newly diagnosed thin cyster, confused can't seem to get any answers from my dr. HELP

kay6686 · 08-18-2009, 11:32 PM

I was dx with PCOS in March. my OBGYN made it seem like she knew I had this condition forever even though nobody has ever mentioned it to me. She made it seem like a rediculous question when I asked about getting pregnant. I left the office feeling completely confused. I made a follow up appointment after talking to my husband and deciding that we did officially want to start trying to conceive but this time scheduled with a different doctor in the same practice. His response was to tell me I don't "look" like I have PCOS because I am thin but he would treat me for infertility so he gave me Provera in order to get my period. and had me checking my basal temps. that was a desaster. Provera makes me sick but is worth it I guess. my basal temps are always in the mid 96 degree range and not even on the chart. he also had my husband do a sperm count which was fine thank god for that. He said to come back in 4 months for a check up and if I still wasn't ovulating he would give me something to help with ovulation problems. Well needless to say in the 4 months I didn't have a period, I gained 25lbs. And I felt awful most of the time. I am emotional and have low abdomen pain almost all the time. I have never felt this way before. I brought all this up at my follow up and he told me he would give me provera again and that I should watch what I eat because my diet must be to blame. He did not give me anything to help with ovulation or have any suggestions to coltrol pain and cramping he said I have to take the provera every two months from now on. He didn't even tell me what the next step was or when to come back or anything. I was so blown away by the way that he blew off my weight gain and cramping that I couldn't even think of other questions for him. I was so upset and overwhelmed by the visit that I just don't know what to do next. I feel like I don't have any proof that I have PCOS other than I don't get a period without provera and being off birth control causes me to gain weight. I am considering going to a different doctor. My Aunt who also has PCOS has recommended a doctor nearby that she used to see and highly recommends. Before I make an appointment with him I need to know what steps should be followed to dx me and first help me to get my body ready to even be able to carry a baby and then help me to conceive. Please give me some hope, suggestion, or advice because right now i feel like this is hopeless.

<3 Kayla

ErikaG_78 · 08-19-2009, 12:09 AM

Hi Kayla, I am so sorry you did not have any luck with your doctors. This is not the way they should have treated you! I think it is a great idea to make an appointment with that Dr your aunt recommended.
First of all your dr should listen to you, he should answer your questions. After the first appt you will probably have an u/s and blood work. During the u/s they will check your ovaries to see if you have several cysts on them. This is an indication of PCOS.The blood work is to check you LH, FSH, thyroid stimulating hormone, testosterone, insulin, estradiol, prolactin, etc
LH:FSH should be around 1, if it is more, that is another indication of PCOS. We also often have elevated testosterone level and IR.
The treatment is usually Metformin for those who are TTC. Most of us are on 1500-2000mg. It might make you sick at the beginning but eventually it will get better within a few weeks. There are two types of Met: regular and XR (extended release). XR won't make you as sick as the regular but it is probably less effective for thin women with PCOS. There is an article here about how to treat thin cysters. I can send you the link if you cannot find it.
You can also try natural remedies like Vitex. There are many threads about it if you are interested. Vitex might help you to regulate your cycles, it might not ....
I hope you'll finally find a good Dr who won't make the diagnosis just by looking at you. I have heard that "you cannot have PCOS because you are thin" opinion so many time myself. This is when I know I have to find a new DR asap.
Good luck to you! And keep us posted how your appt goes with the new doc.

KatCarney · 08-19-2009, 04:16 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by kay6686

Before I make an appointment with him I need to know what steps should be followed to dx me and first help me to get my body ready to even be able to carry a baby and then help me to conceive.

Smart!

There's a LOT of in this link. Be SURE to read it all. Maybe even print it out and keep a binder with highlighted portions: QUICK LINKS: Getting a PCOS Diagnosis & Understanding Lab Results

Quote:

Originally Posted by kay6686

His response was to tell me I don't "look" like I have PCOS because I am thin...

If it were me? I'd complain in writing about that. (Or at least send him some information that thin women can have pcos, and you can't diagnose pcos by 'looking' at someone)

I'd complain, not to 'feel' better but with the hopes of educating this doctor so that he can better treat the next potential cyster that walks through the door.