I just found this board today, and wanted to introduce myself as a new member.
I was diagnosed in 2000, after going into the ER of my local hospital with High Blood Glucose. I already knew I was Diabetic, but had also suffered MAJOR hair loss, Hirsutism, and other "telltale" problems for years. I was at the time hospitalized for the high sugar and refusing insulin injections, because I couldn't take insulin, it caused a reaction... Even with high sugars, over 300, the smallest amounts would make me "crash", but only in certain ways, such as disorientation and shallow breathing... The nurses were thinking I was acting crazy or having panic attacks about having to get shots, but then the ER doc came over, introduced himself, and said...
"I hear you are refusing insulin, and that concerned me, but now as am just looking at you, I can see WHY you are telling the truth. I am going to order an ultrasound of your lower GYN areas... I think you may have a condition known as Polycystic Ovary Syndrome. It would also explain your hair loss, facial hair growth, and weight gain. (I was a MESS by then Physically) You are probably getting the insulin reaction because your body already produces TOO MUCH insulin, and need pills to control your Diabetes, as well as other treatments"
Now, I was NOT even thinking about those things, being in an ER with an IV in my arm and sugar levels over 500. He did the ultrasound, and also added a T level... BINGO!!!
I was put on Metformin almost immediately, and an oral diabetic med for control. That worked out well, but the problem for me turned out to be that I lost my medical insurance and have since been unable to get even State Aid, because I make TOO much for that, but not enough after monthly "living" expenses to afford private insurance. All my jobs are independent contracting ones, so I can't really get insurance from any of those either. I am basically having to deal with this all on my own at the moment. I am testing sugar levels three times daily, have found natural two great herbal hypoglycemics (Bitter Melon, Gymnema) which seem to be helping keep my sugars below 150, and am restricting Carbs too. It appears the diabetes is "controlled" thus far, but the PCOS is another story.
Unfortunately, I have evidently had PCOS since my early 20s... I started exhibiting these symptoms back that far... My hair was always thin, but started really falling out heavily, getting thinner and thinner, while I grew a "beard" in my late 20s that required daily shaving. My features have gotten somewhat masculine, too. With no doctors to treat this, and knowing how extremely high the levels were when that first test was done...
Well, you can pretty much figure out that this is a tough road. I get called "sir" when I am in stores by people daily, and have found that a lot of men don't see me as attractive because of my hair being so thin. I work from home at the moment, doing something I do well, and am happy with the job, but have had to curtail my music career because appearance is everything in that business, and the onstage wigs give me headaches cause I have a very sensitive scalp, and the hot lights burn the synthetic wigs, and overheat the human hair ones. I just don't bother with those much anymore. Working without them in that field is not something that is really possible, as it's a very "looks" oriented business. I am also a licenced cosmetologist, but finding a salon that will take me right now is not an alternative, as I find that most salon owners won't hire me because people can't see past the hair issue... it's like they think: "SHE wants to do MY hair? What happened to her own?" Friends and family of course, don't think that way, so I still keep up with my skills by doing it for them, and am content to do so.
One of my pet projects is designing a hair PROSTHETIC, especially for women with PCOS... I don't have to tell anyone here that most of the current stuff out there is either itchy, uncomfortable, or not made for all types of people. I have thrown many many wigs across a room in tearful frustration, because they just weren't made for my head. So called "hair replacements" have been waaay too expensive, not to mention that any times I have gone for a "consultation", and had a couple put in, they come right out, being that my hair is as thin as is possible. In any situation where say, a limb is lost, or an eye, the replacement is called a prosthetic, and I feel that to call what WE need anything less, is to ignore the fact that it is a medical issue, and deserves the same respect and empathy. Hopefully with some work, I can come up with that very thing, and will share it first here, before any other "testing"... free of course. If it works out, I would love it to be something that all women who suffer from the emotional effects of that symptom of PCOS will know is just for them... a comfortable, natural looking and PERMANENT solution. Sounds like a commercial, I know... LOL. But I do feel it's one of the main things needed in our situation, and won't rest til I figure it out, at least for myself, and hopefully others will benefit as well.
Well, aside from "Hair Issues" LOL... I do Psychic Readings online and off, and the main reason I love this job because I can really do something I am good at, and not have to worry about being judged on appearance. It has been a real boost to my self esteem, because I get treated so nicely by strangers who interact on a level deeper than the physical, and enjoy doing so with me.
Well, it's nice to meet all of you, and I look forward to becoming a productive member of this community, and getting to know everyone better. Feel free to IM me online anytime, or drop an email, or visit my site, if you would like a reading too.
Thanks for listening,
Barb
__________________ Yes... I AM a REAL Psychic!!! To view links or images in signatures your post count must be 0 or greater. You currently have 0 posts.
Wow what a story! I hope every thing works out for you. I know how if feels to not look feminine.
I have broad shoulders and a square jaw. I am on met and yasmin and it seems to help with the facial hair. As for af well that is another story. i never know when it is going to come.
Early on my doc had put me on estrogen to help out with some issues but all the women in my family have had estrogen induced breast cancer. besides i think it made me freaking crazy!
Welcome.
Now this phyc thing you do? do you really have the power?
__________________ Constance
ME 30 DH 36
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I think we all understand what you are going through and we are here to talk and give a shoulder to lean on if needed. I hope everything works out for you and I wish you good luck for the present and future.
__________________ Charnell: 22 & DF: 32 * Dx w/PCOS & Insulin Resistance 2/18/2005 *Metformin ER 1500mg *Second Trimester Loss @ 23 weeks due to infection in the amniotic fluid 12/7/03 *Currently not TTC* *Atkins Diet & Excercise To view links or images in signatures your post count must be 0 or greater. You currently have 0 posts.
Welcome to soulcysters. You have really stumbled across the best website for us. I hope that you find all the knowledge you need here or at least get lead in the right direction. I am also a diabetic but I wasnt diagnosed until last October. I know how frustrating PCOS can be especially with a added illness. None of this is easy. People dont really understand what we are going through on a daily basis and honestly its hard trying to explain to people why you as a woman have broad shoulders and facial hair. Have you tried looking into some clinical programs to see if you can get meds.
__________________ Issa Divorced now due to infertility
Will be trying again with Donor Sperm in 07 To view links or images in signatures your post count must be 0 or greater. You currently have 0 posts.
currently taking Actos
diabetic (type 2) Novolog
Prenatals
Clomid Failed,
Back to Back IUI's on 9/10 and 9/11
BFN on first injectable cycle
Round two of injectables 10/2/05 :
Second round of Injections BFN To view links or images in signatures your post count must be 0 or greater. You currently have 0 posts.
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You have stumbled over the best site ever, for PCOS sufferers. Enjoy surfing through the different sections and don't hesitate to ask lots of questions - we all do, and we all help!
__________________
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37, diag 1993 - textbook case! tried; Dianette*Met*Provera.Now back on Spiro, & taking; Atracand for high BP*Evening Primrose Oil*Milk Thistle*Cinnamon*Agnus Castus*Multivitamin + Minerals with Probiotic*St Johns Wort*Glucosamine*
Just wanted to say "nice to meet you" to all who replied to my introduction. For the cyster that asked, Yes, I do have what you referred to as "the power"... although I don't give it such high regard... I think it's a sense, plain ole intuition, and that it doesn't make me special, just someone who developed it to a higher level than someone who didn't. For instance, not everyone is a Doctor, but everyone who had the smarts, drive, and determination to be one, could be.
Well nice talking to you all
B.
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Carey(31) To view links or images in signatures your post count must be 0 or greater. You currently have 0 posts. Paul(43)
Married 7-25-02
PCOS Diagnosed Nov 02'
Bi Polar Diagnosed Feb 08'
Current meds~ Lithium&Celexa
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Welcome to SC! Your story brought tears to my eyes. So much to go through, and so many of us going through it. I am glad that you found us! See you around the boards! (Have to go adjust my tinfoil helmet so you can't read my thoughts! Just kidding...I'm not making fun, I seriously think it's awesome to have abilities like yours!)
__________________ Rebecca ~ 35
DH Matt ~ 39
Married 11-20-04
TTC for 5 years...never pregnant.
Hoping for a miracle...
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Barb
If you cannot afford the meds, alot of companies will give you the meds. Look into it. Se if you can locate the maker of whatever meds you take and get on their website to see if they offer any med help. Best of luck with your PCOS. My hair has just started to fall out more taking MET and it's frustrating. Have you ever tried doing the online thing, putting your picture online and letting people talk to you and get to know you before they meet the physical person. That's how I met the person of my life. We both weren't beautiful people, but are both "good hearted" and wonderful people and we found each other that way. Let me know if i can help.
Hi, I'm Barb... 
If it works out, I would love it to be something that all women who suffer from the emotional effects of that symptom of PCOS will know is just for them... a comfortable, natural looking and PERMANENT solution. Sounds like a commercial, I know... LOL. But I do feel it's one of the main things needed in our situation, and won't rest til I figure it out, at least for myself, and hopefully others will benefit as well.
