treatments?

daysinbetween · 05-10-2007, 04:26 PM

Hi everyone
I'm new to this site - I've been reading it for a while but just joined today.
I have a question that I can't really seem to find any info or threads on, wondering if anyone here can give me some info.
Some background info:
My partner and I were seing a OBGYN who wasn't that great - he didn't listen to us AT ALL! We were not interested in TTC right away (well not doing any treatments at least) but I had just been tentatively diagnosed with PCOS and endo and my GP referred us to him for further diagnosis. So he did a few blood tests, an US, and a tube-dye checking thing and checked my partners sperm. All in all we found we have PCOS, "siginficant" endometriosis, and "siginificant" male factor. After a laparoscopy for catuerization of endo and ovarian drilling and being on diet and met for a few months, the OBGYN started talking about all these next steps we had to do. Finally we said VERY STRONGLY that we were not interested in further treatments at this time (we had been telling him that all along though). So he said to us that we were finished with him and that when we were ready for any next steps to make an appointment. My last appointment with him was Oct/06 and he took me off the met at that time. Since then I've had no one checking up on me or anything.
So, after that long explanation, my question:
Is anyone out there not TTC right now but is still seeing some sort of specialist for PCOS? I hear a lot of people talking about endocrinologists - I've never seen one of those. I just sortof feel like I was diagnosed and then left hanging....and I'm not so sure how/where to advocate for myself. My GP is really nice but a bit of a dummy and she'll just believe anything I say and then refer me to a specialist - she seems very tentative about making any conclusions herself for anything. I would think that even if we're not immediately doing any fertility treatments that I should still be monitored to some degree.
Anyways, sorry for the long post. And thanks for any info/thoughts you may have!

Ceilidh · 05-11-2007, 03:36 PM

I'm not TTC and I was just put back on Metformin the other day when I went to see a new ob/gyn. He said I should be on something to help with PCOS (cycles issues, weight, IR).
I would think that even if you are not TTC or doing fertility treatments that you should be monitored because things can spiral out of control quite fast.

The reason I'm going back on the Met is because since having my daughter, my cycles are somewhat regular and he said the Met would help them stay that way. I used to not have cycles at all and if it got to that point again, it would be harder to get them back.

daysinbetween · 05-15-2007, 01:09 PM

Thanks for the reply. I thought that it would make sense to have someone following/monitoring me (other than myself of course!). I think I'll see if my GP can refer me to an OB/GYN that knows something about PCOS and endometriosis but won't try to force fertility treatments on me!!
Thanks again!

BeetleGirl · 06-02-2007, 02:29 AM

I am currently on a break from TTC. We have quite a history over the last 4 years and are taking time after moving to a new province, getting settled & starting over to work on us a bit. The years we were ttc have taken alot out of us and we will try again at some point but for the meanwhile are ttc is on pause.
In the meanwhile I am working on different treatments for my PCOS and although I probably should work with an endocrinologist I am very fortunate to have an amazing doctor who is up to date on all the treatments for PCOS. I am currently on Glumetza(extended release Metformin) not because it does much of anything when it comes to controlling my symptoms but it has proven to help the things I can't physically see. I am on Spiro. for the excessive hair and the reduction of male hormones and it has definately been one of the better things I have tried. In the meanwhile we have discovered my thyroid has major issues(possibly can be connected to PCOS) and I have started treatment for that(and feeling great). I have tried some not so great treatments(Xenical) based on some research studies I have read about but it's nice working on some of the problems I am experiencing because of PCOS.
Like I said I am fortunate enough to have great doctor but if I didn't I would definately find an endocrinologist or someone to follow up with when I have questions, need advice or request treatments.
Depending on where you live in Canada you may want to look into obtaining treatment from a place like the PCOS clinic through Sunnybrook in Toronto. The physicians involved with the clinic have an interest in PCOS and want to help the symptoms more than resolve infertility issues.
Anyways just a suggestion.
Good Luck!