For the past five years I've been trying to get my PCP and my GYN to look into the symptoms I've been experiencing. In five years I've gained 80+ pounds (I used to be skinny!), hair falling out, acne, extreme fatigue, missed periods (after years of being regular), high cholesterol, skin problems, GERD, joint pains, infections that heal slowly... and my doctors have just brushed it off as nothing by listening and doing nothing i.e. telling me testing isn't necessary or refusing me a referral to a specialist.
Finally, I convinced a nurse at the doctors office to write me a referral to an Endo and low and behold my new doctor (Endo) diagnoses me with Hypothroid, PCOS and IR! I feel so frustrated now that for years I've been suffering with these problems and I was ignored while the conditions progressed without treatment. I'm fortunate now that I have a great Endo who listens and tests.. he does a lot of testing and he seems to really care. It's easy to reach him, I can email him after hours, weekends, holidays, he replies! He asks me how I feel and includes me in my treatment options.
I just wonder why so many doctors do not do this for their patients and why so many women have to go through such hoops to find answers. I think to myself that if I hadn't been assertive and trusted my instincts I would have ended up in the hospital or worse?
I think it's a wonderful idea to have a support network like this and I'm glad I found this website and discussion forum. I'm looking forward to chatting with everyone!
Jen
Hi Jen! I'm glad your doc finally gave you a referral and that you got some answers! Welcome to SC! You'll find this site full of information and support! Hope to see you in the threads !
__________________ Kate (29) To view links or images in signatures your post count must be 0 or greater. You currently have 0 posts. DH-Neil (33)
To view links or images in signatures your post count must be 0 or greater. You currently have 0 posts. Married: December 28, 2002 2 furbabies - Q and Zia (They are Yorkies To view links or images in signatures your post count must be 0 or greater. You currently have 0 posts. ) Dx w/ PCOS - 2003 Meds: Metformin 1700mg a day HSG 08/16/06 - All CLEAR! TTC again...
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I have been able to find more information on this website then any other! I love the ability to read first hand accounts from people who are going through the same thing. Thank you for making me feel welcome.
I'm glad that you've finally found a doctor that is helping you!! I know how frustrating it can be. I'm still looking for a doctor that will listen!
__________________ Tisha (26) To view links or images in signatures your post count must be 0 or greater. You currently have 0 posts. Mike (28)
Married May 9, 2003
PCOS DX August 2005
I'm glad you were able to find some help! It took me a long time too, and actually, I have only recently found a doc willing to help after almost 17 years of searching. I have been to over 30 doctors in 4 states, so a lot of doctors -- way too many -- just brush us off.
__________________ Dx 7/01 (but knew for years!)
also IBD, IC, fibromyaliga, hiatal hernia w/ acid reflux, asthma/allergies, and hypothyroidism
5'9" 332/250 present goal
I'm a mom! DS born 7/15/2005
Traumatic C/S and Birth Support Thread: To view links or images in signatures your post count must be 0 or greater. You currently have 0 posts.
I'm so sorry that you had to endure all of that from those drs. It is awful and confusing as to why so many drs don't pay more attention. But I am so happy that you have found one that you like. ! love mine!!!
You'll find these women on here are superb, unlike any other. I feel honored everyday to be a part of such a community and to be considered one of them! I'm so happy that you have found us, you are superb too!
I know, as well as the other cysters, how difficult this can be sometimes, if you ever need to talk to someone, feel free to PM me.
Good luck with finding a doc! You have to be persistent, follow your gut instinct and ask for recommendations all the time! I found my Endo by going to a popular thyroid info site which lists top docs that visitors recommend. My doctor had several glowing reviews and when I mentioned his name to local doctors they all said great things about him.
Glad you were persistent and did not give up in finding a good doctor that you feel comfortable with! That is my best advice for people still looking... DON'T GIVE UP!
I am sooo sorry you had such a hard time getting someone to listen. Unfortunatly its not rare. It took me over 10 years and dozens of doctors to get just one to listen. One even told me that I was just too fat..... and at that time I was 5'5" and 160 pounds. Thats not super model or ideal but its not THAT bad! I wish there was more we could do to MAKE doctors hear us. I dont want another woman to go to the doctor and be told their only problem is they are fat. That destroys your self esteem. I tried to explain I was a size 3-4 when my periods stopped and then within a year I was a size 12-14. Thats not normal.
When doctors do not listen... 
!
