I was only diagnosed with PCOS back in August of '07. I've had issues with this my whole life, but none of the other doctors I'd ever gone to took the time to diagnose me. The doctors I went to pretty much all said the same thing. "Some women just have strange cycles." My thoughts? Women aren't supposed to bleed for five months straight. Or the fact that no matter what I did, I could never lose weight. It was because I wasn't trying hard enough, or at least that's what everyone told me.
Finally though, I had an answer to all the things that have been "wrong" with me. Mary Anna, the Nurse practitioner I was seeing, had been treating people almost her entire career that had PCOS. She used to work in a teen clinic and had helped quite a lot of young women who thought they were losing their minds, failing at being healthy.
Today though I learned she has moved to Arizona. I had no word, no warning. It's been quiet a shock, and honestly I'm scared. I really don't want to start from scratch on this again. The doctors at the clinic agreed with her diagnoses, but I have to be on a waiting list to see them. I'm scared, really scared. My family already has a hard time understanding what I'm going through because before I was diagnosed they'd never even heard of PCOS. So in their minds...it must be wrong. I finally have answers, but they're wrong. *sigh*
While searching for answers on the almighty Google, I found this board. It's nice to know I'm not alone. No one in my family or friend base had ever of PCOS and I've been dealing with this alone since I found out. I wouldn't mind having someone to talk to that understood where I'm coming from.
welcome to sc oh, i know what you mean. Having to restart a new medical professional can be unsettling. You will so love this board, theres so much to learn, and everyone is so friendly.
eva
I sure hope so. I was dealing with the family not understanding because I had my best friend who supported me and Mary Anna. I'd finally settled into the meds she has me on and I don't want to switch it all up again, you know?
Hey Shy. Thanks for the welcome. I'm going to try to get back on the waiting list at the doc's office, but it's such a pain. It would have been nice if I'd had a little warning.
Hi! I know what you mean about taking forever to get diagnosed. I didn't get diagnosed till my husband and I started trying to have children. No one ever tested me and I still have to explain to some of them what I have. Kind of frustrating but I would recommend reading A Patient's Guide to PCOS: Understanding and Reversing Polycystic Ovarian Syndrome
by Walter FutterweitGeorge Ryan. Pretty good overall description of things. Maybe your folks would read it and it would help them understand. They also could look at this website with you. My parents don't like to think anything is wrong with me, but I just tried to educate them a little at a time and it helps. But whether or not that works with your parents educate yourself. Also keep in mind that if your next dr gives you a hassle about the diagnosis try seeing an endocrinologist or reproductive endocrinologist. They both are well versed in PCOS and will be able to help you. I know it can feel like you have no control of what's going on with your own body but there are many things you can do to help yourself. Exercise, get plenty of rest, water, take your medications regularly. As for the weight loss, look into seeing a nutritionist and seeing about a low glycemic index diet. It's very healthy and has helped alot of us with PCOS lose weight. Try to eat organic, especially meats and dairy(you want no hormones added to them), and cut out sugar and sugar replacements (splenda, aspartame, etc) as much as possible. It will be ok. Really. Everyone here is a great resource for you. You're not alone. PCOS can be a pain but you can do things about it now that you know what you have. Hang in there!
Thanks for the advice, I think I'll get the book to send to my family.
And endocrinologist? That's definitely something I'd not thought of before. A really great suggestion! With the RN I was seeing being so well versed in PCOS I'd never thought to look elsewhere for help. I'll defiantly be looking into that.
New and scared 
oh, i know what you mean. Having to restart a new medical professional can be unsettling. You will so love this board, theres so much to learn, and everyone is so friendly.
to SC. I'm sure it's hard to start anew doctor wise, but hopefully you'll find some that you like again.
