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Re: To Kate re:pcosFrom: anonymous (anonymous@obgyn.net)Wed, 14 Feb 2001 03:54:03 -0600 (CST)
sorry misplacing of words in my last message.......if periods are absent or very infrequent, then if a period does not occur every two or three months or more, then medication should be given to stimulate a period. Otherwise it is not healthy for the endomertrium. At Wed, 14 Feb 2001, Kate wrote: > >I will hit Amazon next - that's a promise!! Just what I need, in fact, a >book to help me get the diet bit sorted - Thank you! > >Yes, I have had a D&C, during a laparoscopy. And a mirena coil was >fitted at the same time, under GA. It didn't suit me but I had a nasty >haemorrhage after it was removed. I do know that my womb is 'bulky' but >whether that is due to an unusually thick endometrium I do not know. I >have read that the endometrium can thicken with PCOS. > >I have also been checked for pelvic infection and did get a diagnosis of >PID prior to the laparoscopy but this was not borne out by that >investigation - all looked normal, apparently. This was a little over a >year ago. > >I am trying to stay positive - wish me luck!! > >At Tue, 13 Feb 2001, anonymous wrote: >> >>Dear Kate, >> >>Whilst surfing the net I have come across a really good book available >>from Amazon.com or Amazon.co.uk. Its called 'Thin for good- The low >>carb diet that will finally work for you', by Fred Pescatore. You might >>want to either purchase this or try and obtain it from your local >>library if it is of any interest to you. It is for PCOS sufferers. >> >>ALso the medication 'spironlactone' has been found to be beneficial for >>hirtuisim and certainly prevent further excessive hair growth and has >>been found at times to reduce the present condition. Of course this >>medication will be determined on your present medical conditions and >>ailments and has to be prescribed by your GP. >> >>Have you had a D&C or any endometrial biopsy? You have mentioned before >>about seeing a Gynae. This might be worth considering by your doctor. >>As well as the pelvic scan. Also have you had a recent smear? >>Particularly since your discomfort or pain is located within your pelvic >>region. Have you had any PID's? Chronic infections such as salpingitis >>can cause lower abdo pain, that can come and go, pain on intercourse, >>irregular bleeding/menses, vaginal discharges. >> >>I think your doctors need to do a top and tail examination of you. A >>'refresher' examinations if you like since your ailments and symptoms >>are ongoing. >> >>Its good that your DH loves you the way you are. It must be equally >>painful for him to see you suffer so much. >> >>I know that you may feel a lost cause as nothing specific has come out >>of a diagnosis. But you have most if not all the symptoms of PCOS. All >>ypu want is your Medical Doc's to say so, don't you, or at least find >>the route of all your probs! Try and hang in there, please find ways to >>manage your symptoms and distress whilst you wait for this much awaited >>scan. >> >>Prozac is real good for depression but it can cause headaches and visual >>disturbances in some, so your headaches could be aggrevated by your >>medication. And the fact you are so stressed will only make it worse. I >>hope you can find ways to certainly control that pain as equally as your >>abdo pain. >> >>Hope your days become easier to live with and try and keep your chin up. >>Let us know how you get on. >> >>Take care >> >>At Tue, 13 Feb 2001, anonymous wrote: >>> >>>Dear Kate, >>> >>>frustrating i know when the medical profession dismiss you or think that >>>such symptoms manifest itself and are assumed to be pyschosympatic!!! >>> >>>Okay you have mentioned your stomach is fat and not water retention. One >>>advice is to reduce or refrain from processed foods. I know that is >>>easier said then done when alot of our food come out of a packet. But >>>most processed foods if not all will have added salt, sugars and >>>preservetives which in turn can effect our bodies metabolism. Eat if >>>you can non-processed foods. For example fresh or even frozen veg. >>>Actually i was told by a nutritionist that frozen foods have more >>>vitamins than fresh since the nutrients are reserved. By the time fresh >>>products are transported to the supermarket, by then the vitamins and >>>nutrients have perished further. >>> >>>Reduce dairy products particularly if there could be some food >>>intolerance. Alot of allergies or sensitivities with food can be >>>related with dairy products. Resort to skimmed or semi-skimmed than >>>full fat. >>> >>>There is alot of debate on how healthy 'low-fat' food is. And anyway >>>you can find that with 'lowfat' it might be but can be loaded more with >>>added sugar and salt to make it tastier and more appetizing. >>> >>>Take multivitamins, omega oils with cod liver oil, garlic, evening >>>primrose oil. These are well known to balance out metabolism and ensure >>>well nutrients. >>> >>>You mention that you cycle and walk most days. To body sculpture >>>yourself, certainly all muscles from different parts of the body need to >>>be worked on. There is no doubt that walking and cycling is an >>>excellent aereobic exercise, however to gain aereobic metabolism, to >>>raise the heartrate, it is recommended that you do at least half an hour >>>for each session. The 'fat' can be burned off however its the weight >>>training and selective muscle activity that will contour the body. For >>>example you mention you have muscular thighs from the cycling and >>>walking.yes this will strengthen those muscles. For your upper limbs, >>>why don't you undertake some strengthening exercising concentrating on >>>those parts since why you are cycling it is going to be the quads, >>>buttocks and legs that are going to be worked on more than the upper >>>torso. With your abdomen, crunches and back exercises. >>> >>>Do you feel confident in having a consultation from a fitness instructor >>>and advice/counselling for that fat control/body contour? >>> >>>Its really hard to be positive about ourself if we hate the way we look >>>or hate our inner self. If time, money would not allow you to enrol at >>>your local gym, then maybe some exercise videos could help? i have a >>>list of really good ones. >>> >>>I think apart from your physical problems, it is the emotional aspect >>>that has made you so deflated and uncomfortable about yourself. In >>>turn, you have no postiveness about things getting better. >>> >>>Sometimes the first uplifting start is to have a focus, aim and >>>objective. So your weight is one of your problems so >>>you could >>>1) enrol at gym and have a specific programe designed for you by a >>>fitness instructer. >>>2) continue with your present exercise but maybe get a video that can >>>demonstrate body contour/sculpture. >>>3)re-consider your diet. >>>4) liase with a nutritionist or join weightwatchers. >>> >>>b) you don't like the way you look so >>> >>>1) make that appointment and quality time to be pampered. Maybe a visit >>>to a beautician. They should be able to advise you on skin care and >>>appropriate treatment for your skin condition. >>>2) exercise will improve skin tone, condition through improved vascular >>>activity. >>>3) the excess hair, cheap alternative is to have for example upper lip >>>hair waxed or bleached. ANother option is electrolysis. This can be >>>done by a qualified beautician. >>>4) go to the hairdressers and have a new style or have the hair >>>conditioned. >>> >>>You really are at a low ebb, are'nt you? You see yourself as an 'alien', >>>you feel no support from your family. Sometimes we have to feel >>>attractive in the inside to be attractive on the outside. Little treats >>>like a quick fix at a beauty palour can help. >>> >>>Do perservere with your own GP. SOmetimes we have to be so assertive to >>>get anywhere. >>> >>>As for a whining lazybones....you know you are not, comments such as >>>these are hurtful but when we feel ill, tired etc...we are hardly going >>>to be at our best, are we? >>> >>>Your fatique is probably contributed by your stress. The more stressed >>>you are, the more exhausted you will become. >>>Depression brings us down, makes us feel worthless, useless and its >>>difficult to have that normality. Your depression is a route of your >>>problem through your health and bad experiences. I think you really >>>need to speak to your GP about this. I really feel you would benefit >>>from seeing a counsellor too. You need something to start to make you >>>feel good about yourself, bring back your life. >>> >>>I know you want a 'diagnosis' but in the meantime whilst you wait, you >>>need to gain that energy and harmonised emotions to ensure a good >>>recovery. >>> >>>Take care, good luck >>> >>>At Tue, 13 Feb 2001, Kate wrote: >>>> >>>>Thanks! I have has a brain scan so I know there is no tumour on my >>>>pituitary (although they were looking for the cause of my terrible >>>>migraines, I don't suppose they could have missed one!). About a year >>>>ago I also needed a scan of my kidneys and I guess any abnormalities >>>>there would have been picked up then. >>>> >>>>I am just desperate for an explanation - I feel convinced that PCOS is >>>>my problem especially as it would link together all of the health >>>>problems I have has since the baby was born - 2.5 years ago, some baby!! >>>>Everyone thinks I have gone completely mad as all these different things >>>>keep happening to me - thyroid, cholecystitis and pancreatitis (I think >>>>these could have resulted from the lipid abnormalities that PCOS is >>>>supposed to be connected to?), depression, obesity, facial hair, >>>>migraines, acne and exhaustion, period problems including a haemorrhage, >>>>and the abdominal discomfort I've mentioned. Up until recently, as you >>>>know, I have been treated with total incredulity, not as much by the >>>>medical profession but more by my family who think I am a whining >>>>lazybones (I no longer work). Some days I feel so ill I can barely >>>>function (yesterday was one such day)and yet I still do my best to >>>>exercise regularly as I have always believed (even before PCOS was >>>>suggested) that exercise was my best weapon in the fight to get well. I >>>>exercise by jogging or cyclingmost days but to look at me you would >>>>think I was a couch potato. >>>> >>>>Speaking if the weight gain - it is not water, of that I am certain. I >>>>do retain water from time to time but not all the time so I can notice >>>>the difference. I just have a huge mass of abdominal fat with some fat >>>>pads on my hips. My arms and legs are not thin (no Cushings)but they >>>>are not in proportion with my tummy being significantly thinner, so I >>>>look very strange. I have narrow hips and muscular legs (from exercise) >>>>and, to be honest, I look like an alien! >>>> >>>>I have no grand ideas aboput being slimmer of the year. I just want to >>>>lose the obese tag (I am sixteen stone, that's what, about 225 lbs) and >>>>be fit and well. I'd settle for a size 16 quite happily. But, at the >>>>moment I feel out of control and disgusted with myself. the only good >>>>thing is that my dh does not appear to be bothered in the slightest - >>>>obviously loves me for me!! >>>> >>>>Thanks for all your replies - it is so good to 'talk' to people who know >>>>where I am coming from! >>>> >>>>At Tue, 13 Feb 2001, anonymous wrote: >>>>> >>>>>Dear Kate, >>>>> >>>>>sorry with my last message, i forgot to answer your question regarding >>>>>adrenal hyperplasia.It is a complex disorder. It can be caused by a >>>>>tumour of the adrenal glands or tumour of the pituitary at the worst. >>>>>however since the pituitary is the control centre for the endocrine >>>>>centre any disruption or imbalance can in turn effect the natural >>>>>equilibium of all the other systems within the endocrine, so you don't >>>>>have to have a tumour to cause this. >>>>>I don't really know the specifics of adult sudden onset of adrenal >>>>>hyperplasia but i am sure your GP or certainly the endocrinologist would >>>>>have those answers but i know it can be congenital. >>>>> >>>>>AH causes overproduction of the various hormones of the adrenal cortex >>>>>of cortisol production and secretion in turn controlled by the anterior >>>>>pituitary. >>>>>1) \glucocorticoids of these cortisol being the most important >>>>>stimulates gluconegenesis which is the formation of glucose from >>>>>protein. It antagonizes the action of insulin, is important for the >>>>>excretion of water by the kidneys, the manufacturer of red blood cells, >>>>>helps maintain blood pressure. Excess cortisol inhibits the >>>>>inflammatory reaction, interferes with protein synthesis which in turn >>>>>can cause bone and muscle weaknesses and it can lead to hyperglycaemia. >>>>>2) Mineralocorticoids of which aldosterone the most important of these. >>>>>It maintains normal levels of sodium in the body. >>>>>3)Androgens which are sex hormones controls body hair. >>>>> >>>>>There is a syndrome caused by usually bilateral adrenal hyperplasia >>>>>called 'cushings syndrome'. It can present with symtoms of diabetes >>>>>mellitus, obesity of the trunk is marked, with the contrast of thin >>>>>arms, and legs giving a characteristic appearance, the obsesity >>>>>contributed by sodium and water retention. Can cause one to develop a >>>>>'moon face', women grow facial hair, causes irregularities and ceasation >>>>>of menses and possible hypertension due to odema and inability for >>>>>excretion of sodium and water. >>>>> >>>>>Methods of treatment depends on the cause. The steriods Dexamethasone >>>>>and betamethasone have little mineralocorticoid action and makes them >>>>>suitable for supressing corticotrophin secretion to reduce water >>>>>retention in congential adrenal hyperplasmia.There are other treatment >>>>>but numerous tests would have to be taken of the hormones and corticoids >>>>>secreted from the adrenal cortex and pituitary to ascertain the >>>>>appropriate treatment but there are methods to manage it. >>>>> >>>>>It has been mentioned before that the endocrine is so complex that one >>>>>fault at one centre can cause other systems to be effected too within >>>>>the body. >>>>> >>>>>Do you think your abdomen is more to do with water retention? You have >>>>>mentioned before about looking eightmonths pregnant in that region. >>>>>Since the oedema can be located to one region if not to other parts of >>>>>the body, typical abdominal distention could be an indication of fluid >>>>>retention rather than 'fat'. >>>>> >>>>>Whilst you are waiting for your clinic appointment, you may want to >>>>>purchase a blood glucose monitor. I know you can purchase them at >>>>>chemists and i am sure Boots would have one. It may be worth monitoring >>>>>your glucose levels pre-meal times to check during the day. Normal >>>>>ranges usually range between 4-7mmols. However sometimes to one person >>>>>8-9mmols may be normal for that person compared to another. At least >>>>>you could have facts and readings to give to your GP or specialist when >>>>>you seem him/her. Those monitors may be costly so you may not feel it >>>>>necessary to purchase one. Just bear in mind that excercise and diet >>>>>will effect blood glucose levels. >>>>>Another idea is either request from your GP or Practice Nurse to have an >>>>>urinalysis to check tghe glucose in your urine. If you don't want to >>>>>pester them then again i think the labsticks can be bought at a chemist. >>>>> >>>>>Pelvic floor exercise strengthen your pelvic muscles so try if you can >>>>>to do these everyday. You have had three children so there is bound to >>>>>some degree of muscle fatique but through exercise these can be >>>>>strengthened. >>>>> >>>>>Hope this helps. >>>>> >>>>>Regards >>>>> >>>>>At Mon, 12 Feb 2001, anonymous wrote: >>>>>> >>>>>>Dear Kate, >>>>>> >>>>>>the fact that you have lost confidence in yourself through your past >>>>>>experience, has made you have low esteem of how you look now, you are >>>>>>right. It is important that our body image is appealing to us or >>>>>>certainly attractive or acceptable to others to make us feel comfortable >>>>>>about ourselves. >>>>>> >>>>>>I have heard wonderful feedback with regard to Metformin so please >>>>>>perservere with this. Also prozac which reaps its benefits can cause >>>>>>those side effects like any drug. It also can impair intestinal >>>>>>absorbsion of food, hence why there can be some small degree of >>>>>>interactions. HOWEVER, the fact that you have suffered depression, the >>>>>>prozac should continue to be taken to prevent your depression or >>>>>>symptoms. >>>>>> >>>>>>It normally can take two weeks for results to be processed from >>>>>>consultant to GP although it is normaly less through direct links with >>>>>>hospital and consultant whereby the results will be relayed to first and >>>>>>at a quicker rate. >>>>>> >>>>>>Our body image is so important in how we look and are percieved by >>>>>>others! If you have had bad experiences particularly by those we have >>>>>>trusted and had faith with, hence the specialist, and when they or one >>>>>>acts in a manner which is a) totally unexpected or b) with no regard to >>>>>>feelings, thoughts and emotions of others....then it is only natural >>>>>>that then, we start to have doubts about our own self-esteem and >>>>>>confidence about oursleves as we will with those that we seek help >>>>>>from!!!! >>>>>> >>>>>>I don't think that you will have to suffer this forever, i think that >>>>>>with such bad experiences in the past that has been endured by you, have >>>>>>made you lose confidence with yourself and the medical professionals >>>>>>that can't make a conclusive diagnosis. The endocrine system can be >>>>>>very complex and because so many disorders have close synergie or >>>>>>symptoms, why then it is sometimes so difficult for those to initially >>>>>>make an exact diagnosis!!! >>>>>> >>>>>>I am lucky, i don't have the common indicators of PCOS, i am only 8.5 >>>>>>stone, 5foot 2 inches and go to the gym Most days, SIZE 10/12.i don't >>>>>>have that much facial hair, only that slight hairness, but who does >>>>>>not?.BUT i am ttc which is a real sod since my periods are so irregulaR >>>>>>AND NOTHIG HAS HAPPENED!!!!.....Yes, my hubby and myself are ttc. >>>>>>Sometimes i don't know which is the less of the two evils....knowing too >>>>>>much about medical or if i should be a lay person and know too >>>>>>little!!!!.sometimes the more you know the more paranoid you become and >>>>>>try and go one step ahead. I think sometimes, ignorance is bliss in the >>>>>>appropriate sense!!!! >>>>>> >>>>>>anyway, please don't feel bad about yourslef on how you look.i know, i >>>>>>know, we all have perceptions about ourself or how those others percieve >>>>>>us.......but TRY and think about what is good about yourself11111!!!!!!! >>>>>>There must be something positive >>>>>>Anyway, i wish you luck and write any time if you have more questions or >>>>>>need more advice! >>>>>> >>>>>>Teke care, >>>>>>> >>>>>>>Apparently, it takes radiography two weeks to get the confirmed results >>>>>>>to the consultant. I recently had a brain scan (just in case) as I >>>>>>>started to have real killer migraines. It took two weeks for the >>>>>>>results to go to the GP. If they will be able to see cysts on my >>>>>>>ovaries, they won't tell me - a senior radiographer has to look at and >>>>>>>confirm the scan results. >>>>>>> >>>>>>>Re: the pain during my cycle (I'm about mid cycle but suspect it's >>>>>>>anovulatory) - this is something with which I have coped all my life and >>>>>>>this I can deal with. It is the way I look that really distresses me - >>>>>>>the pain brings me down even further, but it is the fat and the bloating >>>>>>>that upset me the most. Clothes are a nightmare! >>>>>>> >>>>>>>I am taking Prozac for the depression - stopped about four months ago >>>>>>>then felt appalling, so I am back on it. I just want my body back under >>>>>>>my control - will metformin do this for me or am I facing this battle >>>>>>>forever? >>>>>>> >>>>>>>Do you happen to know what adult onset adrenal hyperplasia is and how it >>>>>>>presents? I have heard this mentioned, like hypothyroidism, as an >>>>>>>alternative possible cause of the symptoms I am experiencing. What >>>>>>>terrifies me most is no diagnosis therefore no treatment, even though my >>>>>>>doctors currently agree with me in saying that there must be something >>>>>>>worng. >>>>>>> >>>>>>>Your comments have been really helpful. I take it you are trying for a >>>>>>>baby and I wish you the very best of luck. In that respect, I do >>>>>>>consider myself extremely fortunate, although I now think I know why my >>>>>>>pregnancies have been so difficult. >>>>>>> >>>>>>>At Mon, 12 Feb 2001, anonymous wrote: >>>>>>>> >>>>>>>>Dear Kate, >>>>>>>> >>>>>>>>i would make another visit with your GP and get him/her to pursue your >>>>>>>>situation and hopefully he/she will liase with the hospital for an >>>>>>>>urgent referral to get the scan brought forward AND since you are in a >>>>>>>>great degree of discomfort. >>>>>>>>Its appalling that your Specialist treated you with utter disrespect and >>>>>>>>accusations. Sometimes this is pure ignorance and arrogance. I am sure >>>>>>>>this has left you with those emotional scars which has undermined your >>>>>>>>confidence! >>>>>>>>Put that experience behind you now and hopefully your gynae will be more >>>>>>>>sympathetic and have better interpersonal skills. >>>>>>>> >>>>>>>>The fact that you are experiencing pain means that all is not right with >>>>>>>>your body systems. Pain is a natural reponse for a 'warning sign' or >>>>>>>>indications of something going on. >>>>>>>> >>>>>>>>Your abdominal pain could be muscular, it may not. You may want to >>>>>>>>consult your doctor about strengthing your back and abdominal muscles >>>>>>>>through exercise since muscle fatique and weaknesses could cause some >>>>>>>>discomfort. However the pain could be due to ovarian cysts that were >>>>>>>>not early detected. >>>>>>>>The most important thing is how to manage your pain control maybe during >>>>>>>>the time you have to wait for that scan. >>>>>>>> >>>>>>>>Sometimes we patients have no options but to persevere to get anywhere. >>>>>>>> >>>>>>>>Maybe i am slightly lucky since i am a Registered Nurse but even though >>>>>>>>pcos is new to me, i suppose it helps to have underpinning knowledge of >>>>>>>>medical terminology, formalities etc and so i hopefully know what >>>>>>>>questions to ask! >>>>>>>>But like you, i initially felt at a loss. I was told by a doctor who >>>>>>>>called me back re blood results that all were normal. Imagine my >>>>>>>>suprise when i actually had an appointment with my GP to be told that >>>>>>>>with my first blood results i had a raised prolactin and low >>>>>>>>progesterone and my second repeat bloods showed the prolactin was still >>>>>>>>high and progesterone was low. It was not until my first appointment >>>>>>>>with my gynae that i found that my second blood results were normal >>>>>>>>apart from progesterone being still low. The next thing was that i was >>>>>>>>told both my LH and FSH was normal but then was told to have reapeat >>>>>>>>since the samples were not taken during the right time of my cycle. Then >>>>>>>>my husbands semen analysis, he was told everything was okay apart from a >>>>>>>>FEW slow motility ones. Again it was not until we had our Gynae visit >>>>>>>>to be told not only did i possibly have PCOS from scan findings but my >>>>>>>>husbands semen infact showed only 13% good molity sperm when they like >>>>>>>>to see 40%..........so like you i or we feel so misinformed since we are >>>>>>>>having conflicting results given to us!!! >>>>>>>> >>>>>>>>Regarding your abdominal distention, avoid too much high fibre diets if >>>>>>>>you can as that can cause some bloatedness. It may help. Its the pain >>>>>>>>thar really has to be controlles probably why you feel so depressed. >>>>>>>> >>>>>>>>Have you tried any complementary therapies? I am a strong believer in >>>>>>>>holistic alternatives and i am having reflexology at the moment which >>>>>>>>has helped immensley. Through my own stressful time with PCOS and ttc, >>>>>>>>whereby my periods used to be so heavy and irregular. they are now >>>>>>>>shorter in length and lighter and i only have small cramping feelings >>>>>>>>during menses. Also it has helped try and uplift my spirits more than >>>>>>>>anything. I know some people may not be able to afford it or its not >>>>>>>>their preference but sometimes for others it does help even alittle. >>>>>>>> >>>>>>>>You are NOT greedy or NOT being greedy making you fat. If you were you >>>>>>>>would not of gone to see your doctor with your weight problem and other >>>>>>>>ailments in the first place, would you? Those unkind comments, you have >>>>>>>>to think yes okay it was cruel but equally it was untrue. And anyway >>>>>>>>you had the last laugh because you knew you were right and they had to >>>>>>>>eventually admit their wrong doings!!! >>>>>>>> >>>>>>>>I am suprised that asked you to come back two weeks after the scan with >>>>>>>>the results. If they are doing the same scan as i had, they could tell >>>>>>>>striaght away. >>>>>>>> >>>>>>>>Think that this time your new endo clinic will be better than your >>>>>>>>last!!!! >>>>>>>> >>>>>>>>Write back anytime if you want to chat more, i'll listen. >>>>>>>> >>>>>>>>Take care >>>>>>>>At Mon, 12 Feb 2001, Kate wrote: >>>>>>>>> >>>>>>>>>Hello, thanks for your reply - I'll try to clarify: >>>>>>>>> >>>>>>>>>I have been on Thyroxine for two years now and my dose is optimised at >>>>>>>>>200mcg - my GP has agreed to look into the remote possibility that I may >>>>>>>>>need T3 supplementation but that is unlikely. So the thyroid position >>>>>>>>>is definitely covered and monitored on a 3 monthly basis. >>>>>>>>> >>>>>>>>>The endos here humiliated me by telling me that I was fat and ill >>>>>>>>>becuase I was greedy and lazy. They lost my blood test results, misread >>>>>>>>>another set of results and then finally had to admit that, yes, I was >>>>>>>>>hypo - oops , sorry! They were ghastly to me, reduced me to tears every >>>>>>>>>time and ignored my pleas for further investigations. Luckily, there is >>>>>>>>>an alternative endo clinic headed by a much nicer consultant who dealt >>>>>>>>>with my gestational diabetes and I will be going back to them, I think. >>>>>>>>> >>>>>>>>>My scan is to be repeated by my gynae but this will mean a wait of at >>>>>>>>>least six weeks, maybe 12. In the meantime, I am not having any >>>>>>>>>treatment and my life is hell. As I write I am experiencing abdominal >>>>>>>>>distension and pain with a sick dragging feeling that is almost >>>>>>>>>unbearable - like my insides are about to collapse out. I can't wear >>>>>>>>>normal clothes comfortably. My blood tests have already been done but >>>>>>>>>only for the usual hormones, I don't think he asked for any lipid tests >>>>>>>>>and I haven't had a GTT. >>>>>>>>> >>>>>>>>>I can't see the consultant again until my scan is done - I have to make >>>>>>>>>an appointment for two weeks after the scan so as to allow for the >>>>>>>>>results to come through. >>>>>>>>> >>>>>>>>>In the meantime I have to live like this and I can't bear it anymore. >>>>>>>>> >>>>>>>>>I think I am asking for moral support and self help tips, but I have to >>>>>>>>>admit to being pretty distraught - this has been going on for two and >>>>>>>>>half YEARS!! >>>>>>>>> >>>>>>>>>Thanks again for your advice. >>>>>>>>> >>>>>>>>>At Sun, 11 Feb 2001, anonymous wrote: >>>>>>>>>> >>>>>>>>>>Dear Kate, >>>>>>>>>> >>>>>>>>>>like you, i have pcos and i am from the UK. You are quite right that >>>>>>>>>>you have all the symptoms of PCOS and its so frustrating when you feel >>>>>>>>>>that you are at a loss. You mention that you have been diagnosed with >>>>>>>>>>hypothyroidism and now having treatment, for how long? An Underactive >>>>>>>>>>thyroid clinical symptoms can sometimes present itself similiar to pcos. >>>>>>>>>> >>>>>>>>>>For example, the metabolic rate with underactive thryroids are slower so >>>>>>>>>>weight gain despite whats eaten can occur. The hair can become dry, >>>>>>>>>>brittle and thin. Menstrual irregularly is common too. Oedema in >>>>>>>>>>severe cases can also occur. You mention that you are overweight, is >>>>>>>>>>this with 'fat' or oedema? Along with apathy, fatique, depression can >>>>>>>>>>also be common indicators of both pcos and low thyroxine levels. If you >>>>>>>>>>have not taken the thyroxine for that long, it may take a while for it >>>>>>>>>>to be effective. Also it could mean that you may need the dosage >>>>>>>>>>increased. >>>>>>>>>> >>>>>>>>>>My advice would be >>>>>>>>>> >>>>>>>>>>1) revisit your doctor and request a repeat thyroid function test and >>>>>>>>>>thyroid blood test. At least whatever the outcome, your medication can >>>>>>>>>>be adjusted accordingly. >>>>>>>>>>2) I would gather that you already have had fasting blood sugars since >>>>>>>>>>your doctor is considering putting you on metformin. It might also be >>>>>>>>>>worth considering to be referred to a dietician or diabetic nurse >>>>>>>>>>specialist who can advise you on your dietrary requirements and >>>>>>>>>>management. Request this from your GP. >>>>>>>>>>3) The fact that your hormone levels were normal 9 months ago, does not >>>>>>>>>>necessarily mean that they are okay now. Your GP or Specialist could do >>>>>>>>>>a repeat FSH, LH, Testosterone,oestrogen, prolactin and progesterone. >>>>>>>>>>4)To treat your acne, apart from a good low carb and well balanced diet, >>>>>>>>>>has your doctor suggested any topical or medication to treat this? >>>>>>>>>>5) The fact that you have irregular periods would indicate that you do >>>>>>>>>>not ovulate regularly if not at all. Maybe your GP could arrange a 7dpo >>>>>>>>>>progesterone test after when you think you have ovulated. The BCP can >>>>>>>>>>sometimes be used for those women that do not want to get pregnant but >>>>>>>>>>to manage and control the cycles somewhat. However the bcp are not >>>>>>>>>>suitable for all and it tends to mask the symptoms rather than treat >>>>>>>>>>them. >>>>>>>>>>6) Heavy periods combined with thryroid disorders can cause possible >>>>>>>>>>aneamia, so your GP could check your blood count levels too. Folic acid >>>>>>>>>>or iron tablets supplements may need to be considered. >>>>>>>>>>7) Altered metabolic rates can effect the absorption of nutrients, so >>>>>>>>>>sometimes it is necessary to take supplements. Maybe Multi-vitamins may >>>>>>>>>>help you. >>>>>>>>>>8) Evening Primrose oil capsules are good for the balances of hormones >>>>>>>>>>in women. Maybe these may help? >>>>>>>>>>9) Reduce your salt and sugar in your diet. Too much sodium can cause >>>>>>>>>>that water retention and bloatedness. Drink 8 glasses of water a day. >>>>>>>>>>This will not only prevent fluid retention but help with the condition >>>>>>>>>>of your skin. >>>>>>>>>>10)The fact that you are depressed could be a combination of the medical >>>>>>>>>>ailments that you are presented with along with the low-self esteem you >>>>>>>>>>have about yourself. Its important that you try and not feel worthless, >>>>>>>>>>ashamed and ugly because the lower ebb you feel, the more depressed you >>>>>>>>>>will become. I know thats easier said than done. You must be at your >>>>>>>>>>wits end since you have been running around in circles and the doctors >>>>>>>>>>seem at a loss, but all you want is a diagnosis. Try and think postive >>>>>>>>>>with the notion that your doctor will probably prescribe metformin for >>>>>>>>>>you which should help immensley. >>>>>>>>>>PCOS is a complex syndrome which is why maybe some of your docs have not >>>>>>>>>>come to a conclusive diagnosis for you. >>>>>>>>>> >>>>>>>>>>We can sometimes feel humilated when we seek consultation from the >>>>>>>>>>specialists when we ask questions that may appear silly or request >>>>>>>>>>further tests only to be made to feel stupid. You don't mention how >>>>>>>>>>your specialist humilated you. Even the most experienced consultant >>>>>>>>>>does not necessarily have all the answers sometimes and there may be >>>>>>>>>>those very few that won't admit they don't know, primarily since there >>>>>>>>>>is a conception from the patients point of view that they should know >>>>>>>>>>all! Sometimes the patient may know more about their body than the doc. >>>>>>>>>>Try and not let that occasion make you lose confidence. Maybe you could >>>>>>>>>>request a referral if that is an option? >>>>>>>>>> >>>>>>>>>>\you don't have to have cysts sometimes to have PCOS since it is caused >>>>>>>>>>by imbalances of hormones which you appear to have. >>>>>>>>>> >>>>>>>>>>I know i have not given you crystal clear answers but i hope this has >>>>>>>>>>helped a wee bit and write back anytime if you need more info. >>>>>>>>>> >>>>>>>>>>Good luck >>>>>>>>>> >>>>>>>>>>At Sun, 11 Feb 2001, Kate wrote: >>>>>>>>>>> >>>>>>>>>>>I have all the symptoms of PCOS - hirsutism, horrific weight gain, all >>>>>>>>>>>my weight on my abdomen (I look 8 months pregnant), insulin resistance >>>>>>>>>>>(we know because I was a gestational diabetic), lipid problems (I had >>>>>>>>>>>gallstones), acne, depression, irregular, heavy and painful periods and >>>>>>>>>>>general, constant abdominal discomfort. >>>>>>>>>>> >>>>>>>>>>>But, I have had three children without difficulty (and realise how lucky >>>>>>>>>>>I am) and no cysts were detected on my ovaries last time I had a scan (2 >>>>>>>>>>>years ago). Nine months ago, when my gynaecologists checked my hormone >>>>>>>>>>>levels they were normal but he says I am verys ensitive and that >>>>>>>>>>>'normal' for me might be very low. >>>>>>>>>>> >>>>>>>>>>>All my adult life I have suffered from problem periods and erratic >>>>>>>>>>>weight gain. Although I weigh 230 lbs at 5'6" I go jogging, cycling and >>>>>>>>>>>walking and I am generally active and a busy mum of three. The latest >>>>>>>>>>>bout of problems started after no 3 was born and has been truly >>>>>>>>>>>horrific. the doctors who have been treating me have witnessed the >>>>>>>>>>>terrible speed at which I put on weight and have also seen me suddenly >>>>>>>>>>>drop 30lbs (only to have it return and then some). They all agree that >>>>>>>>>>>there is something wrong with me but they don't seem to know what. If I >>>>>>>>>>>don't have cysts I don't have PCOS even though I am a textbook case in >>>>>>>>>>>every other way. >>>>>>>>>>> >>>>>>>>>>>If I can't get a diagnosis, what do I do? I don't want to live the rest >>>>>>>>>>>of my life like this; I feel so ashamed, and so ugly, and so desperate. >>>>>>>>>>>Does anyone know of a similar case? My gynae says he will put me on >>>>>>>>>>>Metformin but I don't know if he means only if the tests this time show >>>>>>>>>>>PCOS. >>>>>>>>>>> >>>>>>>>>>>My life is in tatters - I feel terrible, have lost my job and just want >>>>>>>>>>>to be 'me' again. If anyone has any useful advice I would be so, so >>>>>>>>>>>grateful. I still exercise but have stopped dieting as it was hopeless >>>>>>>>>>>and made me so unhappy. Have not really decided what to do about my >>>>>>>>>>>eating as I don't know what is wrong with me and it amkes no difference >>>>>>>>>>>what I eat, anyway. Or don't eat! >>>>>>>>>>> >>>>>>>>>>>I am posting here from the UK. I have waited two and a half years to >>>>>>>>>>>get anywhere near a diagnosis and now I am really scared I won't get >>>>>>>>>>>one. The endocrinologists I saw here humiliated me, then had to admit >>>>>>>>>>>that they had made mistake - I was hypothyroid. But they didn't look >>>>>>>>>>>for anything else and so it has been such a slow process. i take >>>>>>>>>>>Thyroxine now so that problem is coped with. >>>>>>>>>>> >>>>>>>>>>>What should I do? Please help. >>>>>>>>>>> >>>>>>>>>>>-- >>>>>>>>>>>Katie >>>>>>>>>>> >>>>>>>>>-- >>>>>>>>>Katie >>>>>>>>> >>>>>>>-- >>>>>>>Katie >>>>>>> >>>>-- >>>>Katie >>>> >-- >Katie >
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