1.) What problems have you faced getting diagnosed?
Doctors and my family not realizing my weight was really an issue when I'd talk to them about it. Always being told I couldn't lose weight because I was stressed. My symptoms were brushed off for years before finding new doctors when I relocated for work.
2.) What life style changes have you had to make since your diagnosis?
I've had to learn to accept I can't live like everyone else around me, I can't eat what I want and just burn it off at the gym. I have to exercise twice as much and twice as hard as I used to. Biggest thing is food, it's more about what I'm eating rather than how much. I was never a big portion eater, always ate 1200 or less calories a day but still overweight. re-vamped the fridge.
3.) What other related diseases/syndromes have you been diagnosed with?
Diagnosed with PCOS first, then my doctors realized later that I was becoming insulin resistant and high cholesterol.
4.) Do you have any family members who have also been diagnosed?
NO
5.) Has your diagnosis caused any family issues for you?
The only family issues are the ones I create because of insecurities. My family doesn't fully understand what I'm going through because none of them have this problem. They diet and exercise and look great. I get treated as though I'm hiding how much I eat, like I lie about my diet and exercise. Constantly told by some family members I need to lose weight.
6.) How long have you been diagnosed?
Since April 2013, starting being tested since November 2012.
7.) Have you noticed an increase or a decrease in social support since you were diagnosed?
Only slight support from family. More support from friends. More support from my new boyfriend, he works in healthcare so he's more educated on the facts
8.) How long did the diagnosis take?
Took four years for a doctor to really look at my symptoms and start testing me. After that eight months for actual diagnosis
9.) Have you developed any other disorders or problems because of your diagnosis?
Body acne, facial hair , inability to ovulate, weight instability, increased cholesterol, increase in blood pressure.
10.) Has your mental health been affected in any way since your diagnosis, in such ways as depression or anxiety?
I thought finally being diagnosed with something would make me feel better. I actually feel worse. Knowing I will always live with this challenge of having to work harder, make greater sacrifices in a constant effort of chasing a dream image of myself. I have anxiety about my appearance constantly. Anxiety about infertility. Didn't want kids till my thirties, now realizing I'll have to start earlier in case I struggle. Questioning my own strength and how hard I want to push myself mentally and physically. The wost is the constant insecurities of not being good enough. I found someone recently perfect for me but I fear his family will not accept me because culturally they are thin and think highly of physical appearance. The pressure of them asking him when he'll finally have kids.
11.) What physical symptoms do you deal with in day to day life of your disorder
I get severe to mild hot flashes from the hormone imbalances, constant cramping in my pelvis, and exhaustion