Please Read ... new & uncertain ...

DLeigh · 05-29-2006, 02:24 PM

Hi everyone ... this is only my 2nd day on the site and it's great to find such a wonderful community here!

I'm a 'planner' at heart ... and so now I am trying to map out some kind of plan for myself ... and there is really nobody else who could give advice other than all of you ... the whole 'hands--on experience' bit really holds up in my eyes!

At 25 yrs. old I was dx with PCOS. I was put on Glucophage XR 1500mg and told to LOSE WEIGHT!!! I was ttc and had no reaction to Clomid ... nada ... nothing ... zippo! I then found myself under a fertility specialist's care for 2 years ... more pills, ultrasounds, blood work, self-injected shots, etc etc etc ... had 2 mc after each IUI ... and just before we were to start getting ready for IVF I was dx with a very rare form of Melanoma.

Life stopped ....

They feel that the Melanoma may have been caused by the extreme levels of hormones ... and following my surgery they forbid me to use them again for at least 2 years... if ever!

As of July I will be 2 1/2 yrs. clear ... and as of May 1st of this year we are ready to TTC again and are searching for any and every 'natural' way to get my body on track ... the only thing I am still taking is the Glucophage now.

Yes, I lost the weight ... from a size 24 to a 12 ... 75 pounds gone!! The last 20 will drip off slowly ... but I finally feel happy and have energy. Still, I do not get a period ... I had one in Sept. 05 and one in March 06' ... but of course w/ PCOS you never know if AF is from ovulation or just from the lining of your uterus shedding off on its own due to being too thick. Sooooo ... what now?

All of May we researched 'natural & alternative' ways to balance the hormones. Please let me know what your thoughts are on the daily schedule I currently mapped out...

1 c. Red Raspberry Leaf Tea
1 c. hot lemon water (freshly squeezed) - first thing in the morning!
800 mg Vitex
1500mg Glucophage XR
565mg Dong Quai
1 c. Red Clover Tea
1 oz. Liquid mulit-vitamin (Balaned Essentials)
1 pill - Calcium + Soy
200mg Chromium Picolinate
24 oz. cranberry concentrate (all natural) mixed w/ water

It sounds like a lot ... but if my body is getting the support it needs to get balanced then in a few months I should hopefully see some results ... right? Any insight you may offer would be so great ...

Thanks ...

october_sky · 05-30-2006, 05:46 AM

Just a note on the chromium picolinate. It can throw your blood sugar out of whack if you take the wrong amount at the wrong time.

I took 500 mcg every morning with a low GI breakfast (oatmeal, yogurt and green tea) and would fall asleep by noon. Normally that type of breakfast would keep me going all day without feeling sleepy.

Br@ndy · 05-30-2006, 10:12 AM

Hi Dleigh, welcome to sc

I would suggest starting a few of the herbal remedies at a time, and give your body time to adjust between each one. Because herbs, like any other meds, help some women and are horrible for the others. Vitex and dong quai are a good place to start.

You might want to be cautious about taking chromium and glucophage together.

I understand about the last 20 coming off slowly too. It seems like the last few lbs likes to come off in its own sweet time.

Good luck to you, look forward to seeing you around the boards

DLeigh · 05-31-2006, 01:47 AM

Thanks for the feedback!

I'm only taking 200mg of the Chromium ... that's half the dose ... but I'll read up some more on it just to be on the safe side.

I'm also hearing a lot about NPC ... another thing to study up on.

Thanks for your replies!! See ya on the board!

BuBu · 05-31-2006, 02:30 AM

DLeigh,

It seems like you have been researching alot for your body's specific requirements, but I second Br@ndy's concern that you have quite a list of herbs to integrate all at once. My naturopath is always concerned that you easy into new herbs/supplement, so that you don't overwhelm your body. Also, I am not sure if all those can work together without adverse interactions.

My only advice would seek out a certified naturopathic doctor. It will save you guesswork and your treatment will be tailored to your body. Secondly, remember to give your body time. Natural medicine isn't an instant fix. You have to be willing work at it, give it time and not give up. I have been seeing a naturopath for about 1 and half years, we have got my cycles regulated, but are still working on my thyroid issues. I wish you the best of luck on your healing journey

Congrats on the weightloss!!!

kait454 · 06-02-2006, 05:32 PM

A neighbor reccomended holistic nutritional treatment. I had an appointment with the doctor in this field, but had to cancel my appointment. It's 100$ per visit. Is it worth it? Has anyone been to a nutritionist like this?

kait454 · 06-03-2006, 03:17 AM

After going back and looking at this forum, I realized this really wasn't the spot to post my concern. I apologize!

october_sky · 06-04-2006, 09:04 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by DLeigh

Thanks for the feedback!

I'm only taking 200mg of the Chromium ... that's half the dose ... but I'll read up some more on it just to be on the safe side.

I'm also hearing a lot about NPC ... another thing to study up on.

Thanks for your replies!! See ya on the board!

There's quite a difference between mg and mcg lol. In mg, my dose would have been 50 mg.