Hello, I'm new to these forums and would really appreciate some opinions. I'm so frustrated with my GP, I've been in tears over the past week!
I was diagnosed with PCOS around 8 years ago (that was a battle in itself - my GP kept dismissing me and I ended up having to research my symptoms myself). I've never had any follow-up treatment since diagnosis. I'm 40 now.
Since I was a teenager I've had what I now think are hypoglycemic attacks (again after researching for myself). When I've not eaten for around 4-5 hours I go lightheaded, weak legs, trembling, headache, thirst, sweating, and always crave a mars bar. Throughout my teens I used to faint when I hadn't eaten for a while.
For the past 4-5 years, I've had fairly similar symptoms before and during my periods: a constant 'hangover' feeling with headache, thirst, nausea, fatigue and lightheadedness. I've been to my GP several times about this; been told it's 'menstruation headaches' and been on several oral contraceptives to try and manage it.
For the past several months, I've been having what I think are hypos during the night too: I wake up with a raging thirst, headache, soaked in sweat and nausea. Then I'm left with a 'hangover' for a day or two.
I went to my GP last week, and they did a HbA1c test and cholesterol test (for diabetes). I've never thought I have diabetes, but this is their standard response when I relay that I have PCOS. I've done a lot of research myself, and I think I have insulin resistance... but the GP hasn't tested for insulin levels in my blood. I've also researched what happens during my periods, and it seems the changes in oestrogen causes blood sugars to rise - resulting in similar symptoms to the ones I've been describing to my GP for years.
I phoned for the diabetes test results yesterday: the receptionist said "all normal and satisfactory", which I was expecting. I asked if there was a note from the GP for me to have any kind of follow-up or further tests, and she said No, they're happy with those results now.
I feel so frustrated and upset. It's such a battle with my GP. And now this week my boss has suggested that I'm not genuine because my symptoms are so seemingly random. No one is taking me seriously!