Sydney Cysters

megsybad · 12-22-2006, 12:56 PM

Hi Girls

I'm a massive lurker of these boards and let's just say I'm sick of lurking around like a freak and have decided to start posting. But there is an ulterior motive...

Could any of you girls recommend me a Doctor in the Sydney area, that will actually help me with my problems and not just tell me to lose weight? If you could recommend any good endocronologists as well, that would be fantastic.

I've been doing some research on google and as a result I'm convinced (LOL, i am a bit of a hypochondriac at times) that i have Cushing's syndrome. I was unaware that this even existed and i have never been tested for it. I have been to 6 (yes, six) doctor's since i was diagnosed with PCOS, complaining about my lack of success in losing weight and symptoms worsening and all six of them just looked at me blankly and said the standard response of "The symptoms of PCOS are caused by you being overweight, lose weight and the symptoms will dissapear, here's a number for a dietician, and i must stress that you need to excercise". This reply comes even after i have explained to them that i have been on a low gi diet, barely eating anything, and excercising fanatically for 6 months. I can just tell that they're thinking that im lying about my dedication and that all i've been doings is sitting around on my butt eating Mars Bars and Big Macs.

AAAARRRRRRRGGGGHHHH! I am just so frustrated, it really seems that no one cares at all- not my family (who barely even consider it an issue, hell, my dad just blinked at me the other day when i mentioned PCOS and said "What's that?), not doctors, not friends...

Please, please, please recommend me a doctor. I am going insane, i need a Doctor who KNOWS what I'm talking about and doesn't just think im a lazy, fat cow.

Roses · 12-22-2006, 07:33 PM

Hi -

((hugs)) I have been told many similar things by doctors - it is so frustrating, I know.

I had GD when I was pg and I saw Dr Diana Learoyd - her rooms are near RNS. I think she would be good, but I was not treated by her for PCOS specifically, although it did come up in conversation.

Years ago I saw Kate Steinbeck - I was not impressed with her at all. My blood test showed increased cortisol levels and a slow metabolism + PCOS indicators... and she 'wrote me off' so to speak because I looked too healthy to have PCOS.

I have recently found a GP who has prescribed me met - she was soooo understanding I basically cried with happiness when I left. She listened, she knew just as much as I do about PCOS - no, sorry, more. When I explained what other doctors have said she rolled her eyes. She is on the northern beaches - are you anywhere near there?

Also, before I fell pg (actually, I think this woman helped me fall pg) I saw a great naturopath that specialises in PCOS and IR. You can check out her website - www.sensible-alternative.com.au (I found her from a google as on here, but she is FANTASTIC) - she is Canadian, and from what I understand, to me a naturopath in Canada, you have to be medically trained as well. She ran blood tests too - she knows exactly what she is doing. And her approach is not too extreme. I really liked her.

I have thought I had Cushings - I have that 'hump' and so does my Mum. I have had elevated Cortisol - but the further tests came back normal.

I have also read lots of great things about Warren Kidson - I hear the wait list is huge, but apparently really worth it. I was re-ready the PCOS Glucose Revolution and he wrote the intro - I really like his approach too.

GL - come and join us in the 'Dog' thread too. ((Hugs))

megsybad · 12-23-2006, 04:15 AM

Thanks for the reply Roses and the e-hugs, i really appreciate it.

I'm in the Hills District so the Northern Beaches isn't too much of a stetch for me, especially if i can see a GP who understands PCOS and will actually listen to what i have to say. Even better if she is willing to prescribe Met, because from my exhaustive research on it, i really think that it could make a difference for me.

Thanks for the recommendations, i think i will definetly make an appointment with the naturopath, I am a little skeptical of their methods, but i really have nothing to lose, so i may as well give it a shot. I googled Dr Kidson, and whoah, the guy has some credentials under his belt- I'm going to jump on the waiting list, he seems to be a leader in his field, he had to get that reputation from somewhere

*heads to the 'Dog' thread*

Dayna Bear · 02-01-2007, 10:54 PM

Hi there megs and roses,

I used to come in here alot, but having a 19 month old doesn't afford me the time I used to have. I saw Warren Kidson who is an expert in the field at Randwick but I have gotten really slack with my metformin and am too scared to go back to him because I am back up to 80 kilos. I slackened off with my metformin because I was breastfeeding. I will go back on the met after I finish breastfeeding. I'd love to stop now but my little boy goes nuts for it and it's not worth all the angst.

I'd really rather go to a clinic close by - I am at Toongabbie near Westmead in Sydney. Does anyone know of fertility clinic or somewhere close by that specialises in PCOS as I would like to start trying for a second baby soon.