My Intro Post

[SqueakyGerbil]

I've actually been a member here since the beginning of the month (and have posted a few times in different areas) but didn't want to post any kind of an intro till I had a dignosis. I signed up just after hearing that I might have PCOS from my doc and after I was referred to this site from some wonderful women on another board I visit.

Well here is my intro post.....

I got into see my doctor to get the results of my bloodwork yesterday and was given a current "partial" diagnosis of PCOS. She doesn't want to be the one to give me the diagnosis but instead wants to wait till I can get in for my ultrasound and then send me to the gynecologist because "they are the specialists for this" but she is fairly positive that it is indeed PCOS (though I won't get the official diagnosis till some time in the new year). As my boyfriend says though, at least one of us gets to meet her husband (the husband of our regular doctor is the gynecologist I will be referred to lol)

She also started me on Metformin. For the next 3 weeks I get to take half a 500mg tablet twice a day and then my dosage will be upped (she likes to start medications *very* slowly).

She was acutally suprised that I went into my appointment yesterday with a lot of information about PCOS (a lot of it from the women on this board so let me say thank you) as normally I've been a patient who doesn't do a lot of homework for appointments with her. She also let me know that I am indeed Insulin Resistant and she wants me to get a blood glucose monitor so I can begin to test my blood sugar though this will be a few more weeks till I start due to the fact that I have to wait for the next "quickie course" at the local diabetic center (if I take the quickie course, the monitor and all test strips will be covered under my medical which in my case will cover 100%).

The hardest thing so far though as been informing people (which oddly enough I'm thankful that is the hardest thing because after reading on here I realize how lucky I've been to have my doctor and get the diagnosis without a fight). I made the mistake of explaining it as an "ovary problem" to my dad which he interpreted as "cancer", explained it as a "problem with hormones" to my grandmother which she interpreted as PMS (didn't expect it to go smoothly with her), and an indepth explanation to Aaron's (boyfriend/comon-law husband) step-mom because she kept pushing me to tell her what my "recent medical problems" were, and basically an argument with my weight loss counselor (an incident destined for the "rant" section)!

So how does one explain PCOS to someone? I mean I am a fairly private person who is surrounded with the problem of how to deal with those people in my life who I can't just say "it's not something I care to discuss" to.

[Jashobeam]

Saying you have an endocrine dissorder or are pre-diabetic is the easiest way to go. Everyone has heard of diabetes, and few have heard of endocrine dissorders. So, if you say "I have pre-diabetes," people shut up quick because they figure they know what you are talking about. If you say "I have an endocrine dissorder" people don't want to appear stupid, so they nod politley and shut up usually, LOL.

Yeah, when I said "ovary" to mom it freaked her out to think PCOS involved more than it really does. I think it scared her a bit. When I explained that it's more to do with insulin problems and hormone imbalance she understood it better.

[hellofromangie]

Welcome!


Jashobeam has given two excellent suggestions.


Angie

[Eva37]

welcome to sc
Eva

[*Shellie_Star*]

Welcome to Soul Cysters.

[CathyWood]

HI Welcome to SC. You know..I have given up explaining to people what PCOS is..cause they don't know or care to know. So if you do..I hope they would understand. I hope you have felt at home here. See you around.

[SqueakyGerbil]

Thanks for the wonderful welcome guys! I do believe that this board has kept me from going nuts for the past month

[gypseemommy]

I totally understand your problem. I made the big mistake of explaining PCOS from the gynecological aspect, so now I get the attitude from alot of people like I have issues with my period so I've decided to "go on a diet" to lose weight. Nobody is getting that this is necessary for my health, not about my weight at all (even though losing the weight is part of it). I do like the suggestion earlier to say "pre-diabetic" or "endocrine disorder". Very good suggestion.

[Fula97]

Welcome. I usually just say I have an hormonal imbalance which freaked my male boss who I have worked with for years out but he is used to it since his team is all females. I'm lucky that my friends understand what I have since within my circle another friend of mine also has it and miscarried twice before having her first baby and pregnant with her second. Plus I have a gyn friend who I go to for a second opinion (it would creep me out to go to her for an exam then have dinner) There are quite a few nurses as well among my friends so they get it and explained in easier terms to my other friends what it all entails

[Mazarin]

A big welcome!