Name: Natalie
Age: 26
Family Situation: Single and without children. I am lucky to have an extremely supportive family and a great network of supportive friends.
PCOS Symptoms: Irregular and painful periods, excess hair in places where it shouldn't be!, acne and oily skin, fatigue, anxiety and depression. I have cysts on the outside of my body which I have been told are related to ovarian cysts, luckily they are only around the groin area so they are not noticeable. They are bloody painful though!
Worst thing about PCOS: Fatigue, anxiety and depression all seem to come at once and are almost disabling at certain times of the month. Excess hair is time consuming to get rid of (and painful, especially the facial hair!!)
Meds used: Dianette (which did wonders for my acne, it has now completely gone!) and sertraline (anti-depressants). I reguarly use relaxation methods and like aromatherapy techniques too.
NHS/Private?: Both. I first went to my GP with problems when I was 14 years old. I am now 26 and only got my PCOS diagnosis a year and a half ago! I was finally referred to a specialist who I saw privately.
Action Taken: I had a laproscopy which diagnosed PCOS. But then I was told that there is very little you can do. I was prescribed anti-depressants and Dianette. I later found out through my own research that diet can help, so I have taken the necessary steps to eat more healthily.
PM or E-mail: I am happy to be contacted either way.
Any other info: Without ranting I have to say I feel I was totally let down by doctors. I believe that if PCOS was a wider known syndrome then I would not have had to go through 11 years of believing I was cracking up before I got any help. I am really happy to have found this site, just reading other women's experiences and attitudes gives me the boost I need to get on with things. |