New and Feel Ill!!!!!

[Tub of Lard]

Hi all, I have been diagnosed with PCOS this morning. I have had a look at some PCOS websites, but I wondered if anyone has similar symptoms to me that I can't seem to find listed?

I have the usual massive waist - always exhausted, moody, off sex, blah blah but I also get frequent abcesses 'down below' and horrible pins and needles and numb feelings in my lower legs and hands? Does anyone else have this?

To be honest, I'm quite surprised it's PCOS as my periods are quite normal and the only excessive hair I have is my top lip which I Veet! My husband and I thought my symptoms were more like diabetes or underactive thyroid but those tests were ok. I'm 40 by the way and have been feeling awful for about 8 months.

The other problem I have is that my GP is useless. I've been feeling ill for months with the abcesses and tiredness and he only ran standard tests, so I made a point of going to the surgery last week when he was on holiday so I could see a lady Dr, and she was the one who sent me for the hormone blood tests. I saw another Dr this morning who gave me the results and also told me off for not seeing my usual GP and said I would have to do this to receive treatment as he wouldn't help me? I was quite upset when I left.

I know my usual GP won't prescribe or do anything and I don't know what to do? I just feel so ill.

[thebuzz]

You have the right to see whatever doctor you want, it doesnt have to be your GP just someone in your surgery. And if you dont like them you can join another doctors. The one you saw today was talking poo poo!

Also abcesses are common for pcos sufferers, as are lovely boils!

Ask for a referral to either a gynae (if your trying to conceive) or an endo (someone who specialises in hormone probs). Be assertive, tell your GP you have the right to be referred, take someone with you if you must but dont leave that office without him agreeing! Or if you can afford it then see someone privately as this will speed things up a lot!

Please dont fret, you will get better! And feel free to ask anything, there's always someone on here who can help you!

Marie
xoxox

p.s. im loving your name!!!

[Tub of Lard]

Hi Marie,

Thank you for your reply. The abcsesses are dreadful. I'm on 2000mg of antibiotics a day at the moment for 2 weeks so that's probably another reason I'm feeling horrible.

Re my useless GP, believe me I've tried to change and I can't. Basically the surgery's attitude is you see your own Dr unless he's not in and as I was told this morning by the one I saw he won't refer or treat me as I'm not his patient (he did say however that he felt I should be referred as my hormone levels are so high). I've tried to change Dr's within the practise and been told no-way. I've even called other surgery's in my area and they all say I cannot change unless I move out of the area and move back in again?!

If he won't treat or refer me next week I will write a letter of complaint to the practise and their governing body.

I don't want to conceive so the fertility side is luckily not a problem for me but I want to shift this tub of lard around my tummy and just feel well again!

Thank you for your advice

Sarah

[sarahhal]

Hi Sarah
One thing that would be a good diead before complaining would be to read up on PCOS, Collette Harris (a fellow sufferer) has written a number of books on PCOS which include info on medications and diet, all her books are available on Amazon.
You need to be aware there is a link between insulin resitance and type 2 diabetes with metformin so switching to a diabetic type diet also known as the low GI diet can help all of what are covered in Collette's books.
Sarah

[Therese]

If you are having problems either seeing a different GP within your own practice or changing practices then call your local Primary Care Trust (PCT) for advice. They purchase the services of your GP for you so they will be able to help.

You will be able to find their number in your telephone directory.

[Mazarin]

Hi Sarah!

Welcome to the board! Glad you found us here… trust us most of us here have felt the way you do about yourself and the treatment from your Doctor!

Like the others I can certainly recommend changing your GP to another one and it is your right to do so. Like Therese said contact your PCT for advice.

A good book on PCOS makes excellent reading there are lots around (but I have the feeling you might have just bought one – I’ve PM’d you)

You have found the right place to be…

Alison
x

[Mazarin]

I also get pins and needles in my legs, mainly the tops of my thighs... I've never mentioned it as just put it down to me being overweight...

[CreativeForce]

I agree with the others you have the right to be seen by a GP of your choice in line with the goverment's rulings on Patient Choice in the English NHS. You also have the right to be referred to a consultant of your choice at any NHS Trust. Your GP practice sounds like they are bullying you. You may be registered with a GP at a particular practice but it is the practice's responsibility to help you when that GP is not available - what would happen for example if that GP was off long term sick? Would all their patients not get treatment? This is nonsense. Don't let them get the better of you. As the others suggested phone your local Primary Care Trust and voice your concerns about the way your practice is treating you. It is their job to keep the GPs in line! Good luck.

[FIREFIGHTER]

mazarin im getting pens n needles in my legs n toes n fingers as well. do u still get pens n needles?