plm10467
04-03-2003, 11:54 AM
I would just like to know what symptoms everyone has on the board who have PCOS.
And everyone who is taking treatment how long have you been on treatment and around how much everything was because I am afraid I will not be able to afford everything? And How much does insurance cover?
And everyone who is taking treatment how long have you been on treatment and around how much everything was because I am afraid I will not be able to afford everything? And How much does insurance cover?
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r_bis
04-03-2003, 12:27 PM
For last 4yrs i was having slightly irregular periods i.e 2-3 times in a year i used to miss them. This was very unsual for me as i had very regular one.My docs said that was Ok.For last 2yrs i am trying to conceive but in vain.All my blood test ,Lap. etc were perfect.So I was told that missing periods 2-3 in a year is ok.Last week i consulted an RE.He did Trans-vaginal u/s and diagnosed me of very mild PCOS.So after 4 yrs i came to know my problem.At present i am on clomid.My insurance company covers everything including medicines......so dont know about the costs. I didnot have any symptoms except for the above mentioned.My RE told that seeing your charts everything is perfect.So he decided to keep aside my reports and do U/S which revealed the presence of very few minor cysts on the ovary thus falling in the catogory of mild PCOS.
Hope it helps..
Hope it helps..
Minouche
04-03-2003, 12:52 PM
I was undiagnosed with PCOS for 1 1/12 year and I had all the symptoms on the book!! :p I gained 30 pounds without changing my diet, and even though I exercised a lot I just didnīt lose any weight. I had mood swings, very irregular periods (30-90 days cycles) and when AF finally showed up, it stayed for a month (sometimes). No ovulation. I craved foods that I donīt even like (i.e, cookies), had a lot of facial hair (above and under the lips), fat around the waist line (love handles), and thatīs all I can remember right now... :p
My GYN put me on clomid for 7 cycles, but I ovulated only once. Then a RE put me on Met 2000mg/daily and I got pg in 3 months, but I m/c. Took a 3 months break and then got pg and m/c again. Now, I have been on Glucophage XR for almost a year, and I ovulate on my own, have 30 days cycles, lost 25 pounds, and I just have mood swing and PMS symptoms 1 week b4 AF.
As for price, Met was cheaper ($10 copay for a 30 days supply) than Gluco XR, but I had TERRIBLE side effects...after Gluco XR, the side effects were gone. Now I pay $40 for a 90 days sypply at www.medcohealth.com, (http://www.medcohealth.com,) and my insurance is United Healthcare.
On another PCOS list, I have heard of people buying these medicines online on international site cuz itīs cheaper. Also, Iīve heard about sites that give these medicines for free for those who canīt afford it. But I donīt know if it is true or how it works.
Minouche
My GYN put me on clomid for 7 cycles, but I ovulated only once. Then a RE put me on Met 2000mg/daily and I got pg in 3 months, but I m/c. Took a 3 months break and then got pg and m/c again. Now, I have been on Glucophage XR for almost a year, and I ovulate on my own, have 30 days cycles, lost 25 pounds, and I just have mood swing and PMS symptoms 1 week b4 AF.
As for price, Met was cheaper ($10 copay for a 30 days supply) than Gluco XR, but I had TERRIBLE side effects...after Gluco XR, the side effects were gone. Now I pay $40 for a 90 days sypply at www.medcohealth.com, (http://www.medcohealth.com,) and my insurance is United Healthcare.
On another PCOS list, I have heard of people buying these medicines online on international site cuz itīs cheaper. Also, Iīve heard about sites that give these medicines for free for those who canīt afford it. But I donīt know if it is true or how it works.
Minouche
Minouche
04-03-2003, 12:56 PM
I forgot to mention that I have been TTC for 4 years and that the ovulation/pregnancy test kits are not covered by the insurance nor spending account.
Mindoo
04-03-2003, 07:10 PM
Hi PLM,
I have PCOS and I'm not insulin resistant. My u/s ususally show many small cysts. I might have two periods a year on my own and I do not ovulate on a regular basis. My doctor has told me that my androgen levels (male hormones) are high. I have a little bit of excessive hair on my belly and feet. However, I'm lucky that my facial hair is very blond and you can't tell that I have it. I am overweight, and when I'm not on fertiltiy meds, I have some hair loss.
With my old doc, I paid about $50/month of 100 mg of clomid, $95 for progesterone tests, and $360 for ultrasounds. My first IUI (artifical insemination) cost $307. I discovered that if I asked my doctor to schedule a pg test at the same time of the progeterone test, that insurance will pay for it. Also, with my old doc, I had to take ODK tests. I paid about $13 for 7 Clear Plan Easy. Recently, I started a new RE. His office will let me pay insurance negotitated rates if I pay day of service. This will reduce my IUIs to about $120 and U/S to about $180. The sprem wash will still be $240. Another thing that I'm learning it to ask you doc to make sure the insurance company realizes when procedures are diagnostic in nature. My insurance pays for all dianotstic tests.
Mindy
I have PCOS and I'm not insulin resistant. My u/s ususally show many small cysts. I might have two periods a year on my own and I do not ovulate on a regular basis. My doctor has told me that my androgen levels (male hormones) are high. I have a little bit of excessive hair on my belly and feet. However, I'm lucky that my facial hair is very blond and you can't tell that I have it. I am overweight, and when I'm not on fertiltiy meds, I have some hair loss.
With my old doc, I paid about $50/month of 100 mg of clomid, $95 for progesterone tests, and $360 for ultrasounds. My first IUI (artifical insemination) cost $307. I discovered that if I asked my doctor to schedule a pg test at the same time of the progeterone test, that insurance will pay for it. Also, with my old doc, I had to take ODK tests. I paid about $13 for 7 Clear Plan Easy. Recently, I started a new RE. His office will let me pay insurance negotitated rates if I pay day of service. This will reduce my IUIs to about $120 and U/S to about $180. The sprem wash will still be $240. Another thing that I'm learning it to ask you doc to make sure the insurance company realizes when procedures are diagnostic in nature. My insurance pays for all dianotstic tests.
Mindy
drewtou
04-04-2003, 07:29 AM
Hi,
I too have the symptoms the rest of the girls have. Are you ttc or are you looking for treatment of pcos?
Symptoms: Weight gain 50 lbs in a year without changing anything, facial hair, irregular periods - I would go months without one and then have one for 30 - 60 days.
Diagnosis - I went to 3 different MD's before being diagnosed. Finally the last one only talked to me and said he thought I had PCOS. He put me on Glucophage (metformin) and I began 28 day cycles. 2 months later did a laparoscopy to confirm PCOS. You can be diagnosed with a trans-vaginal ultrasound if you have a good tech who knows what they are looking for "ring of pearls" and if they have good equipment.
As far as getting pg, we had tried for 7-8 years before we got pg, and we now have a wonderful son who just turned 2. I was not able to continue with the MD who put me on Glucophage because of Insurance Change, but my regular MD let me continue it since it was keeping my periods regular, 6 months later we had a positive pregnancy test.
As far as insurance goes, if they do not cover infertility (and most don't) you may want to go to the MD and tell them you have been "chating" with other women and think you may have PCOS, but to please not diagnose it as infertility. I'm not trying to be dishonest with the insurance company, but PCOS causes infertility, but even if you were not trying to get pregnant they would cover it as just PCOS.
If you have any more ??? let us know.
I too have the symptoms the rest of the girls have. Are you ttc or are you looking for treatment of pcos?
Symptoms: Weight gain 50 lbs in a year without changing anything, facial hair, irregular periods - I would go months without one and then have one for 30 - 60 days.
Diagnosis - I went to 3 different MD's before being diagnosed. Finally the last one only talked to me and said he thought I had PCOS. He put me on Glucophage (metformin) and I began 28 day cycles. 2 months later did a laparoscopy to confirm PCOS. You can be diagnosed with a trans-vaginal ultrasound if you have a good tech who knows what they are looking for "ring of pearls" and if they have good equipment.
As far as getting pg, we had tried for 7-8 years before we got pg, and we now have a wonderful son who just turned 2. I was not able to continue with the MD who put me on Glucophage because of Insurance Change, but my regular MD let me continue it since it was keeping my periods regular, 6 months later we had a positive pregnancy test.
As far as insurance goes, if they do not cover infertility (and most don't) you may want to go to the MD and tell them you have been "chating" with other women and think you may have PCOS, but to please not diagnose it as infertility. I'm not trying to be dishonest with the insurance company, but PCOS causes infertility, but even if you were not trying to get pregnant they would cover it as just PCOS.
If you have any more ??? let us know.
dknees
04-04-2003, 12:50 PM
I've never been regular. When I was a teenager, I had 2-3 periods a year. My mom didn't think anything of it because she was the same way and after she had me never had a problem again. By the time I got to college, I gained 55 pounds without changing my eating habits (actually was eating more fruits and less potato chips and pizza) and with the addition of all the walking I had to do around campus. I went to a dr because by this time my periods had disappeared completely. She laughed when I told her about the weight gain. I told her that it felt like when I had PMS I would get bloated, but then never lost that bloated weight. It just kept compounding. She told me I was out of my head and that I just ate too much. She put me on the pill and I stayed on it because it gave me regular periods with very little cramping.
When I got a real job at 25 with health insurance, I went to a dr (by then I was living in a different state) for my initial exam. She took blood tests and was alarmed at how high my cholesterol was. She referred me to an RE, though at that time I wasn't sure why. The RE (and this is through an HMO) did more blood tests and confirmed that I had PCOS, a disease I'd never heard of before. He said my cholesterol (the good cholesterol) was off the charts, but not to worry because that was not going to change. He said it was a manifestation of the PCOS and that he could put me on meds and a strict diet and I likely would not see much improvement with the numbers. My "bad" cholesterol was very low.
Long story short (too late!) My other symptoms were VERY high androgen levels and very low levels of most other hormones. No periods since age 18 (without meds) horrible facial hair (though I'm Italian, so it could also be genes), hair in other embarrassing places, weight gain.
The only thing I took for it was birth control, but went off that for when I started ttc. I now take provera to induce periods in order to start a new cycle.
Hope that helps.
When I got a real job at 25 with health insurance, I went to a dr (by then I was living in a different state) for my initial exam. She took blood tests and was alarmed at how high my cholesterol was. She referred me to an RE, though at that time I wasn't sure why. The RE (and this is through an HMO) did more blood tests and confirmed that I had PCOS, a disease I'd never heard of before. He said my cholesterol (the good cholesterol) was off the charts, but not to worry because that was not going to change. He said it was a manifestation of the PCOS and that he could put me on meds and a strict diet and I likely would not see much improvement with the numbers. My "bad" cholesterol was very low.
Long story short (too late!) My other symptoms were VERY high androgen levels and very low levels of most other hormones. No periods since age 18 (without meds) horrible facial hair (though I'm Italian, so it could also be genes), hair in other embarrassing places, weight gain.
The only thing I took for it was birth control, but went off that for when I started ttc. I now take provera to induce periods in order to start a new cycle.
Hope that helps.
plm10467
04-04-2003, 04:51 PM
I am ttc, and I don't know yet if I have pcos but I think that my symptoms are close enough. I went to planned parenthood and took blood work but I have to wait untill my doc. appt at the end of the month. I really feel like I am being left behind becasue left and right everyone is having a baby. Every week I have heard someone else having a baby. Or becoming pregnant. My husband already has a baby so he is not that worried but I am starting to feel so incomplete I hope I don't have anything wrong with me, the chances are slim to none.
plm---
I am so happy for everyone having babies but I get so jealous deep down inside. Can any one else relate?
plm---
I am so happy for everyone having babies but I get so jealous deep down inside. Can any one else relate?
JodyT
04-04-2003, 06:14 PM
plm,
I know exactly how you feel. In January I found out that my brother's girlfriend was pregnant and they kept it a secret from me because I have been ttc for over a year and it was an oops for them!! I was happy that I was going to be an aunt, but also deep inside I was thinking why not me? I also have PCOS and on Clomid. I took metformin for a month, but I could not handle the side effects.
Don't feel too bad, just remember there are tons of us out here and we are all in the same boat!!
Jody
------------------
Baby Dust To All!!!
I know exactly how you feel. In January I found out that my brother's girlfriend was pregnant and they kept it a secret from me because I have been ttc for over a year and it was an oops for them!! I was happy that I was going to be an aunt, but also deep inside I was thinking why not me? I also have PCOS and on Clomid. I took metformin for a month, but I could not handle the side effects.
Don't feel too bad, just remember there are tons of us out here and we are all in the same boat!!
Jody
------------------
Baby Dust To All!!!
Mindoo
04-04-2003, 07:53 PM
There are many comments on everyone's post that I want to reply to. http://www.healthboards.com/ubb/gabby.gif
To PLM - Most people here can relate to the jealousy you feel. We dicuss it often. Last October, my baby sister annonced she was pregnant. Even though I was very happy for her, I was jealous too. I was sort of glad that I didn't attend the family gathering that night where she made the announcement because I'm sure even emotion in the book went through my head and was displayed on my face that night. However, I love being an aunt (my other sister has three girls) and the baby is due in the next 2-4 weeks. It will be my first nephew. The jealousy is gone and now I'm just plain excited.
I do get a little scared that when I hold him for the first time that I might get very weepy. I'll have to make sure I'm not on any hormones pills when he's born. That will just make the situation tougher. lol
http://www.healthboards.com/ubb/gabby.gif To everyone who has had success in restoring her period with glucophage (metformin), Thank you for sharing your successes. I can't stand taking the medicine because I either feel like throwing up or having diarehha. Your success keeps me focued on taking them. However, the next time I go to the doctor, I'm going to ask for Glucophage XR or something like that. I think it's time released and someone said the side affects aren't as bad.
http://www.healthboards.com/ubb/gabby.gif Regarding insurance and glucophage, my insurance doesn't pay for ovulation stimulation medication, however it does pay for glucophage (metformin). It's the only thing I haven't had to fight the insurance company for.
http://www.healthboards.com/ubb/gabby.gif Finally, I want to comment on being diagnosed with PCOS. My diagnosis happened quickly once I went to the doctor to get help with ttc. I saw an ob/gyn who had been doing infertility treatements for many years. It was very evident on the u/s. I think, we on this board, need to recommend to people who want to find out if they have PCOS to see an RE or ob/gyn who has a long history with infertilty immediately. I have found my family doctors are not really familiar with this syndrome.
Mindy http://www.healthboards.com/ubb/gabby.gif
To PLM - Most people here can relate to the jealousy you feel. We dicuss it often. Last October, my baby sister annonced she was pregnant. Even though I was very happy for her, I was jealous too. I was sort of glad that I didn't attend the family gathering that night where she made the announcement because I'm sure even emotion in the book went through my head and was displayed on my face that night. However, I love being an aunt (my other sister has three girls) and the baby is due in the next 2-4 weeks. It will be my first nephew. The jealousy is gone and now I'm just plain excited.
I do get a little scared that when I hold him for the first time that I might get very weepy. I'll have to make sure I'm not on any hormones pills when he's born. That will just make the situation tougher. lol
http://www.healthboards.com/ubb/gabby.gif To everyone who has had success in restoring her period with glucophage (metformin), Thank you for sharing your successes. I can't stand taking the medicine because I either feel like throwing up or having diarehha. Your success keeps me focued on taking them. However, the next time I go to the doctor, I'm going to ask for Glucophage XR or something like that. I think it's time released and someone said the side affects aren't as bad.
http://www.healthboards.com/ubb/gabby.gif Regarding insurance and glucophage, my insurance doesn't pay for ovulation stimulation medication, however it does pay for glucophage (metformin). It's the only thing I haven't had to fight the insurance company for.
http://www.healthboards.com/ubb/gabby.gif Finally, I want to comment on being diagnosed with PCOS. My diagnosis happened quickly once I went to the doctor to get help with ttc. I saw an ob/gyn who had been doing infertility treatements for many years. It was very evident on the u/s. I think, we on this board, need to recommend to people who want to find out if they have PCOS to see an RE or ob/gyn who has a long history with infertilty immediately. I have found my family doctors are not really familiar with this syndrome.
Mindy http://www.healthboards.com/ubb/gabby.gif
Minouche
04-05-2003, 05:37 AM
For those who have a lot of side effects, please change to Glucophage XR immediately!!! I still have some side effects once in a while, but nothing compared to what I've had with Metformin. Believe me, they are made of same agent, but the side effects are very different! http://www.healthboards.com/ubb/dance.gif
I don't get jealous when I hear someone close to me is pregnant, but I do feel like if they were "cutting" on the line and I am left behind :p
oh well, I try to focus on the advances that I already made with my infertility treatment...get a period regularly, ovulate on my own, and feel emotionally better (no mood swings!!! :p).. http://www.healthboards.com/ubb/dance.gif
I don't get jealous when I hear someone close to me is pregnant, but I do feel like if they were "cutting" on the line and I am left behind :p
oh well, I try to focus on the advances that I already made with my infertility treatment...get a period regularly, ovulate on my own, and feel emotionally better (no mood swings!!! :p).. http://www.healthboards.com/ubb/dance.gif
Mindoo
04-05-2003, 10:05 AM
"Cutting in front of you in line" is a good description Minouche. I think that more accurately describes how I feel that jealousy.
Your comment about advances in you infertility caused me to remember the first 6-12 months when I was ttc. The rollercoaster didn't seem to be as high back then because I was elated that my body seem to operating more normally with ovulation and periods. The next time I'm down, I'll try to get myself to remember that I'm further ahead than before I saw an RE.
Thanks,
Mindy
Your comment about advances in you infertility caused me to remember the first 6-12 months when I was ttc. The rollercoaster didn't seem to be as high back then because I was elated that my body seem to operating more normally with ovulation and periods. The next time I'm down, I'll try to get myself to remember that I'm further ahead than before I saw an RE.
Thanks,
Mindy
plm10467
04-05-2003, 10:19 PM
everyone's words are great becasue I feel better just reading about everyone. I try to speak to my husband but he does not understand he just tells me it is not my time and he is very optimistic and it makes me want to kiss him and hit him at the same time. My brother is having a bay and it is no planned and he is young but I pray that everything will be O.K. Everything does happen for a reason. I try to focus my attention on other things but it seems like every magazine, all over tv and all over the place is about mother's and children and babies. In spite of everything I will be O.K and I want to start thinking more positive and no matter what I will have a healthy bouncing baby when the time is right. I am very thankful for this board.
Baby dust to all -- and to me
Baby dust to all -- and to me
ivona
04-06-2003, 11:26 PM
Is PCOS similar in anyway to high FSH level?
I had my first test done and my FSH came back at 19.2 . I was told it is high for my age (35) and that it will be difficult for me to get pregnant.
Do you have any advice?
I had my first test done and my FSH came back at 19.2 . I was told it is high for my age (35) and that it will be difficult for me to get pregnant.
Do you have any advice?
lemondog
04-07-2003, 01:33 PM
I have PCOS. I only ovulate about 5 times per year. Sometimes I have mild breakouts, sometimes my skin is clear as a bell. Also, I am overweight somewhat, but not "around the middle" which is typical with PCOS patients.
I take Glucophage XR 2000mg/day (4 pills). It has not done a thing to help regulate my periods b/c I am not insulin resistant, but the endo wants to keep me on it anyway. The cost is $8 for a three month supply with my insurance copay, I am not sure what the retail price is.
I take Glucophage XR 2000mg/day (4 pills). It has not done a thing to help regulate my periods b/c I am not insulin resistant, but the endo wants to keep me on it anyway. The cost is $8 for a three month supply with my insurance copay, I am not sure what the retail price is.
Minouche
04-07-2003, 01:53 PM
lemondog - how long have you been taking it? for me, I could see the results after a month and I got pg in 3 months (bu m/c at week 5).. :) I am not insulin resistant either, but I can see the results of gluco xr clearly on my body! Now I ovulate on my own, lost 25 pounds, have less mood swings and cravings. It has worked like a miracle for me! http://www.healthboards.com/ubb/dance.gif I just love it and I thank God every single day for this medicine! http://www.healthboards.com/ubb/dance.gif
Minouche
04-07-2003, 02:02 PM
Mindy,
It took the docs some time to figure out what was wrong with me, so I had really bad PCOS symptoms...I lived with PMS-like symptoms in an ongoing basis... :( it was a nightmare...and not knowing why I was that way, was even worse. So now, even though I wasnīt able to take a pregnancy to full term, I am in a much better position than before. And I see improvements in my condition every day. I am so thankful for that! Thatīs why I think all the TERRIBLE side effects I had with Metformin were worth it! :)
I remember every day that the beginning of this infertility journey was the worse part for me...I hit the bottom...now I am just making my way up! :) and I will win! :) at least I try to think that way and keep the positive thoughts.. :)
Minouche
It took the docs some time to figure out what was wrong with me, so I had really bad PCOS symptoms...I lived with PMS-like symptoms in an ongoing basis... :( it was a nightmare...and not knowing why I was that way, was even worse. So now, even though I wasnīt able to take a pregnancy to full term, I am in a much better position than before. And I see improvements in my condition every day. I am so thankful for that! Thatīs why I think all the TERRIBLE side effects I had with Metformin were worth it! :)
I remember every day that the beginning of this infertility journey was the worse part for me...I hit the bottom...now I am just making my way up! :) and I will win! :) at least I try to think that way and keep the positive thoughts.. :)
Minouche
lemondog
04-07-2003, 02:42 PM
Minouche, I have been on the Gluco for 7 months now, and nothing has happened! It's kind of depressing. Oh well, my RE stll thinks it will help lower my chance of m/c if I do ever get pg, so for that reason alone I will continue to take it.
Minouche
04-07-2003, 04:04 PM
lemondog,
I am sorry to hear that.. :( this is the first time that I hear somebody complain about not having results with gluco.. :(
about m/c...Donīt rely only at gluco xr to avoid it...Iīve miscarried twice at 5 weeks taking gluco xr 2000mg/day...right now, besides the gluco I also take baby aspirin (81mg) daily and use prog supp. starting 2DPO.
Good luck to you! :angel:
[This message has been edited by Minouche (edited 04-07-2003).]
I am sorry to hear that.. :( this is the first time that I hear somebody complain about not having results with gluco.. :(
about m/c...Donīt rely only at gluco xr to avoid it...Iīve miscarried twice at 5 weeks taking gluco xr 2000mg/day...right now, besides the gluco I also take baby aspirin (81mg) daily and use prog supp. starting 2DPO.
Good luck to you! :angel:
[This message has been edited by Minouche (edited 04-07-2003).]
plm10467
04-07-2003, 05:37 PM
I am so happy!!! I am not going through this alone. I read about everyone and I do have hope and strength to stay positive. I really feel like I have a friend. I am prepared for whatever comes my way. But I am only claiming good things on my life.
I WILL HAVE A BEUTIFUL HEALTHY BABY WITH NO PROBLEMS. http://www.healthboards.com/ubb/dance.gif
[This message has been edited by plm10467 (edited 04-07-2003).]
I WILL HAVE A BEUTIFUL HEALTHY BABY WITH NO PROBLEMS. http://www.healthboards.com/ubb/dance.gif
[This message has been edited by plm10467 (edited 04-07-2003).]