Many problems, no dr., no treatment. Any ideas??

the2011babyc

I have PCOS, Irritable Bowl Syndrome, Diabetes, and Von Willebrands blood clotting disorder.

I was diagnosed with PCOS when I was 12 (I’m 19 now) as I had to have cysts removed from my ovaries. I’ve tried many birth controls to help regulate the PCOS. Recently a OBGYN prescribed Metformin; however, since it caused trouble with my IBS he said, “I mostly like to do surgeries, so I don’t have time to mess with your meds.” Then he referred me back to my primary care—which doesn’t want to deal with it either. I’ve called every doctor within 50 miles and they all have the same response, “You have too many problems. I don’t want you as a new patient.” Has anyone else had this problem before?? Any idea’s what to do?

I am obese, but have been steadily working at losing weight in hopes of that helping with all the problems. In June 2012 I weighed 270 as of today (12-31-12) I weigh 240. Also in desperation, I’ve started taking vitamins on Dec 9 because I’ve researched that PCOS is a vitamin deficiency… and because I can’t get treatment from a doctor. What I’m currently taking is listed below. Has supplements helped you?? I don’t know which way to turn, so any help would be greatly appreciated.

Also, I’m not trying to conceive. I’m just trying to get all of my problems under control, so I can be healthy again. I'm at the end of my rope, though.

A VITAMIN 8,000 I.U. 1x Morning
B COMPLEX TR VITAMIN 100 MG 1x Morning
C TR VITAMIN 1,000 MG 1x Morning
D-3 VITAMIN 1,000 I.U. 1x Morning- 1x Night
E VITAMIN 410 I.U. 1x Morning- 1x Night
BIOTIN 5,100 MCG 1x Morning
FISH OIL 800 MG 1x Night
FLAXSEED OIL 800 MG 1x Night
BORAGE OIL 400 MG 1x Night

Celeigh12

You do have a lot going on! I'm no doctor and health advice from strangers on the Internet is iffy at best, but I have a few thoughts.

1) I've never heard that PCOS is a vitamin deficiency. It's not something you catch or develop, you are born with it. Certain lifestyle changes can lessen its effects, primarily losing weight, but you have it for life and there is nothing you are doing or not doing that brought it on. Especially be careful with the vitamin A. Too much can cause hair loss, which already plagues many PCOS sufferers.

2) if you can't be on Metformin, for the sake of your PCOS and your diabetes, I hope you are on a low carb, diabetic friendly diet.

3) since you asked about supplements, there are some studies that show cinnamon is helpful in relation to blood sugar for people with diabetes and insulin resistance, which is often found in PCOS women. There are cinnamon capsules available, but whether or not that actually works I don't know.

4) bottom line, getting the weight off and keeping your blood sugar in check is really important. Exercise is a big part of it as well. I wish you well. Congrats on the 30 pounds thus far!!

shannonsky

I think you need to get your primary care doc to give you a referral to an endocrinologist. He/she can do a full work up and help you get everything figured out. I have heard PCOS is a vitamin deficiency - but I've heard pretty much everything under the sun regarding PCOS, and tried most of it. None of it worked for me. Stick with the weight loss, that is the best thing you can do for your PCOS, and keep being your own advocate when it comes to docs. Don't be afraid to fire one and try a new one.

pland54

I think you need to get your primary care doc to give you a referral to an endocrinologist. He/she can do a full work up and help you get everything figured out. I have heard PCOS is a vitamin deficiency - but I've heard pretty much everything under the sun regarding PCOS, and tried most of it. None of it worked for me. Stick with the weight loss, that is the best thing you can do for your PCOS, and keep being your own advocate when it comes to docs. Don't be afraid to fire one and try a new one.

I totally agree with this. An endocrinologist should not be quite so scared off by PCOS or diabetes, and your various conditions are inseperable from each other....one must consider how treating one will affect the others.
Do you have insurance? I hope you do, but if not, maybe you could consider seeing a homeopathic doctor....they tend to be good listeners, and are keen on looking at you as a whole person, rather than just seeing individual pieces.

As for vitamin deficiency, many women with PCOS have deficiencies in certain vitamins, but the syndrome itself is not thought to be DUE to a vitamin deficiency. So, it is expected that achieving normal levels of vitamins will help with symptoms, but will not erase the PCOS. I take a hair, skin, and nails multivitamin. Basically, it contains lots of biotin, plus a few others that people are normally lacking in. I have noticed a big difference in my hair loss!

the2011babyc

Thanks for the suggestions! Unfortunately, I have tried Endocrinologists and have had no luck. I’ve called to several in bigger towns in my state and get told they couldn’t help with the PCOS. The state I live (Missouri) doesn’t have the most knowledgeable, up-to-date doctors. I’ll keep searching, though!

LoyalAngel16

Maybe see if there is a fertility specialist, thats what I had to do to finally get the help I needed.