2011 November PCOS Support Thread!
 

New thread for a new month! All welcome! Last month's thread is here.

• Who's here this month?
• How are you?
• What are you working on?
• How was last month?
• How's your PCOS management going?

Who's here this month?

ME! Astrophe! 36 yr old SAHM, dx since 2002.

How are you?

Horrible!

What are you working on?

Just trying to be present here. And as normal as possible in my life. I don't think I can make any fitness goals this month. The goal is just to be normal in my life as much as possible even though we're having a health crisis.

How was last month?

Nutty. My Alzheimer dad wigged out BIG TIME. It was a scary 911 scene and Mom and I had to put him in hospital involuntary. He's still there, and we are getting ready for his competency hearing. He's not going to pass. I hope we get made his legal guardians soon so we can sign him up for treatment. Poor guy just freaked out and he def needs a different level of care than we can provide at home. Mom cannot handle him even if I help.




How's your PCOS management going?

Hahahha.

More later.

A.

Who's here this month?

I am! Of course! I love this site!

How are you?

I'm okay. I got my period this morning, which is great. Just had to deal with the PMS these last few days, which is crappy. But I am happy I am getting my period, so yay me.

What are you working on?

Losing weight, of course. I'm still at 164.4 and even though MyFitnessPal swore I would be under 160 by now, that obviously didn't come true!

Actually I'm not too sad about it, my body is slowly losing it and as long as it's slowly losing it, I have no problem. The issue is when I start gaining!

The other thing is that my boyfriend is finally getting on the fitness kick. He wants to help me and I think secretly wants to help himself too, so we're now working out in the mornings (I'll be keeping my evening exercise too).

So, for the next 6 weeks, we'll be doing this and seeing what happens. I think the biggest change will be in him, as long as he starts reigning in the food, but even if he doesn't lose the weight, I'm just happy he's going to be slightly healthier. I don't care if he has some extra pounds, I do care if he has a heart attack or stroke!

How was last month?

Good. The scale started to move again once I cut my calories down. I don't like it, but I'm getting used to it. I like MyFitnessPal because of the app I can put on my phone, the database and the fact that it tells you how well you're doing with calories. Fitday doesn't do that for you and I think seeing the RED when you're over is a good motivator/indicator of what you're doing wrong.

Prevents denial and all.

How's your PCOS management going?

Good. Still taking my supplements. Getting my period. No crazy other symptoms.

Astrophe.... :hug: I'm really sorry about your dad. I hope that this awful event turns to be the catalyst to get him the help that he needs. I'm really sorry that you and your mom are going through this. :hug:

Thanks, Rana. I'm relieved he is finally in hospital. It's been building up to this all summer, I know.

A.

Who's here this month?
me

How are you?
Im ok havent been to good this month with depression and that :( I did get to goal with weight watchers though :D

What are you working on?
maintaining my weight loss

How was last month?
Like i said i got to goal andnot been to good

How's your PCOS management going?
still awaiting my larparoscopy and scan

Who's here:

Me! 39yr old newbie from Kent, UK

How are you?
Not too bad. Feeling positive about things in general. I had major back surgery earlier this year and it's nice to be recovered enough and off the serious heavy duty meds to start tackling the weight that has piled on over the last 6 years.

What are you working on?Losing weight. Most of it is, and has always been, on my belly below my belly button. Where are the fairies when you need them :D

How was last month?
Good! I finally have a gynie who is approachable and female! I started the Metformin and put into place what I need to do to get healthier.

How is Pcos management going?
Early days - but i start my run of norethisterone tomorrow for 14 days to induce a withdrawl bleed at the end and have lots of blood tests done.

Hey all! :wave:

I was just diagnosed with PCOS, so figured this is a good place to jump in. :)

* Who's here this month? Moi! I'm Jess, aka PghGal. Been around the board for a few months but new to this section.

* How are you? Okay. I'm back OP after the last week and a half of going a little crazy while on vacation. Managed to gain 10 pounds. ( :faint: )

* What are you working on? Getting back on track. While I'm not IR (yet), my doc has told me that I'm at high risk for diabetes because of the PCOS and that I REALLY need a normal or just overweight BMI.

* How was last month? Stressful for me. I found a mass in my abdomen while lying on my back. Luckily the doc thinks it's a hernia as opposed to anything else, but I was scheduled for a CT scan which will be happening on Monday. Last month started great but ended horribly because I was on vacation and also stressed about my health.

* How's your PCOS management going? I don't really have any PCOS management yet because I was just diagnosed this week. For now, I'm just continuing to watch my diet as best I can and continue exercising 4-5 days per week. Doc mentioned starting me on metformin but it gave me awful GI issues last time I tried it. (A previous doctor thought I had metabolic syndrome, which it turns out I don't have - it's PCOS instead, I guess.)

:welcome2:

Glad to have you both on board!!!!!!

I really hope having other people who are managing their PCOS helps you!

Feel free to ask questions or advice or just tell us what you're doing and if it's working (or not!).

:welcome:

Nice to see people popping up in the Nov thread!

I'm trying to just be here more. My small plus was decent choices in the hospital cafeteria -- minestone soup and a small slice of pizza with tea. I'm still learning all the choices there so I felt like I made the best of what choices I had yesterday. I'm still learning the parking garage and the floor plan too -- it's like a maze!

I did see Dad, and he's alert, chatty and far less RAGEY than before so whatever meds they have him on for the wild, angry dementia behavior is a plus. We can all make allowances for an elder with memory problem or special needs. But that whole temper fit thing was getting dangerous -- he could hurt himself or someone else that way.

Seeing him again today, I hope.

A.

Who's here this month?
Me! Kelly, 29 years old, mom of 1 girl, girlfriend to an amazing man, working full-time, and finishing school.

How are you?
Tired ;D

What are you working on?
I am working on becoming healthier. I lost some weight at the beginning of the year, then stalled out. I have been back on track for 2 weeks now, and i plan to stay on track this time.

How was last month?
A revelation that I need to kick my butt into gear and get healthy.

How's your PCOS management going?
Going slow. I am on Metformin 2000 mg/day, gymnema, hormone blend with Vitex/Dong Quai/Red Raspberry Leaf/Black Cohosh, and a multivitamin. I occasionally will drink 3-mint tea, as well.

I have lurked for a while, but I think it's time for me to come out.

CHECK IN:

Feeling weird. Weight is unstable -- probably hospital food. Been hanging there a lot. It's not bad, but who knows the sodium level? And I feel PMSy. And I want cookies. Sigh.

Dad's competency hearing is tomorrow at the hospital. Who knows how that will turn out?

My goals right now are just to get good sleep, take my meds on time, and try to drink lots of water.

Whatever else has to come once the dad situation is calmer.

A.

* Who's here this month? I'm here!!!
* How are you? ok,I have been without power for a little over a week so it has been stressful but I still managed to loose some lbs!
* What are you working on? excersizing, I have been bad lately I just dont have time and when I do I'm exhausted!
* How was last month? It was good, managed to lose weight so overall it was good.
* How's your PCOS management going? I got my period first time in my life without any drugs!! after a perfect 28 day cycle :)

Checking in. I am exhausted.

Today's goal is just to take care of some bank errands and keep a food log and take my meds. Baby steps.

Dad's dx was major depression with psychotic features (losing touch with reality) and bipolar. Doc says likely going down the dementia/alzheimer road. So he will help with the papers so we can apply for legal guardianship of dad and move forward with his care.

It's a relief, honestly. I wouldn't wish this on anyone, but at least we can move forward now.

PCOS wise -- I'm PMSy and sleepy and just trying to take a mental health day here.

Oy.

A.

Who's here this month? I am- Niki- I'm new!

* How are you? Good! Excited to be getting back on track hopefully. I lost 35lbs last winter and gained it back over the summer.

* What are you working on? Not eating between meals, and exercise!

* How was last month? It was good- its when I realized i need to get with it.

* How's your PCOS management going? Good I think. My period is finally regular!

Oh I have a blog too nikers85.wordpress.com

Hi, I'm just gonna jump in here.

Who's here this month? Me!
What are you working on? Losing weight
How was last month? Good - I am 10 days in
How's your PCOS management going? - Normally I have long and irregular cycles, but do ovulate. My O has gone missing, so I'm on a quest to lose the 10 lbs I've gained since getting pregnant with my daughter and see if I can get my O back!

Welcome, welcome, welcome!

It's nice to have newcomers here!

I'm doing okay. I am up a pound from last week and I don't know if it's the weight training, the diet, or something else.

I've also ramped up my cycling, so I'm riding twice during the work week and also during the weekends. I'm preparing to do the Tour de Cure and of course, I signed up the longest mileage possible and I have to be able to do it!

Who's here this month? Carol - lurker and semi new
How are you? doing good, have lost about 60 pounds this year total and counting :)
What are you working on? diet and exercise
How was last month? Not good, ill most of the month :(
How's your PCOS management going? getting on track, trying to regulate my period and would love to become pregnant.

Hi
 

Hi Ladies, new member here I was diagnosed a few months ago but I have thought that I've had it for a while now.

* Who's here this month? I'm Tahra brand new to this board, looking for some help & support with this stinking PCOS.

* How are you? Okay. I'm getting there, a bit frustrated.

* What are you working on? Finding a balance and being consistent. I am an expert at doing well for two weeks then falling off the wagon and coming back to it. I want to while not be perfect be mindful and work at it consistently. I also really want to find a balance because I tend to go crazy hardcore then lose interest b/c of life events.

* How was last month? Stressful, I also just recently made a big move from CT to FL to go back to school, so quit my job, moving, going back to school and still trying to keep up a healthy routine has been tough.

* How's your PCOS management going? I'm trying to self manage it, I feel undecided as to weather I want to take birthcontrol and create a dependency on it or if i want to try and just use supplements. I am very interest in Insulite however its a big investment and if it doesn't work being a college student I don't want to waste the money. Any thoughts on the system would be appreciated.

But Hello ladies! I hope you all have a fab day.

check in i have a pre op assessment and scan next week i will let you know how it goes and if i get a date fr the laparoscopy xxx

Dad is home from hospital and predictably NOT taking his meds, acting out, etc. He has a doc appt Monday and I hope he keeps it. Why he has to be the hornery guy he is... ugh.

I got TOM, and I'm working on gluten free eating. So at least my baby steps are chugging along.

A.

I got a positive OPK!!!!!!!!! Yay! Hope it turns into an actual temp shift and maybe a positive pregnancy test! Anyone else trying?

hey girls im having my op tomoz im so scared i will update you as soon as i can xxx

((((ems81wales)))

Good luck! You'll be fine! Positive thinking! And keep us updated!!!!!

Who's here this month?
Hi I am Kristal
How are you?
Awesome, but fat.
What are you working on?
Finding out more info on PCOS
How was last month?
Put on more weight
How's your PCOS management going?
My diagnosis of PCOS was more than five years ago and I have only just started reading up on it as I had no idea how serious it was. I managed to put on 40kg in one year, I had managed to maintain my weight and stay in my healthy range up until now. I had some emotional issues and yes I probably reached for the chocolate and bread a bit more than usual but nothing to warrant 40kg in one year.

I don't want to use POCS as an excuse for weight gain, but it does make you more sensitive to the finer things in life such as carbs.

I have enjoyed reading this forum and hope to be a part of it as soon as I read more.

Welcome Efendi!!

KellieGettingFit : GL on the TTC!

ems81wales : How was the op?

Efendi: Welcome on board!

I'm doing ok. Spent Thanksgiving with my sister and go home tomorrow. It was a much welcome break from eldercare! Not esp looking forward to getting back to it but at least I got a break.

Been reading more eldercare and still trying to find the balance between Dad's chronic patient needs and my own.

I know for christmas I'm going to buy him a memory minder like I use for my PCOS symptoms and stuff. I'll post the link in case anyone is looking for a health tracker like that.

http://www.amazon.com/HEALTHMINDER-P...2345610&sr=8-1

I went wheat free all week until friday and I felt all bloaty and farty (I know, TMI). This makes me want to redouble the effort in getting wheat out of my diet. It def has a congestion and a digestive effect on me I could live without.


A.

Hi guys!

That Heath Journal looks great. This is the second time I've seen it posted here and I think I want one of my own!

As for me, I've been sticking to my 161, despite the fact that I'm no longer sick. Did I mention I had another stomach virus last week? I lost 5 lbs or so immediately (as you can imagine!) but I haven't regained it all back. My boyfriend thinks that this is permanent if I can maintain it and that it's a result of all the weight lifting we were doing. We'll see if it stays. We haven't worked out in about a week and half, because I was sick, then got a really bad cold. We're starting again on Monday.

As for PCOS itself, I think it's coming along fine! I'm trying to watch what I eat and I am still playing around with food, as usual. But I'm happy to see my weight this low, even if it came at the expense of a stomach virus!

Who's here this month?
Hi, I'm new. I was diagnosed a week ago. I've been battling hormones for the last 4 years which was/is causing irritable bowel syndrome and 36 hour migraines.

How are you?
In a pretty bad place. Today I had my IR test. I had a massive dizzy spell after the test and despite having lunch managed to get dizzy and crash my car into a pillar while trying to park it. I wasn't injured but was very very shaken by it. I am not sure what to think after being that dizzy after the test. I was nauseous as soon as I drank the solution so I'm not sure if it was related or just due to the long fasting period. Either way I am now very very emotional and wishing that I lived closer than a 7 hour plane journey from my mom!

What are you working on?
Finding out what is going on with me. I've chosen to go on the pill full time after chatting with my gynea about all the options. She feels that since I am having migraines while not on the pill from the hormonal dips and IBS intermittently that the progesterone tablets to bring on a period will make me have more episodes of migraine and IBS. As I've been having migraines in my free week while on the pill she has asked me to take it everyday and not take the week off.

How was last month?
Last month was a loooong wait for a period I thought was never going to arrive... then I got to wish it didnt when I missed two days of work in agony with pains.

How's your PCOS management going?

Come back to me next month.

I would welcome any advice from people who have had this for years! Was my episode earlier normal? How long will it take to get my results from the lab?

The dizzy spell sounds like a classic IR result. Did you get the results back immediately with what happened to your blood sugar?

When I had my test, my endo told me to go and get a high protein breakfast -- eggs or steak or something that would balance out all the sugar they put into the solution. But they should have waited a couple of hours and taken blood samples during the test. By the 2 hour mark, you should have come down from the sugar high they sent you on. Or did you leave immediately?!

I'm sorry you're feeling so sick and I really hope the doctors are able to get you on a plan that works. I always advocate being your own champion when it comes to your health because your doctors may not know everything that's going on inside your head/body. Communicate as best as you can and trust your gut instincts.

I was at the doctors for three hours after I drank the solution. Then I went and had lunch before I drove anywhere. Then when I started driving I started feeling dizzy again. The nurse or doctors didn't tell me about any side effects or not to drive or that I might get dizzy. I tried to call them when I got home but I couldn't get through. I don't have the test results yet.

Hopefully you'll get them soon. It sounds like you had a sugar crash after the test. Maybe your lunch was too high in carbs?

I had that glucola test while pregnant. I threw it up and felt dizzy. I called home and I can't remember if it was my parents or my husband who came to get me at the clinic. I ended up going with a blood draw A1C to give the OB a picture of my status since I just could NOT keep that awful drink down pregnant. Not the same but at least a picture and it ended up that I had gestational diabetes while pregnant.

I used to get dizzy like that even before the test -- it's unbalanced blood sugar.

I learned to eat around 400-500 calories every 4 ish hours.

And I also learned it was better to be balanced 1:1 protein to carb or 1:2 protein to carb. Too much carb would end with me having wigginz again.

That doesn't mean carbs just from obvious sweets like your drinks or desserts. The starchy carbs too -- potato, brown rice, etc. Just going to "brown" with the bread or the rice doesn't mean it's still not a carb that can give you a blood sugar spike.

HTH!
A.

hey girls everything went well thanks they said they dont wanna see me for a follow up so got the all clear thank god. THey do however think i have ibs :( and that what the bowel pain was and not endermitriosis they didnt mention my bulky ovaries so they must be ok now. hope your all well xxx

Hi everyone....I just found this thread and wanted to ask some advice. I was diagnosed with PCOS 12 years ago (at 16 years old). The only thing that's ever been done for me (asside from a blood test to determine PCOS) is to put me on birth control. I was one pills (a different one each year) for 5 years and then was switched to the nuva ring which I've been on for 7 years now. I've recently begun a search for an endocronologist to see about possibly getting put on metformin....I've beem married for 7 months and we're looking at wanting to try to get pregnant in the next 6 months to year. Sadly....There are only 2 endocronologists near me....One won't take new patients without a referal...which will end up costing me about $200 to get....a $50 copay to see my OBGYN since I'm not due to go back until Feb.....and about $150 to run the blood work for "proof" of the PCOS (because this was done 12 years ago and 5 Dr.s ago...I do not have it). The other I can't get to answer the phone.... Can my OBGYN put me on the metformin herself? Is it worth seeing the endocronologist?

IMO, OB-Gyns were useless. All the ever did was prescribe BCP and said that there were nothing else they could do. I saw an (metabolic) endocrinologist that my husband goes for his diabetes and he told me to come back for clomid when I wanted to get pregnant. I researched and found a reproductive endocrinologist who is treating me now. He is way more knowledgeable about PCOS than any of the other doctors I have gone to.

Who's here this month?

I know it's the end of the month, but with the holidays approaching I would like to get back on the ball with weight, depression, and PCOS management. I'll check in on the December thread too!

How are you?


Blah. It's been a rough month.

What are you working on?

Staying positive, enjoying life, getting out of the 180s, and getting happy. Is that too much to ask?

How was last month?

Same. Blah.

How's your PCOS management going?

I changed my birth control pill a few months ago, got my period back this month, but that's about the only thing that's new.

Thanks for having this thread. Love this board.

Thanks Nina.....I seem to be having a hard time finding someone :( For 12 years I've been treated with just the BC.....I was told "You might be able to have kids, you might not....we'll figure it out when the time comes". I feel cheated.....I talk to others who were immediately sent to an endo. when they were diagnosed!! Fingers are crossed that I can eventually get in touch with one that was recommended by a coworker and isn't that far from my house (about 30 minutes) AND that they'll take me as a new patient without a referal!!

Rana my lunch probably was too high in carbs as it was a coffee place with not many options.
It took me a good two days to get over the dizzy spells. A doctor said it was vertigo and my Ob-gynea said it was nothing at all to do with the test. I'm skeptical when she says they aren't related as it seemed far too coincidental. I am feeling myself again. Still no test results but its now a long weekend here so I guess nothing showed up or they would have called.... I'll find out next week anyway.

I'm glad I'm not the only one who felt pretty awful during the test! If I had my family nearby I probably would have called someone. I live in a different country to my family and close friends so I really felt I had no one to call. Finding that really hard at the moment, can't wait to go home for Christmas!