Where are my PCOS Cysters at?

StephieK74

Hi Friends!
If you are reading this, it is either because you are all too familiar with struggling with PCOS or you are like... what the heck is PCOS?
In a nutshell, PCOS or PCOD (Polycystic Ovarian Syndrome of Disorder) is a metabolic disorder that affects everything, I mean everything in your body. There is no known cause and only "symptom treatments"... It is characterized by insulin resistance in a lot of cases, (and many think is in the family of diabetes) and wreaks havoc on your hormonal, endocrine, cardiovascular health, mental health, and body image... just to name a few. Painful cysts on the ovaries and infertility are some of the common symptoms. Many people end up developing type II diabetes.
Ok... if you are a guy reading this you have probably already freaked out and checked out, but if you have made it this far, good for you because odds are someone special female in your life may eventually be affected by this. It's not fun, and I say just flat out not fair! Meh... so many people are fighting something... this is just ours to battle at the moment. So as I pick up my cross to carry it... I would be more than happy to be an accountability partner, or just plain ear to vent to for you.
I was diagnosed with PCOS 17 years ago, and I don't feel like we know that much more about it since then. I have read a lot of nutritional and diet data on it, and it seems the only thing out of everything I've tried is really cutting sugar, all kinds.
I have to admit, I have been one of those on again off again kind of people. I too get frustrated and seek comfort food and easy go-to's, especially working full time and going to school full time on top of family and church obligations. Whew! Now... sneaking exercise and planning healthy meals on top of that? Whaaaaaaat? That's why I'm here... I need you too! I need motivation, encouragement, ideas and insight, and accountability for sure.
I have to say that I am frustrated right this minute and could use someone to empathize with. I had kidney stones for the first time about three weeks ago (I'm too young for this mess! LOL!). At that point I totally cut out all sodas and sugary drinks including my favorite addiction, sweet tea. I started walking/jogging and biking this week... and have felt more energy somewhat in comparison to that constant chronic fatigue, just no weight loss-yet.
When I was diagnosed by a reproductive endocrinologist all he told me was that I needed to join a support group. I was like... "What, PCOS Sisters R' Us" or something? He said No, you need to find a group like Jenny Craig or Weight Watchers because your body is going to fight everything that you do. I left deflated, glad I had a diagnosis to research, but deflated. So I began my own research. However, self-discipline is a whole different issue. A few years later I'm trying to find something that works for me. For years I have ignored all of my research, maybe felt sorry for myself because it is so much harder for us, but I'm determined to get back into it.
Unfortunately, all of the reading and research seems to point to the fact that no sugar and sweeteners are key for PCOS. My aim at this point is to research more, just move more and start somewhere. Intermittent fasting and fasting seems to work really well. I did that and lost 10 pounds in a week, but then wasn't consistent after because I got diagnosed with Melanoma and had to have surgery. So here I am, healed and trying to jump back on.
Please reach out if you need anything, I'll be glad to walk this journey with you, share anything I learn, look forward to your knowledge and insight, or again just be someone to vent to... no matter how long or short of a time we decide to do this thing, now or in the future...