I've browsed this site before looking for PCOS info, but today I finally decided to register.
I was (basically) diagnosed with PCOS just last semester, near the end of April. I didn't have many symptoms as a child, but once I hit college, I was steamrolled by the classic PCOS symptoms: sudden weight gain, no periods, facial/body hair, persistent acne... the whole package.
This semester things are in rapid decline. I'm on my sixth or seventh month without a period. My weight has ballooned: when I started college two years ago I was at a steady, comfortable 115, this past summer I was at 145, and yesterday I was weighed at the clinic and came in at 169. I hate the way I look and the shame has begun to bleed over into other areas of my life. A friend told me that she had intercepted a rumor going around the campus that I was pregnant because of how rapidly I have gained weight. I don't want to see other people because of the way I look; all I want to do is sit in my room, sleep, and communicate with people on the Internet where no one knows how I look. I know I am letting myself become depressed, and I don't want to let this happen.
My family wants me to try to control PCOS with diet and exercise before they let me go on medications, because of how expensive it is (I do not have health insurance). I hate exercise... our gym is always full of stick-thin girls, and even if no one is staring at me the whole time I'm there, I always feel like they are. However, I like to go on walks after dark, so I may keep doing that. What are some diet plans that might be a good idea?
*hugs* to all my Cysters here, and thanks for letting me join the site!
I'm sorry to hear that you're having such a rough time. I know college can be hard enough in itself, without adding health complications.
Have you tried talking to anyone? There are often lots of resources for college students, especially if lack of insurance is part of the problem.
As far as diets, I too am bad about going to the gym. I know it would help me tons, but I just got into a groove with my new eating habits, so one hurdle at a time. I personally have found that Metformin coupled with the Insulin Resistant diet has worked wonders for me. The weight has started to melt off, I feel so much better mentally (I've suffered from depression for as long as I can remember), I have more energy, I feel like the old me again! Have you checked with your doctor about going on some type of Meds to help with your symptoms? My Metformin looks like it only costs $18 a month (this is how much is shows billed to insurance) and I didn't shop around for the best deal, I heard WalMart has a new $4 program and maybe Met would be covered or whatever other meds you need.
All in all, I totally recommend the IR diet. There's lots of info on it in the Diet & Exercise section of the boards. There's also a great book called the Insulin Resistant diet book you can get from Amazon.com or probably even your local library.
Hope some of that helps. Don't lose faith, there's lots of great women here who can give you all kinds of great advice! Also please be careful walking alone at night. Try and take a buddy if you can, and make sure you walk only in well light areas Also I always walked on campus with a key chain pepper spray, just in case.
__________________ ~Mere (35), Brian (36)
BFP #2 - 9/26/09 - EDD 02/27/2010 - It's a girl! BFP #1 - 3/24/08 - Arrived 11/18/2008 - Alexander William
To view links or images in signatures your post count must be 0 or greater. You currently have 0 posts.
To view links or images in signatures your post count must be 0 or greater. You currently have 0 posts.
Welcome to the site.. Im a newbie too and I know exactly what your going through although my symptoms didnt start until my early 20's . I blew up in weight like 30 ..I hate excercising too and I am trying to get the motivation to start ..I am starting to eat better no caffeine or fast food especially since Im TTC ..Anyway Good luck and if you ever need someone to chat with let me know Im always available
__________________ Kelli and DH
5 total miscarriages
3 first trimester
2 second trimester losses - most recent March 19.09@14 weeks
due to IC/PROM
Thank you all so much! I really appreciate all of your encouragement. It means so much to me.
I just had a visit with the on-campus doctor today, and luckily my blood sugar levels were normal, and I wasn't anemic at all. UNfortunately, she said that my cholesterol was really bad, and that I needed to start on a diet for my cholesterol. I was totally blindsided by that! Do any other cysters here have cholesterol woes?
Hello... 
