My Right Ovary is a Nagging Biatch
I went back to the doctor last week to follow up on my blood test and to see what the deal is with my cycle (or lack thereof). I haven’t written about it until now because frankly, I’m a little miffed. My doctor totally blew me (and my concerns) off. The testosterone levels were lower this time (yay!) and while they were still higher than normal, they weren’t high enough (this time) to cause concern. Apparently, if my doctor had his way, that would be the end of it. Unfortunately for him, he is dealing with me and in my world, seven months with no period is cause for concern whether or not my testosterone levels are abnormal.
He looked at me like I was insane when he came into the exam room (because clearly he would have called me if my test results were concerning). When I asked him if an ultrasound would be a good next move, I got a barely concealed eye-roll. When I mentioned that I had been looking up my symptoms on the internet, I got a full-on eye-roll. He made me feel like I was “crazy-hypochondriac-lady,” one step away from taking to my bed with a case of the vapours. Disappointing, considering that he has been my doctor for 8 years and should really know me better (and want to take better care of me) than that.
I am not happy.
He did tell me that it might be a good idea to take some progesterone to jump start a period. According to him, if the progesterone forces a period, I’m good and if it doesn’t, we try to figure out why. I guess that’s a sound plan. Except that the right side of my pelvis is hurting and even if the progesterone does start my period, I’m still not going to be satisfied that everything is okay. (I would have mentioned it to the doctor but I was feeling quite stupid by this point. Now, of course, I feel stupid for feeling too stupid to mention it. Stupid.)
While I obviously agree that going on seven months with no period is a concern or I wouldn’t have seen a doctor about it in the first place, there is a big part of me that can’t quite bring herself to purposely bring on a period. I mean, really. Inviting a period, on purpose, is akin to inviting your husband’s mistress to go shopping with you and then buying her some lunch. I’m pretty sure that I’d rather gouge my eyes out with a plastic spoon than deliberately interrupt the vacation my period has gone on.
Part of me thinks that maybe I’m making a big deal out of nothing. What kind of woman is anything but elated at a seven month absence of pesky aunt flo? I’m not particularly excited about making another appearance at my doctor’s office either, especially knowing that I’ll probably leave there feeling like I wasted his time with my silly concerns. He probably thinks I’m just a bored housewife with nothing better to do than come up with mysterious ailments.
Except that along with my seven month “vacation,” I have a dull ache in my pelvis, along with a mysterious weight-gain. I know inside that I am not making this up. Something is wrong. And I’m angry that my doctor isn’t taking me seriously.
What to do, what to do? Take the progesterone and then head in to the doctor? Forego the progesterone and demand the ultrasound I wanted in the first place? Find a hobby and drop the whole thing? I think I’d pick option #3 if my right ovary wasn’t screaming at me to stop being intimidated by my doctor and start taking my health seriously.
What would you do if you were me?
I can see your drs reasoning for kick-starting flo but there’s an underlying cause that you won’t be treating as he hasn’t gotten to the bottom of the problem. Go back in there and get that ultrasound and make him take your health seriously.
obviously he isnt too concerned. which concerns me. maybe get a second opinion. i know thats alot of crap to deal with switching and all. but maybe someone else can take time for you. which is most important!
WakeGraces last blog post..ya ever.
My only piece of advice is if you’re seeing a doctor that makes you feel like you’re bothering him with your “pesky concerns” is to see another doctor.
Marinkas last blog post..You Think You Know Someone, Part Whatever
I would definitely try to see another doctor and get another opinion. I hate doctors like this. I had one a while back that treated me like this over asking questions about vaccines for my son. Grrrr.
Don’t let him shame you into doing (or not doing) something you don’t feel comfortable with.
Mrs. B.s last blog post..Daily Update, 9-26-08
I would find a new doctor.
Last year, I had a horrible pain in my hip and “groin” area. I couldn’t sleep, I couldn’t sit in a chair, it was just this nagging, sharp, nasty pain. I went to my doctor off and on for SIX weeks. All he kept saying to do was take Ibuprofen! What? Really? Like every six hours, for forever?!!!
I decided to get a second opinion. I got a thorough exam, then the new doctor told me that I obviously had a pinched nerve, gave me a prednisone shot and I was out of there. Pain free.
Momo Falis last blog post..Everybody Cut, Everybody Cut…
I agree with the other commenters…you need a new doctor. His dismissiveness of your concerns is inexcusable.
manager moms last blog post..A Little Help Please…
Is it the OB/GYN that is dissing you or your family medicine doctor? In any case…. Get thee to a new doctor stat! I am pretty sure we live in the same city, email me and I can get you the info of a Doctor I found really quite good and his clinic is still accepting patients and if you tell him what is going on he will totally get you on the right path. The man takes no shit health wise.
And he is cute.
Sleepynitas last blog post..Just Like Seinfeld: A Post About Nothing
I’d be demanding an ultrasound and then be finding myself a new doctor…
call me. i know all about not having aunt flo around. granted, it took years to get a diagnosis on what the hell was wrong with me. at times, the pain was so bad, i thought i was going to die. cysts are a very serious thing…that’s what it sounds like to me but there are a number of things it could be.
I had a similar problem. My gynecologist said that she felt I had PCOS or Poly Cystic Ovarian Syndrome. She asked if I wanted my period and gave me Provera to start it each month.
Look into PCOS and see if any of those symptoms match.
=)
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