Any other women on here have PCOS??

[Laura_and_IanM 0]

Ok, so I really thought about bringing this up on the forum, but I can really use some support. As most of you know I am in the UK so I am not able to get to my own doctor. I have polycystic ovarian syndrome and right before I left for the UK last May, I was on Metformin. Since then, I have obviously run out and have only just gone to see Ian's doctor about getting some more. He basically told me that it wasn't good that I go so long without seeing a doctor and has put me back on the Metformin. Now I hope some of you can understand when I say that right now I feel alone because I am not around my own doctor and what have you for the medical support that I am use to. Ian is great but doesn't really understand what it is that I have although he is starting to find that my mood swings are getting a bit out of character for me which was the hightale sign that I needed to go to his doctor. Does any other women on here have this? If so if you are on Metformin, how do you cope with the feeling sick all the time for the first few weeks of taking it??? I really feel out of sorts. Can anyone help???

Laura Mitchell

[Traviesa 0]

I have PCOS, it is controlled by regular b.c.-Yasmin, to be specific. Fortunately, Yasmin is able to fix the problem without causing side effects. I'm sorry you're having those side effects. Are you sure there aren't any other options available?

[KarenCee 3]

I have PCOS too. I am very fortunate that Joel has taken the time to read up on this disease and understands this condition. Maybe Ian needs to be educated on it. My ex NEVER understood it and thought I was just "making excuses" for when I felt bad, or hurt, or had cysts that flared up and wanted to burst.

I've been living with PCOS for a long time now and there is a lot of information on it. I take Metformin too. You just have to deal with the icky feeling for a few weeks. Eventually it will stop and you can take it without the side effects. At least it did for me. I've also had to have a laparoscopy done (wiffle ball surgery) and it helps tremendously with relieving your ovaries from the buildup of polyps. I've developed Type 2 Diabetes...another unfortunate side effect of this bloody disease. So please do what the dr says. Find another one if you're not comfortable with this one. My GP is great so far and when I need to see a GYN she has said she will find one for me that specialises in PCOS.

Whatever you do please make sure you follow the dr's instructions. If you haven't read much on it I suggest you google it and read all you can. There are other side effects of this bloody disease that not everyone suffers but you must know what can happen IF you do not take care of yourself. Copy it out and give it to Ian if he doesn't like to surf the net for information. Take care Laura...and if you need to PM me feel free to do so.

*hugs*

[hockeygal 1]

Doctor told me that I likely have it, though I don't have to be on any specific meds, and Marvelon bcp seems to control most of my symptoms. I can't really offer much support on the medication aspect, but I wanted to add to the "you are not alone" theme. I'm sorry you are feeling sick, but at least you have found a doctor here - I hope he is the kind who listens and supports... a good doctor match can be hard to find.

((Laura))

[Laura_and_IanM 0]

I have PCOS too. I am very fortunate that Joel has taken the time to read up on this disease and understands this condition. Maybe Ian needs to be educated on it. My ex NEVER understood it and thought I was just "making excuses" for when I felt bad, or hurt, or had cysts that flared up and wanted to burst.

I've been living with PCOS for a long time now and there is a lot of information on it. I take Metformin too. You just have to deal with the icky feeling for a few weeks. Eventually it will stop and you can take it without the side effects. At least it did for me. I've also had to have a laparoscopy done (wiffle ball surgery) and it helps tremendously with relieving your ovaries from the buildup of polyps. I've developed Type 2 Diabetes...another unfortunate side effect of this bloody disease. So please do what the dr says. Find another one if you're not comfortable with this one. My GP is great so far and when I need to see a GYN she has said she will find one for me that specialises in PCOS.

Whatever you do please make sure you follow the dr's instructions. If you haven't read much on it I suggest you google it and read all you can. There are other side effects of this bloody disease that not everyone suffers but you must know what can happen IF you do not take care of yourself. Copy it out and give it to Ian if he doesn't like to surf the net for information. Take care Laura...and if you need to PM me feel free to do so.

*hugs*

Thank you all for your input. Yes I have been googling the past few days. I can say that since I was diagnoses with it in 1996, there seems to be more information readily available. In 2004, I did have cervical cancer and that was treated. What made me mad about that was in the begining, the doctor that diagnosed me assured me that the cysts aren't cancerous and they won't turn into cancer. He assured me that I had nothing to worry about. Perhaps 10 years ago they didn't know much about PCOS, but it still bothers me that I found out later that yes they can and it isn't just the cysts that can give you cancer. I never knew that irregular cycles can cause cervical cancer.

Ian has been working at his dad's right after he gets out of his own job so he hasn't been home until real late. I guess I should not have thought he wasn't listening to me because this morning, when he got up for work, he told me he would be back in a few minutes. When he came back he had bought me all this fruit and healthy stuff for me to eat and said to just eat when I can. MEN!! You think they don't listen but they do.

Also, when I was first diagnosed with this, I was told that I could never have children...hmmmm lol well I have 3...I can even remember the day I found out I was pregnant for the 3 time! The nurse from my ob/gyn office with whom I miss dearly...even laughed and shook her head..She said that she has never seen a lady with PCOS be so fertile. I guess in that way I count my blessings.

In all honesty, I think I just feel really lonely not being around my own doctors back at home and having to rely so much on Ian with whom bless his heart has no clue how a woman's body operates. I just keep thinking that although I will be apart from him, it will only be a few short months and I will be back in my hometown.

I really appreciate the support that I get from here. I may not always hear what I want to hear but at least all of you are honest. Thanks again!!!

Laura Mitchell

[Identity 0]

I have PCOS too. I am very fortunate that Joel has taken the time to read up on this disease and understands this condition. Maybe Ian needs to be educated on it. My ex NEVER understood it and thought I was just "making excuses" for when I felt bad, or hurt, or had cysts that flared up and wanted to burst.

I've been living with PCOS for a long time now and there is a lot of information on it. I take Metformin too. You just have to deal with the icky feeling for a few weeks. Eventually it will stop and you can take it without the side effects. At least it did for me. I've also had to have a laparoscopy done (wiffle ball surgery) and it helps tremendously with relieving your ovaries from the buildup of polyps. I've developed Type 2 Diabetes...another unfortunate side effect of this bloody disease. So please do what the dr says. Find another one if you're not comfortable with this one. My GP is great so far and when I need to see a GYN she has said she will find one for me that specialises in PCOS.

Whatever you do please make sure you follow the dr's instructions. If you haven't read much on it I suggest you google it and read all you can. There are other side effects of this bloody disease that not everyone suffers but you must know what can happen IF you do not take care of yourself. Copy it out and give it to Ian if he doesn't like to surf the net for information. Take care Laura...and if you need to PM me feel free to do so.

*hugs*

Thank you all for your input. Yes I have been googling the past few days. I can say that since I was diagnoses with it in 1996, there seems to be more information readily available. In 2004, I did have cervical cancer and that was treated. What made me mad about that was in the begining, the doctor that diagnosed me assured me that the cysts aren't cancerous and they won't turn into cancer. He assured me that I had nothing to worry about. Perhaps 10 years ago they didn't know much about PCOS, but it still bothers me that I found out later that yes they can and it isn't just the cysts that can give you cancer. I never knew that irregular cycles can cause cervical cancer.

Ian has been working at his dad's right after he gets out of his own job so he hasn't been home until real late. I guess I should not have thought he wasn't listening to me because this morning, when he got up for work, he told me he would be back in a few minutes. When he came back he had bought me all this fruit and healthy stuff for me to eat and said to just eat when I can. MEN!! You think they don't listen but they do.

Also, when I was first diagnosed with this, I was told that I could never have children...hmmmm lol well I have 3...I can even remember the day I found out I was pregnant for the 3 time! The nurse from my ob/gyn office with whom I miss dearly...even laughed and shook her head..She said that she has never seen a lady with PCOS be so fertile. I guess in that way I count my blessings.

In all honesty, I think I just feel really lonely not being around my own doctors back at home and having to rely so much on Ian with whom bless his heart has no clue how a woman's body operates. I just keep thinking that although I will be apart from him, it will only be a few short months and I will be back in my hometown.

I really appreciate the support that I get from here. I may not always hear what I want to hear but at least all of you are honest. Thanks again!!!

Laura Mitchell

PCOS is something I know a lot about. Women with PCOS can have children, and most of them do.

It's good of your husband to start you on a healthy eating plan; even better if you can stick to it.

[gwenneh 7]

Ooh! Me! I have it too!

I have not yet been started on the Metformin-I get my first prescription for it on Friday. I went to the doctor regarding my complete and utter inability to lose weight, and this was the diagnosis.

The treatment plan involves getting the excess weight OFF (I can't lose it without medication to help, unfortunately) as I am in danger of diabetes. The GP was reluctant to put me on birth control because my BMI has gone so high now, but she did it to keep my cycles regular. I will be receiving metformin and possibly synthetic thyroid stuff as well. Should be interesting. I just want this weight gone! I eat 1200-1500 calories per day, work out at the gym every day, and ride horses nearly every day after work. The doctor agrees; were everything normal, I'd lose weight! A low carb/no carb diet has in the past been successful in helping, but always made me feel like I had no energy.

The part that really gets to me is that no, I won't be able to have kids, not without some major help in the fertility department. You're lucky to have this and still be able to have them. That, for me, is the hardest part of dealing with PCOS. Forget the weight, forget the body image issues it causes...the fertility issue is far, far more difficult.

[VetsWife328 7]

Hi there,

yep I have it too lol.

I'm being treated with the bcp Diane (35 here) .It works great and I'm doing ok.Just can't get off of it because that will cause cysts very fast.(Big ones too!)

I do have a 5 year old son,though it took me years to have him and 2 miss carriages.

I can only give you one advice,

don't let this thing control your life!!!! I have had 2 surgeries ,one was a Emergency surgery at 2.30 am which had to be done since a cyst burts during intercourse and filled my abdomen up with more than half a liter of blood.

That was back in 98.Since then I had my son in 2001 and no more surgeries.It seems that in my case it turned to the better after I had my little boy.

Yet ,yes I am "sick" and have all the other symptoms that I'm sure all of you know.

But as I said I am doing fine.And my boyfriend and I are planning to have a baby in about 2 years from now.

Keep your head up!!!!!! There's worse things out there than just PCOS.

Nat

[Laura_and_IanM 0]

Ooh! Me! I have it too!

I have not yet been started on the Metformin-I get my first prescription for it on Friday. I went to the doctor regarding my complete and utter inability to lose weight, and this was the diagnosis.

The treatment plan involves getting the excess weight OFF (I can't lose it without medication to help, unfortunately) as I am in danger of diabetes. The GP was reluctant to put me on birth control because my BMI has gone so high now, but she did it to keep my cycles regular. I will be receiving metformin and possibly synthetic thyroid stuff as well. Should be interesting. I just want this weight gone! I eat 1200-1500 calories per day, work out at the gym every day, and ride horses nearly every day after work. The doctor agrees; were everything normal, I'd lose weight! A low carb/no carb diet has in the past been successful in helping, but always made me feel like I had no energy.

The part that really gets to me is that no, I won't be able to have kids, not without some major help in the fertility department. You're lucky to have this and still be able to have them. That, for me, is the hardest part of dealing with PCOS. Forget the weight, forget the body image issues it causes...the fertility issue is far, far more difficult.

Yes....I can so feel what you are saying. It took me ages to lose 30 pounds even. But the low carb stuff...ditch it. I don't think it is good for you to be honest when you have PCOS. When I lost the first bit of weight, it was due to eating low fat, and believe it or not...but subway subs!!! (you know..the Jerad stuff lol). I was on Metformin then as well so that deffo contributed. I have been reading loads on PCOS and yes it can have an effect on having children. My girlfriend..she is one of those people that is so sweet and caring and will do anything for you...if anyone deserves to have a child..its her. But her and her husband have been trying for 3 years now. She was just diagnosed with having PCOS just recently. Her and I have talked about me being a serogate for her, but until I can get my hormones in check here, I have told her that I want to wait until it is ok. The last thing I want is to be carrying her child and something goes wrong. I guess you can say that is another one of my concerns about being so far from home right now. I want to be able to go back home and tell her that I am feeling okay now and lets do this if you know what I mean.

Laura

[gwenneh 7]

Well the first time I went no carb I droped 40 pounds...then I went off of it and it all has come back. It's the only diet that works for me, as I said, I count calories/fat/carbs furiously (fitday.com is great if you're calorie counting!), go to the gym five days a week, and ride on the weekends. The only time I lost weight is when the carbs went away....Im doing it more recently, and I think I'd kill for a jacket potato right now...

Gah. If I'm going to be fat I want to do it like a normal person, by eating chips in front of the telly! Instead I get to live right and be fat anyway-it's not FAIR! I am hoping the metformin helps.

[gimygirl 0]

glad to hear that you guys have started on metformin (better known as glucophage). there is a huge connection with diabetes, weight problems, amenorrhea, acne and PCOS. it truly is a hormonal thing ... you usually have hyperinsulinemia (elevated blood sugar) which usually increase your testosterone level which decrease ovulation. by taking metformin, you bring your blood sugar back into line and hopefully reduce your androgen levels thereby increasing your chances to loss weight and conceive!

your symptoms should subside in a few weeks, laura! try taking your med with food ... sometimes this decreases the side effects. not to shoot wog's info down but i would take it with a grain of salt about getting pregnant, unless he can come back and substantiate his statement with a source. there have been studies done in regards to pregnancy and miscarriage in women taking metformin. as with everything, there are many variables.

best of luck to all you ladies in here!!!

[Fuzzness 2]

I think probably for a lot of women, they would get judged because of the weight gain and have people think that they are just eating a lot of unhealthy food. People don't realize that this disease causes weight gain. I understand that image is a big issue for people.

[KarenCee 3]

Ooh! Me! I have it too!

I have not yet been started on the Metformin-I get my first prescription for it on Friday. I went to the doctor regarding my complete and utter inability to lose weight, and this was the diagnosis.

The treatment plan involves getting the excess weight OFF (I can't lose it without medication to help, unfortunately) as I am in danger of diabetes. The GP was reluctant to put me on birth control because my BMI has gone so high now, but she did it to keep my cycles regular. I will be receiving metformin and possibly synthetic thyroid stuff as well. Should be interesting. I just want this weight gone! I eat 1200-1500 calories per day, work out at the gym every day, and ride horses nearly every day after work. The doctor agrees; were everything normal, I'd lose weight! A low carb/no carb diet has in the past been successful in helping, but always made me feel like I had no energy.

The part that really gets to me is that no, I won't be able to have kids, not without some major help in the fertility department. You're lucky to have this and still be able to have them. That, for me, is the hardest part of dealing with PCOS. Forget the weight, forget the body image issues it causes...the fertility issue is far, far more difficult.

I understand how you feel Gwen...I've been on Metformin for a while, and now that I have Type 2 diabetes, it's serving a dual purpose. The excess weight IS hard to deal with...and I've been judged as "not being able to push away from the table" to "why don't you just stop eating?" and other comments I won't make here because of the sheer nastiness of them.

I have been able to have babies, but I have also lost babies too. Women with PCOS can have babies but it is a long and arduous process. I have most every symptom listed for PCOS: the weight gain, the infertility problems, hair growth (in places women ought not have hair), I've already had pre-cancerous cells removed from my cervix as well. The infertility, for me, is the hardest part of this bloody disease. But to have a child with Joel would be worth all the treatments and all the dr visits. I will be lucky to even have another baby though.

I've tried most every diet there is and you're right...low/no carb is NOT good for you. It is almost impossible to lose the weight, unless I just stop eating altogether! Stress has caused some weight loss but I don't recommend it as a weight loss idea. I DON'T have trouble pushing away from the table...heck, I barely eat now as it is! I think the more this disease is understood the less judgmental attitudes there will be. I am finally becoming somewhat ok with my body image...no, I'm not as slim and leggy as the supermodels in our country, but my beloved Joel loves me as I am...and that's all that matters to me. Yes, I do want to lose weight to be healthier and I have lost some, thanks to the USCIS.

[gwenneh 7]

I think probably for a lot of women, they would get judged because of the weight gain and have people think that they are just eating a lot of unhealthy food. People don't realize that this disease causes weight gain. I understand that image is a big issue for people.

A-fecking-men.

It was quite a revelation a few weeks ago when my doctor finally told me that it wasn't my fault that I can't lose the weight. I had been blaming myself for so long. eating was an absolute misery and food was the enemy. My husband had, at times, suspected me of having an eating disorder since I watch calories so closely. I had never considered a thyroid problem or PCOS as the root cause of my inability to lose weight-those things were excuses, I had thought, and if I just worked out more or ate less it would come off.

If I worked out any more they'd make me up a bed in the locker room at the gym; and if I ate any less my meals would be served in a Dixie cup.

Always, always, ALWAYS I am being judged on my weight, whether it's by myself or other people. I wonder, if it's this hard to convince even myself that I am not the problem, what must other people think?

[Laura_and_IanM 0]

I think probably for a lot of women, they would get judged because of the weight gain and have people think that they are just eating a lot of unhealthy food. People don't realize that this disease causes weight gain. I understand that image is a big issue for people.

Image seems to be everything...whether we want it to be or not. For me, I have personal reasons why I don't like being overweight. One of the reasons is seeing my older sister who weighs almost 400 lbs. FOr the most part, the women in my family are not that overweight. I wouldn't consider myself obese as I am right now only 15-20 lbs overweight if that. When I first lost weight, I was so energized...even losing 5 lbs I can feel the difference. My sister, who is 11 years older than me, had a cyst on her ovary when she was 18 that burst. She was so overweight then that it went unoticed. THe cyst was the size of a 7 lb newborn baby. Needless to say, she had to have the ovary removed. Ironically enough, when I was discharged from the AF it was because of the pains I was getting in my stomach. They diagnosed me with endometriosis but they didn't do any substantial tests to come to that conclusion. That was when I asked for a discharge. Finally getting home, my own doctor did the laparoscopy and that was when I was properly diagnosed. Now I say ironically because the same day I had my surgery, my older sister was in the hospital having her other ovary removed. I don't know why her and I were both burdened with this seeing as to how no other woman in our family has anything remotely like it. For me, I don't have the weight gain, I just have a hard time losing it...and having 3 kids...well..lol. But for my sister...she has major weight gain and has a hard time losing it. Both ends of the spectrum as they say.

I appreciate everyones input and support. It is comforting knowing that there are more women out there that understand what not just me but everyone with PCOS is going through. Thanks guys!!!

Laura