PCOS: looking for a GP, Melbourne, Please help me!
EDIT: 03/01/12
I'm updating this to let everyone know that I've decided to go to the Jean Hailey clinic in Clayton. A person on Live Journal recc'd the clinic. They have a PCOS program and all the specialists are on site (endocrinologist, gyno, psychologist, dietician, although they don't specifically do fertility stuff, which is fine by me, as I want to finish uni/get my doctorate before any decisions get made).
The clinic have GP's, which is great, since I can see a GP and get a referral made from that initial assessment session, without having to gamble on a random local GP.
I booked today, and my first appt is on the 25th of Jan, which was sooner than I was expecting, but I guess there could have been a cancellation due to it being australia day week.
If anyone would like info on the clinic, you can look here http://www.managingpcos.org.au/
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Hello all,
This is my introductory post, and I'm really hoping someone here can help me with my problem. I'm a 31 years old woman who needs medical help in relation to PCOS and Insulin Resistance Syndrome.
I'm currently looking for a GP in the Footscray /Yarraville /Spotswood /Seddon /Kingsville /Kensington areas. I moved suburbs from Thornbury to West Footscray early 2011 and haven't had any luck with the local GP's that I've tried. They've been the "in and out as quick as possible" types and it's put me off seeking further treatment.
In 2010 I was on the verge of a PCOS diagnosis, having the internal ultra sound. I was seeing a Nephrology Specialist for Insulin Resistance Syndrome. Due to some mix up with my blood tests, she called the pathology clinic for my results and they sent her everything, including the internal ultra sound results. She told me I had PCOS, but that I had to speak to my GP and organise to see a GYN and an endocrinologist.
My GP had at that time left the clinic I was attending (my second GP in nine months at the same clinic - perhaps final year med students doing rounds?) and I was experiencing a heavy study load at uni, and it was -really easy- to let it all slide and keep sliding until it was like a year later. I've been steadily ignoring the knowledge in the back of my mind for a long while, and am currently feeling strong and able to tackle it. The problem is, I have had pretty bad experiences with GP's in the past. And it is likely that, given all this new-found momentum to get to the bottom of this, a shoddy GP can de-rail me and it might be another six months before I screw myself up to seeing another one.
I am seeking a dedicated women's health GP with knowledge of PCOS and a successful treatment record. I am not seeking to conceive at the moment but I really need to start treatment for the PCOS as soon as I can.
The various health issues that I struggle with are
*irregular periods. It has been over 11 months since I've had one. I'm not currently taking the pill.
*long term depression. I've been taking effexor 150 daily for 6 years. Before that I was on aropax for about 5 years. I've undergone intensive cognitive behavioral therapy at Melb Uni psychology clinic and have had wonderful results
*Insulin resistance syndrome. diagnosed in late 2009. Early on had great results in a low GI diet and restricted eating times, but have since "fell off the wagon".
*abdominal obesity. general discomfort from having all my excess weight around my middle.
*high blood pressure/heart disease. This is associated with the obesity and IRS. currently taking medication.
*high cholesterol. currently taking medication. Was taking fish oil and linseed oil supplements, but not at the moment
*hirsuitism. I've grown excessive facial and body hair since puberty without knowing why. At first I put it down to my racial heritage, and it's only been the last 12 months or so in which I've started to realise it is a side-effect of wacky hormone levels and not something I should hate myself for.
*99% chance of PCOS that needs diagnosed and long-term treatment.
There are assorted other things: vitamin D deficiency, for example, but the above things are, for the most part, the issues I need help with.
Also, I guess it is not the best time of year to be posting, since a lot of people are away on holidays, but I feel such a need to keep this momentum going, or else I'll lose my courage.
I should mention that I have searched the forums for this issue (GP in Melbourne for women's health), but the suggestions from previous posts were CBD located. I'm hoping to find somewhere in the Western Suburbs.
With many, many thanks,
LobaXX
