finally ready to end this long rough, journey

Special Issues PCOS (Polycystic Ovarian Syndrome)
#1

As i posted once before, I was diagnosed with PCOS at 16 after years of hair problems. The combination of metformin xr and spironolactone for years (I’ll be 25 in a month) has made a tremendous difference with the hair growth i had on my face/neck and the ridiculously fast and super course growth on my legs, but im still not normal.

This disease can be so crippling in how you approach relationships and just everyday life. I have devoted so much worry, time and heartache to this problem that I hide to everyone but my family. I am ready to get treatments and have read and heard that insurance will cover electrolysis. I called my insurance company, blue cross blue shield standard, and they said i needed a diagnosis code and a treatment code then they would analyze if it would be covered. My problem is that i dont know any place in washington DC that is a reliable electrologist that would accept my insurance. Also, since i want my legs/bikini line done in addition to my face, is electrolysis realistic with that large an area. I dont have a lot of money to spend, but i want this problem fixed once and for all and im prepared to make it happen. Lastly, is there something i can do to influence whether or not insurance helps pay for my face and legs since this is a medical condition? Im just hoping beyond hope that insurance can really help me end this painful long journey.

Can anyone give me advice? I’d be really grateful!

#2

I think your doctor would have to really be involved with you as you go back and forth with the insurance company. It’s worth a try, but don’t hold your breath. They might give you a big go around and your very busy doctor may not be able to sustain a “fight” with the insurance company. I’d like to hear from other PCOS’ers. I am not an expert on this, but have picked up jibs and jabs on this discussion board. Do a search on this site for ‘insurance’ and learn more.

Facial hair removal may be paid for, but I say this with little hope. Legs, bikini line - definitely no. Limited funds- you will have to work this out for yourself. Take on a second job perhaps?

I would think a good plan would be, electrolysis for your facial hair and laser hair reduction for your bikini area and legs. You need dark, dense, coarse hair on light skin to be considered a good candidate for laser.

I cannot instill hope for you about insurance paying for your legs. It’s hard enough to fight for your facial hair removal let alone your legs. I think you are going to have to rely on yourself and plan on how you will earn your way through this. It has been done before, but I can’t tell you that it was easy and that all insurance companies cooperate in the end. A few of my PCOS clients tried and only became frustrated and gave up the fight.

All you can do is call and ask your insurance provider or see if your doctor will partner with you on this. The problem is, insurance doesn’t pay for cosmetic procedures and hair removal is considered a cosmetic endeavor.

Dee

#3

Thanks, Dee!

I will try to continue the fight for my face treatments. Unfortunately, the great endocrinologist i have seen for a decade passed away this year. I hope his replacement is just as good!

When i was 15, i tried 6 laser treatments on my face. They made no difference. Only the medicine regimine has made any difference at all. I tried one more treatment at 22 since my dermatologist at the time offered one free session because she felt bad that the 6 treatments at that younger age made no difference. That one didnt make a very big change for me. I still have growth i shave everyday–

My full time job requires insane hours with pretty good pay, but I dont have $10,000 in an account to spend and i have no chance for a 2nd job. This is so important i can try to work it out with a payment plan or something, but Im nervous to go the laser route on my legs and have no real results. Since ive been on my medicine for so long, do you think ill see better results for my legs?

#4

Yes, I do IIIIFFFF you choose the proper laser with a laser specialist that is highly experienced AAANNNNDDD if you have the dark, dense, coarse hair on your legs. All lasers are not created equal and neither are the people wielding the laser wand.

What kind of laser was used on your face?

Electrolysis is pay as you go. Focus on your face only. Can you travel to Frederick, Mayland for electrolysis? The person I’m thinking about would serve you well. I don’t know any D.C electrologists. Can anyone help out here?

#5

I think im supposed to be the ideal client for laser, im fair with super dark/thick hair on my chin/legs.

I can definately travel, especially if he/she is open on saturdays. If not, ill find a way to work a time out.

Thanks again for your help

#6

i forgot to add that unfortunately i have no idea what laser was used on my face, I only remember that is was at my dermatologist’s office and that it was on a very high level towards the end, they hoped that would help.

#7

Great!

Here is her website:

http://www.electrolysisfrederick.com/about.html

#8

I already emailed to set it up! Thanks so much!

#9

You are very welcome. I wish you all the best, kate.