Update -- Met with Adolescent Health, Got Treatment

[EmmyJN]

The diagnosis of PCOS has been confirmed. I've got all the symptoms except polycystic ovaries, which means I'm in the early stages (thank the Lord!) The doctor---a nurse practitioner named Katie---said that as far as they can tell, I don't have any cysts they can pick up on ultrasound, but they're going to do pelvic ultrasounds every few months to watch for any. She told me that we should be able to hold off the cysts for a while with medication because of how early we caught it. According to the ultrasounds and looking over history---and whatever else it is they do in reverse pathology---I've only had PCOS for about 6 months before my GI caught it.

I met with the dietition this clinic offers, Kendall, after. Part of the treatment for my PCOS is going to be losing 10% of my body weight, which should be regulate periods and help with the insulin. I am on a diet that is low-carb, low-fat, and high-fiber. I've been told to eat more fruits and veggies in replacement for what I'm losing so I get "good" everything, instead of the "bad". I've also got to measure everything I eat now, not just grains and meat like I was doing before. This dietition is a lot better than the last one I saw, by far. She's much more flexible and realistic with my schedule, and her diet isn't one that is impossible to stick to. It's common sense, really, and changes that I can keep up long term without hurting myself. The old dietition really didn't listen too well---she was very focused on having to stick to her plan for EVERYTHING and if there was one little slip, you wouldn't see results. That's just not realistic. Am I supposed to not eat at all because the meal you set out that day isn't on my schedule? No, that doesn't work. But Kendall's plan is a lot better.

I have to add another hour to my exercise every day. I chose Saturday, when no one in my house is around and I have time to work out in the morning, take a shower, and make myself breakfast before we have to run our errans for the week.

On top of this, I'm on a birth control pill call Provera (10mg). I'm supposed to take the pill once a day for ten days, stop, and I should get a period within a few days of stopping. Then, I have to repeat this cycle starting on the exact same day next month. I've got it marked for myself on the calander for this month and next month. Basically, I have to artificially make my body have a menstrual cycle because my body just won't do it on its own.

I have to go back to the doctor in three weeks. They're going to go over blood work (hormones, A1C, the works) and talk about how the diet is working. I won't see dramatic weight loss in three weeks (or I would hope not, that would be scary) but we're hoping for about three pounds lost just by changing diet alone. I also have to check in with Katie to make sure the pills are working right. Provera doesn't always work the first month, but we have to watch it because if it doesn't work the second month then I have to go on stronger birth control to make sure I do get periods.

I'm not on the Metforam yet because we don't know if its needed. My mom really doesn't want me on that or the stronger birth control. The Metforum apparently makes my aunt really sick (I knew she was on it, but not the side-effects) and my mom took the same pill they're going to want me on if Provera doesn't work, but it made her crazy. I don't usually have weird drug reactions like that, so I am still open to trying it if these two months don't go the way they're supposed to. I'm putting my foot down this time around. So what, I throw up a little bit, or I'm a little more emotional? Who cares? As long as I'm getting better, I don't care about the side-effects. I've read the pamphlets and I'm not at risk for any of the crazy stuff like heart attacks or strokes, so I don't see a reason to stay off it. I'll listen to my mom's concerns, of course, but she's not going to shape the way I treat my PCOS. Its my body. Not hers.

I'll keep everyone posted on how the next appointment goes and what we're going to be doing.

~ Em

[EmmyJN]

The Provera just causes a little nausea now. Its much better than all the cramping and everything from the first day. I'm glad I stuck it out though. The pain in general is deminishing, so I'm hoping that means its working.

I've got another week on the stuff before we really see how things are going.

[Tuckamore]

It doesn't sound weird. I was delighted when I finally had a diagnosis..... most of us feel the same.

It's horrid to have pain and symptoms and not know why! We second guess ourselves as does the Medical Community.

I hope your system will adjust to the Provera and the side effects will diminish.

You're right...compromising with your mom is smart. As I said you will always be her "Baby" but this is your life and your body. I am sure you'll find a happy medium.

Peace,
~Tuck

[EmmyJN]

Thank you :)

I try to be gentle with my mother, I do. But every once in a while I need to remind her that I should get a say in my treatment. I'm going to listen, of course, because family history means I could have the symptoms she's worried about. The Provera makes me sick as a dog already, but I'm hopign things -pan out once I'm used to it. I have to find a way to meet her in the middle.

I'm excited for this. I know that sounds weird, but I am. I'm glad to have a diagnosis finally. After two years...

Thanks again for checking in!

~ Em

[Tuckamore]

Hi Em,

Thanks for the detailed update. Sounds like the medical professionals involved in your care are super and you'll have a great team!!

Polycystic Ovary Syndrome (PCOS) symptoms do tend to start gradually and usually in the early teens. Your Physician was very astute to catch this so soon after onset.

Don't be too hard on your mother.... yes it's your body but you are still her baby and always will be. If she's like most mothers, she only wants what's best for you. She has lived more years than you and has had more experiences, though you may not see that as a positive, it is.  So please consider her love and concern... as I am sure you will.

You'll have a long journey ahead and will need all the support you can get. It there is a Support Group locally I encourage you to join it.

I am going to provide you with Medhelp's PCOS Forum link: http://www.medhelp.org/forums/Polycystic-Ovarian-Syndrome-PCOS/show/203

I see you have found it and posted... Good. That community is focused on PCOS and should provide you with more information as well as support. You are always welcome here too.

What a relief it must be to have a final diagnosis. I am sure you will follow the suggestions offered by your new team and do well.

Best of Luck,
~Tuck