Candi's Story

Candi · 07-26-2002, 08:17 AM

I was surfing through the forums here and got to this one and realized I had not introduced myself. I'll try not to make it boring.LOL.
I was born with Spinal Bifida Occulta (deformity of the spine, not really apparent when you look at me). Regarding the PCOS- I started developing breasts and pubic hair in 4th grade (loads of fun in gym class, EGADS!). Finally got period in 8th grade. Got married and tried 6 years to make a baby, got one finally. BCP's cause endless problems with me, tried them all. Weight skyrocketed suddenly which was befuddling because I was formerly a very physically active Volunteer Firefighter, EMT 1, and Forest Firefighter (Fought hard not to let my spinal issues hold me back from anything I wanted to do.)

Horrid yeast infections my whole life (You see my name IS Candi, one doctor nicknamed me Candida. Ha, ha, ha, Gee Doc, don't worry about my feelings or anything like that). Numerous quacks who insulted me and humiliated me. After pregnancy, my symptoms worsened quick and hard. Refused medical help, (Can't be insulted if ya don't show up). Pain and murderous moods finally convinced me to go in. New Doc was awesome and understanding, put me on meds and listened to me. Can't complain about her one bit.

However the med's drawbacks outweighed the benefits for me so I recently went all-natural with Atkins diet, herbs and vitamin regimen. The benefit of going to the Doctor was finding one caring person and knowing exactly what was wrong with me (high testosterone/low progesterone, fibrocystic breasts, abnormal hair growth, freaky periods, obesity, insulin resistance, hair loss, severe mood swings, ovarian pain and cysts, etc...yup it's PCOS) I know Doc will still be there for me if my new regimen fails.

This is my story of hope, folks. I refuse to give up. I refuse to be depressed or ashamed. I choose to deal with this my way on my terms. I am an extremely happy person because I choose to be. I thought my future was in Firefighting/EMT work, but my path was changed by worsening spinal pain and PCOS. I accepted that I was meant for something else.

You know what they say, "When life hands you lemons, make lemonade!" I thought I would have lots of children but secondary infertility has changed that plan. So I have begun to check out doing Wildlife Animal Rescue (furry babies?). It seems I may be able to "make a difference" in the world after all. I recently got the chance to help rescue snow-white baby barn owls. It was a deeply spiritual moment for me when I saw them fly for the first time. Love to you all~Candi