Hi everyone Ive been coming to this website for a long time now but I have never posted, I dont know why, most times Im sitting in tears because you all seem to deal with your problems so well and probably because I didnt know that PCOS can have a major effect on your life. I was diagnosed in 1992 I am now 34 yrs old. After I was diagnosed I was put on Dianette which I coudnt take because of the migraines I took. Then I was put on another BCP mercillon which I had to fight for because of my migraines, was told to lose weight, had i considered shaving and that I would probably never have any more children! I had a little boy of two then. 14 years on Im sitting here again crying my eyes out feeling like a freak, trying help myself and getting nowhere! I have three doctors in my practice who I have practically begged to help me, they promised to and have done nothing. You are all on medication which I have never been offered Ive just had tests, been diagnosed with PCOS and thats it. I haven't bee near endo doc since diagnosis, I would really appreciate any advice anyone has. I cant let myself get any lower than I already am. This is having serious effect on my everyday life although I always try to put a brave face on.
You should ask your doctor about taking Metformin to help manage the symptoms. Also, you could ask for a referrel to an endocrinologist and they can help you form a plan. I was sort of stuck in a rut until I decided the only way I was going to get help is to put my foot down and stand up for myself.
Do a bit of research and go in armed with info and questions.
__________________ Sharon - 33 Issac - 35
Sofia Rose 7/20/04 conceived after 2nd IUI
11/20 and 11/21 last chance (5th) IUI
12/5/07 - BFP EDD: 8/11/08
1/18/08 - we lost our baby - feeling lost, sad and confused
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Many of us have gone through multiple doctors trying to get the right care...What I've learned through this whole process is that you have to stand up for your own health. Don't let the doctors brush you off. You are paying them, not the other way around. They work for you. If you don't like the care you are getting, find another doctor. I'm on my third!
My best advice is to be well informed for when you go to your next appt. Read everything you can find and don't be afraid to take notes with you as well as questions you want to ask. There are alot of good articles in the research section here.
If you do need to go back to the same office, make sure you tell them that you want to be on metformin, it has helped alot of us manage symptoms...I only had about 3 periods a year until I started metformin, now I get it every single month on my own. Take articles with you about the benefits of metformin on PCOS patients.
It's terrible when we know more about something than our doctors...Maybe they will learn something from you!
Good Luck
__________________ Me - 31 DH - 33 Married 8/8/1998
PCOS Dx. 07/04
4 early losses over 7 years.
BFP! Aug 14th!
Gavin Michael!! Born 4/16/09 7lbs 8 oz
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WELCOME TO THE SC!!! please don't feel like you are alone in your problems. And eventhough many of us seem like we fight this battle well. We have our days and weeks too. If you need to cry and be down then do it. I've always found that you have to be lower than low to get back up and be better than ever. For me i have been ignoring the fact that i have PCOS for years and now I have had to come to terms that this is a major thing in my life and I'm so glad that the SC has helped me with that. Somedays i sit and cry also. I would recommend switching docotors up get advice for a new doctor from a close friend and just pay a visit don't completley change just a visit to see if they are willing to help you. We are all here for your support and whatever questions you have or whatever you are feeling just post. It's been the most help that i have ever gotten. Please remember that we are always here for you dear!!! Happy Friday!! have a great day!! Praying for you!!
__________________ **Miss P**
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If you are able, you should definitely change doctors. Read the research on this site and any that you can get your hands on. Take it with you to the doctor if you need to -- a lot of doctors don't like to get involved with PCOS because it's so hard to treat and can't really be cured, so most of us have had to fight for treatment. It has taken me 15 years to find a doctor who is willing to do more than tell me that I'm fat and need to go an a diet (helpful, huh?). With the current research and resources, it shouldn't take you as long.
You might also want to visit the forums here about diet, exercise, and alternative treatments. You might find some things you can try until you can get to a doctor.
Good luck!
__________________ Dx 7/01 (but knew for years!)
also IBD, IC, fibromyaliga, hiatal hernia w/ acid reflux, asthma/allergies, and hypothyroidism
5'9" 332/250 present goal
I'm a mom! DS born 7/15/2005
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What I've learned through this whole process is that you have to stand up for your own health. Don't let the doctors brush you off. You are paying them, not the other way around. They work for you. If you don't like the care you are getting, find another doctor.
Agreed! Your body and your health are incredibly important. As such, you should not be made to feel that you are not being treated by doctors. Like the other ladies before me have said, read up on this syndrome. Know possible symptoms, treatments, and establish a plan for yourself. Determination is key. I know I always feel better walking into a doctor's office knowing about what I might have than just being told "this is it" (this includes anytime I go to my gp, even for a cold!).
Most of the women you read about here have, at one point or another, fought for their diagnosis. It's not easy, but you can do it. Go kick some butt!
Hugs to you . . . you have a great opportunity here to stand up for your health and advocate for yourself! I know it can be scary, because we've been cultured to rely on doctors and to take their word (or lack of it!) as gospel. Truth is, if you educate yourself, you know just as much or more about PCOS than your general practitioner. I'd also suggest as others have to get a referral to an endocrinologist or bring in some info and ask for Metformin. I asked to be put on Met (my gp was clueless), she tested me and I just got my prescription today! If it helps, bring a friend or family member with you to help be your advocate or just for support! Hang in there!
I'm with everyone else: try to fire your doctor and get one who listens; if you can't, go in with notes and specific requests. When I was dx I was in India in 2000; when I got back I needed to go through the dx process all over again...so I walked into my new doc's office, said, "here's what I think I have, here's why I think I have it, and here's this (at the time new) idea that Glucophage/metformin (an insulin sensitizer, used to help keep blood sugar levels where they should be and reduce overproduction of insulin) can help. I'd like to try it." Happily I had a good doc who said, "okay, give me a month to do research, make another appt. and come back so we can talk about it." I did, she did, and that's how I started met and spironolactone (an anti-androgen, it prevents/slows some of the masculinizing process that often goes with PCOS). Then I went OFF spiro because the dehydration was bad for me. I've always insisted that my docs be responsive to my own sense of my health, and I've been lucky.
Another tack to try: when you go to the doctor you are entitled to bring anyone you want. So if you have a friend who will help you, get her or him educated about PCOS, too, and bring her/him as an advocate--someone to help you stand up for yourself with the doctor. I sometimes do that for my partner, and it helps a lot.
In summary: make your doctor listen, go in with notes so you don't forget stuff, figure out what you want and ask for it, take an advocate.
And spend time here. I heard about met for the first time here, and every time I advance my care, it starts on these boards. While you're waiting for the docs to step in line you might check out the natural/alternative remedies section--there are some interesting suggestions involving cinnamon and green tea and garlic--but not all at once. :-)
HTH, and know you're not alone!
__________________ symptoms since 1986
Dx May 2001
Metformin 1500mg
SB diet since 1/29/08, starting weight 160
Thank you everyone, Im armed and ready to go. First thing on monday morning I'm making an appojntment and I'm not letting them fob me off or rush me out the door again!! I'll keep you posted
I'm not often down about it all, just sometimes it get to me a bit because I know its all getting worse and I cant cope on my own anymore BUT I'm being more assertive!!!
I was diagnosed with PCOS and IR in 1999 and when I came here in 2001, I was shocked that all these people were on medications that I wasn't on. I brought them up to my endo and he said that there were no definitive studies and he wanted me to lose weight and see a nutritionist (and this was the head of endocrinology at one of the hospitals, so I felt like his was the final word). My GYNs always told me that they'd put me on Clomid if I wanted to TTC, but that was it. I just kept trying one BCP after another, occasionally having to take Premarin or Provera to activate my periods.
I went 3 years without seeing an endo and was seeing GYNs at the student health center (I was a grad student, which is another reason I think I had substandard health care). I would periodically bring up the PCOS and ask about Met, but no one listened.
So now I'm 32 and my PCP (whom I totally love, but she's an internist and PCOS isn't her specialty) decided that she wanted me to go to a GYN she knows. I went a few weeks ago and what a difference a few years made. He immediately understood everything and put me on Met. I didn't even have to ask, which I hated doing because I always felt like I was drug seeking. He also REALLY listened, which was a completely different experience than I've had previously. I was starting to think that no one would help me out unless I became diabetic.
I think it really takes finding the right doctor...
I too was told to lose weight by my obgyn years ago and he even told me that it would be hard to do. He put me on diet pills to help, but that didn't take care of the symptoms even though I lost about 20 pounds. All it did was make my periods heavier and more uncontrollable....I was dx as type 2 back in march 05 and thought if I lost weight the symptoms would go away. Well, I lost 40 pounds from march 05 to Nov 05 (have kept it off so far) and again, the symptoms didn't get any better. I decided in July 06 that I'd mention it to my pcp. He took me very seriously and made arrangements for me to see an endo. My endo put me on metformin, but took me off spiro (can't understand that one). I have seen him twice and go back at the end of this month. I wish you luck in finding a good doctor and don't be afraid to ask us cysters questions. We all understand what you are going through and how frustrating everything it is to get the best care possible. Take care and good luck.
__________________ DX 1994-told to lose weight by GYN,Suffered 12 years before seeking treatments: REDX 2006 by a family doc sent to endo July 31, 2006 and glad I went; Byetta, 2000mg Metformin, 28 units of levemir, fish oil, 1000mg calcium. Type 2 diabetic and high cholesterol dx March 05, psoriasis dx 1992. Married 20 yrs 2 kids: girl 19 yrs old and boy 17 yrs old.
I'm with everyone else, if this doc wont help you ask around and find a doc that other women like. It took me changing 4 times until I found a doctor who would listen and help me. She even knew what PCOS was and knew what I needed. I'm sad to say that I had to move, so I don't get to see her every few months. We go back 2x a year and that is when I see her.
Good luck and keep us posted!
__________________ me - 45 dh - 48 dd - 12
Total Hysterectomy 8-21-09 Living well is the best revenge!
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if they refuse to help any more then PLEASE change surgeries - i had to just to get anywhere! please keep in contact xcx
__________________
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No More NHS Treatment 2nd of Jan 2009.
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I really need you 
Could you see a different dr? I personally had to change gp surgeryto get any help
He also REALLY listened, which was a completely different experience than I've had previously. I was starting to think that no one would help me out unless I became diabetic.
