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Re: HELP - How do I get Doctor to take PCOS seriously!From: Avalos (anonymous@obgyn.net)Thu, 6 Apr 2000 10:39:49 -0500
Jackie: I have had so many doctors over the past decade, I can not remember all of them, and not one of them ever wanted to take my PCOS seriously (I didn't even know what it was until recently, I just knew there was something really wrong with my system). Even now, when I have found an OB-Gyn who has officially diagnosed me, my HMO will not allow her to prescribe Metformin for me unless I am trying to get pregnant, which right now, I am NOT trying to do (I want to get a bit more regulated/normal first before I even GO there!). As a result of the HMO policy, I had to lie to my OB-Gyn (she knows it's a lie), and per the HMO rules, she has referred me to a Reproductive Endocrinologist. It is not even a sure thing that he will prescribe Metformin for me, and even if he does, the medication is not covered by insurance, since my HMO classifies it as an infertility medication for all non-diabetics. Go figure... Anyway, I am straying off the path here, my original point was to tell you that there are others out there whose doctors have had the same kinds of attitudes that you've encountered, and the only way to get beyond that is to keep looking for a new doctor who is up to date on treatment... There are so many obstacles out there, whether they come in the form of uninformed doctors or health care coverage organizations that refuse to recognize PCOS as a medical condition in and of itself. My suggestion? Start checking out the PCOS websites on the net, many have lists of doctors around the country who will treat patients like us. Ask the women on this message board if any of them know of someone in your general area (I don't know what state or city you are in, so I can't tell you if the ones in my area who treat members of the local PCOS chapter would be worth trying).... I'm not very good at posting links into emails, otherwise I'd do it & save you some time, but I'll bet someone else on this board will do that...... Anyway, take heart and keep on trying! Clara -----Original Message----- From: anonymous@obgyn.net [mailto:anonymous@obgyn.net Sent: Thursday, April 06, 2000 11:11 AM To: Multiple recipients of list PCOS-MEDICATION Subject: HELP - How do I get Doctor to take PCOS seriously! I need some advice! I am a 27 year old woman who was diagnosed with PCOS over a year ago. I have been to see three different doctors since then and none of them seem willing to help me. I have all the classic PCOS symptoms - massive amounts of facial hair and excess body hair, I get my period 3 or four times a year maximum, and since graduating from school five years ago have gained over 70 pounds. This is destroying my life and the doctors treat it like a comestic problem. When I asked my gyn about the various drugs (Metformin / ACTOS etc) she said they did not give drugs for "comestic problems" and that I just needed to lose weight. She pointed to the fact that my weight gain is recent to support her theory that I could lose weight if I wanted to. Its true I have gained the weight since college but I was a Division 1 swimmer working out over five hours a day with my team - is that a reasonable expectation of my doctor - that I need to continue that type of intense exercise and hold a job? I do still run 5-6 times a week for over an hour and am in good shape. And the hair is unmanagable and had been for years combined with I recently had a uterine biopsy which came back abnormal. Am I losing my mind or is this more than a "comestic problem". I am beginning to feel helpless and lost - like maybe the doctors right and I just need more "self-discipline" - if anyone had an equally frustrating doctor response - please respond and let me know how you dealt with them.
-- Thanks -
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