I have had PCOS ever since I started my period - I am sure of that. My first year of having periods I had a large cyst that ruptured. I have since then had a least one more major cyst that had to be drained. I am on BCP and hate every mintue of it. They put me on a high dose, and after being that way for a year, my body started freaking out. My breasts hurt so bad I could hardly stand for a shirt to touch them. My emotions are out of control. No matter what I eat, if my hormones are out of balance I gain weight. I have gained 45 pounds in a year, and I don't eat that bad. I was put on a lower dose of BCP, and that dose was to weak. I had a period and now my body is so out of wack it is scary. I am fairly sure I have a cyst right now. I have all my symptoms of it. I went to the er and she found an infection in my vagina, so she would not check out anything else. However she did tell me that I was too big to feel a cyst on my ovary, If I was skinner she would be able to feel. So she sent me home saying it was still posible that I had a cyst, but she was going to treat me for the infection. I am ready to get rid of all my female organs. I am young, but my husband and I are not sure we want a baby, and I am not real sure I can even get pregnat. I can't even ovulate without a bad cyst now. I am thinking very seriously about a hysterctomy. I have no use of these female organs. I am so tired of my life revolving around hormones. Not sure the help I need, I guess I just wanted someones opinion on the hysterectomy part.
I am sorry to hear that you are having such a bad time.
I personally believe the BCPs actually cause more problems than they resolve.
Before you make a decision about having a hysterectomy, I recommend that you read Dr. Lee's book What Your Doctor May Not Tell You About Premenopause
When you have a hysterectomy you throw your body into menopause and that can be more of a problem than PCOS - I know, hard to imagine. But our female organs impact more than just our fertility.
Please read up on this.
__________________ TTC #1 since Feb. 2004
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Wait a second, a doctor told you that you were too big to feel a cyst? Why the hell does she think those u/s machines are in the hospital? Just to look at?
Sorry to be so *****y (it's not at you) I'm just so sick and tired of hearing how stupid doctors are...are there any decent ones out there?
Ok, my advice, find an endocrinologist...they are the ones who handle this stuff. See who the ladies here recommend in your area (there's a forum that deals with that). If they can't recommend someone, then call around. Find out how much the endo knows about PCOS. Generally, reproductive endocrinologists tend to know the most about this rotten disorder. Just be prepared, some of them like to keep women on BCP's if the woman isn't trying to conceive.
Please let us know how things go...I'm so upset for you that you're dealing with all this.
__________________ Celtic Spirit
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You DO NOT need a hysterectomy. PCOS is controllable and a hysterectomy is MAJOR SURGERY, which carries with it a risk of serious injury, infection or death! Why would you choose that when you clearly have other options? Not to be cliched, but a hysterectomy is a permanent solution to a temporary problem- it's far too drastic for you to even consider at this point.
I had problems similar to yours when I was on the pill, and when my doctor was nonresponsive, I simply stopped taking it. I think the pill causes more probelms than it solves for women with PCOS. I suggest you simply quit taking it (if you want to avoid pregancy, go to planned parenthood and get a diaphragm, this is more comfortable then using condoms for you and your hubby but will still prevent pregnancy).
Even though you don't have insurance, if you can afford it, it would be to your benefit to see a specialist at least for a consultation. Tell her you simply can't afford to have tests done or have expensive medication. Just an appointment to talk with her and have a quick exam wouldn't cost too much. Explain your financial concerns to her. Either she'll be able to recommend alternative treatments that won't cost as much money as medication and tests, or she'll know where you can go for low-cost treatment.
BTW, a hysterectomy would cost thousands... if you're not able to see an endocrinologist due to lack of insurance, how do you think you'll pay for major surgery?
Keep us updated, good luck
__________________ I'd rather have 30 seconds of wonderful than a whole lifetime of nothing special. -Steel Magnolias
nned help 
