PCOS....well, it sucks
Jessica G.
So, I was finally diagnosed with Polycystic Ovarian Syndrome as well as hypothyroidism. Although, I had sort of suspected it, and had tried to prepare myself for it, I was still really upset when the doctor came up with the diagnosis.
Basically it means that I will likely have acne and histurism for the rest of my life (although it can be controlled to an extent), which I can live with. But the big one, is weight gain...its a freaking symptom! And when you gain weight, all the other symptoms worsen..major catch 22. I have been lucky and only gained about 25lbs (most with PCOS gain over 50-100lbs). Thanks to my activity level, I managed to turn a large percentage of that weight into muscle gain over time. I am now within the normal bodyfat range (although still the higher end), and have managed to control my symptoms because of fat loss. Food will always be a struggle now, and I will have to watch what I eat all the time... no refined foods, sugars are bad, so on and so forth. Almost 50% of women with PCOS end up obese and with diabetes (insulin resistance is another symptom). It almost feels like my body is fighting against me...
Although I am not yet ready for kids, all of a sudden, the idea that I will likely be infertile and will have troubles conceiving made me realize I do want kids one day...and the fact that it will be a struggle for me to get pregnant really bothered me more than I expected.
Its a diagnosis that snowballs into other diseases and issues...hypothyroidism, diabetes, obesity, infertility, acne, depression, etc, etc... Its just tiring to think of it all...
Shona S.
Its not all that bad.
My aunt and a co-worker both have it.
My aunt had two children and my co-worker hasnt had any adverse affects since being diagnosed about a year ago and shes 17.
My advice is, dont worry.
The worst case senario doesnt always happen =]
Thanks, most of the time I try to be positive about it, but other days...just not happening.
My mom also has it, and obviously had children, but for most the big thing is having the first child at a younger age (around 24 or so), because as you get older the more cysts on the ovaries you have. Also, having children can actually reverse most of the symptoms of PCOS and can make it easier for you to conceive a second time (its unknown at this point as to why this occurs in some women).
Sadly I have had adverse affects because of it, including the weight gain, high cholesterol, insulin resistance, facial hair, acne, depression, hypothyroidism, and I do have cysts on my ovaries and am not ovulating on my own at this point, which isnt the most promising sign.
I wouldnt say that I worry about it most of the time, but Im not going to be naive about it and pretend that its all going to be hunky dory. It does get tough when you are daily plucking dark hairs out of your face; or dealing with acne before a major presentation to clients; or looking down a menu at a restaurant and seeing nothing you can eat beyond a salad.
Its a major lifestyle change just to try and control the symptoms and ovulate. Like anything, some days are better than others..but it does get tiring because you are constantly thinking about whether or not you can eat that, or that your face is breaking out, and it does make you feel less than attractive or feminine. Im very lucky compared to some women with PCOS, not going to lie or think that I have it worse than everyone else, just some days feel more hopeless than others I suppose.
michelle G.
I understand how you are feeling, I was diagnosed with Sticklers syndrome, an autoimmune disease. I have to make lifechanges, and I have to deal with other symtoms as well, low iron, depression, weight loss...
kiddo
Jessica, I think it will get easier for you as time goes on with regard to the lifestyle changes. They will become a habit, and other aspects of your health will benefit from it. I have a history of ovarian cysts and endometriosis. I have been pregnant twice and both pregnancies where ectopic (the fertilized egg gets stuck in the tube instead of the uterus). The first time this happened, the embryo grew so large that my tube exploded and I had to have an ovary, a fallopian tube, and my appendix removed. It also caused part of my intestine to collapse and now I have intestinal problems because of the scarring from the surgery to repair it. The second ectopic pregnancy occurred in the other tube, but I caught it early and it was dissolved with a shot of chemo. I went through a long period of depression over the thought of not being able to have children, but was able to move past this issue. There is still a possibility that I can have children, but if that does not work out I know that adoption is always an option. I worked with children in foster care for several years, so I have firsthand knowledge that there are children in this world who need parents. I realize that adoption isn't something everyone would feel comfortable doing, but for me it seems like a good decision when/if I am ready for motherhood. The best of luck to you, Jessica!
Thank you Kiddo. Im sorry to hear about your ectopic pregnancies, those are very dangerous, and you have definitely experienced some of the worst of it. 
You are definitely right about adoption, its something I was looking at even before being diagnosed with PCOS...funny thing though..how being confronted with one situation makes you want something more than you did before.
Today is definitely better anyway, just think I needed to get out what was bothering me. As much as my boyfriend listens, he just really doesn't understand, and I cant expect him to understand.
Thanks for listening Also, Shona, Kiddo and Michelle, thanks for making me remember that it wont always be bad, and that it will get better. I should be looking at the bright side of things more than I am.
*hug*
and a hug for kiddo. I know that sometimes people can't really understand what you are going through, but we are here for support
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