I was just told this week that I have PCOS. I am currently going through a lot of different emotions. I'm angry,sad, and happy. I'm happy because I feel like I'm not crazy. For about 5 years now I have been telling doctors that something isn't right. Every doctor that I saw told me the same thing. Be happy you don't get periods it's not that serious. But it was a big deal. I would go 3-4 months with no period and than began to spot and bleed for months but get really sick in the process. I would have bad pelvic pains where it would hurt to breathe. I am angry because I have seen all kinds of doctors and no one could ever give me an answer. I have had blood test after blood test done, ultrasounds, camera stuck down my throat and yet still no answer. I had all the symptoms of PCOS. I used to weigh 116 pounds and since I started having these problems I am now at 200 pounds and can't get it off. I thought the unwanted hair growth was because I had gain so much weight. I thought my skin being oily was because of the weight gain. I thought my hair loss was due to the fact that I put a perm in it. I'm sad because the only thing in life that I have ever wanted was the ability to have kids. Now knowing that I might not be able to scares me. Everyone keeps telling me don't worry you can adopt. That just makes me so mad. I know I can adopt and I don't see anything wrong with it but for me it not about just having a child it about going through the whole process. Caring it for 9 months, going through labor, bringing a child home for the first day from the doctors office, morning sickness, growing stomach. I am upset even more because I am getting married in March of 2009 and I don't know if I should anymore. I know my finance wants kids. That was one of the things we talked about the most was about how many kids we were going to have. Now know that I can't give that to him hurts. He says he doesn't care about that he just wants me to be healthy but I know it's not true. We believe now that this might run on my mothers side of the family. I have a few aunts and cousin with the same symptoms.
What I wanna know is just how serious is this illness? I know it's not curable but is it deadly? Does this illness get worst with age? What other factors can make having PCOS difficult to maintain?
I am currently anemic and I carry the trait for sickle cell anemia could that cause any problems for my PCOS?
The doctor told me that my insulin level is okay. I just happen not to eat anything the morning of my doctor appointment and they said they took blood then to determine my insulin level. Since it's okay now is there still a chance that I could have IR? Diabetes runs in my family (on both sides) is there a greater chance for me to get it?
Women I have talked to with PCOS stated that when it comes to there weight it is a never ending battle. When they do loose some weight they seem to always gain in back but double the amount that they loss. Will I always be overweight with PCOS?
When it comes to having kids what problems will I have if I do conceive? Will I have a higher risk pregnancy because of my PCOS? Will I develop complications after having a child because of my PCOS?
These are answer that I hope someone can give me. I am tired of crying and worrying and would love some guidance or help from anyone.
hi sorry you are so low im a newbie to i can try and answer afew of your questions as iv been diagnosed for afew years,heres an interesting fact about pcos its believed that it is passed down the male side of the family it doesnt effect males but if there has been instances of it on your fathers side you are more likely do develope it. pcos will not kill you its a hormonal imbalance that causes cysts to grow on your ovaries we usually have a higher level of male hormones than usual hence the excess hair growth ( something that i myself suffer from) and some have insulin issues, dont think it will effect us in older age because its hormone related, but we are at risk of type 2 diabeties and other illnesses
not sure about the sickle cell
hope this has helped abit
Hi Kiandi, welcome to SC. I am new to the site too, but not to having PCOS - i got my dx in 2002. There's a lot of great info on here that I think will help you out especially under the The Newbie Road Map link.
PCOS can pave the way for a lot of other health issues (diabetes, infertility, heart disease) but it's a long way from being a death sentence! I'm sorry if your doc didn't give you much info, but basically, lifestyle adjustments do a lot to manage the different aspects, and your dr might put you on metformin (a diabetes medication) and/or bcp (Yasmin is esp good for pcos patients) as further treatment. If your doc doesn't take it seriously, I would really consider finding one that will.
Weight loss can be tough, but a lower carb diet can help a lot. Also, it is NOT impossible to get pregnant with PCOS! It might take longer, and yes there is a higher miscarriage rate, but don't give up hope of mommyhood that easily! Talk it out with your fiance, he sounds like a really understanding guy.
I know you're going through a tough time. You're not alone! If it helps at all, at least now you know what's going on w/ your body and you can start taking the steps to treat. Take care. ::hugs::
__________________
Me~27 To view links or images in signatures your post count must be 0 or greater. You currently have 0 posts. DH~37
Married 12-2-2006
Aug 2002 - Dx PCOS
Sept 2008 - lap for pelvic pain, Dx mild Endo
Oct 2008 - TTC #1
Metformin 750mg and prenatals
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For what it's worth, a PCOS diagnosis doesn't really guarantee infertility. How has your doctor decided to treat your PCOS... Even without any insulin issues many on here have had success with Metformin as it can help incite spontaneous ovulation in annovulatory women.
By the way, do you know what your "numbers" were for your lab work? Many of us on here have to be a little more proactive and I recommend physically getting a copy yourself. A lot of doctors just go by ranges and those can be hugely misleading.
I imagine that this news is frightening, but please peruse the site to see that many cysters are able to conceive (some unassisted others need a little more help).
I am sorry you are scared. I am new to this site but not to PCOS. I was dx when I was 11. From the start of my periods they have been hell. Thanks to my mom I immediately went to a GYN and was dx. It was very scary but at the same time it can be empowering. Now that you know what is going on you are doing the right thing by research. I have found that a lot of physicians are not familiar with the complexity of PCOS and that you have to be your biggest advocate. As for your questions I can only answer from what I have learned and experience.
As for the weight for me it has been a never ending battle. The things that work the best for me is lower carb and increased physical activity.
As for the insulin levels mine were ok until this year. I recently started on metformin because I have become borderline and my husband and I are trying to have a baby. I would suggest having them tested on a regular basis.
I hope you find some comfort in knowing there are a lot of us out there who are going through the same battles you are fighting.
It doesn't help to say 'don't worry', or to hear it from other people. I know this, and so does probably every woman on this board.
You might have days where you feel out of control, where you feel like a victim to pcos, and that's okay. Grab a blanket and bury yourself under it. Get a good book or dvd, find ways to comfort yourself. You can start NOW by letting yourself be comforted by things and people that don't have to do with self-harm (you know what you do when you hate yourself. choose to do things that express love for yourself). PCOS will make you your best friend, but it won't be easy. You'll make it though, I know it.
There are lots of possibilities in the world! Just because some of them might be harder to achieve (like fertility) for those with PCOS, it doesn't mean that you can't reach your dreams!
Keep reading around here, and don't lose hope! Your dx has given you a tool to work with. Now you can do what you need to do to feel better.
I remember how scary and upsetting a PCOS diagnosis can be even though I knew in my heart for a few years that I had it!!!
First and foremost, I just wanted to say that PCOS is NOT an infertility sentence. There are many cysters here on SC and elsewhere who have plenty of beautiful babies. Some women conceive naturally, others with meds, others with more invasive procedures, others with weightloss, others with natural remedies, others with a more holistic approach. . .the list goes on! I don't think any of us know how TTC will go until we try. Period.
Second, PCOS is not deadly, but if you don't take care of yourself, it can lead to things whose complications may become deadly (ie cardiovascular disease, diabetes). I know it sounds scary, but these things can be avoided with diet and exercise.
In terms of being a Sickle Cell carrier and having PCOS, again, if you take care of yourself, I wouldn't think one would make the other worse. I am not an expert, but I would think that as long as you don't have PCOS-"related" cardiovascular problems (ie. cardiovascular disease) there wouldn't be a relationship. Unfortunately, cysters have a higher risk of being insulin resistant or developing diabetes, and having family members with diabetes (especially if they are your parents) can further increase your chances of developing it. Believe me, having parents who are both type II diabetics, I share this fear. Again, YOU have the power to help prevent this.
While many cysters battle with their weight, we are all different. I had been overweight since I can remember, and getting my PCOS diagnosis forever changed my life. . .in a good way. I lost ~60lbs (and have kept it off since '07). I watch my carbs and refined sugars, and I exercise regularly. This is the best thing that we can do for ourselves. Afterall, everyone should be eating a balanced diet and limiting excess sweets, right?
While this is undoubtedly a battle, it is a battle that I AM WINNING! Was it easy to lose weight? No! But then again how many women in general tell you losing weight is easy? The truth is that is requires a great deal of effort, but the rewards are even greater!
My weight does fluctuate 5-10 lbs, but knock on wood, I have not rebounded. I'm not super thin, but I'm 5'8", ~165lbs, and a size 10. . .that's a few lbs less than I was in 8th grade when I went for my high school physical!!! I NEVER thought I would be a size 10! If I can do it, ANYONE CAN!
PCOS requires you to take control of your mind, body, and soul. I remember how depressed I was when I was first diagnosed. . .I felt a lot like you do. I cried so much that my eyelids were swollen. I spent a day or two in bed feeling sorry for myself, and then I realized that this is something I have the opportunity to change and take control of. I knew that I could either sit back and let myself go down and be down, or I could do what meds couldn't. . .eat better and exercise (I still took the meds my doctor prescribed). After reading some of the medical literature and posts here on SC, I was inspired to find the me I felt as though I had lost in my PCOS symptoms.
My suggestion is to read, read, read, especially here on SC. It's a wealth of information and inspiration. It's WONDERFUL! I hope that you too find the inspiration here that I found and continue to find!!!
Always remember that you are not alone, and no matter what you may be feeling or experiencing, someone here will understand.
__________________ **~Future Doc Cyster~**
Yasmin Working out 4+ days/week Low(er) carbing Mama to 1 furbaby, Maya, the Toy Poodle/Maltese To view links or images in signatures your post count must be 0 or greater. You currently have 0 posts.
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Hello and welcome to this site!
Sorry you are so scared, been told you have pcos is alot to take in, but can I say everyone of us is different.
I must start by saying PCOS does not make you infertile, it can do but there are ways around it in a lot of cases. I have pcos and endometriosis and have a baby via IVF, BUT IVF was done as my hubby also had some issues. I responded very well on clomid soeven if you are not ovulating it may be just a matter of taking some medication.
The weight gain is a tough one.I am seeing a dietiten at the moment, so I would advise seeing a dietitien one who deals with diabetes/pcos etc as they will give you very helpful advice, for example, if u fancy something sugary, like I used to, I'd skip dinner to have a treat, in fact dietiten said my body would be less inclined to store sugar as fat if I ate a healthy dinner 1st. Our body does not like to starve so regular meals are highly recommended, and when we eat regular meals we are less inclined to go for bad snacks.
Stay away from all the fad diets as they are only temporary.
Good luck with your wedding in Mar, and hopefully you will conceive when the time is right.
Try not to worry if you can, you should come into chat and talk to everyone, there is nearly always someone in chat.
I'm scared :( 
worry comes in waves 
