PCOS

Hi,
I found this board and was wondering if I could get some advice and maybe meet a few gals who are in same place as me. I apologize in advance if this is long and probably babbles on a little. I have a billion questions/concerns and I don't know anyone who has been through this.

I was very recently diagnosed with PCOS. Looking back over the years, it makes so much sense. Have had most of the symptoms off and on since I was 14 or so.

I went to a new Dr to find out why my husband and I hadn't conceived after almost 2 years of trying, and she was certain right away it was PCOS. Blood tests came back showing insulin resistance and high testosterone levels. (which I understand is par for the course) During exam, she thought at first my uterus was swollen, but ultrasound showed a 12cm ovarian cyst on my right ovary. :(
I had a CT scan last week and I am currently waiting for my Dr to get the results so we can schedule a surgery ASAP. They also put me on Metformin 500mg, I have been taking it for 2 weeks now and I think I am finally starting to adjust to the upset tummy and blood sugar roller coaster.

I am scared. Was wondering if a cyst this big can be removed with a laproscope or will they have to do a big cut? Don't know anyone personally who has ever a cyst this big. Anyone has any advice they can share?

What are my chances of keeping that ovary? I had a tubal pregnancy when I was younger and lost half my tube on the left side. I still have my left ovary, but my right side was always my "good side" LOL. They say the left side works fine, but I know losing my right ovary would cut our chances of pregnancy drastically.
I have three kids from my first marriage that I know I am blessed to have, and I'm not trying to be greedy, but I am remarried to the most wonderful husband and step dad in the world and we were hoping to have one together.

Also does anyone ever feel like a they are just a mess? I am in a fair amount of pain and discomfort most of the time and it is cutting into my life. I am usually wiped from trying to just push through the day. Feel bad for my hubby and kids cause they have half of me sometimes. I know it is because of the size of the current cyst, and that once it is removed and I recover, it will be better, just seems like it is gonna be such a long process.

There is also the worry that this going to keep happening.

Well that's my story in a nutshell. I'd really like to get to know you guys and share stuff. Thanks for reading my rambling. :)

Hi there! Glad that you have joined us! Let me see if I can help!

Glad to hear that you are adjusting to the Met. Below is a list of things that can help. Often the blood sugar type symptoms are because we are either not eating enough, often enough or the right things. The list will help especially when your dose is upped.

Sorry about the cyst! I had one about that size. Thankfully it eventually shrunk. It is hard to say whether yours will need to be removed. If there is no pain and no twisting of the ovaries, then chances are they will just keep an eye on it and it should eventually start shrinking. If it does have to be removed, more than likely there will be no loss of ovary and it should be able to be done with a lap.

I totally understand how you are feeling...a mess. A very common thing with us. PCOS pretty much totally wacks out our hormones and feeling like this is pretty normal. The good news is that you are on the road to getting this thing under control! That will help with everything! Also, you have this board, where you can come vent, ask questions or just gab! I am happy to help you in any way that I can. Take care and keep me updated! Laura

Tips for Taking Metformin (ER)/Glucophage (XR):
*from Laura and Kathy*
Disclaimer: We are not doctors or pharmacists. The following is just what we have gathered over the years and should be treated as such.

*Metformin is neither a weight loss nor a fertility medication. It helps our body use glucose/insulin better. In turn, it helps our body balance its hormones. Some of the "happy" side effects can be weight loss, regular periods, and ovulation. It can also potentially help with our other symptoms. It is recommended that PCOSers take 1500mg to 2550 mg of Met/Gluc daily (after building up).

*****It can take up to 6 months or more on the right dosage to see any effects.*****

*If you are taking the Extended Release version of Metformin/Glucophage, then you should be taking all of your pills at the same time each day. Start the dosage out slowly, like one pill for a week or two and then add another one for a week or two until you are up to your prescribed dosage. They recommend taking it with dinner. What I, personally, have found is that I am better off taking it before bed. But everyone is different! (side note: some who are on the extended release have found that it works better for them to spread the dose throughout the day either because they don’t get the side effects or it help with their symptoms better. If you are not getting good results after the six months on the full dose with the extended release you might want to try this)

*If you are on the regular version of Metformin/Glucophage, you should be spacing your pills out through your day. Start the dosage out slowly, like one pill for a week or two and then add another one for a week or two until you are up to your prescribed dosage. Start taking your first pill at night. Your second pill in the morning. Your third pill in the afternoon. Only up the dose if you are doing well. It can take some time for your body to adjust to the medication. Let it:) *If you still can't handle the med after everything here, talk to your doctor about either switching to the Extended Release versions or another IR drug like Avandia.

*Drink a ton of water!!! About half your weight in ounces. I weigh 170 pounds, so I should drink 85 ounces of water daily. Your body needs to be able to clean itself and water helps it!

*Try to eat good carbs rather than bad carbs (i.e. whole grains rather than white flour products). Try to eat some protein with your carbs. It does help your body use glucose/insulin better. If this isn't enough, try lowering your carb intake.

*Snack inbetween meals. Don’t let yourself get too hungry. Eat something about every 3 hours.

*Take your pills with a meal and make sure you have enough protein. Some do great making sure they have milk as well. Milk has actually been proven to help with IR.

*Think about the timing of when you take your medicing. Try just before you eat, during, or after. Sometimes that can make all the difference.

*Fish oil…omega 3 and 6.

*Milk Thistle

*Diahrea http://www.alwaysyourchoice.org/ayc/articles/diarrhea.php

 

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Thanks for the welcome :)

As far as surgery goes, my dr has said the cyst has to come out of me. Both my sisters have been diagnosed with ovarian cancer, and even though there isn't a direct link between the two, she said it is definitely the safer bet. After reading your post I am feeling a little more at ease about that part.

Also thanks for making me feel a little more "normal". I've felt out of wack for a while, but knowing why is hopefully gonna mean we can fix that, LOL.