Other Options???

cmjohn07 · 06-30-2005, 10:14 PM

Sorry it's been so long since I last posted. Basically, I've been waiting for the results of multiple lab tests since mid-April. Ahhhhh!!! I was diagnosed PCOS in early April at my annual with the OB/GYN (had suspected PCOS for about a year and FINALLY found a dr with some sense!). Since I'm not currently TTC (but we aren't exactly NOT trying either), she wanted to put me on BCPs to deal with the PCOS. My family has a history of stroke and heart disease/attack so she ordered a set of labs to determine if I could actually take the pills. Ironic because I've been on BCPs most of my life and no one has ever done labs! Anyway, the hematologist said that the labs show an abnormal blood clotting factor so I won't be able to take the pills. I'm scheduled to go back to the OB/GYN in a few weeks to discuss other options. At the last visit, she said that I probably don't have large cysts or a large quantity of them since I don't experience any pain (other than mild cramps). My insulin levels are normal so I don't have to deal with that right now. AF is pretty regular, but my cycles usually last 39-45 days. And of course, I'm "blessed" with the hair growth and weight issues.

I want to be informed for my next visit. What options other than BCPs are there? I've read about Metformin, but does it work for people who AREN'T insulin resisitant??? Chris and I definitely plan to have kids within the next few years (I'm 25 and he's 28). I'm just scared that if the PCOS goes untreated, that won't be an option. I know about clomid but several of the couples that I know who have used it have had multiples (I read somewhere that there's only a 10% increase in the likelihood of multiples with the med, so either the stats are wrong or my friends fall into an abnormal category!). Any suggestions as to what I should ask my dr? Ahhh! I'm losing my mind!

Chrissy

JennJo · 07-01-2005, 09:08 AM

I know how you are feeling huni. I was diagnosed in April too and I am still waiting on an appointment to see a specialist for meds. Like you the doctor doesn't seem to be bothered about me as I am not TTC. She told me that I would be seen sooner if I was TTC but as I am not I'll just have to wait.

Don't get me wrong, I would be happy for someone who is desperately trying for a baby to be seen before me (in fact I would gladly give someone my appointment if they were in that situation) cos at the end of the day they are prob more miserable than I am but I just think it stinks that you should find yourself in the situation that they'll help if your TTC but won't help if your not.

Anyway thats my moan over with, let me know how you get on. I hope you get something sorted sooner rather than later.

Bert · 07-01-2005, 01:50 PM

I know too how you ladies feel about being put on the back burner since we aren't TTC. My levels that were off on my bloodwork (ex: progesterone during the luteal phase of cycle when should be 4 or over was <0.2) extremely low in my opinion and the list of symptoms that I have all coincide with having low progesterone levels. However since I'm not TTC she told me she wasn't worried since I'm not wanting a child at this point. Doesn't matter that I am miserable. It seems like she was telling me I wasn't important enough as a person. I would however be important if I was trying to create another life that would someday be having the same problems (God Bless) and in turn be totally ignored as well. Life is hysterical.

lovelyinkedlady · 07-01-2005, 02:34 PM

You ladies are lucky, you've all been diagnosed. I still haven't been diagnosed......i was diagnosed via an ultrasound, and physical look by two differnt gynos. I'm still living in limbo because the endo dr won't diagnose me with pcos. So i'm off to see a new one.

It doesn't matter if your trying to not. I'm trying to get pregnant and they keep wanting to put me on bcps, which i can't handle, do to sever depression and moodswings. Sometimes you have to get down right rude evil and mean for them to understand your not playin a game.

I know it sucks to have to get that way but sometimes you have to do what you have to do to get the results you want.
As far as the metformin, women with pcos can use it to help balance out hormonal levels. Especially if you are diabetic it's great. As far as the clomid. It's even less then 10% and most couples who have mutiples with clomid there is a family history of mutiples in their family weather they know it or not. It can skip over gernerations.

Keep fighting for your health....I wouldn't worry to much if you aren't trying to stop from getting pregnant. But don't let the dr's push you in to a corner you don't wan tto be in.

amshum · 07-04-2005, 04:07 PM

Chrissy! I say give your doctor a call and see what's up. That's far too long to make you wait IMO.

I also hope you'll check out the reading material here: http://www.soulcysters.com/info.html

Arm yourself with knowledge about PCOS so that when you do return to your doctor you'll know whether or not he/she is doing any thing and everything possible to help you.