First Steps

May 5th, 2010

When I was 17 I was diagnosed with PCOS- Poly Cystic Ovarian Syndrome. I was also told on this day I would not be able to have children. I have kept this hidden from most people, including most of my family. There is a lot of back story that is related to this condition, but that will come another day. For today I am inviting you to join me on my journey.

In the last month I have begun a new treatment plan that includes medication and significant weight loss. PCOS makes it incredibly difficult to lose weight, and very easy to gain it. Although my weight issues are evident from my outward appearance, I work very hard to down-play that it bothers me. Only the closest people in my life have I let into my struggle with it. And now you. This blog is a personal journey, taking one step at a time getting healthy and preparing my body so that someday I can be a mother.

My new medicine is called Metformin, and some of you may know it is used for diabetic patients. The thinking is, if we can get my weight down with this medicine, as well as reprogram my insulin resistance, we can reverse the PCOS. It could go away. I won't really know that its gone until I am able to get pregnant, but I want to do everything in my power to correct what I have done to my body.

I have had horrible trouble with "bathroom-sickness" on this medicine, and trying to figure out what foods don't make me "sick" or nauseous. I have cut down my carb intake quite a bit; about 30-70 grams of carbs a day, depending on the day! We've shopped at "Trader Joe's" looking for organic, gluten-free products that don't taste like dirt. I am a sucker for snacky foods, and this is hard to come by when carbs are off the table. But, we've found some edamame crackers and nuts to help tied me over. For a few weeks I kept on the meds even though it was keeping me in bed (and in the bathroom) most of the time. My Uncle is also on Met and suggested that I lower my dosage. After being in agony for 3 weeks, I finally took his advice and now take 750mg every night. It has made a huge difference, and I'm not worried about going out with friends or worried about what I can't eat. I can eat pretty much anything now, but still keep the carb count as low as possible. There are still days that I get upset and just want to eat whatever I want without thinking about it...days my parents are saints for dealing with me! It probably sounds easy to most people, but for my whole life I have eaten whatever I felt like eating, other than when I was starving myself...

So, I've been praying a lot about getting through the days, keeping optimistic and creative about what I eat. Mom and Dad will get me whatever I want, so it is really up to me to take action. Mom and I had this weighwatchers online account a few years back that never got cancelled, and every so often I hop on it and input my points for a particular day. I always go over, get upset and eat more. But, today I recorded what I ate for the day and used ALL of my points. No more, no less. It felt really good. I also read on their website that there is a 4-week challenge and this week is movement. I'm gonna use the next hour to look for my ipod and take Sophie for a walk after I drop Ty off at work tomorrow.

So, I have begun my first steps toward making a life change...your prayers and support are greatly appreciated.

~Aleece