brightotter21 said:...so, has anyone actually tried to speed up their cycle? Like, trying to get it to show up a few days early??
Yeah—last summer, a close friend of mine managed to shift her cycle forward (she was visiting her boyfriend since they hadn't seen each other in ages), though obviously, she used birth control pills to do it. I haven't the slightest clue how she timed everything perfectly, but I do know she cleared it with her doctor first.
Jesse Long2 said:Can we all just agree that the healthcare situation here is basically a mirror image of what you see in places like Mexico or Brazil?
Generally speaking, I can't speak for everyone since I don't know the full scope, but based on certain regions and the experiences shared by other patients in those areas, I’d say the US is perhaps a step or two ahead of Canada (though I couldn't say for sure about Mexico). I can also personally attest—from my own experience—to how much things can vary; for instance, a major medical center like the Mayo Clinic is a world apart from some of the smaller local hospitals you might find elsewhere—and in this case, the difference is quite stark.
Regardless, when we are talking about matters as grave as HIV and needle safety, I honestly think any further debate is somewhat redundant. It seems far more likely that an alien would show up to serenade you outside your window than for someone to actually contract HIV from a needle in one of our hospitals or anywhere else in the world.
Come on, people—please, let’s not go overboard talking about extreme hospital negligence. Why all this paranoia? Every profession has its share of mistakes, but to lump general negligence together with HIV risks in hospitals and other medical centers in the same breath? Someone mentioned examples like Africa, Libya 🤦 and another place 🤦, but does anyone actually realize how things used to be handled there—given the conditions (I mean, seriously, Africa!)—and how it still remains that way in certain regions? After more than twenty years, we have mandatory testing, strict protocols, standardized procedures, and, of course, the absolute requirement for sterilized equipment used on patients. Since we are specifically discussing needles here, I personally haven't experienced a single instance where a nurse used anything that didn't come straight from a sealed, sterile package—and thank God for that, because I've been poked quite a few times, including some rather intense sessions with thick needles during spinal taps. I'm trying to say that they really do pay attention to these things. As for other reusable instruments, top-tier, mandatory sterilization processes are the standard.
Given how much time has passed since the discovery of HIV/AIDS and those various instances of negligence (often due to ignorance) in the past, no doctor today can afford to be so careless as to jeopardize someone's health or life over such stupidity. You might see sporadic cases globally, but it is incredibly rare. Just look at what happened to those medical professionals; they paid dearly for their mistakes, and some even lost their lives.
wearyranger10 said:..well, there you have it, folks... three whole months of our lives completely wasted because of one absolute idiot... thankfully we didn't end up getting sick in the process.. THANKS TO EVERYONE. Best regards
Honestly, I can't even tell you how happy I am for you guys—though at the same time, I feel terrible that you had to go through all that drama, all because of one total moron! What an absolute disaster; someone really ought to teach that person a lesson.😠
Come on, just tell me—did they actually run a PAP test? Or was it just an ultrasound?
Based on what you’ve described regarding your cycles and current treatment—it really sounds like you might be dealing with PCOS. Has anyone ever actually given you a formal diagnosis through an ultrasound or specific hormone panels? If not, I’d strongly suggest getting your hormone levels checked and tracking your ovulation (assuming you're even ovulating right now). PCOS is likely the culprit behind those long cycles, irregular periods, and the general difficulty with conception; some women struggle for ages despite being on medication. You should probably head over to the PCOS discussion thread where people can give you more specific insights 🙂 But please, get checked out by a doctor first to confirm that diagnosis. And honestly, it wouldn't hurt to get a second opinion from another OB-GYN 👍
It looks like they aren't honoring special characters anymore 😢 So, I was wondering—could we at least try Silver!? Just one exclamation point instead of that second "r"... 🙂 I mean, everyone else seems to have them If that’s out of the question, maybe this would work: Silvery?
Silvery should be fine. You might want to reach out to ZgSash.
She doesn't actually have to tell the second doctor about the first visit—I mean, she can certainly mention she was in for a checkup, but there's absolutely no obligation to bring up what that previous physician said. It might be better to see what this new one thinks first. Is she planning to head to a private practice or just use her regular insurance provider? As far as the stress aspect goes—it definitely matters, especially regarding how it impacts a woman's cycle. Everything is interconnected, believe me; I can still feel the lingering effects of stress on my own skin. Stress is arguably the most pervasive ailment in modern society, and it’s incredibly easy for it to throw a cycle out of whack and cause a period to be late. Honestly, it messes with your hormones and pretty much everything else. My own gynecologist told me that stress was the primary culprit behind my current issues—specifically some complications with my ovaries and my cycle.
I just hope she manages to get to a different specialist as soon as possible. And she really needs to make sure she finds a decent gynecologist—someone who will perform a thorough exam and actually sit down to talk to her like a human being. 🙂
Don't mention it, wearyranger10—but you absolutely HAVE to keep us posted on what that second OB-GYN says and what the final diagnosis turns out to be. And, uh... I'd suggest making sure they perform a complete, top-to-bottom exam—everything from the ultrasound and Pap smear to four different swabs if necessary, plus a manual check—just to be safe! GOOD LUCK 🙂
Bulimia has crossed my mind as well—especially after you mentioned how someone might rush home from college or practice just to purge, maybe two or three times a day. As for those sores, I'm really not sure. But if we're talking about something contagious, it doesn't necessarily have to manifest on another person immediately.
Typically, once you stop taking the medication, your cycles tend to stabilize for a little while—but then, if you’re dealing with PCOS, things eventually drift back into chaos again.
Mine aren't either—I used to have regular cycles, and while they've somehow returned to normal without any intervention (call it a miracle, I guess), I still officially have PCOS—having gone through two ultrasounds in just three months. It’s classified as a syndrome rather than a disease, which makes things a bit more complicated when you're trying to conceive—though, honestly, it varies wildly from person to person. You can technically have perfectly regular periods and still deal with PCOS; conversely, you might have a cycle but not actually be ovulating. If I were you, I'd get your hormones checked—for instance, my LH levels (luteinizing hormone) are completely off, and since that's what governs the whole process and those ovarian follicles, it's a big deal. I’ll probably end up needing to go on birth control, which feels like just masking the underlying issue—which, frankly, is already a bit exhausting to deal with—but I suppose it's necessary until I find a proper alternative solution.
Regarding the infection and the urinary issues, you really need to get swabs done—a Pap smear alone won't give you the full picture.
amberbear94 said:From a gynecological standpoint, everything is fine—I had a pelvic ultrasound and a Pap smear done about a year ago. I was told that everything looks okay, except for my right ovary, which is polycystic.
That bolded part is your answer! PCOS typically involves extended cycles (which are frequently anovulatory). My own cycle used to run long—usually around 33 or 34 days, which is longer than average—but there was never anything visible on my ovaries until suddenly, bam, my period is 46 days late (and I know for a fact I'm not pregnant). I went in for a checkup and, lo and behold—polycystic ovaries (one more pronounced than the other). This is all standard stuff with PCOS, so my advice would be to get a full hormone panel done to see which specific hormone is acting up. Based on those results, your doctor will determine the next steps: birth control, medication to induce menstruation, and so on.🙂
A lot can change in the year since your last Pap smear. You didn't mention getting any swabs. Have you actually tested for: aerobes and anaerobes, Chlamydia, HPV, mycoplasma, or ureaplasma? (The latter can be quite tricky and sometimes mimics bladder issues). A Pap smear won't pinpoint exactly which of those little organisms you might be dealing with, plus it's been a whole year. Regardless, you should get those tests done; otherwise, it isn't a truly complete gynecological exam, just a basic Pap and ultrasound. Get everything cleared up so they can give you the right treatment based on the cultures, but honestly, regarding the delayed period, I am fairly certain it’s due to some kind of hormonal imbalance, given that you have a polycystic ovary, which directly impacts your cycle.
Casey Palmer5 said:I just don't quite grasp why you're getting so worked up about someone else's concern...
Personally, I find it rather wonderful—perhaps even necessary—to see someone actually showing concern and wanting to lend a hand. It feels like a fundamental part of being human, I suppose; especially when health is at stake, which is often how real friendships are forged and tested.
Joseph Morris5 said:Look, I’ll talk to her again—today or tomorrow, whenever I can actually catch her. It isn't even a matter of whether she'd prefer seeing some doctor over back in Canada—if only it were that simple. She just won't go, won't listen... she has this stubborn streak that, frankly, I can't deal with right now—especially after she spent half the day throwing up. Honestly, it’s enough to make me lose my temper.
Have you guys thought about sitting down with her parents? Just letting them know everything she's actually going through?
I’m actually curious now—what exactly is this diagnosis? I find it hard to believe such a thing even exists. wearyranger10, please, just tell us what it is so we aren't left guessing! A colleague of mine—who only has one ovary and deals with a whole laundry list of uterine issues—actually managed to get pregnant after seven years of trying. People kept telling her it probably wouldn't happen; some were incredibly supportive, though, and with the help of some truly wonderful specialists (and, of course, her own sheer willpower), she reached her goal. It’s just frustrating because nobody ever had the decency to be upfront and say, "Look, you likely won't have children," or even, "If you do conceive, both you and the baby might be at risk." 😕 I mean, who are these people to make those kinds of definitive claims? Personally, I deal with PCOS, and I’m fully aware that getting pregnant might be a bit more of an uphill battle for me—I'll probably need some kind of hormonal stimulation or something. But honestly, God forbid I would ever just give up and shut the door on the whole idea. If I have to walk from specialist to specialist, work on myself to the absolute limit, and basically become a PhD in my own medical case, then that's what I'll do. I am NEVER giving up, and I certainly won't stop just because of the single "opinion" of some insensitive charlatan acting like a gynecologist. They seem to love scaring off young students; it’s almost like they target them specifically. I highly doubt any decent doctor would ever say something that blunt to their own daughter or a close friend.
Maybe try giving her a bit more info regarding potential illnesses and what those symptoms could actually signify—perhaps that’ll make her reconsider and finally see a doctor. It sounds a bit foolish, I know, but there are definitely people who don't really grasp the gravity of things until they're truly spooked, and only then do they head to the clinic. Personally, I don't find this funny at all; playing around with one's health like this is reckless. Sure, there are doctors everywhere, but that isn't an excuse to neglect your well-being by refusing to seek professional help. Taking xy tablets based on guesswork is a serious matter, and she really ought to stop doing that. If this first approach doesn't work, the next time she starts vomiting, just call 911. They are required to evaluate every patient and direct them to the appropriate facility if necessary (and I am fairly certain that will be required).
Edit: I had a stubborn grandfather in my family—honestly, you wouldn't believe the stunts he pulled. He refused to ever step foot in a doctor's office, even when he had fluid leaking from his legs and swelling around his heart... he was literally dying. I don't want to dwell on it too much, but we eventually called the paramedics. The first time, he refused to go and threw a massive scene—he actually chased the medics away. But the second time, when he felt weak (and was vomiting), the emergency crew arrived, and with our help, we managed to get him taken in.
wearyranger10, any updates on your end? Please, give us something to work with here—did you actually manage to convince her to see a real, licensed gynecologist instead of whatever she's doing now? I'm assuming you've caught up on everything we've been discussing 🙂 .