Right On Time

I always get so nervous meeting new a Dr. I don't know why. Today as we were driving into Houston I am trying to stay relaxed but it never fails I get so nervous:) I guess I think they are going to tell me they don't want me as a patient or can't meet my needs. Our prayer was as we met the new Fertility Specialist this morning that we would know right away if  He was the doctor for us. God didn't let us down. Within the moment of walking into his personal office, not a clinic room, I relaxed. The Doctor came in and instantly we knew he was a resource God would use for our journey. I had asked God for signs that we were in the right place and throughout our conversation we had so many similarities that I new they were the signs I asked for!!

He began by getting to know Mark and I. All of my charts hadn't been sent over so he began to ask me what tests, blood work, and procedures I have had done and what were the results and how had I responded. I tell him everything I know and that I was diagnosed with PCOS in 2001.Polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) is a common hormonal disorder among women of reproductive age. He pulled out a packet full of great information, even some for Mark, so he is aware of what is going on in my body. Some of my blood work I had done about six months ago came back borderline. He wasn't happy with those results and has ordered different tests with more accurate results. He took the time to explain to Mark and I what he was ordering and why. He ordered testosterone, free testosterone, thyroid, glucose tolerance test (this will tell if I am insulin resistant, which most women who have PCOS are), and AMH  (women with higher AMH values will tend to have better response to ovarian stimulation for IVF and have more eggs retrieved. In general, having more eggs with IVF gives a higher success rate). He explained (disclaimer: this is my take on what he explained) that when a normal person eats, insulin is released. In PCOS women extra insulin is produced, which finds cells and turns to fat. Insulin also works hand in hand with testosterone. When there is extra insulin there is a possibility for extra testosterone, which can cause cysts on the ovaries, headaches, fatigue, excess hair growth on the face and body and thinning scalp hair. To which, I have ALL of these and is why we are rerunning a more detailed test . I will be starting metformin tonight which will help regulate the extra insulin. I will be on metformin for ten weeks before we can begin IVF. He also suggested that I restrict my diet and work out 3-5 times a week as I have in the past. One important thing he asked was "Do you ever skip meals?" to which I reply "NO" at the same time Mark replies "YES, if she is working on a project she will not stop to eat!" The doctor explained that this is horrible for my insulin and that I must not skip meals and start eating snacks every three hours to keep my insulin level balanced. I am so glad Mark was with me today, He keeps me honest:)  After the New Year the medicine should be regulating my insulin and I should be starting to feel back to normal.

Our next appointment is Jan 31 and we will know more about our IVF timeline in detail. The doctor believes it will be early Spring 2014!!!!

I know this is a lot of information and it's very personal but I have had PCOS for 12 years and today I got more answers and tests run that I ever have. I hope this helps other PCOS women to at least know some of the questions to ask when seeking medical advice. In telling our story we want other couples to find HOPE!!