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Hi! My name is Kristina. I am 43 years old and have struggled with PCOS since around age 13, but was not diagnosed until age 30. I have struggled with weight most of my life and have only recently (since January 2012) felt the power to tackle pushing back against it again by exercising and controlling my diet. I have been working toward that for about 2 years now...slowly changing smaller things and leaning into Jesus Christ to give me what I need. I even started keeping my Bible in the kitchen so I would remember Who defines me and is truly important in my life. I am single and not married--although having a husband and children was always part of MY plan. But, God has found ways to fill my life. I work with children with special needs--both at my job and by leading the special needs ministry at my church.

I would love to hear your story, to be able to pray for you, to celebrate your wins and pray for you in your losses. We are, after all, the body of Christ!
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Replies

  • 3ofmine
    3ofmine Posts: 136 Member
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    Hi,

    My name is Angel, I'm 36yrs old stay at home mom of almost 7yr old triplets(2boys1girl). I had them after trying for 3yrs to get pregnant. It took Bravelle/Repronex to get pregnant. They were born at 35wks and spent 16 days in the NICU. When I got pregnant I was 239lbs and I gained 14lbs with the pregnancy. I COULD NOT gain weight no matter how much I ate(which wasn't much toward the middle and end) but after I delivered my weight was 205lbs. I slowly gained 100lbs since then and have decided THIS IS IT. I'm kicking the weight off. It's coming off slowly(to me it's slowly) but it's coming off that is all that matters. I was diagnosed with PCOS at 18yrs old because of skipping periods. I got up to 239 and was on Metformin for awhile. My cycles are almost non exsistant right now and I'm hoping that by losing weight I can get regular again without meds. When I was younger I had a cycle every month but I had a LOT of pain(cramps) to where I would be in bed for the 2nd and 3rd day of my period throwing up because of the pain. My periods were also VERY heavy. When I was diagnosed at 18 I was put on BCP which kept me regulated. I know this is going to be a difficult journey to get this weight off with the PCOS but I won't let it stop me. It won't be my excuse as to why I'm still fat a year from now. I can't wait to read others stories.

    Angel
  • gurlieamber
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    Hi my name Is Amber, I am 27 and was diagnosed with PCOS aBout 4 years ago. After trying to get pregnant for 18 months and having a monthly cycle only about 2 times a year I decided to go to the doctor, who just told me to lose weight and I would get pregnant. Well that is not very easy for someone with PCOS:( so a friend from church recommoneded a fertility specialist, I came out of the initial consult with high hopes. So after 1 round of clomid they decided that the only thing ghat would work for me was IVF. Well my husband and I were not looking to go down that path so we decided that we would just let it go and knew that Hod had a plan for us. Well 1 month later I find out I'm pregnant!!! So now almost 2 years later we are blessed with a beautiful little girl. But my weight since having her has gotten out of control:( a lady I work with recommended a program called take shape for life. I have been on the program for 11 weeks and feel wonderful. I will get to my goal slowly bur I know I can do it! We are hoping to add to our family in the near future;)
  • singanote
    singanote Posts: 34
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    Hi, Amber! Thanks for sharing your story! Blessings to you!
  • singanote
    singanote Posts: 34
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    Hi, Angel! Thank you so much for sharing your story. Wow! You must be a busy lady!!! Blessings to you!
  • ryansjo
    ryansjo Posts: 9 Member
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    Hello :) my name is Joanna.
    I have been diagnosed with PCOS for about 6 months, after ttc for 2 years with no success. No one in my family or circle of friends seems to grasp the severity of PCOS, or the side effects which come along with it. So it's good to find a group on here who can identify with me!
    I hope to lose about fifty pounds by eating healthier and with the help of metformin. 6 lbs down, 46 to go!
  • singanote
    singanote Posts: 34
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    Hi, Joanna. Great to meet you. I understand the frustration of those not grasping what you are up against. I was diagnosed at age 30 (I am currently 43) but, at the time, my gynecologist diagnosed me, but put me on the pill and told me it was nothing to worry about.

    However, through the years, I've moved through various stages of feeling helpless and frustrated to empowered and hopeful. I have also come to realize that, regardless of my challenges, my weight, or how I look, I am loved by God just as I am! That realization has been freeing. Ironically, realizing I am accepted and loved by Him just as I am has helped me finally move toward improving.

    I am on Metformin, have been exercising 2-3 times per week, and have been tracking all of my calories. To reach my ideal body weight, I have another 113 lbs to go--which can seem a bit daunting. BUT, I am very grateful to God for the 60 lbs. I have been able to lose thus far!

    Blessings,
    Kristina
  • Dawnie524
    Dawnie524 Posts: 6
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    Hello everyone! I was dx with PCOS eleven years ago and I finally had my little miracle six years ago. I have fought this battle for what seems like forever. I am tired and I get VERY discouraged when it comes to my weight and my health. I KNOW what I need to do...but I just don't do it. Good news though, I am here and I am glad that there is a Christian group that can pray for me and I can do the same for YOU! I believe that God hears us and He wants us to pray for eachother! Thank you for this group. I hope to hear from all of you at some point. We can do it.

    I can do all things through Christ, who strngthens me~ Phil 4:13:heart:
  • lennonaw
    lennonaw Posts: 1 Member
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    Hi everyone my name is Amanda. I am 27 and have been married for almost 10 years. I was diagnosed with PCOS in 2006 after my husband and I tried for 4 years to have a baby. After getting diagnosed and no results they found out that I also suffer with graves disease. This was devastating to us. All I wanted in life and now I am told that is will never happen. I am trying to loose weight so I can avoid Iodine Radiation. I am in a much better place now with both of my diseases thanks to God and a wonderful family. I am needing to loose over 80 pounds and I am already 16 down


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  • SSnyder80
    SSnyder80 Posts: 4 Member
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    Hi, I was diagnosed PCOS @ 31 (a year ago) - ( If my post is in the wrong place I'm sorry I can't figure out how to post my own question/Topic)
    I have tried off/on to lose weight for a long time. Four and a half weeks ago I decided I had to and failure was no longer an option.
    I admit I am overly easily frustrated. Can anyone please give me advice? I feel like all my efforts are not working :( I will give my info below and feel free to friend me. Thanks in advance

    I'm 5'1 , 149 when I started this 4.5 weeks ago I was 154.4. ( I am a small frame and my ideal weight should be between 113-118 lbs per my Dr) I had a calorie goal of 1000 (but changed it to 1,300 a week ago b/c I wasn't having results & my hub was concerned of body in starvation mode). I drink my 8 glasses of water daily. I strive for 6 days a week a minimum of 30 minute a day of one or more of the following : walk/jog, tae bo, kettle weights, swimming.
    Most days I get to 1,200 of my 1,300 cal. intake. My daily goal is 80 carbs, that honestly doesn't always happen. On a bad day I may reach 130 carbs in a day. I know have to be doing something(s) wrong but I'm lost. I'm not taking any medication I was on Metformin 250 a day for a long time then went to 500 but neither helped and my dr told me to stop taking it.
  • SSnyder80
    SSnyder80 Posts: 4 Member
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    :smile: .
  • singanote
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    Hi, Amanda! Thank you for sharing your story. Sounds like you have been through a lot and are still going through some of it. I am grateful that you are finding your way with God's help through some of this "stuff". It can be tough, for sure. But, I know that God has a purpose for your life and that He will continue to reveal that to you!
  • singanote
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    SSnyder,
    I can certainly understand why you would be frustrated. It honestly sounds as if you are doing all the right things. My one question re: taking the Metformin and it not helping is: Were you doing all that you are doing now when you were on it? The reason I ask is that I was on Metformin previously, also, with no results (as far as weight loss). However, at that time, I was sort of watching what I ate and wasn't working out. I have also done the watching what I eat and exercising with no Metformin and have had no results. This time, I am doing it all at the same time and I have finally been able to lose weight.

    I also am wondering if, even though you are small, if you might still be doing too few calories on a regular basis. I am a much larger girl than you, so my calories would not be the same, but I have alternated them periodically. I started at 2400 and am now consistently at 1900. However, when I have had "lulls", I also have varied that both up and down. When I vary up, I allow myself 2100 for 2 days or so and then drop it back down. When I vary down, I go down to 1600 for 1-2 days and then back up. I tried doing 1500 calories consistently and, when I did, I was both consistently hungry and consistently not losing weight.

    I have also had more luck when I up both my fiber intake and my water intake. This is particularly important for me during and just after my menses, for some reason.

    I have also been taking B12 (100mcg) and D3 (1000 mg) per day. The B12 can help with energy metabolism and can run low in people with PCOS and D3 has helped me metabolize the extra calcium that we tend to have, as well as helping with my mood during the winter months when things are so dark all the time (we normally get D3 from the sun). Not sure if this is good for everyone, but thought I'd share because it's working for me.

    I am losing some weight, but have a very long way to go. But, I have chosen to focus on two things (1) I am a treasured child of the Most High God. He loves me no matter what and has a purpose for my life and (2) Being healthy even if that means I am never thin.

    Since beginning this journey, I have currently lost 65 lbs. If I were able to reach my goal weight, I have another 110 lbs to go. I am going to continue to do the best I can, but am also choosing to focus on the fact that I AM healthier than I was 65 lbs ago! In fact, my A1c is almost normal and my blood pressure, fasting glucose, triglicerides, and cholesterol have all normalized!

    Blessings to you!
    Kristina
  • aspahr11610
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    Hi,

    My name is Amanda. My husband and I have been TTC off and on for two years. I conceived two years ago and lost the baby at 11 weeks. It was one of the most emotional things I have ever been through. We want nothing more than to have a baby. So I went on Metformin to help with insulin resistance. The Dr said that is what causes PCOS. He also gave me hope in saying that I have a high chance of beating the disease if I lose weight. That is why I am here :) I have only been diagnosed since April. I lost some weight before I started this, gained some back, and am here again.

    I enjoy ballroom dancing, Church activities and my cats :)

    Peace in Christ,
    Amanda
  • singanote
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    Hi, Amanda!

    So glad you are here! I am so sorry to hear about the loss of your baby. I have not personally had to walk through that, but my cousin and his wife have been through that several times and it is so hard.

    I am proud of you for seeking to lose weight to try and make this dream happen for your family. Please let me know how I can be praying. I have been walking this PCOS path for 13 years now (since diagnosis) and, while far from an expert, am happy to share anything I have learned that might be able to be helpful!

    Blessings to you!
    Kristina
  • 2f2bl
    2f2bl Posts: 12
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    Hi ya... I'm Sue and I have been married for six years and I was diagnosed with PCOS 1 year ago. I have hair like crazy on my chin and face and losing hair on my head.

    I have no children and have every symton of PCOS except I have a regular period, well it is only couple of days and very light, however I can count it to the date.PCOS didin't just hite me it knocked be out. I just can't get a few symptoms of it, I get to have them all.

    I had never even heard of PCOS and one day I was fine next I was 80 pounds heavier and we didn't know why. I was hurting all the time and hair and skin tags were popping up left and right on places I wish they wouldn't. I felt so bad for my husband because he didn't marry this woman, he married a cuter girl with a better attitude. My attitude did get bad and I didn't understand why. I later found out that because of the PCOS I was also diagnosed with diabeties which can change your mood ect...

    I don't know why the Lord allowed this but He did and now I will press on. I started this day in a foul mood and am much better now, any how glad to be here and learn more on how to lose with having PCOS.
  • singanote
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    Hi, Sue!

    I'm so glad you are here! I have struggled in the past (a great deal) with depression related to my PCOS. I currently am doing fairly well with that (grateful), but want you to know that the moodiness is DEFINITELY related. I still struggle with tearfulness which alternates with irritability and bouts of laughter when I am pre-mestrual. That probably wouldn't be so bad if I KNEW when I was actually pre-menstrual...unfortunately, the mood issue is usually my main indicator! Lol!

    I have struggles with hair growth on my face and chin, hair loss from my head, irregular periods, obesity, etc. I am almost 44 years old and was not diagnosed until I was 30. But, I can honestly say that right now, I feel the best I have in years. I began to make slow steps in the right direction and God has honored that and has helped me make some of the bigger changes--like exercising regularly, drinking lots of water, eating more nutritious foods, and just plain focusing on food less. I am grateful and definitely have to lean into Him many times a day to stay on that track!

    I also take Metformin, a Vitamin B12 (B vitamin depletion can occur with PCOS), a D3 (this has also helped my mood--especially in the dark, cold winter months when I don't get the same amount of sunshine), and a baby aspirin daily.

    I am glad you are here. God loves you just the way you are--and will also be behind any change that you are able to make. Please let us know here if we can be of support to you in your journey!

    Blessings,
    Kristina
  • thatsingergirl
    thatsingergirl Posts: 70 Member
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    Hey there! I'm a 31 year old with PCOS trying to get to a healthy weight after gaining a ton very quickly after getting married and moving to a different country. I try (but don't always succeed) to eat low carb and as natural foods as possible, and I LOVE working out... I do kettlebell training, running, weight training, and ballet and dance whenever I can! I'd love some new friends!!
  • singanote
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    Hi, Singer girl! Nice to have you here! It sounds as if you have a rather interesting life and I can relate to the fact that, while great, that can sometimes make things difficult in regard to the PCOS. Where are you living? Do you mind sharing your name (If so, I understand). Feel free to friend me if you like! Blessings.
  • steffi38
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    Hi. I'm Steffi and I found out I had PCOS about 10 years ago, A lot of the symptoms I've been reading about I also have. I didn't realize depression was part of PCOS, I guess I know now. I saw this group and decided to join, so here I am.
  • SearsHouse89
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    Hello Everyone!
    My name is Ally and I am 24. I was diagnosed with PCOS when I was about 14. I have struggled with my weight since I was in elementary school. Since 3rd grade, I have went from overweight to obese to morbidly obese...which is where I am now. I married my sweet husband in Oct 2009, had our son in April 2012, and just gave birth to our daughter 4 weeks ago in Sept 2013. I need to get healthy so I can take care of myself and my family! I have tried about every fad diet they come out with, but I have menally made up my mind to diet the correct way. The good Lord has blessed me with a wonderful husband and two wonderful children that I didnt think I could ever have...now I need to take care of this body He has given me! Feel free to add me as a friend if you would like some encouragment! 35lbs down...many, many more to go!