Hopefully this doctor will be the one

SaphireSweetie88 · July 2016

I have a couple different posts up from a few months but I wanted to put everything in 1 post so I only have 1 thread to try and keep updated.

Anyway, long story short (so people don't have to try and find the other posts)

I did not have AF November, December, January or February. I went to see my original gyno on February 4th for testing to see what was going on because she was concerned about me not receiving AF. She said depending on results she may put me on a pill to cause withdrawl bleeding (I guess that's to force any period blood out) and "regulate" cycles again. She said that there's 2 types of pills that do that - one is strictly for withdrawl bleeding and the other also increases fertility. She did the following tests:
   - Follicle stimulating hormone
   - Luteinizing hormone (spelling may be off)
   - Prolactin
   - TSH (I think this has to do with my thyroid)
   - Blood test for pregnancy - She said since I was having other blood tests done we might as well do this too.
   - PapSmear too to see if I have a bacterial infection that might be holding AF hostage (her words).

A couple days later my gyno's RN called and said everything came back normal / negative with the exception of Bacterial Vaginosis (no surprise). My gyno called the same day ( a few hours later) and after playing phone tag I finally got a hold of her and she said results of my FSH and another test (forgot which one) are consistent with the range of PCOS and she wants to start me on treatment for it (a pill called meta something) as soon as I am done with the medication for the bacterial vaginosis and medication that will force me to have a period. She said PCOS is not serious and that it is very common. I mentioned my call with her RN and my gyno said when I talked to the RN, the FSH results weren't even back yet so she doesn't know why her RN would have told me everything was fine with them and then hung up on me. I have NOT been able to get a hold of her or anyone at her office since. I have left numerous messages and emails.

I ended up getting AF in March. It was a ""normal"" period for me except for the first two or three days the bleeding was very light (almost like spotting). AF came at the same time AF would normally come during the month and lasted the same amount of time.

No AF in April. AF came in May and again was "'normal"" (for me). AF came in June as well and again was ""normal"". BUT I had been done bleeding for 1 day and then I started bleeding very light (1 pad would have lasted a whole day - but I changed to avoid smells). That lasted a week. Then I had 1 day of no bleeding before it started again and after a couple days it turned into what seems like a full on AF except now it's really heavy.... After 3 or 4 hours my pad is almost overflowing.... Sorry if it's TMI

I have an appointment scheduled with a gyno and from talking to her on the phone once she seems like she really cares about my concerns and wants to actually take the time to listen to any questions I have so fingers crossed. I tried 1 other gyno before this one and she was not good. I explained what's been going on and she replied back with "I am confused - what seems to be the issue? Periods are usually never on time and often skip a couple months."

beary67 · July 2016

I hope your appointment goes well and you are able to find comfort in working with your new OBGYN. PCOS can play a big role in irregular periods, so that possible diagnosis makes sense. I hope you are able to get some answers soon.

Out of curiosity, are you temping to confirm ovulation? A great resource about temping and TTC is Taking Charge of your Fertility. I read this book when I first started TTC and I learned sooooo much. The ladies on this board are also a great resource.

Join in on the WTO/TWW threads. You will find a lot of daily support in this community.

Megzb510 · July 2016

Hi, sorry to hear that you're having so much trouble having your doctor work with you.

Are you taking metformin? Did the first OBGYN even write that scrip? Long, irregular cycles are a symptom of PCOS. Many women do get pregnant with pcos, but you do need to temp. Temping is the only way to confirm ovulation. I think one issue with PCOS is that ovulation predictor kits may cause several misleading positives (because your busy can gear up to ovulate multiple times in a cycle but not actually ovulate the first, second, third time etc). So temping is the only way to confirm whether you are having anovulatory cycles or late ovulation.

I think you need to be clear with your doctor that you are having irregular cycles, your previous OB suspected PCOS and have your lab work transferred over. If you do have PCOS, your OB should be able to prescribe metformin and advise on a treatment plan.

kissthesky32 · July 2016

If you have time before the appt, I would ask your current office for copies of all the lab work. That way, you will have concrete numbers to discuss with the new OB.

stillclever17 · July 2016

I'm so sorry you have to deal with that. I had a very similar experience. I'm still looking for a good OB. I have an appt next month with a new one. Good luck!

EmeraldNC · July 2016

Megzb510 said:

Hi, sorry to hear that you're having so much trouble having your doctor work with you.

Are you taking metformin? Did the first OBGYN even write that scrip? Long, irregular cycles are a symptom of PCOS. Many women do get pregnant with pcos, but you do need to temp. Temping is the only way to confirm ovulation. I think one issue with PCOS is that ovulation predictor kits may cause several misleading positives (because your busy can gear up to ovulate multiple times in a cycle but not actually ovulate the first, second, third time etc). So temping is the only way to confirm whether you are having anovulatory cycles or late ovulation.

I think you need to be clear with your doctor that you are having irregular cycles, your previous OB suspected PCOS and have your lab work transferred over. If you do have PCOS, your OB should be able to prescribe metformin and advise on a treatment plan.

What would taking metformin do? Disclosure: I'm SO new to this and know nothing. Trying to learn.

Megzb510 · July 2016

@EmeraldNC - this website explains better than I could:
https://www.advancedfertility.com/metformin-pcos-pregnancy.htm

EmeraldNC · July 2016

Thank you @Megzb510

mrsdaddario · July 2016

@EmeraldNC Before looking into Metformin, make sure they give you a 3 hour glucose test. I have PCOS, but am not insulin resistant and therefore Metformin would have no affect on me. That is specifically for PCOS patients who cannot regulate insulin on their own. The only way to tell if you need that medication for PCOS is to take the glucose test, also known as the glucose challenge. Also, I'm sorry for the frustrations! I know where you're coming from. When I went off BCP in September, I had a normal period September, October, and November. Then they became increasingly long. 49 days, then finally got my PCOS diagnosis on an 84+ day cycle. PCOS can vary in different ways. Is the doctor your seeing a general practitioner or an OBGYN? If it's a GP I highly suggest looking into an OB for the testing, as this is what they specialize in!

EmeraldNC · July 2016

mrsdaddario said:

@EmeraldNC Before looking into Metformin, make sure they give you a 3 hour glucose test. I have PCOS, but am not insulin resistant and therefore Metformin would have no affect on me. That is specifically for PCOS patients who cannot regulate insulin on their own. The only way to tell if you need that medication for PCOS is to take the glucose test, also known as the glucose challenge. Also, I'm sorry for the frustrations! I know where you're coming from. When I went off BCP in September, I had a normal period September, October, and November. Then they became increasingly long. 49 days, then finally got my PCOS diagnosis on an 84+ day cycle. PCOS can vary in different ways. Is the doctor your seeing a general practitioner or an OBGYN? If it's a GP I highly suggest looking into an OB for the testing, as this is what they specialize in!

Thanks for sharing your experience! The reason I asked was because I do take metformin already. I am diabetic. So I was curious as to what it did for fertility.

KristoKekerooni · July 2016

Hey @SaphireSweetie88 ! sorry to hear about all your difficulties, sounds like you've had a bunch of crazies to deal with.
-A good OB is important, so I would encourage you to "shop" around till you find one you are comfortable and confident with.
-I'm assuming the "meta" pill you are referring to is metformin. That should be taken if you are insulin-sensitive. Did she run an insulin test to be sure?
-Your periods are very inconsistent- which is certainly an indicator of PCOS. Contrary to what your doc said, periods should vary to the extreme your has. It's good that you recognized this and are making an effort to get it under control.

-Are you actively trying to conceive?

SaphireSweetie88 · July 2016

Thanks ladies for all of your responses.

@beary67 I am not temping. I have thought about it but haven't done so yet.
@Megzb510 No I am not taking the Metformin. Yes she wrote the prescription for it but given the way she acted when I asked her about the 2 very different results and the fact that she wasn't answering phone calls or emails I am not going to take the medicine. If this new doctor prescribes it and actually takes the time to talk to me about it, etc then I have no issue with taking it. I have been very honest with this new doctor and told her about what happened with my last doctor and about the irregular periods. She understands why I haven't taken any prescribed medication for it and why I am seeking a new doctor. She did tell me on the phone that she is going to probably redo the tests just to make sure we have the correct results. She did advise me on the phone to not take the medicine until we know what results are accurate because if you take the medication when you don't need to, it can cause some damage.
@kissthesky32 Good idea
@soemthingclever Thanks! I hope your appointment goes well.
@KristoB I believe she ran an insulin test.

Just to clarify - I am not saying I refuse to believe that PCOS could be a possibility but I feel that before I take any medication for it, I need to talk to a doctor who isn't going to act like the last one. The way she acted just doesn't sit right with me and makes me uncomfortable and feel like I can't really trust her. Something happened with the test / test results that caused her RN and her to give me very different results.

izza2 · July 2016

I don't have anything super to add, but this OB sounds like my previous one. I had constant bleeding from the Nexplanon I had just had put in, and I called her every day or every other day for a couple of weeks straight for deciding she was a crappy physician and finding a new one. I went to her for the Nexplanon implant because I was going to PPH and they didn't do the procedure, and once she got the money from that, she stopped talking to me. Her RN wouldn't even call me back.

It sounds like your new OB is actually working with you and is doing a much better job than your previous OB. It's good that she didn't just put you on the Metformin without actually checking the test results and doing a panel herself. Good luck - and hopefully this new OB does a much better job of actually providing you with healthcare!

stillclever17 · July 2016

@SaphireSweetie88 I'm not trying to hijack your thread, but like I said, I had a similar experience. I suddenly wasn't getting AF after years of no issues. OB did blood work and then I got a one sentence email from her nurse telling me I had PCOS. PCOS had not even been discussed with me by my doctor. I was devastated and confused. How insensitive of them! They nonchalantly diagnosed me with a serious health condition over email. It didn't help that when I told my sister she said, "You're going to have a hard time getting pregnant." My sister is such a B!TC#. So I went to my PCP and he recommended an US. I went back to the OB and asked for the US to confirm. I got to see the cysts on my ovaries and I could no longer be in denial. Problem was, the OB was so smug about being right and totally cavalier about it. "You can just take some medication and get pregnant." I felt completely invalidated and blown off. No to mention, she would walk into the exam room without knocking when I was changing. Every. Single. Time. Time to move on. I got a new OB and she was so nice. Unfortunately, she's moving away now

So, like I said, I understand your frustration!

SaphireSweetie88 · July 2016

@izza2 Thanks! This one seems a lot better. I am just bummed because my previous one was wonderful and I had been going to her for about 7 years before this.

@soemthingclever I know you're not trying to hijack my post. No worries

I am sorry to hear about your ordeal with the previous doctor you had. Stinks that your current one is moving away. Any chance she could recommend a new doctor you might like?

stillclever17 · July 2016

@beary67 I got TCOYF and it made me so motivated to chart BBT. I have been relying on CM and normal cycle length to confirm ovulation after-the-fact. Apparently CM can be sporadic for some people with PCOS, but mine seems to be pretty consistent when it does happen, so I think I am ovulating sometimes (about 3 times a year). I already had a BBT thermometer, so I tried to start tempting. I kept forgetting! I had to tie fabric around my wrist to remind me so I would finally remember this morning.

stillclever17 · July 2016

SaphireSweetie88 said:

@izza2 Thanks! This one seems a lot better. I am just bummed because my previous one was wonderful and I had been going to her for about 7 years before this.

@soemthingclever I know you're not trying to hijack my post. No worries I am sorry to hear about your ordeal with the previous doctor you had. Stinks that your current one is moving away. Any chance she could recommend a new doctor you might like?

@SaphireSweetie88 I asked, but they just assigned me to a new OB in the same clinic. I've got my finger crossed that she'll be the one to deliver my LO!!!

SaphireSweetie88 · July 2016

Fingers crossed @soemthingclever

SaphireSweetie88 · September 2016

Update:

Doctor looked at the medical printouts I brought from the other doctor and the she immediately sided with my previous doctor and told me that I was being rude and inconsiderate towards my other doctor by wanting to be checked again by someone different. The doctor then left the room I was in without saying anything and after 15 minutes of not hearing anything else, I left.

Periods are still irregular so whatever is going on hasn't changed.

I talked to some friends and a close co-worker and I have an appointment on October 4th for another doctor that people claim to be good. If this one doesn't work out, I feel like just giving up. I won't because messing with my health isn't okay but its getting very stressful and frustrating. (Sorry I didn't update sooner - been very busy).

adirat · September 2016

@SaphireSweetie88

Seriously? A doctor said it was rude to get a second opinion?

Honestly I am so shocked right now I don't even know what to say.

What this second doctor did is unprofessional and leaving the room was unethical. I don't know where you are, but in my state (NY), I would report this behavior to the state board.

I'm so sorry you've had to deal with this. I'm glad you are going to see a different doctor recommended by friends. Good luck.

[Deleted User] · September 2016

SaphireSweetie88 said:

Update:

Doctor looked at the medical printouts I brought from the other doctor and the she immediately sided with my previous doctor and told me that I was being rude and inconsiderate towards my other doctor by wanting to be checked again by someone different. The doctor then left the room I was in without saying anything and after 15 minutes of not hearing anything else, I left.

Periods are still irregular so whatever is going on hasn't changed.

I talked to some friends and a close co-worker and I have an appointment on October 4th for another doctor that people claim to be good. If this one doesn't work out, I feel like just giving up. I won't because messing with my health isn't okay but its getting very stressful and frustrating. (Sorry I didn't update sooner - been very busy).

Holy. Shit. That doctor sounds SO unprofessional - I've never heard of anything that insane! Good on you for finding another one. Keep advocating for yourself, trust your intuition. Sorry you had to deal with that

stillclever17 · September 2016

@SaphireSweetie88 What the H? You should report her to the office manager of the clinic. I hate when doctors think thy can do and say whatever they want. They're not gods. Some of them are downright stupid. I'm so sorry you had to deal with that. Good luck with your new doc!

tripledaggerWed95976 · September 2016

I'm so glad that you're not giving up due to one terrible doctor's negligence!!
That doctor u saw was totally in the wrong, and I'm so sorry u had to go through that!

furbabymom2007 · September 2016

...isn't this an old post?

tripledaggerWed95976 · September 2016

furbabymom2007 said:

...isn't this an old post?

Yes, she just updated it though

tripledaggerWed95976 · September 2016

SaphireSweetie88 said:

Update:

Doctor looked at the medical printouts I brought from the other doctor and the she immediately sided with my previous doctor and told me that I was being rude and inconsiderate towards my other doctor by wanting to be checked again by someone different. The doctor then left the room I was in without saying anything and after 15 minutes of not hearing anything else, I left.

Periods are still irregular so whatever is going on hasn't changed.

I talked to some friends and a close co-worker and I have an appointment on October 4th for another doctor that people claim to be good. If this one doesn't work out, I feel like just giving up. I won't because messing with my health isn't okay but its getting very stressful and frustrating. (Sorry I didn't update sooner - been very busy).

@furbabymom2007

furbabymom2007 · September 2016

tripledaggerWed95976 said:

furbabymom2007 said:

...isn't this an old post?

Yes, she just updated it though

Yeah I get that, but why? She was encouraged to participate in the dailies but never did. Why do we need the update?

op... Sorry for the crappy doc's, I agree that sucks. I encourage you again to participate in our daily threads.

tripledaggerWed95976 · September 2016

furbabymom2007 said:

tripledaggerWed95976 said:

furbabymom2007 said:

...isn't this an old post?

Yes, she just updated it though

Yeah I get that, but why? She was encouraged to participate in the dailies but never did. Why do we need the update?

op... Sorry for the crappy doc's, I agree that sucks. I encourage you again to participate in our daily threads.

Hmmm the only previous poster I saw that told her to join the dailys was @beary67 ......

furbabymom2007 · September 2016

tripledaggerWed95976 said:

furbabymom2007 said:

tripledaggerWed95976 said:

furbabymom2007 said:

...isn't this an old post?

Yes, she just updated it though

Yeah I get that, but why? She was encouraged to participate in the dailies but never did. Why do we need the update?

op... Sorry for the crappy doc's, I agree that sucks. I encourage you again to participate in our daily threads.

Hmmm the only previous poster I saw that told her to join the dailys was @beary67 ......

Yes.... So like I said, she was encouraged to post in the dailies.... I didn't say she was repeatedly told. This is a dear diary post from someone who has clearly not had a recent interest in contributing to the community and has come back after two months of nothing to update us on something I gurantee all of you had completely forgotten about.

As I said, I encourage the OP to participate in our daily threads and be a part of the community.

tripledaggerWed95976 · September 2016

furbabymom2007 said:

tripledaggerWed95976 said:

furbabymom2007 said:

tripledaggerWed95976 said:

furbabymom2007 said:

...isn't this an old post?

Yes, she just updated it though

Yeah I get that, but why? She was encouraged to participate in the dailies but never did. Why do we need the update?

op... Sorry for the crappy doc's, I agree that sucks. I encourage you again to participate in our daily threads.

Hmmm the only previous poster I saw that told her to join the dailys was @beary67 ......

Yes.... So like I said, she was encouraged to post in the dailies.... I didn't say she was repeatedly told. This is a dear diary post from someone who has clearly not had a recent interest in contributing to the community and has come back after two months of nothing to update us on something I gurantee all of you had completely forgotten about.

As I said, I encourage the OP to participate in our daily threads and be a part of the community.

Fair enough, i can't speak for others... I can only speak for myself.... it seemed to me as if you were (for lack of a better word) bashing those of us who responded to her update.... as if we were propagating a drive-by/zombified thread. If that wasn't ur intention then my sincerest apologies.. I got some unfortunate news from my RE this afternoon that may have made me a bit over sensitive

NamelessAria · September 2016

@tripledaggerWed95976 I just wanted to say that I'm sorry the for bad news you got. Lots of hugs if you want them.

As for the original post: I'm sorry that your doctor wasn't helpful. Unfortunately, from my experience, it's fairly common for a doctor to take "the easy way out" and just agree that another doctor was correct without really putting much thought into the labs and such presented to him/her. It's also possible that you really don't have PCOS and the doctor would have said you didn't have PCOS whether or not another doctor had already said that. I know I tend to have irregular cycles that can be pretty long and, as far as I know, I don't have PCOS. So while yes PCOS would explain your irregular periods other things can explain it also.

I don't see any harm in getting a third opinion but prepare yourself for the possibility that you'll be told again that you don't have PCOS and everything is normal. I know I moved a lot of when I was younger and so I ended up seeing a different doctor every year for awhile when I went to have my yearly done and anytime I'd mention how irregular my periods are and they'd run hormone tests everything would come back normal. I never got an explanation for why my cycles were so weird and why sometimes for no reason I wouldn't have a period for 6 months.

Like @furbabymom2007 said I do encourage you to participate in the daily threads. You'll get more out of the community if you participate.

Megzb510 · September 2016

I would like to echo @furbabymom2007 & @NamelessAria sentiment on participating in the daily threads. It's considered a little odd to resurrect old threads to update, especially if you haven't really contributed since then. And to resurrect a dear diary post is just not polite when you don't really go here. And this wasn't your first dear diary post on this board. I even had responded to you back in February and this thread and I had recommended temping both times. The ladies here are invested in the daily threads and you would have had a willing audience in the daily threads, so stick around and contribute.

beachbunnyxo123 · September 2016

I hate to sound skeptical but I'm a little confused by what happened. I can't imagine any professional being so abrasive and then walking out without returning it just seems like something is missing? Did you just pay the copay and leave without saying your appointment wasn't finished? It's totally normally to get second opinions so I wouldn't blame you at all for that. doesn't look like you've been back to see any feedback but in case you do, listen to the advice. Charting will tell you if you ovulated and give you some more insight about your body if your concerned about relying solely on docs. Give support to get support- if you don't participate here than updates are not needed. If you do go to another appointment I would suggest voicing all
of your concerns and not leaving until you do, whether you receive the same answer or not. If you're not actively participating no need for another update. Good luck.

izza2 · September 2016

furbabymom2007 said:

-snipped-

Yes.... So like I said, she was encouraged to post in the dailies.... I didn't say she was repeatedly told. This is a dear diary post from someone who has clearly not had a recent interest in contributing to the community and has come back after two months of nothing to update us on something I gurantee all of you had completely forgotten about.

As I said, I encourage the OP to participate in our daily threads and be a part of the community.

I, for one, was definitely sitting here with baited breath waiting for her update. It has for sure been the only thing I've been able to focus on for the past two months.

I agree with @beachbunnyxo123 . Seems weird to have not one, but two doctors who are rude to you. Maybe you over-exaggerate things, OP. I've been to a lot of different doctors and gotten second (and third) opinions on things and never had someone be rude because of it. If anything, they were happy to help with the hopes they'd get a new established patient. *shrug*

ETA: italics. And spelling.

SaphireSweetie88 · September 2016

@adirat
Yes she was very rude which was shocking and upsetting. I live in WI and I filled a complaint but haven't heard anything about it. I have been told by others that it can take a while for them to tell me something regarding the complaint.

@antoto @tripledaggerWed95976
Thanks.

@soemthingclever Thanks. (See comment to adirat)

@furbabymom2007 @NamelessAria @Megzb510
Yes it's an older post but I posted an update instead of making a new post / thread about the same situation. That way IF people wanted to, they could read what had happened as well without having to search for the previous post / thread. Like I mentioned at the end of my update - I had been really busy. I would love to participate more and be active on the daily posts and I am hoping I will be able to now that things have settled down again for me.

@beachbunnyxo123
Copay is due and paid at the time I check in - before I am even see the doctor. Like I mentioned at the end of my update - I had been really busy. I would love to participate more and be active on the daily posts and I am hoping I will be able to now that things have settled down again for me. I tried temping before and just let it slide and stopped doing it when things got really busy for me so hopefully I can start again.

tripledaggerWed95976 · September 2016

@namelessaria thank u, love ❤️❤️
I'm SO grateful to have the support of all of you wonderful ladies!

Want a personalized experience?

Hopefully this doctor will be the one

Re: Hopefully this doctor will be the one

Choose Another Board

Search Boards