I'm still having a hard time dealing with this PCOS thing. I feel so lonely. No one close to me really understand what I'm going through or how I'm feeling and I really hate having to try to put everything into a perspective that they can understand sometimes. I mean don't get me wrong, I love the support they are trying to give me, but at the point I just feel like I should be left alone. I want to be normal and I feel like that won't happen for a while. I feel like I'm outside, looking in on life at the moment.
I am in the process of changing my diet and my lifestyle to deal with PCOS the best way that I can. We have thrown out over half of our food because it isn't healthy, gluten-free, organic, or expired {we're really bad about letting pantry stuff expire} and we have replaced it with all of the good stuff. Ethan was amazed yesterday at the commissary. He said, when we got in the car after everything was bought and paid for, that this was probably the first time we have ever gone shopping and not gotten a single thing that was unhealthy or sugary. It's the truth. I'm craving all sorts of sugary things like ice cream and doughnuts, but I'm trying my hardest to suppress them with healthy foods like fruit and all that. I'm struggling, but it'll be worth it in the end.
I've done a lot of research over the past week and a half about diet and lifestyle changes when you have PCOS and I have found that a lot of people are saying that the best thing to do is to eat smaller amounts of food five to six times a day. I've been doing that over the past few days, and although I've already lost 3 pounds in a little over a week, I still feel weird eating all the time. I feel like a pig constantly snacking.
My doctor called me on Thursday to tell me that the lab work came back and they found that my testosterone levels are elevated and she thinks that I definitely have PCOS. I have to go in for an ultrasound to see if I have any cysts on my ovaries at the moment. I've never had a cyst before so I'm a little scared. What happens if I do have cysts? Do they remove them? If so, then how?
It's such a depressing thought that this will be my life from now on. Worrying about food, and exercising, and whether or not I can have another baby, and whether or not I have cysts...I broke down this weekend and just cried and cried. I just want to be normal.
I've been struggling with cysts on my ovaries for the past four years, and I'm only 19. For the longest time I've seen doctors, and they all told me the same thing. Nothing was wrong with me. But why then, did the pain continue? Finally I found a doctor who found the cyst on my ovary. But instead of it being ON my ovary, it was IN my ovary. We scheduled the surgery, and on march 3rd I had my right ovary removed. This is MY story.
ReplyDeleteHaving a cyst is nothing to be worried about. :) I promise. If you do have a cyst, or cysts on your ovary the doctor will discuss your options, you'll take action, and be on your merry way. Sometimes it only consists of having to take a birth control pill. Usually those help suppress the growth of cysts.
As far as having a cyst ON your ovary, if you have any at all, there is different processes they can take to remove them if needed. If its a fluid filled cyst, they can Stick a needle in and remove the fluid. If its a hard mass, usually they will do a laproscopic surgery, (very small incisions, one in the belly button, and the others where they need them in order to access your cysts.) I've had two lap surgery's and mine turned out very well.
I've been to MULTIPLE doctors, and heard EVERYTHING possible. If you have any other questions, or just want to chat with someone who can relate, check out my page, and my email is in my contact me tab. Sending hugs and reassuring thoughts your way! :)
Lauren,
ReplyDeletehang in there. I know it's easy to feel alone. Call me if you ever need to talk.
As far as eating all the time, its truly does make a difference and is the best way to eat- it keeps bllod sugar and metabolism steady. Rememer, you can snack every 2 hours as well and when I did it, i lost weight and felt great. A snack is a handful of almonds or a string cheese- that size volume, I felt like a pig too, but if you add quantity and calories, it really less, just more frequently. Which iis a mental shift from how society says we need to eat.
Hannah
Another things about the cysts - having PCOS doesn't mean you'll have cysts. I've been diagnosed for over 4 years now, and haven't had one. The name 'polycystic ovary syndrome' is misleading. When an ultrasound is done and the 'string of pearls' is seen, it's actually a lot of small follicles - ones that have developed, but are not large enough to release an egg and go away.
ReplyDeleteIt takes about 21 days to form a habit. If you can go 21 days without the sugary stuff, the cravings will start to subside, and you will have formed the new habit of eating healthier. Find your favorite fruits and veggies and always have them on hand, and then to keep it fresh, try a new fruit or veggie. I found champagne grapes at Central Market this week. They are tiny sweet grapes. Awesome!
Hang in there for the first few weeks, and it will start getting easier!