Professional newbie (long)

orijeanne · 06-05-2007, 04:32 AM

Haha, okay so im not really a professional, but first impressions are lasting right? Im just gonna say that i've heard the term PCOS from several doctors, never as a solution or a revelation, just kind of a..."So you've not had a period in how long? Oh its probly PCOS, have a nice day!". This is frustrating because I heard it first at 18, then again at 20, never really making any connection with PCOS and depression (yep constant struggle), acne (you mean its not just fries and chocolate?), irregular periods (so 4 months without is unusual?) and facial hair (okay I don't wanna cop to this, but im 27, blond, and I wax my upper lip). But when I decided to become pregnant, that was the worst misconnection of all. Sure I didn't get regular periods, but why did that mean I was infertile? I took birth control to regulate my periods, with hope that when I got off of it, my period would finally be regular and I could really give conception a go. But I had one regular cycle off of BCP, and then flop. I've always been overweight, i've tried everything from weight watchers to bulimia (okay well teenagers do stupid things after watching oprah). Nothing ever worked. But while we were trying to concieve, my husband was trying Atkins low carb, and so I said what the heck? I lost 40lbs, my period didn't become regular, but just as we were going to see a OBGYN for help getting pregnant, I got pregnant! (This was three years in.) Now I have a beautiful 2 year old girl, and life is hectic. So i've barely noticed that 8 months have gone by without a period.

And i've gained weight steadily since the birth of my baby, despite my efforts to eat sensibly, and staying very active. And I want to have another child, its time to take another look at PCOS.

Ive been reading alot on the internet so I can go into the doctor armed and ready to combat thier confused looks and cavalier manner in regard to PCOS. (At least I think, its been more than three years since I discussed it with a doctor)

SO ANYWAY....(I love to ramble)....I found this site....I'd love the support you guys offer, and lend some of my own. Im amazed at the sheer numbers of women here. And im relieved to know im not alone, and im not 'wierd' or 'damaged'. So...Hello Soulcysters!

belle84 · 06-05-2007, 06:29 AM

honey heya! love the post girl after my own heart!! i was told there is no such thing as pcos and i was lying (go figure) lol x evil gits! any questions - u know where i am x btw im beky xx also try the live chat room - its great with women in there with a fountain of knowladge x

NurseJackie · 06-05-2007, 11:16 AM

Just wanted to say hello and welcome. My gyn's when i was younger were the same way, yep, probably pcos, take some bcp's and dont worry about it. Which was fine until i got blood clots and a pulmonary embolism from them and almost died, ugg. At that point, my old gyn was stumped, told me there was nothing else he could do for me. So i believed it for a long time, as my symptoms got worse and worse, until 3 months ago i finally got up the courage to get a new dr. Good luck with getting treatment and ttc. I'm sure you'll find lots of info and support here!

diana0624 · 06-05-2007, 11:39 AM

Welcome! I hate stupid doctors. PCOS is a real thing, with real treatments. UGH...why don't they get that BCP are not candy to be handed out to EVERYONE! UGH! Ok...stepping off my soap box!

The best treatment for PCOS is a low carb diet, exercise (who has time for that with kids..I don't know), and metformin (1500-2550mg per day). This is going to be your best bet at losing weight and treating PCOS (and getting pg again).

There is a section on good doctors. You can look through (or do a search) for your area of the world..and maybe someone has recommended a good doc. Sadly, not all docs are as knowledgeable about PCOS as they should. Wouldn't it be great if Oprah helped teach everyone about PCOS instead of about how to become bulimic? (There's a long on-going thread about getting PCOS on her show somewhere on this board). Anyway...Welcome and good luck. Keep us updated.

Eva37 · 06-05-2007, 12:15 PM

welcome to sc

LessThanThree · 06-05-2007, 12:25 PM

I think finding a GOOD doctor to help us is one thing we are all VERY thankful for. It seems like most of us went through the experience of having (at least) one doctor tell us "PCOS isn't a big deal" or "Oh, it doesn't seem like PCOS" even when ALL the symptoms were there. orijeanne, try to look for a good Reproductive Endocrinologist in your area who works with, if not SPECIALIZES in PCOS. It really makes all the difference in the world.

orijeanne · 06-05-2007, 12:30 PM

I would be thrilled to pieces to see a talk show hour on this! And maybe with more outcry from us there would be more mandatory education on this for our docs! Its funny how ED (erectile wha?) is more widely known and discussed than PCOS...*snicker*

Thanks so much for the replies!

And to Jackie with the blood clots...i've experienced this too

With no explanation or even an idea about what was going on.

Anyway...im going right now to Oprah's website, and writing her an email (or more accurately some lowly hungry intern). And I will write one every day in the month of June! If we all take a crack at it...just maybe?

orijeanne · 06-05-2007, 01:07 PM

PS:

(Told ya I was chatty) heres the direct link to post a suggestion for a show.

http://www2.oprah.com/email/reach/email_showideas.jhtml