Official Diagnosis PCOS

[Starr]

Went to a new Dr. on Friday and she is certain that I have PCOS. On one hand at least I know what I have but on another the outlook isn't great. Besides PCOS I have a bicorneate uterus and my uterus and cervix are both tipped. Multiples are out of the question because my uterus couldn't handle it. She recommended a laparoscopy, somewhat soon and is referring us to a RE. She also brought up that given my history it would be best to TTC, have kids ASAP, and then look at some permanent options. If TTC does not work she said we, mainly I, need to come to terms with it and then proceed to the permanent options. At least I would be out of pain. So how bad is the lapo?

[thismama]

PCOS. That is what I have. It can be very treatable. The current common drugs for TTC are Metformin (a diabetes drug - PCOS is often a hormonal imbalance caused by insulin resistance), and if that does not cause ovulation on its own, Metformin + Clomid.

I conceived my daughter on Met, this pregnancy with no drugs. I have changed my eating (more protein, cut out sugars and refined grains), and that combined with some correction that my last pregnancy seems to have brought on, have regulated my insulin and hormones.

Changing eating habits can be a BIG cure, better than drugs for many of us.

LOTS of info and a discussion board here: www.soulcysters.net.

I have no idea what a laproscopy is, and I've been dx with PCOS for 11 years. I would wait for the RE, they are VERY knowledgeable.

[ChristyM26]

Originally Posted by Starr

Went to a new Dr. on Friday and she is certain that I have PCOS. On one hand at least I know what I have but on another the outlook isn't great. Besides PCOS I have a bicorneate uterus and my uterus and cervix are both tipped. Multiples are out of the question because my uterus couldn't handle it. She recommended a laparoscopy, somewhat soon and is referring us to a RE. She also brought up that given my history it would be best to TTC, have kids ASAP, and then look at some permanent options. If TTC does not work she said we, mainly I, need to come to terms with it and then proceed to the permanent options. At least I would be out of pain. So how bad is the lapo?

Wow that's a lot of stuff. There's a tribe here on MDC for PCOS sufferers, lots of whom are also TTC, so you could always check that out.

Why was your doctor saying that your uterus couldn't handle multiples? Was it because it's bicornate? And what is the laparoscopy for? And what does she mean by "permanent options"?

PCOS is a real pain, but it's not the end of the world. It seems like your doctor thinks there's nothing you can do for it, but it can be treated lots of ways (meds or diet to start as well as natural remedies that work for some). It makes things more difficult , that's all.

[Starr]

A laparoscopy is basically where they make an incision and look into the uterus and can clean out any debris or scar tissue, since I also have endometriosis or at least had it. It looks like I have debris? from ruptured cysts and they want to see what type of cysts I keep getting. For the record I get about 4 ovarian cysts a year and end up in the ER until they give me demerol .

Multiples are higly cautioned against since my uterus is bicorneate and literally there is no room for more than one. She did say twins may be possible but the RE will take measurements of my uterus and be able to gauge how many and how long I can carry.

By permanent options she was talking along the lines of a hysterectomy, removing an ovary if the cysts occur on the same one, and a new procedure where they inflate a baloon type thing into your uterus and then heat it up to singe the cavity. Basically my uterus would never ever be able to grow a child. These are once we are finished and to help with the pain.

[MaddieMay]

Starr, the laparoscopy isn't that bad. I've had two-one of those being in the past month. With the last one, I had the surgery on Friday and was functional late Sunday and back to normal late Tuesday. The first time, I had horrible gas pains in my shoulders for about a week. The second time, I didn't have any of that, just bad abdominal pain. If you have any specific questions, feel free to post here or PM me and I'd be glad to answer them.

[cristeen]

Originally Posted by Starr

Multiples are higly cautioned against since my uterus is bicorneate and literally there is no room for more than one. She did say twins may be possible but the RE will take measurements of my uterus and be able to gauge how many and how long I can carry.

While I understand the risk of multiples, please take anything with a large grain of salt. No doctor can tell with 100% certainty how much your uterus can stretch to accommodate a baby. And no doctor can predict beforehand (before conception) how long you may be able to carry that pregnancy.

The PCOS is "merely" a stumbling block. There are many treatments for it. If your cysts are caused by the PCOS, then controlling the PCOS may alleviate some of your symptoms. As Christy pointed out, there are many PCOSers here on MDC, some of us have children already, some of us don't. If you read our tribe thread, there's a lot of good information, from suggestions of things to read to treatments to pursue.

HTH

[astrophe27]

You aren't alone -- I also have PCOS and 1 child.

Def look into a second opinion. I know PCOS can be a drag, but just jumping right to hysterectomy or removing ovaries without considering other treatment options first is pretty severe. It's not like that will magically solve all the problems either -- you will still need support and help afterwards.

I second the PP who suggested www.soulcysters.net for more info.

Here is the PCOS FAQ from Inciid --

http://www.inciid.org/faq.php?cat=infertility101&id=2

And take a look at Elizabeth Vliet's books.

GL!
A.

[kristenok18]

Often times pcos can be managed either through diet/exercise, or with the addition of metformin (or other drugs) in addition to diet/exercise changes. It can help bring all the hormones into normal ranges and keep the cysts at bay. You might look into this before considering those drastic measures, but keep in mind that it can take 6mo or more before you see results. But this is a long term goal, since pcos affects your overall health, not just your reproductive health. Women who suffer from pcos are at a greater risk for developing diabetes and heart disease (and others, but I'm drawing a blank right now). If you only treat the reproductive aspects, it can still affect your overall health since the hormones and possible insulin resistance will still be a problem.

One of the things that really worked for me was to cut out all grains and most sugars. I tried all sugars, but life without any chocolate or ice cream was making me really miserable. I also added metformin in, and the combination of the new diet plus exercise really helped control my symptoms. I took about 5-6mo to see results, but it is so worth it. After that time most of my cysts had disappeared and I was ovulating each cycle. Also, I had been suffering from a lot of abdominal discomfort before I started going no-grain. If I stay away from grains, I don't have any of that anymore. I just get my carbs from nuts, veg, fruit, and dairy instead of grains. Even whole grains and non-gluten seemed to cause me problems. One thing to remember is that if you are getting enough protein, you often won't have the cravings for sweets/breads.

Do check out soulcysters, it's a GREAT resource. Pcos is*managable, and once you can get yours under control it will be much easier to deal with your other issues.

[SaharaRose]

I'm so sorry to hear about whats going on with you. I invite you to join the PCOS Tribe at http://www.mothering.com/discussions...d.php?t=641423

I have PCOS, endometriosis & a septate uterus, which is my case is similar to a bicorneate--mine is heart shaped & I had a thick wall that came part of the way down. I was diagnosed with all this when I was 23. It took almost 5 years to get pregnant and several Drs. told me I would never have children & needed a hysterectomy, including the surgeon who removed my uterine septum. This was untrue, so don't rely on one Dr. I’m hoping that the ER will be able to help you.

As far as the lap, I’ve had two & the recovery wasn’t bad at all. The first one I had slight complications & ended up in bed for 2 weeks. The second one wasn’t as bad & I was up and around in days. The hardest part was after the first one I had a hard time getting out of bed & I needed help for a little bit. It wasn’t so bad though.

We’re TTC #2 right now. PCOS is manageable & bicorneate uterus is often not even an issue, especially once its been repaired. I was told the only reason I would have an issue was if a baby tried to implant right on my scar, which didn't happen. DD was almost 9 pounds and extra long, so my uterus was up for the challenge. Endometriosis often improves after you have a baby, & mine actually got a little less active after the first time they went in and removed some. I've never talked to someone who had all three issues in common with me, but it is possible to have babies even with all of these dogging your steps.

It sounds like you’re on the right track & good luck to you!

[Starr]

Thanks for sharing SR, your sounds very similar to mine. I think the main concern is the uterus shape mine is sort of of like a "v" with one side larger than the other.