal ultrasound (which i had already had 3 of) and they actually looked for PCOS this time, and guess what.. they found it! i didnt know weather to be happy or sad, happy that i finally new what was wrong, but sad because of WHAT was wrong.
So yeah, keep pushing, and keep getting other opnions, i know its frustrating, but thats my advice to you!
Good luck, and remember that everyone on this site is here for you!
Take care,

Eva37 · 05-30-2006, 03:03 PM

hi

welcome to sc

I personally had to chance gp to get any help

eva

envirohist · 05-30-2006, 03:07 PM

Keep looking for a medical practitioner who will help. Have faith. I was diagnosed by a pharmacist (who then sent me to the appropriate doctor/nurse practioner). I had been seeing a ob/gyn-endocrinologist -- of all people, he should have diagnosed me. It's not in your head.

cjboo1 · 05-30-2006, 06:23 PM

It's not all in your head, some Dr.'s just don't understand or don't believe that PCOS is a real problem. Unfortunately for those of us who have it, it is a real problem. Just keep trying, eventually you will find a Dr. who is willing to work with you.

adam'swife · 05-30-2006, 08:01 PM

hi!! just wanted you to know that there are good docs out there. just keep looking and never give up hope---hope dies last... i also just wanted to praise my doctor. She is a new cnp at my gp. the first time i saw her she brought up pcos, and begin testing. on my last visit i had lost 5lbs in a month, and she PRAISED me for it, and even told me to call her when i got my first period and she would celebrate with me!!!!! So hang in there, there is a good one out there for you.

*pEaNuT* · 05-30-2006, 10:00 PM

I agree with the other cysters! keep pushing!! Hang in there ! WELCOME to SC!! *hugs*

AngelSam · 05-31-2006, 07:32 PM

Have you had a pelvic ultra sound scan?? This usually shows the actual cysts in your ovaries. if you haven't then maybe having one will be helpful.
Best of luck
Sam

silver · 06-12-2006, 01:06 PM

So, I pushed for more, and my PCP gave me a referral to an endocrynologist as well as a script for an ultrasound (both kinds).

But the best part of the whole experience--he listened, and he believed! What a relief.

So, not done yet, but at least I'm on the right track.

Thank you all!!!