Little Update

tolmc · November 22, 2006

First, a warning this is a little detailed about some women’s issues, so stop now if you don’t want to hear/know…..(Also, this is posted in the slow losers, so dont read twice)

Ok, a few weeks ago I had an appointment with an endocrinologist. She was really good, she specializes in PCOS. I wanted to see her to get my hormone levels checked, etc. Confirm I had PCOS and not cushings. During the appointment after an hour of taking my history, etc she wasn’t at all surprised I hadn’t lost any weight with the band. She was very sure that my pcos was affecting my insulin, which of course was affecting my hunger and no amount of dieting could address this. We changed drugs to the once a day slow release metformin (or metformin type drug) We knew from my pregnancies that insulin resistance played a bit part in conceiving and keeping the pg’s.

Then she wanted to run some tests and have a scan. I couldn’t get in for the scan until next year but told them I was home for any cancellations. Well I was out with my son picking up my daughter when I got the call about a cancellation. A girlfriend had just left pathology so I got her to go back so she could watch both kids. (Not the thing for them to see) Thank God for great friends.

Anywho, the scan took all of 2 mins. The Specialist wanted to check my lining wall before inducing a period. If I had a thick wall and forced a period I could hemorrhage. Normal range is under 10cms, mine was 22cm. :omg: With cysts within the lining as well. So clear to see on the screen as well. Then he checked my ovaries, this time they found both (they cant always) and they were enlarged and MANY cysts. Obviously the PCOS is still very there and present.

This is great news and no surprise about the lining wall. I have asked to have it check before and I know you need to have a few good bleeds a year. It was only the specialist who understood why I was concerned. Now that I know we can address this & reduce the risk of other problems later. Interesting too, the specialist sent me a copy of the letter that was sent to the referring GP –very impressed.

I feel like I am at least getting some answers and I am looking forward to how I feel after being on the slow release metformin for a while. Hopefully it will point me in the right direction.

Teresita · November 22, 2006

WOW a thorough doctor, I'm impressed also. LOL I happy to hear you are being well taken care of. I hope you have a happy....Australia, do you Celebrate Thanksgiving tomorrow. hummmm I know Canada celebrates it at a diffrent time. Anyhow, Happy Holidays.

Kat817 · November 22, 2006

Wow!!! I am so glad thngs fell into place for you...a good Dr. as well as a timely cancellation!!! It is good your were consistant in pursueing answers. I hope the SR Metformin makes a difference for you. Be sure to check it often, the weight loss will make a difference as well...and when it all kicks in, you may lose more suddenly!!! Here's hoping!!! Good Luck Lisa!!

Kat

Parvathi · November 22, 2006

I hope you have a happy....Australia, do you Celebrate Thanksgiving tomorrow. hummmm I know Canada celebrates it at a diffrent time. Anyhow, Happy Holidays.

We don't actually celebrate Thanksgiving here at all. There's a couple of American diners around that do a proper Thanksgiving day feed, but other than that, its only the ex-pats that do anything for it.

We also miss out on 4th of July and a few others :eek:

We make up for it with Boxing Day (day after Christmas) and Melbourne Cup Day (the day the whole state stops for a horse race lol).

I miss Thanksgiving though!!

jenny · November 22, 2006

hi lisa at last you are getting some results really pleased for you good luck on the new meds

tolmc · November 23, 2006

Thanks Kat & Jenny. Yes, the Dr was a shock lol. As Jess said, we dont Celebrate Thanksgiving, only USA and Canada do. (Guess we werent around for the 1st feast with the Pilgrims in 1621) I do like what thanks giving has become. We arent as big on holloween here either. We get Australia Day in Jan.

Katgirl · November 23, 2006

Lisa, what is PCOS?

Kat.

tolmc · November 23, 2006

Sorry Kat,

I should have written that. Having it that long I just assume (wrongly)everyone else must know. Polycystic Ovarian Syndrome (PCOS)

It affect a woman’s menstrual cycle, fertility, hormones, insulin production, heart, blood vessels, and appearance (hair growth). Women with PCOS have these characteristics:

high levels of male hormones, also called androgens
an irregular or no menstrual cycle
may or may not have many small cysts in their ovaries. Cysts are fluid-filled sacs.

PCOS is the most common hormonal reproductive problem in women of childbearing age. An estimated five to 10 percent of women of childbearing age have PCOS.

No one knows the exact cause of PCOS. Women with PCOS frequently have a mother or sister with PCOS. But there is not yet enough evidence to say there is a genetic link to this disorder. Many women with PCOS have a weight problem. So researchers are looking at the relationship between PCOS and the body’s ability to make insulin. Insulin is a hormone that regulates the change of sugar, starches, and other food into energy for the body’s use or for storage. Since some women with PCOS make too much insulin, it’s possible that the ovaries react by making too many male hormones, called androgens. This can lead to acne, excessive Hair growth, weight gain, and ovulation problems.

tolmc · November 23, 2006

Whoops, sorry....

I just realised others replied and I didnt say thanks. THANKS - how rude!!! As for losing weight more quickly, atm, I'd be happy to just start losing some weight, any weight.

thanks everyone

tolmc · November 26, 2006

Hi Margaret,

It's 120kgs. Was 120Kgs when I was banded too. Thats 264pounds.

Goannabanda · November 27, 2006

Hi Lisa,

Just thought I'd check in with you and send you a virtual hug! Great to see you (TWICE!) this week, and looking forward to the next time. Hope the new meds do the trick - it's your turn to be our next loser!!! (in the nicest possible way of course! hehehe!) LOL!

Hugs,

Goanna.

tolmc · November 27, 2006

Yeah....no tongue in cheek there at all!!!!!!!! I'd like that too but its not going to happen.

Plus, I am a loser, just realised I have committed to things in Dec and now have no weekends for free for Joel's 1st birthday. Damn Damn Damn. I am a little all over the place.