BellaJenna77

Hello to all,

Just a warning....this is going to be long!

I'm 31 years old, and was diagnosed with PCOS at the age of 17. I was incredibly lucky to have a wonderful doctor who made sure I was as informed as I could be about PCOS at the time, and was put on BCPs to regulate AF, who came to visit maybe 4 times a year otherwise. For the past 14 years, I've had absolutely no one to talk to about PCOS. I am the only woman in my family who has not given birth to at least 3 children at my age. I don't know what I expect my mother or sisters to say, as they can not relate in any way, shape or form...I guess it would be nice if they would just say *anything* instead of staring at me with a blank look on their faces when I break-down about this.

Flash-forward 10 years...I know, I know - it's a HUGE time gap, but here's where things get tricky. My OB/GYN decided to retire - I was devistated. On top of that, my first marriage broke down and I lost health insurance. I had also re-enrolled in college classes full-time, and my part-time job naturally didn't offer benefits. So, for the past 4 years, I've been without insurance, and trying to figure out just what I'm going to do about my situation.

I've since re-married, but DH was laid off in mid-2007 and I lost my part-time gig so, still no insurance. The insurance battle is a seperate issue entirely, although I will admit it continues to be one of my biggest stress factors.

My problem is that I just don't know where to turn. I do realize that I need to be treated, but, simply put, we can't afford it. My symptoms have raged more out of control than ever over the past 2 1/2 years and, although DH is as understanding as he can be, they have definitely put a strain on our relationship.

I now weigh well over 300 pounds. I've struggled with weight my entire life, but, when I met my husband I had gotten down to a size 12 or 14 (I lost almost all of my excess weight while going through my divorce). I'm now lucky to find a size 24 or 26 that fits me. I think the face that I lost control over my weight yet again has me the most infuriated.

I've had one period this year - on my own. It began on April 9th and didn't stop until May 6th!!! Before that, dear-old AF hadn't been around for well over 2 years. Yes, I know that not doing anything about that is my fault but, again - no insurance and no money to see a doctor.

I also have extremely thinning hair on my head, and an abundance of hair everywhere else. Couple that with pain during sex, lower back pain, acne, and what I'm sure has to be some form of clinical depression, and I'm just a wreck!

I've tried to deal with things the best way I can. But, I'm not getting any younger and I really would like to try to have a child. Being a mother is the only dream I've ever truly had for myself. I know that I need to take care of myself, but I honestly don't know where to begin, given my insurance/financial situation.

There is so much more to my story, as I'm sure there is to every woman's story on here. But, this is what I'm focused on right now. Any advice/suggestions would be greatly appreciated. I'm even beginning to research natural/homeopathic treatments at the moment. I'm just at my wit's end!

I'm sorry for rambling on, but I warned you it was going to be long!

Thanks to all for **listening**.

~*Jenn*~

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Heather in canada

I can really relate to alot of what you are saying. I too would get the one period a year, which alot of people told me they were jealous of, until they found out that period could last half the year if i didnt take bcp. I have also pretty well lost all my support aside from my dh, who is understanding as can be, but i too dont want to stress our relationship further. this site is great to help you realize you arent alone in alot of your feelings, and that you can talk to someone who knows what its like to suffer from the symptoms. I really hope that you find some information that will help you out without breaking your budget, and although i cant tell you much about natural remedies, i wanted you to know that your not without support here. i know its not the same as having someone that you can hug and such but its nice to hear stories and bounce things off of the girls on this site, who are all so sweet . so keep going, and good luck, i really hope all works out with your situation.