PCOS Soul Cysters Unite

kimberbucket82

I am so glad to have found this forum of Soul Cysters.j It's nice to hear that others understand what you're going through. I have never had normal periods, and always thought something was wrong, but it wasn't until I got married, and wanted children before I started to look into it. In late September of last year my Doctor put me on Spironolactone through the beginning of January. I was told then it was for higher testosterone, but at that point I wasn't given a diagnosis for anything. I saw a different Doctor and was then put on Metroxyprogesterone, because I wasn't getting a period, so they wanted to see if that would give me a boost. In March I was sent to yet another Doctor, and they did more testing to find out if I had PCOS. It was determined through an ultrasound that I indeed had it, and that my ovaries were covered in cysts. I took the Metformin in March through the beginning of May, and since I still wasn't ovulating, she put me on Clomid. I was taking ovulation tests every morning, and still not finding one single positive result. I take the Clomid on day 5 of my cycle which I get from the Metroxyprogestrone, and I take the Clomid for 5 days. I recently saw my Doctor on July 13th, and she told me to call her when I get my cycle this time, so she can set up an ultrasound to see if my follicles are getting big enough. She doesn't want to up my dose of the Clomid until at least after 3 months. I'm hopeful that things will start working right soon, because I'm 29, and really wanting to get pregnant with my first child. My husband and I would love at least 3 children, but it could be a long and hard road.

lildietitian

So the endocrinology clinic is so swamped here in Halifax, NS... and the endo I was seeing fell ill and permanently went back into retirement so I had to basically go through allllll the steps of being referred to them to be referred to another dr... this was all at the time I was supposed to be started on an insulin pump.... for the past 8 months I've been gaining weight consistently (about a lb a week) and am now pushing 200lb from 140lbs....

I'm in a wedding August 13... and the dress no longer fits in the upper body.... I get it zipped up to below my chest and then no more.... I am tempted to exercise the hell outta myself for the next 2 weeks... but I'm thinking I have to find a seamstress that can take the back off and extend the straps... URRRGGGG!!!

Again, another frustration rant... anyone have any ideas for help?? anyone know how to drop weight fast? or how to slim out.... FML

Shea75

Hi there you took the words right out of my mounth....I'm so frustrated i think i have tried eveything to loose weight and not 1lb will come off. I have tired Zumba, kickboxing with trainer, running, and walking. I just started Jillian Michales 30 day shred on my 9th day and have not lost anything. I will continue the workout in hopes it at least tones me.

A little background PCOS since 1999 after my 2nd child, had my 3rd child in 07 with the aid of Clomid.
Current weight 166 goal weight 145 Eat very healthy, protein and veggies, or salad. No soda or juices just water. Maybe i can drink more water. I have been trying to deal with PCOS the natural way, supplements and vitamins. I have an appt Aug 19 with a new ENDO (old endo was not helpful) to help with PCOS hair loss, and weight struggle. Yes on top of being fat I'm going bald uggghhh I hate PCOS!

TamTamLove88

So, I woke up this morning to the news that my best friend is going to have another baby.:noway: This makes 3 to my 0.:mad: I'm the aunt/godmother to them all, so I have a large part in the children's lives, but you know what really sucks....my inability to get pregnant. Thanks PCOS and Ovarian cancer! GREAT, NOW I'M ****ING DEPRESSED!:sad: :brokenheart: :frown:

menacingsprite

All of you women with PCOS feel free to add me I posted about me a few pages back

rinabach

I've had PCOS since I was 13! At that time, hospitals didn't offer any help, just tests after tests, and I had 0 support from my family. The worst times was going to school with nearly a full beard, with no one to help me. It was only at 17 that I researched and found out about wazing, etc. Those memories have affected me a lot, but at 22, I've now had laser, am taking my medication regularly, so I don't even think about PCOS anymore. My main focus now is on life, losing weight and just trying to be happy, after years of being miserable.

AmyNVegas

Wanted to share an article/letter with you that I found. It works for me, too.

http://www.marksdailyapple.com/i-didn’t-just-“manage”-my-condition-i-beat-it-and-wiped-the-floor-with-it/#more-22406

agwilker

Around 2002 I got a sharp pain, went to the emergency room where they did an ultrasound, and was told it appeared I had PCOS. I was never told that anything needed to be done regarding it at the time. So I never thought about it for several years after that and there were no more pains. I always had regular periods, same time and length every month.

Fast forward to about August 2006 and I skipped a period. Thought I may be pregnant and after about 4 at home tests, I resolved that I was not. Went in January 2007 to my OB/GYN to figure out what was wrong. She essentially just put me on the depo shot and told me to work on losing some weight. I was a little confused at the time how the depo shot was supposed to remedy anything, wish more was explained at the time or I had thought to ask more. Anyhow, I continued to not get periods the entire time on the depo shot (a little over 4 years). I had to quit the depo shot last summer 2010 due to my insurance not covering me anymore. Spotted a little, but didn't start my period.

Well yesterday...I got my period! I consider it my first significant NSV since actively using MFP in June. I weigh about 20 more lbs atm than when they first stopped, which is odd. But I'll take it. I'm very excited, can't exactly go around telling people at the office the good news though. So thought I'd share here. Forgot how bad cramps hurt though, lol.

abow29

Acnee is my biggest concern as well! I am now on the YAZ bc pill to regulate periods and prevent acnee, but the moment I stop taking the pill I get a lot of pimples and excess hair. Terrible!

I really think the acnee comes from the hormonal imbalance, so not much you can do by cleaning face or buying expensive acnee products. I am also almost 30, so would love some clear skin without having to medicate every day!

kristyemilia

How's everyone going with their weight loss?
A friend has PCOS too, she got the gastric balloon and has been exercising alot and lost a significant amount of weight.
She also is due in September! Lucky lady, thats what I'm doing this for, to make that process easier.

Feel free to add me fellow Kg'ers!! LOL

kimberbucket82

I don't have insurance either, and avoided the doctor for many years. When I got married, I finally started going because I wanted to have children. I found out that I indeed had PCOS, and my ovaries were covered in cysts. I wish I would have started going sooner, so when I was ready for kids, I'd be more prepared. I still am not insured, I go to a local clinic that will take me, and they have discount programs for those that need it. I just pay out of pocket for my care for now, but my husband will be getting benefits in December, so I'll be insured soon. Good luck to you!

cobarlo14

I don't have insurance either, and avoided the doctor for many years. When I got married, I finally started going because I wanted to have children. I found out that I indeed had PCOS, and my ovaries were covered in cysts. I wish I would have started going sooner, so when I was ready for kids, I'd be more prepared. I still am not insured, I go to a local clinic that will take me, and they have discount programs for those that need it. I just pay out of pocket for my care for now, but my husband will be getting benefits in December, so I'll be insured soon. Good luck to you!

I use metformin it is available at walmart pretty cheap. Metformin is generic for glucophage.

freeloaves

Bumping to read when I get home.

kimberbucket82

Hi Soul Cysters! I have been reading through a lot of your posts, and it's so refreshing knowing there's people out there that understand what I'm going through. I was diagnosed this year with PCOS, and I'm currently trying to conceive with the help of Clomid. I was previously on 50mg, and I'm going to see the Doctor soon to get a higher dose because I just had an ultrasound and it showed my follicles are only at mm when they should be around 25mm. If you relate to what I'm going through, please friend me, I appreciate the support of people who have been there. Good luck to all of you trying to conceive!

kimberbucket82

I haven't been diagnosed with PCOS, but I think I have it. I don't have health insurance, so I don't go to the doctor.

I don't have insurance either, and avoided the doctor for many years. When I got married, I finally started going because I wanted to have children. I found out that I indeed had PCOS, and my ovaries were covered in cysts. I wish I would have started going sooner, so when I was ready for kids, I'd be more prepared. I still am not insured, I go to a local clinic that will take me, and they have discount programs for those that need it. I just pay out of pocket for my care for now, but my husband will be getting benefits in December, so I'll be insured soon. Good luck to you!

freeloaves

I have PCOS, was diagnosed at the age of 18 when I didn't have a period for 5 months. Had been on the BC for about a year before that so may have had it for a while.

I've been okay with acne, no problems that the average person doesn't have, same with excess hair (only a little around my chin). I got told "lose weight and it will go away" and I did. But then I was off the pill for a bit (was put on metformin for it but changed to BC instead) and cycles were irregular again. Spotting and 3 week long ones. I questioned it. Dr said "weight loss MAY help."

Afraid of being infertile. Don't know if I want kids but I know bf will be devastated and I will want kids if he does ... weight loss has been slow. Always been big. Don't like blaming being big on pcos ... trying to push my exercise but often hungry and go over cals.

deccapricorn

I also have PCOS and was diagnoised Januaray 2010 with it. I ahve always had menstrual issues since about 18 and was on bc so i never thought anything of it when i would come off of it and my periods would come for a month and than disappear for months lol...... I am on the long and hard journey now to not only lose weight but make a life style change when it comes to my eatng habits..... and of course this is easier said than done. I am 24 now and in the next couple of years i hope to marry my current boyfriend and have at least one kid and so this weight has to come off so i can have a healthier body and more predictable cycles... I am glad to see other woman who are facing this long uphill battle and look forward to tracking my food diary and having yall around as moral support. AND REMEMBER WE CAN BEAT PCOS IT JUST TAKES DETERMINATION AND WILL POWER!!!!

reenakainth

It really is an upward hill...im in the right weight bracket and tyrng for a baby with absent periods...im now on metformin and waiting for a review...nothin as yet...praying for a positive healthy pregnancy....

really dedicated to eating well and allowing treats etc keeps the fun in it...i dont believe in deprevation its almost impossible to be sucessful and happy...

know that i have injured myself alot in the gym accident...(spin bike fell apart while in middle of full force class...) currently covered in big black bruises....its gona be even harder to sty fit....

wish me luck girls

countrygirl75

I am looking for new support with my journey with PCOS, I would like to add more cysters that are looking for extra support and are going through the same thing. Please feel free to add me, some of the ppl on my friends list do not have pcos and do not under stand....

LisaCFSF

Wow, It is amazing to see so many women in the same situation as me. I know that you understand the level of frustration involved when you eat a healthy diet and exercise vigorously to no avail and without any significant results. I work SO hard to lose weight, but it just doesn't happen. I have been taking Metformin, due to elevated A!C and decreased ability to use the insulin that my body produces and PCOS with metabolic syndrome, for about 6 mo. I've had to come off of it twice for a brief amount of time due to R shoulder rotator cuff repair 9 weeks ago and R shoulder AC (acromioclavicular) joint reconstruction 3 days ago... I normally work out like crazy, eat well, and still don't see results. I have not increased my dosage from 500mg once a day to bid because of side effects. Hopefully, I'll gradually be able to tolerate a higher dosage as MD recommends. I feel your frustration ladies. Glad to be added as a friend if you wish.

DawnWendalynn1973

bump for later.

ThePhoenixRose

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 know it's drastic, but the hysterectomy is the greatest thing I've even done! I had a partial, as they didn't want to send me into early menopause. But I feel better than I've ever felt! Good luck!

ThePhoenixRose

I was diagnosed with PCOS & endometriosis officially at the age of 16, when I had "explatory surgery" because I'd been having lots of pain and nausea and such for a year and a half. I'd never had a period. They put me on bc to induce periods and control symptoms. About a year later, my dr. wanted to remove and freeze my eggs so I could have a chance at getting pregnant later. He told me I'd never be able to conceive on my own anyway. I decided against it. Even at 16, I knew that was not the way to go for me. I never had a period on my own, without the help of BC. Things were fairly status quo until I was 24 and became pregnant, unexpectedly, while taking the pill(religiously!). The good news was my bf and I had started planning our wedding, so it wasn't a bad thing necessarily... Just a shock! We'd always thought we'd cross the infertility bridge when we came to it. We'd do treatments, adopt, whatever. Turns out, we didn't need to! I gave birth to a healthy baby girl, and 8 months later, became pg with my son.

I couldn't believe how lucky I was!

Just over a year after my son was born, I suffered a stroke. I had an allergic reaction to a medication. Luckily, I made an amazing recovery and am back to nearly 100%, even after being totally paralyzed for nearly 2 weeks. I was 28.

One day shy of a year after I had my stroke, I had a partial hysterectomy. My symptoms were out of control. I was in terrible pain 3 weeks out of the month. I had a partial because they didn't want to send me into early menopause as I cannot take any hormones anymore so there is nothing they could do to stifle the side effects from menopause. Obviously, I have 2 small children and my Dr. said I would not want to deal with those in addition to my stroke stuff, while raising my 2 kiddos!

Anyway, I'm now 30 and have never felt better. I didn't have any side effects from the hysterectomy and HIGHLY recommend it, if you can! Mine was robotic surgery and was back up to par within a week.

It never occured to me that my current struggle with acne was related to the PCOS. I never had any problems with it when I was a teen, so I'm less than enthused about it now!!! It's awful. Maybe I'll discuss it with my dr. next visit. I've been using proactive, to no avail... :-(

Hopefully this story helps someone. And hopefully you can alll help me with my goal of losing 35lbs! :-)

jbrod19

hey everyone! i was diagnosed with PCOS last October because my periods were really irregular -- I didn't really have any other symptoms other than occasional hairs on my face. Now I'm on BC and my periods are completely regular and the hairs have mostly gone away. i've lost some weight since i was diagnosed (was at 170, now at 155)...

honestly i'm so happy to have found a group like this and talk to people who are suffering from the same ANNOYING condition!!! i work out 4-5 times a week and eat pretty well, but its hard for me to lose weight! i'm in college and i feel like that makes it so much harder too if i stop working out if i'm busy for like a week or two, i WILL gain weight -- calorie intake doesn't even matter.

anyway sorry to rant haha but feel free to friend me! i could definitely use some more friends on here who understand what i'm going through

k9kutter64

I was diagnosed with PCOS at age 26. I am now 46, so I've been suffering for 20 years. I have good days and bad....here lately, more bad than good. I had a laparoscopy in 1991, which confirmed my diagnosis. Ever since, I've been on a birth control pill. This past April, my OB/GYN changed my pill to a Progesterone Only pill, due to my age, she didn't want me taking estrogen. Since then, I have gained almost 10 pounds, and have whiskers growing out of my chin. (Sigh....) I'm not sure what to do now. I have a call in to my doctor, to see if she will refer me to an endocrinologist. I've also joined MFP, to begin logging my meals, curb what I eat, and start an exercise plan. I know that diet and exercise is an important part of living with PCOS, and I want to make these positive changes....now....what can I do about my whiskery chin? I am starting to resemble my Chihuahuas.....

sandy2006

Diagnosed here! Pretty much since I hit puberty. Never ever had a reg TOM. Had several miscarriages before I had my son. Have a horrible sugar adiction and even harder time losing weight. But right now Im giving it everything I got and so far slowly the weight is coming off. Just went off of Met. I hated it and now I feel better than ever after getting off the sugar/carb roller coaster. Its a battle but Im determined to win!

MonicaLee1982

Hey everybody! *waves* I was diagnosed 8 years ago with PCOS. I weighed 310 #'s at that time. I was put on Metformin and Yasmin an lost down to 170 pounds in about a year, with no changes in exercise or eating habits. I had to change gynos, and the one that I have now is constantly changing my metformin. She wants me to come in every 3 months for bloodwork to check my liver function, because apparently Metformin can severely damage your liver. Obviously I don't want to damage my liver, but this has been going on for 3 years, and I'm back up to 266 #'s. I don't feel like I can make any progress. I'll take my 3 metformin a day for three months, loose weight, then go in for bloodwork (which has NEVER shown me to be having liver problems) and she'll change me to 2 a day, or 1 a day and up the weight goes again. SOOOO FRUSTRATING. She also changed my BC, and the reason I was given was that I had low estrogen. Not really sure how she came to that conclusion, all I know is I've had wicked mood swings ever since the change. Anyway, waiting on my future hubby's insurance to cover me (getting married Thursday!!!) and then going to start trying to get some better answers. I've gotten more useful information from the threads on MFP about PCOS than I ever have from my dr. Hope everyboday has a great week. Feel free to friend me!
(Sorry for the rant, this subject gets me wound up )

jenrod1118

Congrats on your upcoming wedding! I know how you feel about pcos and what the drs don't say

michaelachallis

was diagnosed with PCOS at 16, it has given me a hell of a time, still unable to get regular periods (and when i do they are pretty painful), have only just got my acne under control (thank god), my doctor attributes my weight to PCOS, i don't fully blame it but i would attribute it to part of the problem as to why i have never been able to get 'skinny', even when i was in high school and played hockey twice a week, went to the the gym 5 days a week and had multiple sports practices i was over weight. it is a pain in the *kitten* really.

caligirl2802

A PCOS question.... I'm struggling with HORRIBLE mood swings at the moment and have been for a number of months now. I had been taking metformin and Yaz (birth control pill) while living in the US and since moving back to the UK I'm having a hard time getting re-diagnosed with my doctor. I've not taken medication since January and I've noticed that I'm having terrible emotional mood swings, one day I'm fine the next day I'm falling apart and with seemingly little reason. Is anyone else experiencing this and what do you do to work through it? Its now affecting my diet and exercise as I'm back in that funk where I have lost all my motivation :frown: