Finally!

EmJ · 08-04-2008, 08:32 PM

Hey there, I'm EmJ. Nice to meet you all!

I found out about PCOS a little over a year ago. It was a visit to the family doctor about daily headaches that got me a blood test and landed in the office of an endocrinologist (hope I got that right). I had infrequent periods, ovarian cysts, dandruff and bad skin, hair loss, increased body hair, weight gain and a massive decrease of self-esteem. To me PCOS is like many of a woman's worst nightmares all rolled up into one. Since then I've dropped down to half my size in clothing (20 to 10), but I still continue to struggle with various problems and self-esteem issues.

Other than that I'm a normal girl. I love my boyfriend, cycling, graphic design and reading, and I have a curiosity that never seems to be satisfied. One thing in particular that bothered me for a while was feeling like I was alone, so I'm incredibly happy I finally came across a forum with people I can relate to! It's a big relief.

I'm looking forward to posting here more and getting to know many of you and your stories!

RLGould27 · 08-04-2008, 10:48 PM

Hey EmJ!
Welcome. I'm Rishawna. I'm a newbie as well. I was just diagnosed July 28 but had a feeling I had PCOS 15 years ago. The women on this site are incredible. They givve me a boost everyday, b/c I know how you feel. I am in your shoes!! (BTW what size do you wear? lol)

Seriously, I have everything you have, the cysts, horrible, horrible dandruff, bad skin, NO PERIODS, hair loss where I want it and hair growth where I don't want it (go figure!!) and self esteem lower than low. Currently I am working with a trainer to help me lose weight but I am hopeful. And the ladies on this site are true inspirations.

I am a graphic designer who works for Ringling Brothers and Disney On Ice performances. I had a wonderful boyfriend, but for complicated reasons, we are not together anymore. I can tell ya about it in a private email sometime. I felt like I was alone, suffering with "being abnormal" for so long, but it wasn't until I stumbled across this site, this wonderful site, that I found people like me. My sister cysters. And it feels so good to welcome you as my new sister cyster. =)

PS. EmJ. Wasn't the the name of Spiderman/Peter Parker's love interest?

EmJ · 08-05-2008, 05:49 AM

Hey Rishawna! I was reading over other topics in this forum when I came across a post that made me think "Wow, and I thought I had it bad.." Turns out it was yours! It really put things into perspective for me. I feel lucky now to have been referred to an endocrinologist who genuinely cared about my health. I really dislike those doctors that just seem to brush you off completely, making you feel worse than you did when you walked in.

I also had a personal trainer! He's another person I should be thanking for helping me. At one point when I didn't have a way to get to the gym he offered to bring his bike to my house so we could cycle together. =) I don't exercise nearly as much as I should anymore though. lol

I'd really like to talk to you if you ever want to IM me. Thank you for the welcome! I'm already loving it here.

And now that you mention it, you're right.. I think that was her nickname (MJ)! It's a combination of my first and middle name too. hehe

RLGould27 · 08-05-2008, 11:50 AM

Hey Emj!
I feel we're gonna be really close. =) I would love it if we could IM each other. I am on yahoo, AIM, and Messenger. Yahoo hasn't been working well at my job but AIM works. I just don't usually have it on b/c no one I know is ever on. My screename is the same, RLGould27. Makes it easy to remember. =) Also you can always email me RLGould27@aol.com.

Yeah, I have been down a rocky road. Still staggering a little as we speak. But I'm telling you, this site is a GODSEND. Just to know there are so so many women dealing with something I thought was just a fluke within me. I kid you not, I used to think I was given up by an alien family and adopted by my own family out of pity. They felt sorry for the roly poly hairy chunky baby, lol. But I feel so much better now. Still dealing with the self esteem issues, but I'm taking one day at a time rather than trying to tackle it all at once. I pray a lot and find comfort in that aspect and here on this site.

I met with my trainer yesterday. Boy, I got a lot of work to do! But I'm committed. He's a good trainer as well as a good friend. He began training me two years ago after my mom got sick. I came to the gym to try to reduce stress, but couldn't seem to do it myself. They were having some type of promotion where you get 10 free training sessions and I said "Sure, what could I lose?" They placed me with him and through my crazy multiple meltdowns, tears and God knows what else (and not b/c the exercises hurt, but b/c I was just an emotional wreck) he stuck with me. After three months, my blood pressure was normal, my energy was better, and I could crack walnuts with my behind! I had a lot more to work on, but that alone was incredible.

To make a long story short, he quit working at that gym and we lost touch. He managed to keep my email and would email year after year that we need to get back on track. I finally took him up on the offer. So we're in the process of "redoing" what I "undid." Hopefully this time with lasting results!!

Eva37 · 08-05-2008, 01:02 PM

lovely to meet you, ladies. there is a link to the newbie roadmap in my siggie for you
eva