I really say Jersey but some people think we say Joisey... haha
Anyhow, I have been bounced around by endocrinologists and finally landed in Pittsburgh. I am finishing my last semester of college and will graduate Dec 16th (hooray!). So, yes, I am young but, I do like to write about things these days.
My story started back in December of 2005 so, I have been seeing doctors for the past year. I noticed hairs sprouting in places they shouldn't be so, I talked to my Mom (a retired RN) and she suggested that I get some bloodwork done at my regular dr's to check my hormones. When I went back to see what they would say, my cortisol levels were elevated but, all of my hormones were normal at that point.
So, I was off to see my first endocrinologist. He tested me and tested me for Cushing's but, wasn't convinced since my cortisol levels weren't extremely high. I had an MRI of my pituitary, had a dex-sup test, several 24 hr urinary tests BUT, nothing convinced him. He "diagnosed" me with PCOS but never exactly told me what I had to do and put me on Metformin for 3 months.
I wasn't convinced by this guy because at this point because I never had problems with my period and I still don't today.
I continued with the metformin but went to see my second endocrinologist. He tested me for Cushing's again but was never able to pinpoint it. My bloodwork showed that my adrenals and pituitary gland were working properly.
So, at this point, I was tired of visiting dr's at home and got the go ahead to see someone in Pittsburgh.
The third dr FINALLY decided to start from scratch. He ordered A LOT of bloodwork as well as ultrasounds. I ended up getting 15 viles of blood drawn. It was worth it though because he wanted to test me for PCOS, Cushing's, and thyroid. When I went back for the results, we found out that I wasn't ovulating and the ultrasounds CLEARLY showed PCOS and a cystic teratoma.
So, briefly describing my symptoms: central weight gain (very hard to lose), facial and chest hair, mood swings, depression, fatigue, thinning hair, purple stria on my abdomen and breasts
I have no problems with my period
17-oh progesterone was very low & androstenedione was extremely high... everything else was normal or just about normal... triglycerides were just a little high but nothing that warrants attention
SO, I am taking metformin, gradually increasing it to 2000 mg a day (thankfully I have an iron stomach) and will be taking a contraceptive.
I don't know if this is any significance but I had my gall bladder out 2 years ago... don't know if it has any relation with hormones or anything with PCOS.
I don't know the actual extent of PCOS. Will the cysts remain there? Will they diminish or reduce in size with medication and time?
Hello and welcome to SC! Glad to see that you finally found a good doctor. I doubt that there is a direct relationship with PCOS and the gall bladder, but I had mine removed January of this year. I do know a couple of cysters who had theirs removed too! Well hopefully you'll enjoy this site! See you in the threads !
__________________ Kate (29) To view links or images in signatures your post count must be 0 or greater. You currently have 0 posts. DH-Neil (33)
To view links or images in signatures your post count must be 0 or greater. You currently have 0 posts. Married: December 28, 2002 2 furbabies - Q and Zia (They are Yorkies To view links or images in signatures your post count must be 0 or greater. You currently have 0 posts. ) Dx w/ PCOS - 2003 Meds: Metformin 1700mg a day HSG 08/16/06 - All CLEAR! TTC again...
To view links or images in signatures your post count must be 0 or greater. You currently have 0 posts.
To view links or images in signatures your post count must be 0 or greater. You currently have 0 posts.
To view links or images in signatures your post count must be 0 or greater. You currently have 0 posts.
Carey(31) To view links or images in signatures your post count must be 0 or greater. You currently have 0 posts. Paul(43)
Married 7-25-02
PCOS Diagnosed Nov 02'
Bi Polar Diagnosed Feb 08'
Current meds~ Lithium&Celexa
To view links or images in signatures your post count must be 0 or greater. You currently have 0 posts. 4 furbabies To view links or images in signatures your post count must be 0 or greater. You currently have 0 posts.
To view links or images in signatures your post count must be 0 or greater. You currently have 0 posts.
To try to answer your question, I'm pretty sure that cysts come and go. I don't know how the medications affect them, but met has been known to help with weight loss, so it's worth it either way.
__________________ 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
Traumatic C/S and Birth Support Thread: To view links or images in signatures your post count must be 0 or greater. You currently have 0 posts.
What a story! I'm so gald you found a good dr. though. that is so important. These women on here are great and can offer wonderful advice. Just remember with the symptoms, things can be maintained, covered up or removed. That's how I try to look at it!
I made a list of questions for my dr. I'm glad i did too, she helped out in so many ways. Plus my cysters on here were great about helping either with advice or pointing me in the direction of it.
I hope things go well for you. Please keep us updated. I love to talk and to listen, so if you ever need me, you can always pm me anytime!
I failed to mention that i have fibrous dysplasia in my right hip. No known cause as of now. Just showed up on an MRI I had. It is painful at times when it wants to be.
~Sue (33) To view links or images in signatures your post count must be 0 or greater. You currently have 0 posts. DH (30)
7/21/06~dx w/ PCOS
After 4 + years w/ various fertility treatments TTC-we are done TTC !
02/14/07~We have signed with an agency to adopt from Vietnam! To view links or images in signatures your post count must be 0 or greater. You currently have 0 posts. Thinking pink!
Newbie in Joisey 
!
