PCOS, endometriosis, and other fun things

[Gillespieb]

Hi all,
I had surgery for crippling PCOS and endometriosis in November and my doctor told me afterwards that my risk for ovarian cancer (what the other option was for what was wrong) has doubled and i will more than likely be diagnosed with it within 5 years. I'm 19 years old.
I am absolutely terrified of all of this. On top of this, My meds from post op are not working properly. I really feel like no one understands me and that my boyfriend is tired of hearing my worries (I know he's concerned and cares but my stress is crazy even for me). I just think that if I had more support from women in my shoes I'd feel better.
I appreciate anything.
Thank you

[Gargy]

Hi Gillespieb,

I'm so sorry that you've had a scare like this. I have had PCOS all my life and I am currently 37. I had my first ovarian cyst removed when I was 15. I do not have endometriosis.

Yes, we have a higher risk of ovarian cancer, particularly if the female members of your family have been diagnosed with it in the past. This simply means having a pap test every 1 -2 years to ensure everything is ok. Early detection is vital. Even if it is detected, it doesn't always mean the worst. There is chemo and radiation therapy that often helps.

I know about ovarian cancer because I lost a friend of mine to this insidious diease. Her main problem was that the diagnosis was left too late. If you feel that there is something wrong, including that your meds aren't working, go back to the FS and tell him/her what is going on. Make an absolute pain of yourself until you are heard. If they don't listen, find another specialist.

The other things I would be checking out are:
- a fertility clinic if you wish to have children. PCOS and endometriosis make it difficult to conceive, and the earlier you start, the better.
- the use of drugs such as clomid and/or metformin to get your insulin levels and periods under control (PCOS generally comes with the double whammy of insulin resistance)
- complemetary meds such as acupucture (sometimes it helps)

Lastly, read all you can on the internet about both conditions. At the very least, this will mean that you are armed with information so that you can control most situations.

HTH

[stressball]

Hi,
I had mild endometeriosis, which was removed by lap. I tried some herbs that would reduced my estrogen level in my body. I also realized that stress increased my monthly period pain and excersie reduced it. One of my friend she had similar situation. Her doc removed one ovary that carried major problem ans she still got pregnant with one ovary. She has 2 little kids. Acupunture also helped me little.

Sanya