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Posted: 19 March 2008 at 4:44pm | IP Logged

3 weeks ago I was seeing my consultant for my PCOS. He said he had done all he could, and was content knowing my pain was under control. He then put me on 6 monthly reviews, but also said he wanted a hormone specialist to see me, because something was still clearly wrong for me not to be having any periods. The appointment immediately came through for last week, and I changed it to today (as I was away). After a lengthly chat, and examination the doctor I saw today agree's I have PCOS. However, he wants more testing to be carried out with my hormones and insulin and glucose activity. To be able to get accurate result I will have to go in as a day case, fasting, and have a series of tests done. However, the bad news is I need to have been off all medication for 6 weeks.

This means that I will have to stop all the medication that is currently keeping my pain at bay . I'm quite nervous about this as I am managing really well on the medication, even starting to tolerate the headaches which is a side effect. It also means I have to stop the Metformin, which as I understand it, is the medication helping my body regulate the insulin, so that I can loose weight. Without it I'm slightly worried I am going to be putting more weight on, but my GP says that I can loose weight without it if I cut the calories down (which I am now well within the dailt allowance so no problem there). I am worried about the pains coming back, but I guess it is something I will have to endure if I want to get to the bottom of all this. He said that he'll scedule the tests for 6 weeks time, so that I am off the medication for the minimalist of time, so fingers crossed that is all I have to wait and its not more.

I take comfort in the fact they are trying. I might not be getting many answers, but you cant say these consultants havent tried!

Posted: 19 March 2008 at 9:00pm | IP Logged

Awww hun, whilst i can't understand the pain you have from the pcos i can understand your worries of facing pain and a procedure to find out what and wont work......

(as i'm sure madz does too)

With the injections i had over 2 weeks ago now i have got more movement and it's been slightly easier, still have the pains and the grating sensations but not half as many shooting pains etc. so there is some good.  ......I am dreading them wearing off as i'm doing so much with this little improvement i have a gut feeling i'm going to pay for it later.....(sorry gone of track slightly, but please bear with me).....

What i'm trying to say is if your family can be supportive and help you though those 6/8weeks (till it gets back into your system) it will be hard and possibly even depressing realising how much the medication makes in terms of difference for you etc, but it's not impossible.

I'll be thinking of you in these next few weeks.... if i can do anything to help hun please let me know.

Posted: 19 March 2008 at 10:25pm | IP Logged

PCOS can cause diabetes, and I am considered high risk of developing it (as with many PCOS sufferers). Metformin is used both for diabetes and PCOS as it helps regulate the insulin (or something like that I know diabetics suffer slightly different to PCOS sufferers). One of the tests I will be having is for diabetes, but they need me to be off Metformin to be able to carry it out, so that is one of the medications I need to stop for the next 6 weeks. It is all horrible and scary when it is new, and the internet is even more of a worry. I felt much better after my consultation at Christmas, when the doctor sat with me and explained everything in lay-man terms and would not let me leave until I felt I understood what was happening, and what could happen in the furture.

Zany- I really appreciate that, thank you! Im trying to think positive. At the end of the day 6-8 weeks isn't a patch on what it used to be lol I have a few positive things to look forward to over the next few weeks so hopefully it'll keep me focused. I am worried, I'd be lying if I said I wasn't, but after the period I can go back on the pills and at least I have comfort from knowing they work!