I am so bummed...

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I went to the doctor today and the news was so depressing that I can't do anything but think about it!!!! She diagnosed me with PCOS and I am only 23 (and have no symptoms whatsoever!) Anyways, I am so bummed about it (the prospect of possibly becoming infertile is terrifying!) that I can't concentrate on homework at all, which is what I should be doing right now. Please keep me in your thoughts, as I have to wait some time for a second opinion and the whole thing will likely distract me the rest of the semester and I have quite a courseload A&P II, General Chem I, and College Algebra!!!!

if you had no symptoms, what was the cause of the exam???

Non-specific pelvic pain was the reason, which I figured was a functional cyst as I have had a few of those before. I was thus unprepared for the diagnosis. What I meant by *no* symtoms was that I have none of the symptoms commonly associated with the disorder: overweight, odd body hair growth, dark skin patches, acne, balding, or the biggie (which according to one website is always found with the disorder) irregular menstruation.

I don't know if this is helpful, but I also have PCOS and have had 3 kids. One pregnancy was even a surprise. Most women who have PCOS are able to conceive, even if they need a little bit of help. Alot of it also depends on diet, since insulin resistance can be an issue which can make getting pregnant more difficult. I can understand how it's distressing for you, but I seriously wouldn't worry about it. Since you say you have no symptoms, I'm assuming you have somewhat regular periods, which means that you are probably ovulating. And if that's the case, you really don't have anything to worry about there.

I also have PCOS and Sjogren's Syndrome as well. Please try not to worry. I know it's easier said than done, but don't let it affect the full course load that you are taking right now. I am also taking Anatomy and General Chem this semester (no sleep). I have been having a lot of Sjogren's symptoms, but you just have to keep chuggin' along. I don't have children yet, and haven't tried, but I know of many women like the ones on this board who have had children with PCOS. Take care, and good luck!

i am wondering if this disease, llike some others, exist on a continuum......what used to be the criteria is simply the "high" end of that? and now that docs seem a little more aware, the lesser cases are coming to light.

if i were the OP i would have my fasting INSULIN checked....also 110# at 5'2" is good statistically, but is it an increase for you? are you small framed? what is your BMI? etc.........

I would like to point something out.....

My sister had extremely painful periods and later, trouble conceiving. She weighed 155 lbs at 5' tall. She had irregular periods and acne that seemed resistant to treatment. They believed that her ovaries were covered in cysts. (Originally, they said she did, it was surgery that proved otherwise.) Eventually, the did laparoscopic surgery....... my sister did not have PCOS. My sister's tubes were blocked from birth. Those "cysts" were actually eggs that couldn't go through the fallopian tubes and "returned" to the ovary, where WBCs attacked them as foreign bodies. (Interesting, huh?)

Anyway, they 'burned' a path through her tubes (praying for minimal to no scarring....who wants an ectopic pregnancy, right?!).

Long story short, he husband had a varicocele and had to have surgery too. After his swimmers were reported alive this time and in large #s, they still didn't conceive. Get this.....my sis's natural lubricant was so acidic, it killed them off upon entry! They did an IUI and conceived. That was my nephew John. After that, 2 sisters born without intervention!

Sometimes things aren't what they appear to be.

(I only say this because 2nd opinions could be useful. Like my oldest had "selective hearing" according to her PCP. Actually, she couldn't hear and needed a second round of tubes and adnoid removal. Then there was my "bumbling" toddler...doc said, nothing wrong. Reality: Extremely far-sighted, not binocular (no depth perception) and legs turned in at the hip.)

Adams mommy,

I am so sorry to hear this; you were so supportive of me just this past week with my nightmare that endures in

Micro.

Please, don't 'live in' this news; I know it's hard, but try not to let it become the major focus in your life.

You and so many others helped me with my micro mess and then we learned that my husband is laid off after

24 years with the company. I am trying my best to help him through his depression, anger, etc so there's No

room for my problems right now.

I will keep you in my prayers; this too, will pass.

i am wondering if this disease, llike some others, exist on a continuum......what used to be the criteria is simply the "high" end of that? and now that docs seem a little more aware, the lesser cases are coming to light.

if i were the OP i would have my fasting INSULIN checked....also 110# at 5'2" is good statistically, but is it an increase for you? are you small framed? what is your BMI? etc.........

I've been really busy and haven't gotten on the site too much this past week---crazy tests before Spring Break. Anywho,

I think your recommendation is a GREAT idea. In fact, prior to your post I called the doctor and asked if I needed to get my insulin and hormone levels checked and she said "no, not until you start exhibiting weight gain or irregular hair growth, etc." I was shocked by her response. I'm not trying to be vain but I am a young, thin, good-looking young lady and I do not want to start balding, breaking out uncontrollably, gaining weight, or growing hair in odd spots before tests are done. I am getting a second opinion and meeting with this doctor to see if he will run some of those tests for me.

I haven't had any recent increase in weight in answer to your question. Prior to having my son (19 months ago) my high school/college (age 16-21) weight was around 105. I have never been able to shake the last 5 lbs of my pregnancy weight though, probably because I lead a much more sedentary life now than I did before I had my son. And fast food is soooo convenient when you have a hectic schedule and money to buy it!!! Moreover, I simply do not have time to work out or keep in shape as much I did now that I work full-time, go to school full-time, and spend any free time with my son. I do not believe this is a result of anything relating to my disorder but more of my lifestyle.

Specializes in DOU.

You aren't taking Depakote by any chance, are you?

My daughter was diagnosed with PCOS at the age of 15. She takes hormones every other month to start her period. Before being diagnosed with PCOS, she was taking Depakote to control seizures. Through my own research, I found that there is a higher incidence of PCOS with adolescents taking Depakote.

I have a friend that has PCOS and just birthed her fourth child. She has to really take control over her ovulation and monitor it for well over a year, but she has four kids. Just wanted to add a little hope there!

Specializes in Med/Oncology, Emergency, Surgery.

My best friend has PCOS and was able to conceive two months after her wedding. There is hope!:yeah:

I don't know what to say. i am so so sorry.

Thanks to everyone for all of your kind support!!! You all have given me so much hope. I try to remember all of the things I need to be grateful for. God is so incredibly merciful and I lead a blessed life, and as my name implies, I do have a child already, a crazy-into-everything toddler. I thank God everyday for him, I did before but especially now. Even the moments I get irritated or frustrated with him I just remind myself there is a possibility I will never experience this again so I try to enjoy each minute with him--even when he's being mischevious!!! Plus I have heard more people say they have (or know people with) this disorder who had children---so I'm not going to dwell or be depressed or angry---any of which would only serve to exacerbate the problem. I certainly don't want to be so down and out with it that I screw things up for me in pursuit of my dream!!!! Which, with that good money I will make I stand a much better chance of funding fertility and/or hormonal treatments than with my current banking job.

Thanks again!!!!

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