Terrified of going to the gyno. Help!

aloranger7708

I have not officially been diagnosed with PCOS, but happened to come across a thread on the main boards and got to reading on the internet and the threads in this group. The symptoms sound A LOT like me. I've started noticing a pain in my ovaries which I'm concluding is a cyst. I'm also not on birth control and have been having irregular periods. Well, regular for me. They come about every 2-3 months and go from extremely light to extremely heavy (to the point where I'm changing tampons every 2 hours and have to use a thick pad at the same time.)

I also have terrible moodswings, like, god awful.

I have extreme anxiety and am too terrified to go to the doctors. I haven't had a gyno exam in a few years because of a traumatic experience. I won't go into gory details, but I literally blacked out from the pain and ended up very sick from my last visit. I also haven't had good luck with having my blood drawn.

I hope this doesn't come off as insensitive (and please, if you want children and the issue of infertility is sensitive for you, please stop reading) but I have no desire to have children. Becoming infertile is not an issue or concern of mine.

So I'm wondering... is there a way I can reverse/prevent PCOS (if that's even what I have....)? Or is it completely necessary that I go to the doctors? And does anyone have any tips for remaining calm for a gyno/blood test? I am an absolute wreck even at the thought of it. I'm trying to tell myself that I need to get over my trauma because it's good for my health, but I cannot bring myself to make an appointment. Just any help would be appreciated!

fiberartist219

First of all, it's not healthy to avoid the gyno forever, so at some point, you should go, if nothing else, just for the pap smears and the general well woman visits. If you've had a bad experience before, let them know when you make the appointment. They might be able to make arrangements for some pain killers, anxiety meds, or whatever it is that you need to get through the appointment. You might also want someone to drive you home if it's that bad. For me, gyno visits are annoying and uncomfortable, but not excruciating or anything.

Also, if you're not wanting children, you're not alone! I told my doctor that I really have no desire to have kids ever. He mentioned that my irregularity might be PCOS since I was also overweight, and I have noticeable acne. I told him that I don't want to get back on birth control pills, so other than cosmetic reasons and fertility reasons, unless there was a reason to treat PCOS, I wasn't going to pay for an ultrasound to get an official diagnosis. He said that's fine, and if my acne, periods, or any other symptom got worse, to come back and deal with it then. I go through some symptoms, but they aren't as bad as previous medical issues that I've had, and I just don't care to take more time off work or rack up any more medical bills unless it's something that is really impacting my life. So, in some ways, I can relate to wanting to avoid the doctor's office... but for me, it's different reasons.

Celeigh12

I'm so sorry you had such a traumatic experience! I hate going, but talk myself into it every few years. I would start by first getting recommendations from family/friends for a VERY CARING doctor. Then tell your doctor what happened last time and how afraid you are and your desire for a better experience this time. It's important for your health, so something to try to work though for your own sake.

That said, you really only need blood tests and a list of your symptoms for a PCOS diagnosis. A good internist with knowledge of PCOS could do that for you.

PCOS can't be reversed, it's something you are born with, but your symptoms can be seriously lessened with lifestyle changes and for some, medication.

Good luck to you!

CharRicho

PCOS can put you at higher risk for developing diabetes later in life, and other health issues so it's really not something you want to put off and/or leave untreated.

Definitely get some recommendations from your friends for a kind doctor, and face your fears. Your future health depends on it!

mamosh81

you could try to lower the symptoms with low carb diet (if you have insulin resistant pcos carbs are the enemy) and just pretty much get moving do cardio and weight training works great with pcos

aloranger7708

Thank you for the replies, everyone! Sorry if I sound extremely immature about the whole thing (considering I'm 23 :blushing: ), but honestly, I have NEVER felt pain like that and I have a high pain tolerance. Sometimes just thinking about the pain that day I go into cold sweats and feel nauseous!

After posting this topic the other night, I began researching doctors in my area. It's proven a little difficult because I just moved to another state so I don't have any friends or family to recommend a trustworthy doctor.

I think it's also a bit of a psychological thing. I've never met a doctor whom I'm completely comfortable with. They've always been rude and uncaring. But I've decided that after researching a little more, I'll make an appointment.

:flowerforyou:

CharRicho

You don't sound immature Going to a new doctor sucks, and so many of them are total crap.

Try soulcysters.net, it's a forum for women with PCOS, and there are PCOS friendly doctor recommendations on there (one of the threads has people recommend their doctors) so maybe you can find one in your new area. Good luck!

irishbrit15

I use to live in a similar manner. I hated going to the doctor in fear of what they may tell me. But now - I know that I shouldn't fear them. If they have bad news, they will be there to hep me and if it is a bad situation, they will be able to tell me how to reverse/prevent/cure, what have you. I still hate going to the gyno, but if I want to live healthy and get this PCOS stuff under control, then I need to go see her.
Research the doctors. Find one that you see good reviews on and that seems to mix with your personality. I did, and I'm so glad that I did! She made my visit so much better. She was very laid back, and even had an ankle tattoo!! Trust me, it is for your best interest and health.