PCOS Soul Cysters Unite

DrAJ84

Hello all. I am trying to get together as many women with PCOS as possible to create a support network for our condition and discuss our battle with weight loss, infertility and body image issues. Please join me by "friending" me and other ladies who wish to be a part of the group. I am fairly new to the site although I have been working on weight and wellness for quite some time. As an icebreaker if you would like: talk about your goals, some of your successes, issues with medications, inspirational stories etc.

I persona,ly at my highest weight was 260 ( ahhhh ):explode: and I am now 219. I was diagnosed with PCOS in January and take BC, metformin and Byetta. My goal weight is 160-165 right now. I work in healthcare and enjoy cooking and danceworkouts (Zumba, bellydancing and pole dancing).I do not have any children yet but hope to wed and have some in the future with the help of a good reproductive emdocrinologist.

DrAJ84

Sorry for the bad typos, darn touch screen.

mikesnwgirl

I already have you on my friends, but if anyone els is a cyster and needs more friends feel free to add me.

blink1021

I was diagnosed with PCOS in September 2006 then a year later diagnosed with hypothyroidism. The strange thing is that I had my first child in 2003. The doctors say sometimes a pregnancy can bring these issues into light. My highest weight was 321 and right now am at 295 but it is a hard and has been a long road. I do not take any medication for PCOS but I do for the hypothyrodism. I know it is hard and frustrating especially when you see people dropping 9lbs in a week. Good luck.

SyKena

add me too!! I need all the help I can get lol...

courtneyheidemann

HI, I'm 26 and was diagnosed with PCOS 2 years ago. My first doctor was horrible and but on only metphormin and not clomid. She told me take this and lose weight and PCOS will go away. Well a year later nothing. I found a new doctor and he took me off Metphormin and put me on a baby aspirin a day and clomid. Currently I'm on round 4 or 200mg of clomid. Its a horrible struggle but I believe it will happen sometime. I've lost 12 pounds on my fitness pal and i love it. I know that losing weight will help but its no a guarantee that it will go away. Stay positive.

angiec1079

Hello! I am 31, and was diagnosed with PCOS about 4-5 years ago. I am currently taking metphormin and ortho try-cyclen. I have had a really hard time losing weight, and keeping it off.

menacingsprite

I was diagnosed with PCOS 10 years ago when I was 18. I'm currently taking 2000mg of Extended release Metformin (it helps not have the nasty side effects). I gave birth to my first child 5 years ago with the help of Metformin. I'm currently at my largest that I have ever been. Just joined the site about 2 days ago. But with having this disease/illness/syndrome so long I have figured out what works for my body, I just need to get it all working.

Hoping to be pregnant by the end of the year.

ladygloria

HI, I'm 26 and was diagnosed with PCOS 2 years ago. My first doctor was horrible and but on only metphormin and not clomid. She told me take this and lose weight and PCOS will go away. Well a year later nothing. I found a new doctor and he took me off Metphormin and put me on a baby aspirin a day and clomid. Currently I'm on round 4 or 200mg of clomid. Its a horrible struggle but I believe it will happen sometime. I've lost 12 pounds on my fitness pal and i love it. I know that losing weight will help but its no a guarantee that it will go away. Stay positive.

Why clomid? I am taking it now too, but only because trying to conceive. Metaformin made me very sick so I regulate PCOS with birth control. I did have one other med for excess hair growth, but I found it too much too keep taking for the little help it did. Oh, and yay me, I have hypothyroidism too. Woo! The good news is, I can still lose weight and so can you!

P.S. Always looking for friends with similar struggles. Add me.

kristin335

I was diagnosed with PCOS about 7 years ago, and placed on metformin and the BC pill. I went to three doctors, and they all pretty much told me the same thing. At the time I was about 20 lbs heavier than I am now, and after I lost some weight they took me off metformin..... I was also on Spironolactone which was an off-label use to help with the acne that was resistant to even birth control pills.
Up until recently, I was doing OK with the pill and maintaining a lower weight than when I was diagnosed (would still like to lose another 25 lbs), but a few months all my initial symptoms returned (acne, irregular cycles despite being on the pill, etc.). I'm sure I need to go back on metformin...
Does anyone else struggle with the acne as a result from increased hormones in PCOS? I know it sounds vain, but I'm almost 30 and just want clear skin! I've been to the dermatologist for microderms, chemical peels, photofacials, etc. They helped a bit, but it was all way too expensive for me to maintain. Another option is antibiotics, but I'd rather avoid that if possible at this point.
It's so nice to have support on here!

mheightchew

I as diagnosed with PCOS when I was 16. I didn't suffer any issues for a few years but recently found out I have cysts again and am really struggling with some pain issues. Yes, I have acne issues as well. Funny thing is, I din't in high school. I have tried proactive and every OTC out there I think, nothing works. Also, hypothyroid with 4 small, benign thyroid tumors. I would love to talk to people suffering with the same issues. Add me too!

DrAJ84

My dermatologist prescribed ziana. I did antibiotics with it for a bit but there is no way I was going to keep taking those for months. Ziana is a topical gel and i started off once a day then up to 2x per day as it can be drying. It did very well to clear hyperpigmentation and breakouts. My face is pretty clear now buy oh my if you had only seen it about 1-2 years ago i looked like a teen.

DrAJ84

I as diagnosed with PCOS when I was 16. I didn't suffer any issues for a few years but recently found out I have cysts again and am really struggling with some pain issues. Yes, I have acne issues as well. Funny thing is, I din't in high school. I have tried proactive and every OTC out there I think, nothing works. Also, hypothyroid with 4 small, benign thyroid tumors. I would love to talk to people suffering with the same issues. Add me too!

Saw your ticker and wow you lost 104.... good job. That is great especially with the medical things you are coping with. You should be proud of your hard work.

Curvy1taliana

I was diagnosed at the beginning of the year. This is a new thing for me. I am not trying to conceive (my son is 12) but I noticed a couple months of irregular periods and excessive hair growth. I had been lasering and mentioned my symptoms to my laser tech (she is an RN) and she said I should get my thyroid checked.

Long story short, went to my annuak Gyno exam and she checked the thyroid and also mentioned PCOS (I knew nothing about it). Thyroid was normal but my blood sugar was 101 and she sent me for ultrasound which confirmed early stage of PCOS.

I was not prescribed anything for it, just the pill and she told me to lose weight.

So here I am. At my heaviest, but now more motivated than ever.

Add me as a friend!

kbg100

Just wanted to let you know it IS possible. I was able to achieve a pregnancy on my 4th or 5th cycle of clomid. (11years ago). I now have 3 precious boys. Good luck !!!

kbg100

I was diagnosed with PCOS about 7 years ago, and placed on metformin and the BC pill. I went to three doctors, and they all pretty much told me the same thing. At the time I was about 20 lbs heavier than I am now, and after I lost some weight they took me off metformin..... I was also on Spironolactone which was an off-label use to help with the acne that was resistant to even birth control pills.
Up until recently, I was doing OK with the pill and maintaining a lower weight than when I was diagnosed (would still like to lose another 25 lbs), but a few months all my initial symptoms returned (acne, irregular cycles despite being on the pill, etc.). I'm sure I need to go back on metformin...
Does anyone else struggle with the acne as a result from increased hormones in PCOS? I know it sounds vain, but I'm almost 30 and just want clear skin! I've been to the dermatologist for microderms, chemical peels, photofacials, etc. They helped a bit, but it was all way too expensive for me to maintain. Another option is antibiotics, but I'd rather avoid that if possible at this point.




I am 35 and the acne I have now is worse than any I ever had as a teenager. So far I have not found anything that really helps with it. It took me awhile to realize it was PCOS related.
It's so nice to have support on here!

bebe3232

I was just recently diagnosed with PCOS. I've been put on the pill and spironolctone. Hoping the meds will help me with my symptoms. I am trying to take off this extra weight that struck me about 2 years ago along with the other symptoms of PCOS. Weight loss has been very slow so far. In my past attempts I actually put on more weight this time I am down 7 lbs and I have fought for every pound lost. I am praying it gets easier soon. I would love the support of other soul cysters on MFP

kelika71

I was dx'd when I was 24...I turn 40 next month. Ugh!
I used to be on BC but after multiple rounds of fertility stuff, it stopped working for me. Fertility stuff didn't work either, no kids. I've had to go through multiple surgeries, last one in 2006 sealed my fate of ever having kids (endo. ablation). Things still aren't going the greatest for me and I'm doing a last resort of Depo-Provera before I have to face the inevitable (hysterectomy).

I was dx'd with Type 2 last year, even though I was on Metformin for year. Thanks to MFP, I've got things in order and my numbers are great (in normal ranges). While I don't have to be on the Metformin, I choose to in order to play it safe, so to speak.

lisateachawa

I too have PCOS and was diagnosed 10 years ago. I was on Metformin, and my new doctor took me off of in this year. Be careful when you are on it for a long time - you will have a B vitamin deficency. I now have to take medicine to counter act that.
I also have hyperthyroidism with Hashimoto's disease. I am insulin resistant, and have fibromyalgia. Lots of things wrong with me - but I keep trucking along. I was losing weight - but with my med change - I am struggling. I have not lost anything for 3 months. It is soooooo frustrating. I am still exercising and watching my calories, but the weight is stuck on me. I completely understand what it is like because I am living it, too. Feel free to friend me. :flowerforyou:

skyls

Hi! I was dx with PCOS when I was 23. I also have endometriosis, and the dr's basically said it would be a miracle if I could have kids with no intervention like IVF. It took us 3 years to get pregnant with my son. I had lost 50 lbs, and was at my lowest weight ever, and was able to not take metformin anymore. Then 3 years later, I got pg with my daughter pretty much instantly.

Currently having a hard time losing. I am exercising and trying to eat as good as possible and nothing! I am on metformin 2000 mgs a day, extended release. I also take fish oil 3 times a day, and caltrate because I am low in vitamin D.

Acne for me is a problem if I am not on birth control. Otherwise with taking Yaz I have been able to keep it at bay.

Feel free to add me!

lisateachawa

I was dx'd when I was 24...I turn 40 next month. Ugh!
I used to be on BC but after multiple rounds of fertility stuff, it stopped working for me. Fertility stuff didn't work either, no kids. I've had to go through multiple surgeries, last one in 2006 sealed my fate of ever having kids (endo. ablation). Things still aren't going the greatest for me and I'm doing a last resort of Depo-Provera before I have to face the inevitable (hysterectomy).

I was dx'd with Type 2 last year, even though I was on Metformin for year. Thanks to MFP, I've got things in order and my numbers are great (in normal ranges). While I don't have to be on the Metformin, I choose to in order to play it safe, so to speak.

I had multiple cysts and had to have several surgeries and they eventually made me have a hysterectomy.

lisateachawa

Hi! I was dx with PCOS when I was 23. I also have endometriosis, and the dr's basically said it would be a miracle if I could have kids with no intervention like IVF. It took us 3 years to get pregnant with my son. I had lost 50 lbs, and was at my lowest weight ever, and was able to not take metformin anymore. Then 3 years later, I got pg with my daughter pretty much instantly.

Currently having a hard time losing. I am exercising and trying to eat as good as possible and nothing! I am on metformin 2000 mgs a day, extended release. I also take fish oil 3 times a day, and caltrate because I am low in vitamin D.

Acne for me is a problem if I am not on birth control. Otherwise with taking Yaz I have been able to keep it at bay.

Feel free to add me!

I have endometriosis too. I also take fish oil - and I am having a difficult time losing also. Would love some support with someone who understands

kristin335

Thank you!! I will definitely try Ziana

AmeChops

Heya, I was diagnosed with PCOS a few years ago (I was about 24/25) although I now know all the cr4p I had when I was 12-15 was probably down to that. Anyway I had pretty much doubled in weight over 6 years (8 stone to 15.7 at my heaviest) and I'm now on a mission to lose those yukky wobbly bits and get happy again :-))

After attempting every diet under the sun and several exercise regimes my doctor has given me Xenical (which I am using with extreme caution!!) and I have managed to drop 2 stone this year.

With the weight loss though I am noticing that my symptoms are getting worse...I really hope they don't go back to what they were 10 odd years ago :-((

DrAJ84

Thank you!! I will definitely try Ziana

Go online too, a lot of the time the company has coupons you can use when you go to get it at the pharmacy. My doctor often gave me coupons and sample tubes. I wish I had my before and after photos to post, not sure where they are but in about 1 month it cleared a lot.

Zappa5

I was diagnosed with PCOS about 11 years ago. I've always been overweight and when my husband and I decided to star our family I was at my highest ever of 265. When we didn't conceive in 6 months my doctor told me to lose weight and I would get pregnant. Well, I lost 110 lbs in a little over a year and when I still didn't conceive my doctor said, "You lost to much weight and your body is in shock." At that point I switched doctors. My new doctor diagnosed me with PCOS and put me on metformin. We eventually moved on to a reproductive endocrinologist but after a few years of fertility treatments we did conceive twin boys. Unfortunately my little boys were born too early and died in my arms. From that point on I started gaining the weight back that I had lost.

Happily, 4 years ago I did give birth to a healthy baby girl and last year a healthy baby boy, both with the help of fertility treatments. Now that my family is complete and my youngest is almost 1 I find myself motivated to get back in shape and work toward a healthier lifestyle for me and my family. I have a long road ahead of me (90lbs), but I know I can do it and I hope I will make some friends here along the way.

murphysraven

I was diagnosed 2 years ago although I've had the symptoms for much longer than that. I've always been the heavy girl and I know a lot of my weight is my fault. Too much fast/processed food and too little exercise. I yo-yod on a bunch of different diets and recently decided to see a nutritionist to help with my eating plan. So far I've lost about 13 lbs in about a month and my weightloss has stabalized to a 1-2 lb drop per week.

My blog is open and has some of the advice my nutritionist sent me under the principles of healthy eating sections. My plan is pretty simple. I eat 3x a day with 2 additional healthy snacks. I cut out almost all processed foods and all fake sugars. All my meals and snacks have a small amount of protein in them to help with blood sugar control and I watch my portions. I don't really calorie count, I just use MFP tracking as a sort of guideline. I am working on eating healthy whole food, my portions and when I eat. As well as trying to exercise more often, even if it's just walking 45-60 min a day.

I also take 1000mg of metformin a day and BC pills to help with my PCOS symptoms. I've got about 100lbs total to lose and my goal is to be 150 or less within the next 2 years.

I would love to have other pcos women friends to share strugles and success with.

ladygloria

Zappa, I can't begin to imagine such loss and applaud your spirit!

fitfreshfierce

I'm 16 and was actually just diagnosed earlier today. I'm not on anything right now, but I have to go back to the doctor next week to see the plan of action.I'm 5'7 and at my highest weight right now, which is 155. It's truly inspiring to see all of your success stories as far as having kids. That was my first fear when I found out. I have definitely put on some weight recently, I was around 125 just two years ago. I've attempted every diet in the book, but now I'm just getting down to basics: healthy diet and exercise. I'll be sure to come to you guys if I have any questions!

mialsya

I was diagnosed in 2000. Every pill they put me on (and there were a lot) made me sick or left me unable to lead a normal life (due to constant doctor's appointment for blood tests and ultrasounds and such). I'm now 31, almost done with college (FINALLY!) and my husband and I would like to start having children before I turn 35. I went for 4 years without a period followed by 4 years of constant bleeding and now I am always either spotting or bleeding. BC pills do nothing for my cycle so I just deal with it and make sure I am always wearing a pad. My heaviest documented weight was 293 and I am down 20lbs from that now. I am trying to lose weigh for me, but if it helps my PCOS issues, that would be great too. Feel free to add me.

courtneyheidemann

I am also trying to have kids. I was on metformin made me really sick. I rarely get a menstrual cycle, but this last month i had one so i'm hoping that is good news. My doctor says if i dont ovulate on this next round of clomid he will be sending me to the infertility doctor. I'm very scared i'll never be able to have children and I want to be a mom more than anything.