Polycystic Ovary Syndrome (PCOS) » PCOS Treatment

LC and hypothyroidism — a losing cause?

admin — Wed, 12 Feb 2003 00:00:00 +0000

Question:

I have a question, out of curiosity and sheer ignorance!: If you have an underactive thyroid, which causes weight gain, and you take medicine to bring the thyroid hormones up to normal, doesn’t it follow that you’d begin to lose the excess weight caused by the hypothyroid? — Peter

Nope. It only makes it somewhat easier to get the weight off through dieting. And that’s assuming you are on the right dosage. It can be a very slippery slope and very frustrating. It took me 5 years to get my levels correct and stabilized. It was another year before the weight came off. -Gina

Response:

I have no idea about your hyperthyroid difficulties but I just wanted to ask how much water are you drinking in a day?

Lots and lots of it. Probably five 16 ounce glasses a day. The hypothyroidism also meant an end to my caffeine usage, so I’ve been drinking lots more water of late. dale (236/230/190)

Response:

The hypothyroidism also meant an end to my caffeine usage, so I’ve been

Why did it do that?

Response:

No, you are correct, it isn’t always true. And I have multiple immune/endocrine disorders, including PCOS, insulin resistance, and Crohn’s, so I know what you are talking about. However, it IS sometimes true. It was true for me. And Dale sounded like he (she? I’m sorry, I don’t know for sure) needed a little encouragement. And this is a support group. Thus, the support. Nothing I posted was not true FOR ME. And if one person’s success helps him feel like hanging in there, then I offer it fully. I’m very sorry yours took longer, and that you had so much to go through in order to feel better. I’m still hoping Dale experiences the near-miraculous change I felt when my thyroid levels finally reached normal. And hope is sometimes just what a person needs. —Holly

– Hide quoted text — Show quoted text – That isnt always true. There is a news group filled with people with hypothyroidism that will agree with me. Hypothyroidism is an endocrine illness. When one part of the system is messed up, the others work harder to compensate. Depending on how long you have had the illness and how hard the other parts have been working, it may not be as easy as getting your thyroid levels right. I took synthyroid for 15 years. My levels were always normal on it, but I always felt bad. I switched to amourthyroid (natural T4, T3, and other T bits) and feel much much better. I also have insulin resistance, PCOS, and adrenal fatigue. Complicated (or caused) by lack of not enough treatment for my thyroid. I am endocrine challenged now. It isnt always easy, but there really isnt any other way for me. I have been low carbing since 1998. Good luck on your journey, essense First of all, when they do get the levels right, you will lose weight like crazy. I dropped my last ten pounds and finally hit maintenance in only about three weeks, after a YEAR of trying. That’s how well the stuff will probably work for you. So don’t lose hope. You’ve got the big light at the end of the tunnel!

Response:

However, it IS sometimes true. It was true for me. And Dale sounded like he (she? I’m sorry, I don’t know for sure) needed a little encouragement. And this is a support group. Thus, the support.

Yes, a little encouragement at this point is just what the doctor ordered. Well, actually the doctor just ordered a 100 mcg dose, so maybe that will do the trick as well Thanks again for the support. Oh, and yes, I’m a ‘he’. dale (236/230/190)

Response:

The hypothyroidism also meant an end to my caffeine usage, so I’ve been Why did it do that?

The brochure that came with my prescription said not to take caffeine with Synthroid. Plus, I was overdoing Diet Coke anyway and it was a good reason to quit. dale (236/230/190)

Response:

I have the same problem. I have been sticking to the program but haven’t lost an ounce. I’ve been on synthroid since late August. One doctor said my reading was low but another doctor said it is low-normal. I felt a bit of difference by the end of September but am dragging myself around now, not feeling like doing anything. My doctor said he would prefer me to take nothing and let us see what happens but I don’t want to feel that run down again. MSM

Response:

That isnt always true. There is a news group filled with people with hypothyroidism that will agree with me. Hypothyroidism is an endocrine illness. When one part of the system is messed up, the others work harder to compensate. Depending on how long you have had the illness and how hard the other parts have been working, it may not be as easy as getting your thyroid levels right. I took synthyroid for 15 years. My levels were always normal on it, but I always felt bad. I switched to amourthyroid (natural T4, T3, and other T bits) and feel much much better. I also have insulin resistance, PCOS, and adrenal fatigue. Complicated (or caused) by lack of not enough treatment for my thyroid. I am endocrine challenged now. It isnt always easy, but there really isnt any other way for me. I have been low carbing since 1998. Good luck on your journey, essense – Hide quoted text — Show quoted text – First of all, when they do get the levels right, you will lose weight like crazy. I dropped my last ten pounds and finally hit maintenance in only about three weeks, after a YEAR of trying. That’s how well the stuff will probably work for you. So don’t lose hope. You’ve got the big light at the end of the tunnel!

Response:

Dale I have no idea about your hyperthyroid difficulties but I just wanted to ask how much water are you drinking in a day? Dani 250/203/160

– Hide quoted text — Show quoted text – Hello; Glad to find this group. I turned 40 last fall and had a physical, which turned up hypothyroidism. Since then, the doctors have been trying to get my medicine dosage correct, unsuccessfully so far. I’ve also been concerned about my weight, and after I got a clean bill of health (except for the thyroid thing, of course) I decided to do Atkins, which I’ve been successful at in the past. So I started induction about three weeks ago. I lost about five pounds the first week (water weight, I know) and about one pound in the rest of the time. My ketones are kind of all over the place, but generally dark pink. I’ve started excercising this week (30 minutes on the treadmill every night.) If my clothes are any indication, I’m not losing inches either. So, my feeling is that I’m just spinning my wheels until they sort out my Synthroid dosage because without my thyroid, my metabolism is just obviating any improvements I’m making in fat burning. But does that mean going back to my old eating habits, trying to stick with this, or doing something else? Has anyone else been through this before? What did you learn from the experience? Thanks! dale (236/230/190)

Response:

Hi, Dale, I’m on Levoxyl, which is pretty much just another brand of Synthroid. Got diagnosed as slightly hypothyroid about six months ago and we just now are getting the levels right. First of all, when they do get the levels right, you will lose weight like crazy. I dropped my last ten pounds and finally hit maintenance in only about three weeks, after a YEAR of trying. That’s how well the stuff will probably work for you. So don’t lose hope. You’ve got the big light at the end of the tunnel! And you’re not just ’spinning your wheels’. When you are hypo, it is so easy to gain weight. Your whole body is trying to make you gain weight. So by working as hard as you are, you’re preventing your weight from skyrocketing. When your levels are normal again, you will have much less work to do. Right now by your numbers, you only have about 40 lbs to go. That will disappear so fast, you’ll be looking under the bed for it! Honest. :) So hang in there. Oh…and your mood will change. You really don’t know how easily discouraged and sad hypothyroid makes you until your metabolism comes back to normal. So when you’re feeling hopeless, try to think of how much better you’re going to be very soon. It helps. :) One last thing. I am a binge eater, no doubt about it. Have been all my life, but much worse over the last five years or so. Thyroid medications helped that, too. Cravings almost go away when your body isn’t thinking it’s starving all the time. So you have that to look forward to, also, if you need it. Hang in there! It’s only a matter of months now. —Holly

Response:

Hello; Glad to find this group. I turned 40 last fall and had a physical, which turned up hypothyroidism. Since then, the doctors have been trying to get my medicine dosage correct, unsuccessfully so far. I’ve also been concerned about my weight, and after I got a clean bill of health (except for the thyroid thing, of course) I decided to do Atkins, which I’ve been successful at in the past. So I started induction about three weeks ago. I lost about five pounds the first week (water weight, I know) and about one pound in the rest of the time. My ketones are kind of all over the place, but generally dark pink. I’ve started excercising this week (30 minutes on the treadmill every night.) If my clothes are any indication, I’m not losing inches either. So, my feeling is that I’m just spinning my wheels until they sort out my Synthroid dosage because without my thyroid, my metabolism is just obviating any improvements I’m making in fat burning. But does that mean going back to my old eating habits, trying to stick with this, or doing something else? Has anyone else been through this before? What did you learn from the experience? Thanks! dale (236/230/190)

Response:

Thanks, Nancy, I appreciate the helpful feedback! I have to talk to my doctor today about increasing my dosage because the blood tests I took last week showed that things still aren’t right, and I’ll stick with the low carb eating regardless of what he changes it to. Thanks again! dale (236/230/190) – Hide quoted text — Show quoted text – Hang in there Dale! I take synthroid too as well as being a diabetic (insulin & Glucophage), all of which are supposed to booby-trap my diet….however, stick to your low carb WOE and you will lose weight, maybe not as fast as people here that don’t have other health problems but it will come off. I have only shown a trace (pink) on ketostix but it’s been good enough to drop 44 pounds since last fall. My insulin needs are only half what they were which really helps my weight loss but the synthroid has stayed the same. I think the secret to a low carb "diet" is to persist in it and don’t give up. Frankly it is the least painful way of eating I can imagine. Nancy the pink lady 209/165/139

Response:

Hang in there Dale! I take synthroid too as well as being a diabetic (insulin & Glucophage), all of which are supposed to booby-trap my diet….however, stick to your low carb WOE and you will lose weight, maybe not as fast as people here that don’t have other health problems but it will come off. I have only shown a trace (pink) on ketostix but it’s been good enough to drop 44 pounds since last fall. My insulin needs are only half what they were which really helps my weight loss but the synthroid has stayed the same. I think the secret to a low carb "diet" is to persist in it and don’t give up. Frankly it is the least painful way of eating I can imagine. Nancy the pink lady 209/165/139

Response:

metformin/placebo

admin — Sun, 01 Dec 2002 00:00:00 +0000

Question:

My RE said it takes about a month for the met/gluco to get into your system. I’ve been on gluco xr for a little over 2 months, 2000 mgs, and have ovulated, lost weight, and it’s curbed my appetite. Just remember everybody’s bodies are different. What takes one person 2 weeks to work, might take someone else 3 months. Good luck Vick

Response:

<<<>>> I agree. I was on Met up to 1500 mg a day and had NO side effects and no weight loss after two and a half months of being at that level. Carrie "People above the line of bare subsistence do not use the surplus which society has given them primarily for useful purposes, but to impress other people with the fact that they have a surplus." ~Stuart

Response:

On 2 Dec 2002 19:32:37 -0800, MFishmanCr…@yahoo.com (Michelle) wrote: – Hide quoted text — Show quoted text ->Hi Jo, >> hi, I’ve just been placed on a UK study into metformin for pcos (apparently its >> not licensed for that over here). I’ve been given two 850 tablets per day which >> could be metformin or could be a placebo. My question is, after 4 days if I’ve >> lost no weight yet and had no significant side effects does that probably mean >> I’m on the placebo? >> Thanks in advance for any opinions/responses. >As far as I’m aware, metformin isn’t licensed for PCOS treatment in >the US, either, but is prescribed because it has helped women with >PCOS, particularly insulin resistance. >I’d say if you haven’t been running to the bathroom lately, chances >are you’re on a placebo. I did pretty well on 500mgs, no side >effects, on 1000mgs, some side effects, but once it went up to >1500mgs, I had some serious gastro-intestinal problems. Seeing you’re >on 1700mgs, I would have thought you would’ve noticed some appetite >changes or frequent loo visits. It might still be early, though. >Give yourself a week–if no side effects, you’re either very fortunate >or you’re part of the placebo group. >Weight loss wouldn’t happen as fast, though, so don’t base your >judgment on that. >Good luck! >Michelle

Which brings to mind.. doesn’t it come in 500mg pills?

Response:

Hi Jo, > hi, I’ve just been placed on a UK study into metformin for pcos (apparently its > not licensed for that over here). I’ve been given two 850 tablets per day which > could be metformin or could be a placebo. My question is, after 4 days if I’ve > lost no weight yet and had no significant side effects does that probably mean > I’m on the placebo? > Thanks in advance for any opinions/responses.

As far as I’m aware, metformin isn’t licensed for PCOS treatment in the US, either, but is prescribed because it has helped women with PCOS, particularly insulin resistance. I’d say if you haven’t been running to the bathroom lately, chances are you’re on a placebo. I did pretty well on 500mgs, no side effects, on 1000mgs, some side effects, but once it went up to 1500mgs, I had some serious gastro-intestinal problems. Seeing you’re on 1700mgs, I would have thought you would’ve noticed some appetite changes or frequent loo visits. It might still be early, though. Give yourself a week–if no side effects, you’re either very fortunate or you’re part of the placebo group. Weight loss wouldn’t happen as fast, though, so don’t base your judgment on that. Good luck! Michelle

Response:

milady wrote: > On 2 Dec 2002 19:32:37 -0800, MFishmanCr…@yahoo.com (Michelle) > wrote: > >I’d say if you haven’t been running to the bathroom lately, chances > >are you’re on a placebo. I did pretty well on 500mgs, no side > >effects, on 1000mgs, some side effects, but once it went up to > >1500mgs, I had some serious gastro-intestinal problems. Seeing you’re > >on 1700mgs, I would have thought you would’ve noticed some appetite > >changes or frequent loo visits. It might still be early, though. > >Give yourself a week–if no side effects, you’re either very fortunate > >or you’re part of the placebo group. > Which brings to mind.. doesn’t it come in 500mg pills?

It comes in either 500 or 850 mg pills. I must be one of the lucky ones, because aside from some very mild nausea I have no GI side effects at all and I’m currently taking 1700 mgs a day and have been for a couple of weeks. It took four weeks to level up to that dosage, though. So, lack of side-effects doesn’t necessarily mean you’re in the placebo group. -Stephanie, newly diagnosed

Response:

hi, I’ve just been placed on a UK study into metformin for pcos (apparently its not licensed for that over here). I’ve been given two 850 tablets per day which could be metformin or could be a placebo. My question is, after 4 days if I’ve lost no weight yet and had no significant side effects does that probably mean I’m on the placebo? Thanks in advance for any opinions/responses. Jo

Response:

On 01 Dec 2002 16:10:31 GMT, jomc…@aol.com (Jomcmad) wrote: >hi, I’ve just been placed on a UK study into metformin for pcos (apparently its >not licensed for that over here). I’ve been given two 850 tablets per day which >could be metformin or could be a placebo. My question is, after 4 days if I’ve >lost no weight yet and had no significant side effects does that probably mean >I’m on the placebo? >Thanks in advance for any opinions/responses. >Jo

Unfortunately, it doesn’t work that fast for weight loss. If you have frequent visits to the bathroom and some cramping, you are probably taking metformin, although it does affect everyone differently, so it is hard to say for certain. Trina

Response:

Hello

admin — Tue, 22 Oct 2002 00:00:00 +0000

Question:

Recently, I have been told that I have PCOS. I have had acne since I was 9 * once told it was cystic acne* Started my period when I was 11 and started having hot flashes when I was 24 and have some facial hair. Have severe cramps from my period My left ovary is worse than my right. Since medical treatment is so high; does any one know where I can sign up for drugs to be tested on etc. I live in downstate IL can be contacted at this addie or at diamondgir…@hotmail.com Sincerely, Brenda Stephens Rantoul, IL

Response:

Go to www.PCOSupport.org and click on their "research studies" link. That has a listing of research studies you could try to get in to by state. "Alma Stephens" wrote in message

news:xocQ4.48759$WF.2590029@bgtnsc04-news.ops.worldnet.att.net… – Hide quoted text — Show quoted text -> Recently, I have been told that I have PCOS. > I have had acne since I was 9 * once told it was cystic acne* > Started my period when I was 11 and started having hot flashes when I was 24 > and have some facial hair. > Have severe cramps from my period > My left ovary is worse than my right. > Since medical treatment is so high; does any one know where I can sign up > for drugs to be tested on etc. > I live in downstate IL > can be contacted at this addie or at diamondgir…@hotmail.com > Sincerely, > Brenda Stephens > Rantoul, IL

Response:

Hi Naomi, So is Boxing Day the day when one gives presents to those who are sort of "second tier", or non family and close friends? Like the mail man? I think there’s some nuance here that I don’t see…. Take care, Carmen "Naomi Lynne Pardue" wrote in message news:92eds9$4cs$4@flotsam.uits.indiana.edu… – Hide quoted text — Show quoted text -> Theresa Nelson wrote: > > Perhaps this question is more obvious than I think but since I live in PA, > > I’ll bite. What is Boxing Day exactly besides the Canadian holiday that > > follows Christmas Day? > In England, Boxing Day was traditionally the day when employers and > landowners would give gifts (boxes) to their servents and tenants. > It has nothing to do with returning unwanted Christmas presents. > It is still a legal holiday in Britain. > Naomi

Response:

Carmen wrote: > Hi Naomi, > So is Boxing Day the day when one gives presents to those who are sort of > "second tier", or non family and close friends? Like the mail man? I think > there’s some nuance here that I don’t see….

I think so. Here’s what the "Brewer’s Dictionary of Phrase and Fable" says under the heading "Christmas Boxes." "A gratuity given on Boxing Day (the day after Christmas), St. Stephen’s Day. Boxes placed in churches for casual offerings used to be opened on Christmas Day, and the contents, called the ‘dole of the Christmas box," or the "box money", were distributed the next day by the priests. Apprentices also used to carry a box around to their masters’ customers for small gratuities. Postmen received such gifts until after WWII, and some dustmen and errand boys still call to collect them." Naomi

Response:

Thank you Naomi! Take care, Carmen "Naomi Lynne Pardue" wrote in message news:92fv59$9nh$3@flotsam.uits.indiana.edu… – Hide quoted text — Show quoted text -> Carmen wrote: > > Hi Naomi, > > So is Boxing Day the day when one gives presents to those who are sort of > > "second tier", or non family and close friends? Like the mail man? I think > > there’s some nuance here that I don’t see…. > I think so. Here’s what the "Brewer’s Dictionary of Phrase and Fable" > says under the heading "Christmas Boxes." > "A gratuity given on Boxing Day (the day after Christmas), St. Stephen’s > Day. Boxes placed in churches for casual offerings used to be > opened on Christmas Day, and the contents, called the ‘dole of the > Christmas box," or the "box money", were distributed the next day > by the priests. Apprentices also used to carry a box around to their > masters’ customers for small gratuities. Postmen received such gifts > until after WWII, and some dustmen and errand boys still call to > collect them." > Naomi

Response:

>I’ve never quite understood the purpose of Boxing Day, though. Could you explain >it?

We call it boxing day in my family. It’s the day after Christmas when you put your things back in their box to return/exchange them. ) Maureen

Response:

I like that one. LOL Lisa in Washington State – Hide quoted text — Show quoted text -KCBMOM wrote: > >I’ve never quite understood the purpose of Boxing Day, though. Could you > explain > >it? > We call it boxing day in my family. It’s the day after Christmas when you put > your things back in their box to return/exchange them. > ) Maureen

Response:

That’s cute Take care, Carmen "KCBMOM" wrote in message

news:20001227133731.19119.00000023@ng-cf1.aol.com… – Hide quoted text — Show quoted text -> >I’ve never quite understood the purpose of Boxing Day, though. Could you > explain > >it? > We call it boxing day in my family. It’s the day after Christmas when you put > your things back in their box to return/exchange them. > ) Maureen

Response:

Theresa Nelson wrote: > Perhaps this question is more obvious than I think but since I live in PA, > I’ll bite. What is Boxing Day exactly besides the Canadian holiday that > follows Christmas Day?

In England, Boxing Day was traditionally the day when employers and landowners would give gifts (boxes) to their servents and tenants. It has nothing to do with returning unwanted Christmas presents. It is still a legal holiday in Britain. Naomi

Response:

We pretty much just call it the Day After Christmas. A lot of stores put on huge sales, trying to keep the Christams shopping magic alive just a little bit longer. When I lived in extreme northern NY, the radio stations that hit the border area would advertise Boxing Day sales, though. I’ve never quite understood the purpose of Boxing Day, though. Could you explain it? Take care, Carmen "Carone" wrote in message

news:3A49267E.49BEE5B@home.com… – Hide quoted text — Show quoted text -> Carmen wrote: > > I was beginning to wonder….I’ve never seen a group with such low traffic! > > Take care, > > Carmen > Do Americans call Dec. 26th the Day After Christmas? Canadians call it Boxing > Day. We were having a discussion on this at the Christmas table last night – > just wondering. > Carone

Response:

Yeah, it has been pretty quiet out there. Lisa in Washington state Bill and Misty Dowd wrote: – Hide quoted text — Show quoted text -> anyone out there

Response:

Carmen wrote: > I was beginning to wonder….I’ve never seen a group with such low traffic! > Take care, > Carmen

Do Americans call Dec. 26th the Day After Christmas? Canadians call it Boxing Day. We were having a discussion on this at the Christmas table last night – just wondering. Carone

Response:

We do, but I call it Boxing Day. Victoria "Carone" wrote in message

news:3A49267E.49BEE5B@home.com… – Hide quoted text — Show quoted text -> Carmen wrote: > Do Americans call Dec. 26th the Day After Christmas? Canadians call it Boxing > Day. We were having a discussion on this at the Christmas table last night – > just wondering. > Carone

Response:

Victoria wrote in message

news:Oob26.179029$j6.21242516@news1.rdc1.va.home.com… > We do, but I call it Boxing Day.

DH and I have always called it Boxing Day, too, although we live south of the border. Beth

Response:

Perhaps this question is more obvious than I think but since I live in PA, I’ll bite. What is Boxing Day exactly besides the Canadian holiday that follows Christmas Day? Theresa – Hide quoted text — Show quoted text -Beth wrote: > Victoria wrote in message > news:Oob26.179029$j6.21242516@news1.rdc1.va.home.com… > > We do, but I call it Boxing Day. > DH and I have always called it Boxing Day, too, although we live south of > the border. > Beth

Response:

Just wonderin no one posted anything today Misty "Joy Gyrl" wrote in message

news:V6W16.75750$x6.35320106@news2.rdc2.tx.home.com… – Hide quoted text — Show quoted text -> sometimes! > "Bill and Misty Dowd" wrote in message > news:9298q1$pr7$1@bob.news.rcn.net… > > anyone out there

Response:

Twas the day after Christmas and there was no mail from the group no one was writing not even the regular troupe phew i thought there was something wrong with my server Miriam "Bill and Misty Dowd" wrote in message news:9298q1$pr7$1@bob.news.rcn.net… – Hide quoted text — Show quoted text -> anyone out there

Response:

I was beginning to wonder….I’ve never seen a group with such low traffic! Take care, Carmen "Bill and Misty Dowd" wrote in message news:9298q1$pr7$1@bob.news.rcn.net… – Hide quoted text — Show quoted text -> anyone out there

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sometimes! "Bill and Misty Dowd" wrote in message news:9298q1$pr7$1@bob.news.rcn.net… – Hide quoted text — Show quoted text -> anyone out there

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anyone out there

Response:

I am new here and just wanted to introduce myself. My name’s Jen, I’m 20 and I’ve been trying to get pregnant for 2 years. (Almost 3) I’ve had one miscarriage and one live birth (a long time ago, she was given up for adoption). I have been with my SO for almost 3 years, and we’ve been trying to concieve almost since we got together. I have been diagnosed with PCOS and hypothyroidism. I’m charting, and am about to start Clomid. I’m really new to all of this, and any advice, or support would be helpful. Thank you — Jen TTC #1 Angel baby Dec. 07 2000 Charting http://www.FertilityFriend.com/home/170e4/

Response:

On Wed, 23 Oct 2002 02:44:14 GMT, "Mistress Phebe la Belle" wrote: >I am new here and just wanted to introduce myself. >My name’s Jen, I’m 20 and I’ve been trying to get pregnant for 2 years. >(Almost 3) >I’ve had one miscarriage and one live birth (a long time ago, she was given >up for adoption). >I have been with my SO for almost 3 years, and we’ve been trying to concieve >almost since we got together. >I have been diagnosed with PCOS and hypothyroidism. >I’m charting, and am about to start Clomid. >I’m really new to all of this, and any advice, or support would be helpful. >Thank you

Hi Jen. Just curious, are you ovulating?

Response:

"Trina" wrote in message

news:6plcru48opeqemvlap2a12cqhasjacspi8@4ax.com… – Hide quoted text — Show quoted text -> On Wed, 23 Oct 2002 02:44:14 GMT, "Mistress Phebe la Belle" > wrote: > >I am new here and just wanted to introduce myself. > >My name’s Jen, I’m 20 and I’ve been trying to get pregnant for 2 years. > >(Almost 3) > >I’ve had one miscarriage and one live birth (a long time ago, she was given > >up for adoption). > >I have been with my SO for almost 3 years, and we’ve been trying to concieve > >almost since we got together. > >I have been diagnosed with PCOS and hypothyroidism. > >I’m charting, and am about to start Clomid. > >I’m really new to all of this, and any advice, or support would be helpful. > >Thank you > Hi Jen. > Just curious, are you ovulating?

Not without medical help. This cycle they gave me progesterone because it was 46 days into this cycle (it ended up lasting, _think_ 55) and the one before that was 138 days long.

Response:

Hi, Have you tried Glucophage? Victoria "Mistress Phebe la Belle" wrote in message news:22ot9.42802$%h2.23986@news02.bloor.is.net.cable.rogers.com… – Hide quoted text — Show quoted text -> I am new here and just wanted to introduce myself. > My name’s Jen, I’m 20 and I’ve been trying to get pregnant for 2 years. > (Almost 3) > I’ve had one miscarriage and one live birth (a long time ago, she was given > up for adoption). > I have been with my SO for almost 3 years, and we’ve been trying to concieve > almost since we got together. > I have been diagnosed with PCOS and hypothyroidism. > I’m charting, and am about to start Clomid. > I’m really new to all of this, and any advice, or support would be helpful. > Thank you > — > Jen > TTC #1 > Angel baby Dec. 07 2000 > Charting > http://www.FertilityFriend.com/home/170e4/

Response:

general rant

admin — Mon, 22 Jul 2002 00:00:00 +0000

Question:

Thanks everyone for your words of kindness. I;m feeling much better than I did when I originally wrote the post. I’ve decided that I’ll prepare for a new doctor by diggin up my old research and go armed with a list of expectations. My biggest concern is being able to continue seeing my Endo. She’s been fantastic and does keep up-to-date on new research. If you’re in the Frontrange region of Colorado, I highly recommend her (Dr. Susan Henley)! I made an appointment to see my GP one last time, and saw her this morning. Unfortunately, she was unable to give me any recommendations on who to look into as a new GP. She felt that there were so few doctors that keep current on new information, let alone female, that she honestly didn’t know of any here in town. But she let me know, in her own way, that she was thankful that I opened up her eyes to the seriousness of the syndrome. I hope her female patients will benefit from that in her new practice. Now that I’d decided to hold off on TTC, more medication options open up for me. I’ve been on Glucophage (Metformin) for 3 years with no positive effects other than regulating my blood sugar. Now that I’m not TTC I can have Actos or Avandia as options that will hopefully get me to menstruate. Since I’ve gotten some much needed therapy, I think I’ll be able to stand up and say ‘This is what I want, will you help me?’ I guess you can say getting all my issues out on the table gave me back my spine! Hehehe. Again, I wanted to thank everyone. ~Meg PS– If you know of any halfway decent GP’s in the Colorado Springs area, please let me know!

Response:

I know it is so overwhelming and I am sorry you have to go through it. I know it seems bleak now but I am hoping for you that things start looking up. I remember all too well the frustration of TTC and incompetent Dr’s getting in my way. Best of luck to you, Shelley

Response:

Hi Meggie, I’m very sorry to read about what you’re going through. It’s bad enough to suffer from PCOS, but to put up with incompetence and bad health care is infuriating. > My GP is leaving her practice, and only because of her I’m allowed to see my > Endocrinologist (insurance run by buttheads). Now I have to search for a > new family doctor and convince them that I need to see my endocrinologist.

Anyway that your GP can recommend anyone? If so, would you trust her recommendation? > It was a nightmare the first time, and I don’t look forward to doing it > again. I had to completely educate my current doctor who was VERY resistant > to learning that this syndrome is more than irregular periods and a little > facial hair.

All I can advise is that when you go to your new doctor, arm yourself with as much literature as possible, tangible material that your doctor can look at and read and keep. You can print stuff off the internet or buy a book on PCOS and photocopy info that you want him/her to know about. At least he couldn’t claim ignorance and might be interested enough to help you, or refer you to someone who can. As for the gyno, I won’t be seeing her anytime soon, unless a > meteor hits the Earth and kills off all the other gynos in Colorado. And > even then, I won’t go there unless its an emergency.

I can understand your anger. Again, if you were able to see an understanding endocrinologist, you wouldn’t necessarily have to worry about your gyn treating you for PCOS. Just the necessities (annual checkup, Pap smear etc.) And if you do see a new endocrinologist, give him/her the same literature that you give your GP. > The general problem is making somebody, anybody, listen to me. How can I > make a new doctor understand what hell I go through on a daily basis when I > couldn’t even get my old doctor to understand.

Depends if the new doctor keeps up on what is happening in medicine. S/he might be aware of PCOS and the need to see it as a serious health issue. I would guess, though, that gynecologists might be more current than regular doctors, though, since it relates to their field. >Because of these people, I’ve completely > given up on the thought of ever giving my husband a child. I can tell you > that was the hardest realization of my life, especially living in a town > where women seem to get pregnant at the drop of a hat–High military numbers > tend to do this.

Please don’t give up, yet. Clearly you haven’t been given the treatment that you need and deserve. Did your old GP and endo prescribe insulin-regulating medicine, like Metformin? Have you and your husband been trying to conceive? If so, were you prescribed Clomid-an ovulation-inducing medication? Clomid doesn’t work for everyone (myself included), but it works for others. Even better, Clomid taken with Metformin has a higher success rate for PCOS women (which I will be trying next). This is the type of information you have to arm yourself with when you see your new physicians. Let them know you are well informed about your condition and what is out there that should be tried. > I guess in the end, all I have is one question. How can I make someone hear > what I’m saying and understand that it effects me as much as it does?

Unfortunately, you might very well have to "sample" different doctors until you find one that is willing to help you and work with you. I can recommend the Woman’s Day magazine’s website, www.womansday.com. They have been doing an excellent job on reporting on PCOS. They have about 5-6 articles you can print out and that you can show to your doctor. I hope everything works out for you. Best wishes, Michelle

Response:

Please Meggie – Visit some of the online forums such as soulcysters.com to find a good doctor in your area. Or you can try http://www.thyroid-info.com/ and click on top docs – it’s for hypothyroid but I found my doc through there and she worked out GREAT. – Hide quoted text — Show quoted text -Meggie Woods wrote: > Hello > Well, first thing’s first, I suppose I should introduce myself. I’m a 24 > yo, fairly newly married (1-1/2 years), and have had PCO since I was 13. > PCO does run in my family though I have the severest symptoms of anyone by > far. I am severely IR/hyperinsulinemic, very low estrogen, normal > testosterone and have never had a menstrual cycle without the use of pills. > At this point I’m getting desperate. I was being treated by my family > doctor, endochrinologist and gynocologist and all three made me want to > scream. Now I’m in trouble. > My GP is leaving her practice, and only because of her I’m allowed to see my > Endocrinologist (insurance run by buttheads). Now I have to search for a > new family doctor and convince them that I need to see my endocrinologist. > It was a nightmare the first time, and I don’t look forward to doing it > again. I had to completely educate my current doctor who was VERY resistant > to learning that this syndrome is more than irregular periods and a little > facial hair. As for the gyno, I won’t be seeing her anytime soon, unless a > meteor hits the Earth and kills off all the other gynos in Colorado. And > even then, I won’t go there unless its an emergency. > The general problem is making somebody, anybody, listen to me. How can I > make a new doctor understand what hell I go through on a daily basis when I > couldn’t even get my old doctor to understand. How do you do it? I can’t > just keep going to a different doctor every week hoping against all odds > that one will actually understand that this is a problem and affects every > aspect of my life. I’ve been lucky that at least my endo keeps up with > treatments and research, but even she doesn’t quite understand that its more > than my LH and FSH levels are off and my insulin levels are high that it > makes me physically miserable. Because of these people, I’ve completely > given up on the thought of ever giving my husband a child. I can tell you > that was the hardest realization of my life, especially living in a town > where women seem to get pregnant at the drop of a hat–High military numbers > tend to do this. > I would LOVE to have just one doctor ask me WHY I’m not losing weight, not > order me to lose it. Maybe then they’d understand that the weight is > secondary to the problems regulating my bloodsugar, low sex drive, > masculinizing features and depression and that I would rather get THOSE > problems managed before I work on the cosmetic crap. Maybe I’d care about > the outside if the inside wasn’t such a mess. Or that if they listen to me, > just once, maybe I’ll take what they have to say with more than a grain of > salt. Perhaps I live in a dream world, but at least that gives me some hope > of ever having some kind of normalcy. > I guess in the end, all I have is one question. How can I make someone hear > what I’m saying and understand that it effects me as much as it does? > I apologize for the whining. Thank you for being here.

Response:

Hello Well, first thing’s first, I suppose I should introduce myself. I’m a 24 yo, fairly newly married (1-1/2 years), and have had PCO since I was 13. PCO does run in my family though I have the severest symptoms of anyone by far. I am severely IR/hyperinsulinemic, very low estrogen, normal testosterone and have never had a menstrual cycle without the use of pills. At this point I’m getting desperate. I was being treated by my family doctor, endochrinologist and gynocologist and all three made me want to scream. Now I’m in trouble. My GP is leaving her practice, and only because of her I’m allowed to see my Endocrinologist (insurance run by buttheads). Now I have to search for a new family doctor and convince them that I need to see my endocrinologist. It was a nightmare the first time, and I don’t look forward to doing it again. I had to completely educate my current doctor who was VERY resistant to learning that this syndrome is more than irregular periods and a little facial hair. As for the gyno, I won’t be seeing her anytime soon, unless a meteor hits the Earth and kills off all the other gynos in Colorado. And even then, I won’t go there unless its an emergency. The general problem is making somebody, anybody, listen to me. How can I make a new doctor understand what hell I go through on a daily basis when I couldn’t even get my old doctor to understand. How do you do it? I can’t just keep going to a different doctor every week hoping against all odds that one will actually understand that this is a problem and affects every aspect of my life. I’ve been lucky that at least my endo keeps up with treatments and research, but even she doesn’t quite understand that its more than my LH and FSH levels are off and my insulin levels are high that it makes me physically miserable. Because of these people, I’ve completely given up on the thought of ever giving my husband a child. I can tell you that was the hardest realization of my life, especially living in a town where women seem to get pregnant at the drop of a hat–High military numbers tend to do this. I would LOVE to have just one doctor ask me WHY I’m not losing weight, not order me to lose it. Maybe then they’d understand that the weight is secondary to the problems regulating my bloodsugar, low sex drive, masculinizing features and depression and that I would rather get THOSE problems managed before I work on the cosmetic crap. Maybe I’d care about the outside if the inside wasn’t such a mess. Or that if they listen to me, just once, maybe I’ll take what they have to say with more than a grain of salt. Perhaps I live in a dream world, but at least that gives me some hope of ever having some kind of normalcy. I guess in the end, all I have is one question. How can I make someone hear what I’m saying and understand that it effects me as much as it does? I apologize for the whining. Thank you for being here.

Response:

Hey Tonia – Laser Hair Removal

admin — Sat, 20 Jul 2002 00:00:00 +0000

Question:

Thanks ladies. Duly noted : ) Del — There’s no future in the past. – Hide quoted text — Show quoted text – Seriously considering looking into it for the underarms. Has anyone else had any experiences with LHR? I haven’t had it (blonde and little body hair), but a good friend of mine with severe PCOS had it on her face. She was very happy with the results. After two treatments she had no facial hair after years of peach fuzz all over her face. She had to bleach the stuff or use a depilatory regularly before that time. But she also has dark hair. I don’t know if I would consider it for under the arms. The treatment can leave you with some swelling (sort of like a sunburn) while it heals. I don’t think I’d want to have "sunburned" armpits. Barbara Hirsch, Publisher OBESITY MEDS AND RESEARCH NEWS The latest in obesity research and weight loss drug development http://www.obesity-news.com/ I had only a little swelling and it subsided after about two hours and the area looked "normal". Of course, I just had the chin area and part of the neck done (they did the whole area as a "precaution"). The underarms were on the list of places/fees that I was shown that they do. They did a couple of test spots first to see how I’d tolerate the treatment. If this is something you still want, Del, I’d insist on the test spots if they try to skip that step. Tonia

Response:

– Hide quoted text — Show quoted text – Seriously considering looking into it for the underarms. Has anyone else had any experiences with LHR? I haven’t had it (blonde and little body hair), but a good friend of mine with severe PCOS had it on her face. She was very happy with the results. After two treatments she had no facial hair after years of peach fuzz all over her face. She had to bleach the stuff or use a depilatory regularly before that time. But she also has dark hair. I don’t know if I would consider it for under the arms. The treatment can leave you with some swelling (sort of like a sunburn) while it heals. I don’t think I’d want to have "sunburned" armpits. Barbara Hirsch, Publisher OBESITY MEDS AND RESEARCH NEWS The latest in obesity research and weight loss drug development http://www.obesity-news.com/

I had only a little swelling and it subsided after about two hours and the area looked "normal". Of course, I just had the chin area and part of the neck done (they did the whole area as a "precaution"). The underarms were on the list of places/fees that I was shown that they do. They did a couple of test spots first to see how I’d tolerate the treatment. If this is something you still want, Del, I’d insist on the test spots if they try to skip that step. Tonia

Response:

Seriously considering looking into it for the underarms. Has anyone else had any experiences with LHR?

I haven’t had it (blonde and little body hair), but a good friend of mine with severe PCOS had it on her face. She was very happy with the results. After two treatments she had no facial hair after years of peach fuzz all over her face. She had to bleach the stuff or use a depilatory regularly before that time. But she also has dark hair. I don’t know if I would consider it for under the arms. The treatment can leave you with some swelling (sort of like a sunburn) while it heals. I don’t think I’d want to have "sunburned" armpits. Barbara Hirsch, Publisher OBESITY MEDS AND RESEARCH NEWS The latest in obesity research and weight loss drug development http://www.obesity-news.com/

Response:

Seriously considering looking into it for the underarms. Has anyone else had any experiences with LHR? Del — There’s no future in the past. – Hide quoted text — Show quoted text – I hate to tell you this but I found the results unsatisfactory. I was out about $700 and while it seemed to make one side of my chin less prickly, I don’t notice much change on the other. The hairy places are a little larger than an American quarter. I wouldn’t recommend it personally. It might work better on someone with darker facial hair though. The darker the hair the better the laser goes down the hair shaft to kill the root or so I was told. The doctor I was going to for the treatment closed up shop and moved to California just before I was due for the 6th and last treatment. Maybe the sixth one would have finished them off, I don’t know. She was gyn/ob who offered the laser hair removal "on the side". I stopped plucking with tweezers at her recommendation and my chin seems to break out less in pimples with shaving a couple of times a week. Tonia Do I recall correctly that you were considering trying LHR? If you did, how did it work out? Is it expensive? How were the results? etc, etc….. Del — There’s no future in the past.

Response:

Do I recall correctly that you were considering trying LHR? If you did, how did it work out? Is it expensive? How were the results? etc, etc….. Del — There’s no future in the past.

Response:

I hate to tell you this but I found the results unsatisfactory. I was out about $700 and while it seemed to make one side of my chin less prickly, I don’t notice much change on the other. The hairy places are a little larger than an American quarter. I wouldn’t recommend it personally. It might work better on someone with darker facial hair though. The darker the hair the better the laser goes down the hair shaft to kill the root or so I was told. The doctor I was going to for the treatment closed up shop and moved to California just before I was due for the 6th and last treatment. Maybe the sixth one would have finished them off, I don’t know. She was gyn/ob who offered the laser hair removal "on the side". I stopped plucking with tweezers at her recommendation and my chin seems to break out less in pimples with shaving a couple of times a week. Tonia

– Hide quoted text — Show quoted text – Do I recall correctly that you were considering trying LHR? If you did, how did it work out? Is it expensive? How were the results? etc, etc….. Del — There’s no future in the past.

Response:

2 Succesfull ivf's with ICSI!

admin — Tue, 09 Jul 2002 00:00:00 +0000

Question:

Hello everyone, I’m also a new member to this group. My mothertongue is Dutch, so I hope I don’t make too many mistakes. Having read several letters, I found out that many of you have already gone throuhg fertility treatment succesfull or not. With this message I want to give hope for those who have lost it along the way. I have PCOS, my husband has also male disfunction, and started my first ICSI treatment in September1999. I got pregnant but suffered from hyperstimulation and ended up in hospital. I did carry to term and have now a healthy 2-year old son (Bo, born 2000-05-25). September 2001 I started a new ICSI treatment and again I got lucky right away. I have a second babyboy who is now almost 7 weeks old. (Thijs, born 2002-05-23). I truly hope for all of you that your attepmts in getting pregnant will be succesfull within short time. Lots of love, An

Response:

What a sweet sentiment. Although everyone’s case is different, I am sure your case will inspire some, considering all the trouble you went through, with not just one but two strikes against your fertility. But because some people never succeed, or simply have a rough time sometimes, I am adding the warning "(babies & pg ment)" in the subject line. Imagine having been through half a dozen IVFs or even pregnancies with still no success and no baby to take home. That kind of long, sad ordeal can even make some of us not want to read "hope" messages, because, as I said, everyone is ultimately all alone in this struggle. There are no guarantees and no crystal balls. I hope you understand. Very happy for you and your great luck! I always thought that mid-May was the perfect time to have a baby, and you did it twice. :-) Best wishes, Beth (a fellow PCOS & male factor sufferer)

Response:

insurance

admin — Mon, 18 Feb 2002 00:00:00 +0000

Question:

Hi everyone.. Just a quick question– my dad’s insurance drops me when i turn 23 even though i am still in school (graduate school)… anyway, i am looking around at insurance companies, and is PCOS and insulin resistance considered a pre-existing condition??? might i be turned down for insurance because of this?? is there a way to get around it?? anyway, just curious and if anyone had any experience with this.. i am looking into getting blue cross/ blue shield because that is all that is affordable here in missouri.. thanks in advace! ) Becky

Response:

beckers…@aol.com (Beckers123) wrote in news:20020218220152.26980.00001843@mb-ma.aol.com: > Hi everyone.. Just a quick question– my dad’s insurance drops me > when i turn 23 even though i am still in school (graduate > school)… anyway, i am looking around at insurance companies, and > is PCOS and insulin resistance considered a pre-existing > condition??? might i be turned down for insurance because of > this?? is there a way to get around it?? anyway, just curious and > if anyone had any experience with this.. i am looking into getting > blue cross/ blue shield because that is all that is affordable here > in missouri.. thanks in advace! ) Becky

All I can tell you about insurance is that it varies greatly. My insurance through my employer is blue cross, and they did not cover pre-existing conditions for 1 year, but after that it was fully covered. Shop around and be sure to ask questions and get answers in writing (such as a copy of the policy) rather than relying on word-of- mouth interpretations beforehand. — —->Sagittaria<—- !gc (http://alumni.cse.ucsc.edu/~dylan/mgc/)

Response:

Blue Cross will treat PCOS as a pre existing condition…but how would they find out youve already had treatment for it? There is nothing in the rule book of life that says you cannot go find a new doctor temporarily and get yourself a brand new diagnosis and then change back to your other doctor in a few months if that’s who you’re happy with. Remember, YOU will be paying them (quite a bit of money) month by month to help you get better…don’t let them tell you you’re unable to get treated because of some rediculous rule. Good luck! Jen "Beckers123" wrote in message

news:20020218220152.26980.00001843@mb-ma.aol.com… – Hide quoted text — Show quoted text -> Hi everyone.. Just a quick question– my dad’s insurance drops me when i turn > 23 even though i am still in school (graduate school)… anyway, i am looking > around at insurance companies, and is PCOS and insulin resistance considered a > pre-existing condition??? might i be turned down for insurance because of > this?? is there a way to get around it?? anyway, just curious and if anyone > had any experience with this.. i am looking into getting blue cross/ blue > shield because that is all that is affordable here in missouri.. thanks in > advace! ) Becky

Response:

"Beckers123" wrote in message

news:20020218220152.26980.00001843@mb-ma.aol.com… > Hi everyone.. Just a quick question– my dad’s insurance drops me when i turn > 23 even though i am still in school (graduate school)… anyway, i am looking > around at insurance companies, and is PCOS and insulin resistance considered a > pre-existing condition??? might i be turned down for insurance because of > this?? is there a way to get around it?? anyway, just curious and if anyone > had any experience with this.. i am looking into getting blue cross/ blue > shield because that is all that is affordable here in missouri.. thanks in > advace! ) Becky

Most universities offer health insurance to their students on a semester-by-semester basis (at a cost, of course). That might be the least expensive alternative so don’t overlook it. Leigh

Response:

>(http://alumni.cse.ucsc.edu/~dylan/mgc/)

Just curious about this. The link didn’t work. I went to a school who’s letters were CSE. ~Maureen

Response:

>lue Cross will treat PCOS as a pre existing condition…but how would >they find out youve already had treatment for it? There is nothing in >the rule book of life that says you cannot go find a new doctor >temporarily and get yourself a brand new diagnosis and then change >back to your other doctor in a few months if that’s who you’re happy >with. >Remember, YOU will be paying them (quite a bit of money) month by >month to help you get better…don’t let them tell you you’re unable >to get treated because of some rediculous rule. >Good luck! >Jen

Jen, Do you realize that you are advising this woman to commit fraud? When you pay premiums for insurance, the premiums are priced to pay for the benefits you have purchased. If you lie about a pre-existing condition on your application and are not found out, you are stealing from the insurance company and all of the other people who have purchased insurance from them. Do you advise your friends to lie about their income to the IRS? Is this a value you are proud of??? I hope you re-think this and decide if it fits in with your life values. Cheryl

Response:

>Hi everyone.. Just a quick question– my dad’s insurance drops me when i >turn >23 even though i am still in scho

Becky, Find out from your Father’s employer(Human resources) if you will be eligible for Cobra- this is were you would continue on his group plan, but would self pay the premiums. If you are not Cobra eligible, ask the Human Resource person if there are any ways to convert to an individual Health plan (conversion plan)- the coverage will likely be different, but may not exclude pre-exist conditions. If you are not eligible for Cobra,(and a conversion plan is not available, or too expensive, or the coverage is too limited) call the insurance company that carries his group insurance and explain that you have been covered under a group plan and are now interested in obtaining individual coverage. Ask them if it is available and if so, if they deny coverage for pre-existing conditions, and if so, ask for how long. Sometimes if you don’t change insurance companies, but go from a group to an individual policy, they don’t apply pre-exist conditions exclusions. A lot of this depends on where you live and what the state laws are: You should be able to find out by contacting your State’s office of Insurance Commisioner.- I live in Washington State, and if you have had a qualified group plan and then transfer to an individual plan, or another group plan and have not had a lapse of greater than 90 days, you do not have a waiting period before coverage applies for pre-existing conditions. (this is called portability- in that you can move job to job without having to repeatedly meet the pre-exist wait perids with each new job). In some states it may be different, although I thought that a Federal law that was similar had been passed also. Someone else mentioned checking out what kind of student coverage is available. As far as what medical conditions could be considered a pre-existing condition- any medical condition that you have when you make the application might be considered a pre-existing condition, but you need to read the actual contract language to see how the company defines it- some might say that if you have had symptoms that would have caused a prudent person to seek medical attention within a certain time period to obtaining the insurance, that would be considered pre-existing- others might only look at conditions for which you had actually sought medical treatment, advice etc from a medical provider. You need to read the actual contract to find out. The main reason for pre-exist condition exclusions or waiting periods is to prevent someone from going without insurance and then waiting until they are sick to buy insurance. That would be like waiting until after you have a car accident to purchase your car insurance and then expecting the car insurance to pay to fix your car. I wouldn’t recommend omitting info on your application, as if it is found out, it may cause you to lose your insurance and could possibly lead to the insurance company refusing to pay for your other claims or sueing you to recover for claims they have already paid. Good luck in finding your insurance. Cheryl

Response:

also. If your at a university with a medical school. They may have a clinic that you can attend (possibly with fees based on what you can afford). Teaching universities like to have people to "practice" on. Not by choice I ended up at a teaching university for preterm labor and delivery and tons of students, residents, fellows checked up on me. Also, my initial diagnosis of PCO was done by SUNY Upstate Medical Center. – Hide quoted text — Show quoted text -Leigh Menconi wrote: > "Beckers123" wrote in message > news:20020218220152.26980.00001843@mb-ma.aol.com… > > Hi everyone.. Just a quick question– my dad’s insurance drops me when i > turn > > 23 even though i am still in school (graduate school)… anyway, i am > looking > > around at insurance companies, and is PCOS and insulin resistance > considered a > > pre-existing condition??? might i be turned down for insurance because of > > this?? is there a way to get around it?? anyway, just curious and if > anyone > > had any experience with this.. i am looking into getting blue cross/ blue > > shield because that is all that is affordable here in missouri.. thanks in > > advace! ) Becky > Most universities offer health insurance to their students on a > semester-by-semester basis (at a cost, of course). That might be the least > expensive alternative so don’t overlook it. > Leigh

Response:

Surgery for weight loss

admin — Fri, 04 Jan 2002 00:00:00 +0000

Question:

I was wondering if any of you have had surgery to help with weight loss and if you have how has it effected your pcos? I am considering the surgery, but before I make a decision, I wanted to know if any other women had tried this. Thank you for your input. Leslie

Response:

In article , pansygirl says… >I was wondering if any of you have had surgery to help with weight loss and >if you have how has it effected your pcos? I am considering the surgery, but >before I make a decision, I wanted to know if any other women had tried >this.

Which surgery are you considering? I wouldn’t recommend it personally. First, surgery is a drastic step. Secondly, the weight associated to PCOS is associated with the *kind* of food you eat not necessarily how much. So, getting surgery to force you into eating small portions isn’t going to help if you’re still eating the wrong kind of food. Thirdly, most of these surgeries cause gastrointestinal upset of the intense variety. Treatment meds for PCOS also tend to cause this… I would think that would make for a bad mix. Overall, it’s your decision, and you may very well be able to make it work. In any case, I wish you luck.

Response:

If you are on Medscape (free registration) http://diabetes.medscape.com/reuters/prof/2001/12/12.31/20011228scie0… or "Overfeeding Rapidly Induces Insulin Resistance in Rats" ("Within days, overfeeding of obesity-prone rats leads to a collapse of the leptin system and development of insulin resistance, researchers report in the December issue of Diabetes.") suggests that how much can also be a factor. {sigh … } Victoria "Shena Delian O’Brien" wrote in message news:CsoZ7.4299$cD4.8378@www.newsranger.com… – Hide quoted text — Show quoted text -> I wouldn’t recommend it personally. First, surgery is a drastic step. Secondly, > the weight associated to PCOS is associated with the *kind* of food you eat not > necessarily how much. > Overall, it’s your decision, and you may very well be able to make it work. In > any case, I wish you luck.

Response:

Victoria wrote: > If you are on Medscape (free registration) > http://diabetes.medscape.com/reuters/prof/2001/12/12.31/20011228scie0… or > "Overfeeding Rapidly Induces Insulin Resistance in Rats" ("Within days, > overfeeding of obesity-prone rats leads to a collapse of the leptin system and > development of insulin resistance, researchers report in the December issue of > Diabetes.") suggests that how much can also be a factor. {sigh … }

Oh I’m not saying that if you gorge yourself it isn’t a factor… but most of us don’t eat more than normal.

Response:

I found that my dietician was correct when she said that when you write down what you eat/drink and the portions, you find you eat more. Isn’t it sort of odd that we see obesity being labeled as a problem, with the contributatory factors eating out and the large portions? Also, I’ve done a lot of aerobics classes and training for races (running) at the same time. Was exercising 6 days a week. I couldn’t understand why I didn’t lose any weight. I couldn’t understand why my aerobics teacher who did a lot more than I did never lost. Then it seemed he lost 20 pounds + all of a sudden. I asked him how he did it. He said that you can do the same amount of exercise, but if you want to lose weight, it has to be the food/eating style that has to change. I would bet that with the American sized portions and that eating out a lot has become so common, we probably do eat more than what our bodies can use. Its a hard thing to admit. Victoria "Shena Delian O’Brien" wrote in message news:3C37BFAC.74546BBF@forget-it.com… – Hide quoted text — Show quoted text -> Oh I’m not saying that if you gorge yourself it isn’t a factor… but > most of us don’t eat more than normal.

Response:

Victoria wrote: > I would bet that with the American sized portions and that eating out a lot has > become so common, we probably do eat more than what our bodies can use. Its a > hard thing to admit.

Oh I’m sure we eat more than our bodies can lose. What I meant, is that we don’t eat more than the skinny person next to us. My husband eats about three times a portion than I do at meals, and he snacks on an entire bag of cookies or chips. I snack on a handful of nuts, string cheese, or a cup of eggnog. He is skinny as a rail! and sits on his butt all day in front of his computer.

Response:

Shena Delian O’Brien wrote: > Victoria wrote: > > I would bet that with the American sized portions and that eating out a lot has > > become so common, we probably do eat more than what our bodies can use. Its a > > hard thing to admit. > Oh I’m sure we eat more than our bodies can lose.

er… use rather

Response:

Hiya, Actually my salads are bigger than others LOL. All kidding aside, I had a friend like your husband. Lisa honks people off – you know the kind, 3 large fries in one dinner and the girl still looks like Ally McBeal. (On top of that, she never got any exercise that I saw and sheesh I used a hand saw to cut down trees in my yard in 80/90 degree heat and didn’t drop weight.) They have a different metabolism than what we do. What you are talking about is more of an exception to the rule. (and I thank the Lord in Heaven for that one!) I’ve got the starving themselves crowd at work (and trust me no amount of talk does any good). I eat more than they do. Right now, all but one is gaining weight. I’m within about 10 pounds of my avg. weight. How much of that is due to the weight lifting I’m back into or just plain fat is a toss up. I’d definitely agree that each person eats more than their individual bodies can use, at whatever the set limit is. Getting back to the original question … I have known of 2 people to have the surgery done. One is no longer with us, and one has gained back at least 50 pounds of what she weighted. My reasons for not getting the surgery is that it was too expensive. Then I found out I had gastroparesis, which is a stomach problem. I don’t dare try for surgery now. Let me suggest something and that is just because you are overweight means jack crap when it comes to doing things. I have been able to keep up with the thin crowd in advanced aerobics. I’ve done a 1/2 marathon (13.1 miles) and will do another one this year (if it isn’t closed out when I sign up for it). I am fitter than the starving crowd. So simply because you are overweight doesn’t mean you are doomed to death. You can also be a ‘poster child’ for overweight people when you outdo thin people. They learn a very valuable lesson: don’t judge a book by its cover. Shena, thank you for the discussion. I’ve learned a lot and appreciate your comments, opinion and explanation. Its been helpful. Victoria "Shena Delian O’Brien" wrote in message news:3C38A076.6EBB637E@forget-it.com… – Hide quoted text — Show quoted text -> Oh I’m sure we eat more than our bodies can lose. What I meant, is that > we don’t eat more than the skinny person next to us. My husband eats > about three times a portion than I do at meals, and he snacks on an > entire bag of cookies or chips. I snack on a handful of nuts, string > cheese, or a cup of eggnog. He is skinny as a rail! and sits on his butt > all day in front of his computer.

Response:

IUI or IVF

admin — Sun, 25 Nov 2001 00:00:00 +0000

Question:

I’ve noticed that a lot of people are mentioning that they are skipping IUI and going straight to IVF due to male factor. I was given the distinct impression by my doc that our next step would be IUI with injectables but we also have male factor. Is IUI not effective if you are dealing with male factor? If so, why would my doc suggest IUI at all? – Leigh 7 unsuccessful cycles of Clomid still waiting for initial appointment with RE low sperm count and poor motility for DH … possible PCOS for me

Response:

Leigh, IUI with sperm from a male-factor DH seems to even out to an 8% success rate per cycle, even with medication. Not stellar . . . whereas IVF does have rather stellar odds. It could be that IVF is a time- and money-saving treatment. Of course it costs more, but numerous medicated IUIs also add up to quite a bit of money. Beth

Response:

IUI with sperm from a male-factor DH seems to even out to an 8% success rate per cycle, even with medication. Not stellar . . . whereas IVF does have rather stellar odds. It could be that IVF is a time- and money-saving treatment. Of course it costs more, but numerous medicated IUIs also add up to quite a bit of money. Beth

Maybe that’s why they’re shooting for IUI. Because DH has fantastic insurance at work we don’t have to pay for any of the meds, we only have to pay for the actual procedure. IUI is only $145 so that’s a *lot* cheaper than the $3600 for IVF. if we have to do IVF we’ll have to put it off for another year because we’re in the middle of buying a house. Thanks for the info Beth!

Response:

Wow! Only $3600 for IVF? My RE charges $9000 for self-pay. DH and I are in same boat- insurance covers all meds and monitoring, and pays $1000a year for IUI and ART procedures. So we are expending the $1000 for several IUI’s rather than $8000 additional for one IVF. Sidra

Response:

Leigh, We on earth do you live??? By me, IUI is $500 (not including the numerous u/s and b/w) and IVF is about $8000 (not including the meds). Leann

Response:

We on earth do you live??? By me, IUI is $500 (not including the numerous

Oops, that’s supposed to be "We’re on earth do you live???"

Response:

Where on earth do you live??? By me, IUI is $500 (not including the numerous

I live in Nova Scotia. Here in Canada we have regulated healthcare so I suspect that’s why our prices aren’t as high as most places. But even with that Nova Scotia has the lowest prices in Canada so I count myself *very* lucky. I keep reading everyone’s posts about how difficult the financial end is, gives me another reason to love where I live.

~~Response:~~

Dropping Sperm Count

admin — Mon, 24 Sep 2001 00:00:00 +0000

Question:

My wife and I are trying to conceive, and we are on our second IUI attempt. My question is with regards to my sperm count. Before we started the first IUI, I had a Semen analysis done and my sperm count was fine (somehere in the order of 70 million the first day). This was with an abstinance period of about 3 days. Then when we did the IUI, they said my sperm count was about 80 million the first day, 70 million the second day. Once again, with an inital abstinance period of about 3 days. So far, so good, but no pregnancy that month, so we went for a second IUI a month later. This time, they told my my sperm count was only 8 million day 1, and 6 million day 2(with an initial abstinance period of about 5 days). My question is what could possibly have changed in a month that would cause the sperm count to drop by that much. The nurses at the fertility clinic didn’t have an answer, so I made an appointment with a urologist which I will see in a couple of weeks. Any insight would be very helpful as I am completely stressed now.

Response:

I am gonna tell you the same thing my RE told us when we first went to see him and my DH had a really low count. Sperm count is relative. From batch to batch your count is going to vary. The question you really need to ask youself is what did you do 3 months ago…were you working in an extremely heated environment? (road construction or the like) Did you and your wife go through an emotionally stressful time? (a close relative passed away) Did you put in incredibly long hours at work? Were you eating alot of junk food and not getting a decent balanced diet? My DH’s count was at 20m/pml with only a 6% morphology (right shape) when we first had an s/a run on him last January. They reccommended we do IVF/ISCI right off the bat and not *waste time* on clomid with a count like that. I chose to wait out the summer and in June we had him rescanned and his count went up to 130m/pml with a 35% morphology. My RE thinks he just had a *bad batch* the first time around and that’s entirely possible. Sperm count is relative. Take good care of yourself for a few months all the way through, take prenatal vitamines (your clinic should have a mens version). Eat a balanced diet, don’t work long hours, and stay away from hot tubs and saunas or hot working environments. I’m not gonna tell you that dong these things is a garuntee that your count will go up, I am going to tell you it will increase your chances and in turn increase chances of a pg if the sperm count is the issue. I know it is stressful, and I wish you the best of luck Jen

– Hide quoted text — Show quoted text – My wife and I are trying to conceive, and we are on our second IUI attempt. My question is with regards to my sperm count. Before we started the first IUI, I had a Semen analysis done and my sperm count was fine (somehere in the order of 70 million the first day). This was with an abstinance period of about 3 days. Then when we did the IUI, they said my sperm count was about 80 million the first day, 70 million the second day. Once again, with an inital abstinance period of about 3 days. So far, so good, but no pregnancy that month, so we went for a second IUI a month later. This time, they told my my sperm count was only 8 million day 1, and 6 million day 2(with an initial abstinance period of about 5 days). My question is what could possibly have changed in a month that would cause the sperm count to drop by that much. The nurses at the fertility clinic didn’t have an answer, so I made an appointment with a urologist which I will see in a couple of weeks. Any insight would be very helpful as I am completely stressed now.

Response:

The fertility clinic here in Nova Scotia requires three seperate SA’s over a period of three months before they will recomend any type of treatment. They said that one SA is not conclusive since something unusual may have happened three months ago while the sperm were forming. Luckily we already had two so we only had to get one more. Our clinic also makes you do 6 unmedicated cycles before they will proceed with any type of treatment… and that’s on top of all the time you spend trying *before* you even got into the clinic. Best of luck you you both!! – Leigh 7 unsuccessful cycles of Clomid still waiting for initial appointment with RE low sperm count and poor motility for DH … possible PCOS for me

Response:

Are you certain you are comparing the right numbers? My thought is that maybe one figure is your regular sperm count, while the other is the sperm count after washing? Probably not, but maybe. I’m also wondering whether the same lab did the count each time. Results vary from lab to lab depending on protocol. Another remote possibility is that 5 days abstinence was too much and you do better on 3 days abstinence. And a final possibility is that the original numbers referred to TOTAL sperm in the sample, while the later numbers referred to sperm per ml. This is unlikely, though, unless you produced something like 8 ml of semen, which is rather on the high end but still quite possible. Good luck!

– Hide quoted text — Show quoted text – My wife and I are trying to conceive, and we are on our second IUI attempt. My question is with regards to my sperm count. Before we started the first IUI, I had a Semen analysis done and my sperm count was fine (somehere in the order of 70 million the first day). This was with an abstinance period of about 3 days. Then when we did the IUI, they said my sperm count was about 80 million the first day, 70 million the second day. Once again, with an inital abstinance period of about 3 days. So far, so good, but no pregnancy that month, so we went for a second IUI a month later. This time, they told my my sperm count was only 8 million day 1, and 6 million day 2(with an initial abstinance period of about 5 days). My question is what could possibly have changed in a month that would cause the sperm count to drop by that much. The nurses at the fertility clinic didn’t have an answer, so I made an appointment with a urologist which I will see in a couple of weeks. Any insight would be very helpful as I am completely stressed now.

Response: