I have just returned from the ultrasound that confirmed that I have PCOS. I have a doctors appointment tomorrow so that I can start treatment, whatever that may be.
So based on your experiences, what sort of things should I expect, research more, etc?
I keep reading about D-chiro-inositol on the main board. Is that or anything similar available in Oz yet?
A little about my symptoms:
Acne: It's been bad for about 9 mos and mostly located on my lower right jaw.
Hair loss: I've had problems in the past with this that were related to steroid (prednisone) use and to severe food poisoning. However, it's been terrible in recent months.
Hirsutism: I haven't grown a beard or anything particularly severe, but there are random little black hairs sprouting up in the same area as my acne. It has progressively got worse along with my acne. Also, my lower arms are rather, uh, manly.
Obesity: I've been overweight all my life. Though I am "morbidly obese" on the BMI scale, I actually have a fair deal of muscle bulk from exercising and doing weights regularly for five years. I've always found it easier to build muscle mass than lose weight. If you can't lose it, tone it!
Menstruation: Always on time... more so than I am! However, one month I have an extremely heavy flow, and the next it will be like a trickle.
Depression: In my opinion, I've had it since I was little, but I was diagnosed officially at 18. I currently take Zoloft and Xanax (when I have anxiety attacks).
I've been tested for diabetes a lot since I was a child, and the tests have always come back clean. I have low-normal blood pressure and normal cholesterol. I am a vegetarian and was diagnosed recently as anaemic.
I am absolutely NOT currently trying to get pregnant.
Besides my daily vitamin, I do take some supplements related to my various symptoms, including iron (anaemia), biotin (hair loss) and fish oil (just because it's supposed to be good for you). I also drink protein shakes (the girly kind, not the weight-lifter ones).
Btw, I live in Melbourne (inner north suburbs). I am currently getting treatment from my GP and have no idea if he is going to recommend a specialist. Regardless, can anyone recommend a good specialist just in case?
Welcome to SC There's heaps of info on here that can help you in your journey. Probably a good idea to read the newbie/recently diagnosed threads and also the one on what to ask your docs etc.
I think it's a good idea to see a specialist. One I can recommend is Dr. James (Mac) Talbot in Richmond, he's very good.
I would also recommend getting a full lot of blood tests done, in particular Insulin Resistance. The doctor will more than likely put you on Metformin to treat it. Unfortunately I cannot take it as I had a very bad reaction to it, but a lot of girls have great success with it, and it helps with weight loss.
Diet is important, especially low GI particularly if you have IR. Everyone present differently though with PCOS so treatment is an individual thing.
I hope this helps some.
Lou
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~ Aussie Cyster ~ To view links or images in signatures your post count must be 0 or greater. You currently have 0 posts. Severe IR / Migraines / Depression
1500mg Metformin XR
Cinnamon/Chromium/Magnesium/Vit B's
Laparoscopy/Ovarian Drilling and Curette 27/7/09
Born to be a Mummy to dogs!!
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Have a read through this link before your appointment tomorrow .. hope it goes well ((hugs))
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~ Aussie Cyster ~ To view links or images in signatures your post count must be 0 or greater. You currently have 0 posts. Severe IR / Migraines / Depression
1500mg Metformin XR
Cinnamon/Chromium/Magnesium/Vit B's
Laparoscopy/Ovarian Drilling and Curette 27/7/09
Born to be a Mummy to dogs!!
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I actually had my follow-up appointment last week. My doctor put me on Yasmin, which I cannot start taking for another three weeks or so. He did some more blood tests as well for diabetes, cholesterol, triglycerides (I think) and cortisol. I will get the results on Thursday and have another appointment on Friday.
In the first set of tests, I had raised cortisol levels, and I reckon that they may be high in this recent test. This would mean that I probably have Cushing's syndrome and would have to go to an endocrinologist.
As I am reading about people's random symptoms on here, I am finding it very reassuring. It seems like all of these conditions that seem unrelated all tie back into PCOS and, surprisingly, anemia, which a fair number of us seem to have.
Anyway, thanks for your response!
PS What kind of physician is Dr. Talbot? I am seeing a GP at the Carlton Clinic right now, and I have been extremely impressed based on my few appointments and several returned phone calls.
There's heaps of info on here that can help you in your journey. Probably a good idea to read the newbie/recently diagnosed threads and also the one on what to ask your docs etc.
