Re: 2nd appointment with Dr. Wu at UCLA
From: Demetra (anonymous@obgyn.net)
Mon, 29 Jan 2001 07:37:08 -0600 (CST)
Hi Cynthia
I was diagnosed with PCOs when I was 18, had very large cysts on which
couple of occassions had to be removed and although my hormone levels
are about normal currently, I am now 33, I have been prescribed
Metmorfin by an endocrinologist here in London when I asked for help
with my weight loss. I am not diabetic and I have lost 60 lbs over two
years, but I have another 55 lbs to lose before I reach my recommended
weight loss. I noticed that you started on Metmorfin in May 2000 and
that you were prescribed it for PCOs and had weight to lose so I was
wondering how you got on with it? The choice in terms of assisitng with
weightloss was between Xenical or Metmorfin so I went fot
Metmorfin.Obviously diet and exercise are still the basis for my
weighloss, but I went to see this endocrinologist for extra help in case
i could do somehting more as I had got a little stuck and was not losing
anymore weight for 6 months but happily not gaining either.
Your experiences and comments would be useful particularly as you see to
have read up and researched the subject.
I look forward to hearing from you.
Demetra
At Wed, 31 May 2000, Cynthia wrote:
>
>Hi Everyone,
>
>I had my second appointment with an RE at UCLA this morning. During my previous appointment, (two weeks ago) I had been given a spectrum of blood tests. This morning, he reviewed the tests with me, and I was given an ultra-sound to check for cysts on my ovaries. I was on the high range of normal for most things. I was tested for DHEA, FSH, Glucose, Liver Function, Insulin, Prolactin, Testosterone, and Progesterone. He told me the tests had ruled out problems with my pituitary or a tumor (other possible explanations for some of my symptoms). According to what I had read during my online research (of the PCOSA sight, and looking up polycystic ovarian on every medical website I could find), the high range of normal was an indication of PCOS. During the ultrasound, I saw the cysts on my ovaries. They weren't very large, according to the doctor, and one ovary had many more than the other. In my case, the cysts have never caused me any discomfort or problems that I am aware of. H
>aving had three kids, it was sort of strange looking at an ultra sound, and not looking for a baby. Just my empty uterus. (I have those wistful baby thoughts, until my arguing children whip me into reality!!!)
>
>I was very, very glad that I had done my own research before seeing the doctor. He was pretty short on words, and if I hadn't already understood how everything was connected, I must say that I would still have no clue. It may be that my questions and comments, including telling him that I'd done research, made him feel that he didn't need to explain things to me. I would definitely suggest that anyone take it upon themselves to understand the condition (or any other medical condition, for that matter) as well as they can for themselves.
>
> At the end of the appointment he told me that I did have PCOS, and since I had indicated I was interested in the glucophage, we'd try that. He gave me a prescription (500mg 3x's a day with meals). I asked if it would be okay if I eased myself into it to avoid the side effects I've read about in this list, and he said fine, although his patients hadn't had too much trouble. Again, if I hadn't already been familiar with the problem, I wouldn't have known. He gave me the choice of three therapies: BCP, provera or the met. That seemed odd to me. If the problem is insulin resistance at its core, why wouldn't you go directly to treating that?
>
>All in all, I'd say it was a positive experience. I had gone in there knowing I had PCOS (from a previous diagnosis back when I was 19 - I'm 35 now), and he checked to rule other things out and to confirm the diagnosis himself. He had given me the choice of therapies, and had agreed that the met was the thing to try, since weight loss is a concern of mine. I asked him about a low carb diet, and he said he thought it was a good idea. I can't say how it would have gone if I didn't already know the questions to ask.
>
>Well, I took my first pill this evening with dinner. I ate a little, took the pill, and then finished my food. I'm a little nervous from all I've read here about the side effects. I'm going to take one pill a day for a week, then add another, and go to three the third week. I am also going to go back on my Suzanne Sommers diet (low carb, no sugar or white flour only whole grains, etc.), because it seemed to work well for me earlier this year (I lost 35 pounds). I have 75 pounds to go.
>
>I let you all know how it goes....
>
>Cynthia
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