*****PCOS - Anybody in the same boat?******

[fruitloop79]

I don't know if there are any threads already started but I've just officially found out I've got PCOS this morning - I've always known deep down. Please tell me it's not all bad I'm feeling very sorry for myself.
We've been TTC for 6 months - only 3 cycles. I supposedly ovulated on CD36 (now CD43) this cycle. Gynae reckons not preg cos uterus lining would've thickened. (Had a scan this morning)

Any hints/tips on treatment/TTC?
How to deal with symptoms?

How did Posh spice and Jools Oliver manage to fall preg?

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Hi - this thread is a little out of date. We've got some more information on PCOS here. MNHQ

with your metformin i mean. I have heard some horror stories from people on it!

Hi tootiredtothink. I think Atilla will tell you this also, but Clomid isn't suitable for every PCOS suffer because, it's a syndrome we all have varying symptoms of the condition. So we aren't all good candidates for Clomid.

My GP is fantastic, and understands my condition so well. The GP I had before her, when I lived in Surrey was just as amazing and was a bloke . The one thing they had in common was they were under 35. I think the new generation of Doctors are more aware of conditions that can affect fertility. One thing I have found is that if I educate myself on my condition, then I can always second guess what the GP is going to say.

For example, when I decided to TTC number 2, I went to my GP's and told her so. She recorded this on my file, then I went back 2 four months later, and told her it wasn't prooving to be so easy as the first time. She told me to loose weight. I joined the gym, dieted etc. But there was no significant shift in weight. Went back again and pleaded for help to shift the weight. I knew already she would now offer Metformin, so I was thrilled when she did. The weight is coming off, slowly but surely. I had headaches at first and still have runny poo (sorry TMI), but that doesn't bother me. She said she would consider Clomid in four months time if I am still not pregnant.

If you are a good candidate for Clomid, then that's what they will offer first, because it's so cheap. My SIL in the US says, they offer Clomid and then IUI (which can lead to multiples), if that fails then it's IVF.

Sorry for the rant. I find my condition fascinating and am learning about it everday.Don't let PCOS rule your life. I fought my condition and concieved my daughter at the first attempt.

xxxx

Thanks for welcome moonlit

can i ask a rather crude question? i have no idea if this is normal and what every women gets on her period or if this is unusual. But does anyone else get like a heavy, pressue feeling down below?

eg make a fist, put your other pal rounf your fist then push hard in to your palm. the feeling in the palm is like what my down below bits are like.

this maybe 100% normal, but i dont know how to word it on google and im not up for asking real life friends so pleas help guys lol

Hi hun,

Are you periods irregular? How long are your cycles. When did you last have your AF?

X

hiya ok warning this maybe a long post, im wide awake cant sleep, keep thinking about this. I KNOW this is silly, I KNOW i should sleep cos ive not been told anythings wrong but today was the first time I mentioned to any health professional person that I have these worries, and its like everything Ive tried to deny for years is just flooding my brain!

Moonlit - hiya, i have regular periods, which i know is unusual in pcos , so perhaps i dont have it. i have 28day cycles and bleed in the middle of them too, however (sorry for this graphicness) in the middle of this cycle i bled so much that it went right through my jeans and was like a proper mini period, so thats what gave me the kick up the bum i needed to go to nurse.

The symptoms I have are -

bad skin(face, neck, chest, back, shoulders)

excess hair - seriously everywhere, but its fine downy hair, except for one thick black curly hair on my neck - very random! but its all over my back, tummy etc - i feel like a bear!!!!!!!!! I tend to bleach it, in my teen years i tried shaving - goodness it took an hour a day and was rediculas cos i just couldnt reach!!

bleeding between periods

very heavy periods and lots of clots (nice!)

this pressure feeling though im unsure if this is normal!

i have a lot of back pains - not just at time of af, so may not be related but might as well mention

get constipated a fair bit even though i do have at least 3 fruit and veg a day and lots of fresh OJ.

ooh and have just realised that on some ocasions i have bled after sex - i had forgotton but i remember now some occasions. and possibly more when i havent realised as i tend to shower after so unles it was lots youd not notice.

sex is sometimes painful - depends what position

erm i think thats all.

ooh i also read somewhere skin tags are linked to pcos? i have had 2 skin tags removed.

oh wow what a relief it was to type all that. i must sound like a right drama queen, but its so good to finaly get it out.

going to try and watch a dvd and fall asleep now.
x

Hi sparklyfairypie

With relation to your other question posted
I've also had that feeling you describe with the pressure pushing down. In my case that was due to endometriosis.

Am no expert at all mind you but I do have both PCOS and endometriosis. Any bleeding mid cycle should be investigated further by a gynaecologist to establish the underlying cause particularly if it is either a long standing problem or keeps happening.

The hair and skin problems could well be related to PCOS I am sorry to say. It certainly cannot be ruled out and you should have blood tests and ultrasounds to see what your ovaries look like.

With regards to all the other problems you're having (particularly with regards to the heaviness of the period, the mid cycle bleeding, the constipation the painful sex) all of that can possibly linked to endometriosis. However, this is usually detected during keyhole surgery (no other method will detect it). You should also be evaluated by a gynae to see whether fibroids are present as these can also cause heavy bleeding and clots.

In any event you need a referral to a gynae, your GP should refer you and do not take no for an answer. You will need to be persistant in order to get answers.

There is still ignorance regarding both endo and PCOS and you will need to be persistant to find someone who will take you seriously.

HTH

Attila

Thanks moonlit. I too am finding all this fasinating. Although i knew i had PCOS with baby no2 i was concentrating so much on my IVF i didn't really give my PCOS a second thought!! (strange I know but denial has always worked for me)!!! Now i feel i need to know the enemy before i strart trying for no3. I also know i am very lucky as my symptoms arn't as bad as i know they can be. I have very irregular periods (not had once since December and every time it goes this long i reach out hopefully for pregnancy test bought in bulk at £ shop!), obviously my size but still not sure what came first, my love for chocolate or PCOS. I was a size 12 before i had no1!! But i have never found it this hard to lose weight in my life!And it keeps piling on! And of course the hair! But again i know i am lucky as i ok just getting lip waxed every few weeks. Great idea with the young docs. I shall certainly try one of younger ones from my surgery next week - will let you know how i get on on Tuesday.
Hi too to sparklyfairypie and Attila, i too have had that pressure, but have never mentioned it to doc as any of my friends look at me as if i am mad when i ask them if they get it!! Is it painful for you? And sometimes does the pain seem to be in your bum too (sorry to anyone eating their breakfast!!). At times i cannot walk or even sit, the pain seems to tear me apart!

Hello ladies.

I've had loads to read up on! You lot have been busy! Heheheh...

I know you all said no to SLIM FAST but I have started it. I don;t want to do it for more than 3 weeks though. I just need to shift this last all important 3 kilos/ 7 pounds before my appointment with fertility consultant on the 19th March.

So it is drastic measures until the weigh-in on the 19th, then I will go back to the routine I had before ( not including slim fast! ).

After all...surely my body will HAVE TO LOSE more weight these next 2-3 weeks with the 350 calories I am burning off a day doing exercise, with a daily intake of only 1400 calories...surely!

Anyway...how is everyone otherwise.
Big Hugs to Tigershick, Fruitloop and Moonlit!

(sparkyfairypie) I have got PCOS and I get my period every month without fail I have a varying cycle 27-35 but usually is about 32 cycle. So you CAN be regular! My problem is that my follicles ( little eggies ) are not maturing quickly enough and are then getting stuck. My luteal phase is also on the short side. So even though my uterine wall fattens up nicely waiting for a fertilised egg...I hardly ever ovulate therefore the lining then sheds like normal every month, which gives me my period.

Gawd....you can't really help becoming a real 'old hat' at this PCOS stuff really quickly once you start! Eh ladies!!!

Hiya dungungirl. How does everyone find out so much about their own condition? You must have fantastic doctors. I was told i had PCOS, given a booklet and that was it! Mind you, i have such a bad memory i wouldn't remember any of it anyway!!! Good luck with your slimfast - anything and everything is worth a go. Just make sure your milk is ice cold!! Someone told me once they add ice to thiers and crush it all together to make it thicker (but surely it would just make it more watery???)

Hi Tootiredtothink (good name that!),

Re your comments:-

"Attila, i too have had that pressure, but have never mentioned it to doc as any of my friends look at me as if i am mad when i ask them if they get it!! Is it painful for you? And sometimes does the pain seem to be in your bum too blush(sorry to anyone eating their breakfast!!). At times i cannot walk or even sit, the pain seems to tear me apart"

I now know that I've had endometriosis ever since starting menstruation at 14. It was that bad from day 1.

I too have had rectal pains, its all due to endometriosis in my view although my endometriosis was mainly sited in my uterine cavity. It can also spread to the pouch of douglas, the intestines and rectal areas. I used to get awful pains down my legs also as well as in the pelvic areas.

Would say that you need to talk to a gynae about hte possibility of you having endometriosis.

How did I find out about my various ailments - mainly through websites and personal experience. GP had no idea what was wrong with me. Also had another GP tell me that endometriosis was actually uncommon - soon put him right. I was also fortunate to have a good gynae and fertility specialist who sorted out my endo through laparoscopic (keyhole) surgery. That operation enabled me to become a parent.

I think my dr is very thourough (spelling?) i havent discussed this with her yet (seeing her monday) but i went about recurrent throat problems and she was very keen to get me reffered etc and funnily enough shes my bosses dr too and they say shes very proactive - sometimes a bit pushy. but maybe i need that right now lol.

you dont know how relieved i am to have found this thread, its like FINALLY people understand

ps hope none of you were affected by scary earthquake!!! im up in glasgow so none here.

i slept though it - hence the name!!!! I have only just discovered this site and i think its amazing!! Now i just have to work out how to use computer and understand what these little abriviations (i cant have spelt that right!!) stand for xx

Hi Attila. I have pulled up some websites on endometriosis and will have a look. Will be going to docs on Tues with very long list indeed! But how good to meet someone (and so many others on here) who has gone through this and come out a parent. Thanks so much for advice xx

Tootiredtothink

You're very welcome.

If you haven't already come across it I would recommend this website:-

www.endo.org.uk is the website of Endometriosis UK. Well worth a read.

Good Morning ladies,

Sparklyfairypie - I to have regular periods, but have PCOS. I have acne and am hairy. I found all my sympytoms very depressing in the begining, but have now learnt to live with them. Before, I got pregnant I took Dianette which was fantastic, the hair reduced and the acne disappeared. But unfortunately, it's a contraceptive to. So no more Dianette for me since 2005. Sounds like you have endo and PCOS possibly. But I am sure if your GP refers you, the specialist will give you the right diagnosis (I am not a Doctor, just a biologist)

Big hugs to Dungirl You naughty lady, you got slim fast anyway. You will regret it. I would have spent the money on a facial or something. Anyway, I hope it works for you hun. Your appointment is three days after my 30th, so I will use my birthday wish for you .

tootiredtothink, GP's are helpful, but the appointments are so quick, they are limited to how much they can tell you. So hit the internet lady. In the US, they are very clued up on this condition and they always give you an insight into the latest treatments.

xxx

(((Moonlit))) you sweetheart...don't waste a birthday wish on me! Wish hard for a sticky bean instead!

I know I am naughty... but there is nothing to lose from trying..and all to gain if it works!!!! Boots is doing 20% off so I got a whole 3 weeks worth for £24. Not bad me thinks!

((( tootiredtothink)))
Like Attila I have learnt loads from the web and MUMSNET! My GP actually said to me that I had read up so much that I knew more about PCOS that he did!!!!! THe Nurse at the subfertility clinic is a bit better, but even then they love to use the phrase ' the doctor will be able to explain more when you see him '.

Thanks moonlit, I have known for a while somthing not quite right but been in absolute denial.

I keep putting off my housework tom come and trawl this thread and pcos/edno internet sites. very naughty off me lol.

ooh what dates your birthday? i shall have to start baking you a vitual cake

Ahhh thanks sparklyfairypie are you a stay at home mum (SAHM)? Me to It's on the 16th. I look forward to the Low GI cake .

DungunGirl Just realised I wrote Dungirl...sorry hun. Hey my wish won't be wasted. We are all here to help each other through it. I look forward to the day, we all get our BFP .

xxx

oooh are you a pieces same as me? (my birthday was 20th feb) i dont have any babies - just 2 angels in heaven. but im a nanny for a 4yr old girl and a 23month old boy (hes two 2 days before your birthday lol) have nannied for them for over a year now and they certainly help me not to go insane with broodiness lol! my boss knows i have lost 2 babies but does not know that i am now being investigated for these probs, and im unsure when to tell her - as i may need to ask for some hours to be rearranged slightly for appointments. my bosses are lovely though.

just watching bbc news about earthquakes - scary!!!!

Oh hun I am so sorry. I just assumed if you were at home you were a SAHM. Listen, once the investigations start you will hopefully be getting closer to becoming a Mummy. I find if you stay positive you can achieve anything my darling. Just be strong. It was my brothers birthday on the 20th of Feb!!!

I think you must talk to your boss, because she will be more supportive if she knows from the onset. Besides, she has two herself, she should understand how important motherhood is.

I am here if you want to chat. xx

thanks hun. aaah 20th feb is a good date lol.

we made mothers day cards at work was fun - but now im covered in glitter!

i told my boss today and she was lovely, said if i need any appointments off then to tell her as soon as i can and she will try and get some time off so i can be off

im just desperate for monday to come now when i see my dr, i know nothing will really happen then but i want to know what she thinks the next step will be.

whats everyone got planned for this evening? x

Another good thing about 20th Feb - it is my wedding anniversary! We celebrated year 6 this year!

congrats!

Hellooooo??

Anyone still about?
I haven't had a chance to come on for a few days as we had my parents staying for a long weekend.
Hope everyone is well and keeping up the hard work - that's the sex every other day that I'm referring to

I'm waiting to hear back from my specialist as to the results of my blood test. Either I didn't ovulate or I am pg as I am now on CD39 and no period. I've had cramps, sore boobs and loads of cm (sorry, tmi) but nothing else. No idea what is going on. Ah well.