I am down here in ALABAMA!

[steph]

:D I'm from Al and thought I'd say hey and see if anyone else was!

[atlbraves01]

Hi, i too live in alabama

[robinb]

Just was diagnosed.

[CARA]

i live in alabama, in Huntsville

[soohoha]

Hi! I'm here in Huntsville too! Do you have a specialist that you go to in the area? I'm looking for one if you wouldn't mind sharing info.

[QuintessenceZeta]

I'm in Huntsville as well...I go to Dr. Hugh Bailey at the Urgent Women's Care center near IHOP on Memorial Pkwy near the park place mall. He's really good.

[Poetmom]

i live in alabama, in Huntsville
Cara,

I am in Huntsville too. I was diagnosed in Sept 08 and have not been pleased with my doctor's care or knowledge. Would like to know the name of your doctor and if you have been pleased with him/her. I'm new to the board, so any other Huntsvillians feel free to let me know the same.

Thanks

Briana

[Poetmom]

New to the board. Dx Sep 2008. First period started age 12, always pretty regular, skipped 2 periods over the past few years when not pregnant that I thought was just stress-related until my latest bout of problems. Never had trouble conceiving and not trying to now. (Have 3 boys; ages 17, 12, 7; all difficult pregnancies and C-sections).

After my last delivery in which I had gestational diabetes, I lost a lot of weight within a year and then started drastically putting it back on. At first I attributed it to the stress and disordered sleep/eating habits of working 3rd shift (FT) and going to school HT. I was also having GI issues (almost nightly diarrhea). But my weight gain has been steady and at times drastic.

I am at my heaviest ever, even surpassing all my pregnancies weight and I LOOK 9 months pregnant and am most definitely not. (I think I'd rather look fat than pregnant. People keep expecting me to have this baby already).

Around the end of 2007/beginning of 2008 I skipped 4 periods in a row. Worried, but you know, kind of not. I have also had GI issues (increased BM frequency, pain ranging from vague and not localized to severe and localized (either lower left or right, upper back on either side (kidney?) to around navel)), with swelling (with pitting), frequent dizzy spells, rare shakes. I also have facial hair (I pluck constantly), some balding (along the part, not sure if related or not), and the hairiest toes you could imagine (that I shave!). I always thought I was just some freak of nature for being a girl and "inheriting my dad's hairy toes", but in hindsight, I have had the hairy toes longer than any other known symptom - as far as I can recall in my adult life. I also have increased hair on my stomach, but not too bad.

I finally went to the doc in August and bloodwork was normal (no hormones out of whack) and pap was normal. I had already guessed it was PCOS with my own research and I wasn't convinced with normal labs, so Dr. appeased me with a vaginal ultrasound that showed cysts and Dx me with PCOS. He did not tell me how big they were, just I had more than 12 on each ovary and both ovaries were swollen. He said we could wait and see or treat with BC pills so I opted for pills. He said I needed to have a period every 3 months or call them. He scheduled me again for a yearly in Sep 09. Apparently no intention to monitor the cysts.

I had a period on 9/12, then skipped 6 in a row. I went through 2 Rx and no period, then they wanted to give me a shot, but I wanted to see the doc. He answered some questions to my satisfaction and others not so much. He said he would not see me more often than once yearly even with PCOS and even if I had strong family history of cancer. (Seems odd since why do they ask family history if the standard of care is no different for increased risks?). I had to convince him to test my glucose (GTT) and cholesterol, which he did on 3/6 and 3/13 respectively. Both were normal, not even borderline. (My thyroid test from August also was normal but I am not convinced there either since my mom, dad and 2 of 3 sisters also have thyroid problems). After they gave me the shot on 3/6, I had a period on 3/13 that lasted 2 days (short) was light to medium and was fresh blood. (Not what I expected. Shouldn't there be some old blood or heavier period with 6 months with no period?).

I was huge (9 months pregnant looking, 208 # and 5'2") when I first went to see him and he is not concerned. I keep telling him that my belly is FIRM, not flabby. (My husband's is flabby). I am also concerned that the cysts could have grown in the 6 months since he looked at them or that they could be cancerous. I am on no medication. I would like to be checked again, monitored more closely (cyst size, type as well as glucose and cholesterol screenings - at least yearly for those), and if possible be treated with Metformin. (I know it helps with diabetes, which I don't have, but read it helps with the PCOS symptoms and weight loss as well). The government website about PCOS indicates he should recheck in 1-3 months (he didn't and doesn't plan to) and probably perform surgery if painful or do not go away after 1-2 cycles. Due to my 3 difficult Csections, nothing scares me more than another similar type surgery, but I don't want to become a statistic of endometrial cancer, ruptured cyst or what have you either.

Yea, I am obviously depressed too. I avoid photos at all costs and when we took 2 recent trips and did a family photo, I hide my belly behind my 7 year old. But he's getting taller and that will only work so long. I try not to go out more than I have to, partly because of the embarassment about my weight, but partly because of exhaustion.

I am thoroughly exhausted all the time and have no energy for even a light workout or walk (I also have sleep disorders) but even eating healthier has had no effect on my weight. My husband says I eat like a bird and I rarely even finish a meal.

Despite having some pain or the irregular periods, I think I would live with it all if I could get rid of the pregnant looking belly.

Until today I had seen nothing on any PCOS boards to indicate others look pregnant (versus overweight); but only when I searched for largest ovarian cysts and found huge ones ranging from 13 pounds to 140 pounds did I find something to indicate those women looked pregnant.

By the way - I had all my GI issues checked (because even though I know female problems can cause those, my Gyn acted like I was nuts for even mentioning it to HIM), and all that they found was small ulcers, a benign stomach polyp, and a fatty liver - not enough to warrant my abdomen size, pain, or increased BM frequency. (I had an upper GI, colonoscopy, abdominal ultrasound, and even a HIDA scan to check the gallbladder). The fatty liver (since I am not an alcoholic) could be attributed to being overweight, but I recently found a source that indicates insulin resistance can cause it.

Barring me being completely crazy, it would seem to indicate my problems (even the GI ones) are likely caused at least in part by the PCOS. (If I were a hypochondriac, I don't think they would have found these other issues).

And it seems that most PCOS-related boards or posts are related to people TTC. I'd love another one (try for a boy), but due to having too much scar tissue with my last one and the epidural having NO effect, we feel like it is life-threatening since they'd have to put me completely under (increasing my risk as well as baby's).

Apparently there are no PCOS-Specialists in Huntsville and I cannot see the endocrinologist without a referral (and my doc is likely to fall back on my thyroid tests being normal, even though PCOS is a type of endocrine disorder as well). I'd be willing to travel to Birmingham if I had to.

Anyone have any docs in Huntsville or Birmingham they can recommend familiar with PCOS or a local support group or any other advice for me? :confused:

[uabx-raychick]

Hello, I live in Alabama as well. I am originally am from around the Huntsville area, but am now living and working in Birmingham. I was diagnosed with PCOS about 7 years ago at the age of 17. I have an amazing doctor in Huntsville that I would recommend to anyone that has PCOS and lives in that area. Her name is Dr. Sharon Callison and her number is (256)551-6512.

She is absolutely amazing. My mom and I both have PCOS, but neither of us knew it until after lots and lots of testing I was sent to her and she knew what it was right from the start. I had been struggling with weight gain, many missed cycles, hair loss, and hair growth in places that a 17 year old girl shouldn't be dealing with. None of the doctors seem to have a clue until her. All the other doctors basically just said I was a fat kid when my mom and I knew that was not that case. Dr. Callison prescribed Metformin, Spironalactone, and birth control and now I have lost probably 80 pounds or so, all my hormones are down to normal levels, I now have a regular cycle, and I don't have very many hair issues....actually seeing me then and now I don't even look like the same person and sometimes I wonder how I got here and I know it's because of the grace of God and Dr. Callison.

Since I live in Birmingham and work night shift it makes it hard to get to Huntsville to see her like I should and I am looking for a new doctor here, but I'm just not sure. She recommended some doctors here, but she has done such a wonderful job and I've become so close to her I hate to leave. The three doctors she gave me are Dr. Heidi Straughn,Dr. Sara Carter Davis, and Dr. Judy Favor. Have any of you heard of them or use them?

[stace'sgoin'togethealty]

anyone in mobile?

[mrscelyota]

I am in huntsville as well....

[djacobs22]

I am from Andalusia Alabama a small town about 1 hr and 1/2 from Montgomery. I have been through a lot as well to find out that I am a classic PCOS patient. I have so many symptoms of PCOS and no Dr. has ever come right out and said I think you may have PCOS, let's run some other test and see what we can do for you. I am currently reading a book called "what to do when the Dr. says it's PCOS." I highly recommend it. It has been so informative and educational. It is how I found out about this website. I have also found the www.insulitelabs.com website and am currently speaking with them and thinking of starting their program. It involves 18 pills a day and you must stay on it a minimum of 6 months. I read earlier on someone elses feed that it can get kind of pricy but after all I've been through I would just about pay any price to feel better. I have extreme fatigue, discoloration of my private areas, hair loss on my head, hairs growing out of my chin and currently I have been bleeding for 1 solid month. I am on prometrium to try and stop the bleeding but it isn't working. According to my gyn if it doesn't stop by Monday he will have to do a d&c. This is my third time going through this in the past year. I am so tired of bleeding and having problems related to PCOS. He says that it is because I am not ovulating. I am also way overweight...5' 8 and 285 with a BMI of 43. He says to lose weight and so does the book that I am reading...ha. Easier said than done with PCOS!!! I, unlike some of the other women I have read about can lose weight fairly easy with diet and exercise but can put on 4-5 lbs a day when I don't eat just right!! My husband and I have been through the mill. Luckily he is an R.N. and has helped me a lot with trying to find out what is wrong with me. We have also been TTC (trying to concieve) for 5 years with no luck. After a visit to a reproductive endocronologist in 2007 he tells us nothing is wrong and I do not have PCOS!! PLEASE!! STUPID DR.'S who don't give a crap about you. All they are interested in is $$$$!!! I have become so frustrated and decided to take my health and diagnoisis in my own hands as much as possible. I tried a program from www.womentowomen.com and it really helped to balance my hormones but did not help with the bleeding at all. I thought it was the answer but when it didn't stop the bleeding I decided to stop the 90 day program and get a refund. Currently I am seriously thinking of starting the insulite lab program and staying on it for at least 6 months and working very hard on my weight. If anyone has tried the insulite labs program let me know how it worked for you and what you think. I recently ordered a braclet that says "I AM STRONGER THAN PCOS" and my dream is to get the word out about this horrible syndrome that has affected my life and the life of my husband and family in so many negative ways. I want other women out there who may be going through the same thing and searching for answers like I did to know there is a name for all of these crazy symptoms and there is help and with more and more people finding out about it I hope that more help becomes available to women who are suffering just like me with stupid PCOS!!
Signed,
Determined to fight this because "I AM STRONGER THAN PCOS!" and I am fed up with it's effects on my body!!

[99Cakes]

I am in Mobile. I am trying to find a doctor. I met a woman, who has PCOS. She told me that she saw a great doctor in Mobile. I forgot the doctor's name, but I will try to contact her to learn the name.

[Darlene]

I live in Alabama. You might try going to an Endocrinologist. They study hormones. I have also heard that one main common problem of PCOS that women have is high levels of Insulin in their blood. It is called Hyperinsulinemia. It is like a pre-cursor to diabetes. I also recently found out that I have Type II Diabetes now. I also have Hypothyroidism too.

Also, a lot of Gynocologist know about PCOS but the Endocrinologist are the hormone experts.

I have been to GYN doctors and I told them that I stopped having a mentral period and every time they would give me birth-control pills. I finally got frustrated and talked to a doctor and told him everyone kept giving my birth control pills to make me have a period and it was like having a band-aid put on the problem and not fixing it. I wanted to know what was wrong with me. I finally got my answer. He called it Stein-Leventhal Syndrome AKA PCOS.

Darlene

[cfillingim]

:confused:

I am from Hartford, AL. Its a small town about 20 mins from Dothan. I found out I have PCOS after I miscarried. Just wondering if there is anyone else near me that is coping with this. Also would like to know if anyone has had success in losing weight.

[Diva04]

Hey, I am in Montgomery, AL. And the weight loss is an uphill battle. My GYN suggested I see a reproductive endocrinologist. I went to the Kirklin Clinic at UAB in Bham. I am trying the drugs metformin and spironalactone. So far, my energy level is better, but minimal weight loss. I'm also trying a low glycemic index diet which is very difficult, but nothing else has worked.

[sealdri]

Hey everyone. I am originally from a small town in Maryland but moved to Huntsville last year. I'm now finishing up my schooling with Auburn. When finding a doctor to perform my required physical for school and my first women's doctor visit this summer, I came to find that I have PCOS. It's slowly sinking in on what this is really going to mean to me but right now the meds I have to take daily are spirolactone 25mg, metformin hcl 500mg, levothyroxine 25mg, and vit D3. I swore that I wouldn't become the old lady with a shoebox of meds that I need to take and it seems like its going to happen now... which sucks but I'm glad to know what I have instead of being in the dark. I hope finding this site will help others and myself as well.

[KMCarpeDiem]

I live in Mobile, AL.....just diagnosed recently :)

[MaddysMommy]

HEY LADIES!!! I am also from Huntsville. I was diagnosed in 2003 with PCOS and have struggled with my weight and infertility since. I found an AWESOME dr (Michael Conrad) over at Advanced OB/GYN in the Crestwood Professionals building. He has helped me overcome my infertility and I now have a beautiful 8 month old daughter.

Now I am looking for anyone who is interested in helping me acheive my weight loss goals and/or to just become great friends. I dont have any girlfriends in the area (my best friend moved to Florida) and every girl needs a girlfriend. If anyway is interested, please e-mail me.

Thanks!!
Amanda

[JenLovesHerPug]

I'm in the Montgomery area. Just moved here from Michigan.

[droolybaby]

Hi! I live in between B'ham and Oxford--we moved here from MI, too (3 yrs ago)! I am looking for a good endo, cause the one I found in B'ham retired. Anyone have any suggestions? I am finally facing what it means to have PCOS--my weight is out of control, and etc. etc. etc. I do not EVER go to websites like this and post...but I am really needing support from people who understand how it feels to have to work harder and differently than "normal" women to acheive weight loss.

[tweety]

I live in Fultondale and was just got my Dx. I have been ttc for 4 years and finally found a doctor that took an intrest in finding out why i wasn't concieving. My husband and I have one daughter and I know that I should be happy with her but we both want a son. I have heard some statistics and they terrify me. I really need somone to talk to becaue my husband just keeps saying "everyhting will be alright" and it really makes me feel like i am overreactting to this.

[jmdaugherty]

Hi everyone, my name is jessica and even though my husband and I are stationed in germany right now I am from Alabama and thought this would feel more at home for me! I am 21 years old and started my period when i was 12 and have been irregular since that day. I have gone up to 9 months without a period before and none of my doctors ever said anything about pcos. My mom who is a wonderful nurse back in bama started doing some reasearch for me and put all the things that were going wrong with me together and pretty much diagnosed me herself. I went to 3 different doctors and mentioned pcos and they all dismissed me because obviously they didnt think i knew wht i was talking about. when my husband and i got over here to germany i made myself an appointment with an amazing german specalist and she properly diagnosed me with pcos after 2 years of me telling my other doctors thats what i had.

I was a ballerina for 16 years and am now the biggest weight i have ever been i am so unhappy and never have any energy. i have put on so much weight it is depressing, i am getting horrible acne and and hair where it shouldnt be and i just want it all to go away. i feel so ugly and i just feel awful. im almsot ashamed to be writing this because there are millions of people out there with worse things than pcos and i shouldnt complain. but really thats about all i can do..

i have ovarian drilling set up for next week,i dont want to have to go through surgery but i want to be normal again! has anyone ever had this done? is there much pain afterward?we would also like to eventually get pregnant is that more possible after ovarian drilling? please help! my surgery is the 19 of november (next week) and i wouldlike to calm some fears before i go through with it. thank you so much, jessica.

[songbirdspirit]

Hello Ladies...It is wonderful to see u guys here. Sometimes with PCOS I have fealt like it is easy to see our symptoms as minimal and throw a pill at us and leave it at that! I had depression for so long attributed to PCOS, originally thats why I visited the DR. Sad but true I worked diligently to remove the excess hair and plucked and shaved everyday..thinking it was just my cross to bear..LOL I also have lost hair and that scared me pretty bad. I had horrible abdominal pain that made me worry I had cancer. So with all those symptoms I headed to the DR.
I have a great DR..Diana Dowdy at the center for Women in Madison AL. She found my moms cancer even though she had a negative test and she found my PCOS within the first visit. She is very very thorough and will explain every detail and discuss options with for your treatment. I just wanted to pass that on for your INFO in case you have been looking for a great DR.

Newly married less than one year
ME 37...MY Italian Hubby 40
I was diagnosed in August of 2009
Currently taking YAZ and Lexapro
Mother of two boys 12 and 6

**If you believe in healing The Dwelling Place church has healing rooms on Tuesday nights and they prayed for me and all abdominal pain has been gone completely for 2 months now. I believe in the POWER of PRAYER.

[love in my heart]

I live in mobile.

[love in my heart]

99 cakes did you find a dr? Dr. Corey Jacobs knows alot about pcos.

[writergrl]

I'm also in Huntsville, ladies. My name is Stephanie. I see Dr. Kakani at the Tennessee Valley OB/Gyn Associates in the Crestwood Medical towers. All the doctors in the practice are women. All great. She reffered me to Dr. Andrew Harper at Huntsville Reproductive medicine for PCOS now that I am TTC. I spent TOO many years without help, without a diagnoses, and without hope. I got it last year with my diagnoses & Dr. Harper. Send me an email if you need support, or if you just want to talk. I recently REALLY started working on my weight, & I have a blog at soulcysters.net as writergrl. I also recommend reading PCOS by Colette Harris with Dr. Adam Carey. GREAT book chock full of useful info. I too need all the help & support I can find! Love to all!