Hello my happy readers.. I don't know who you are but my blog has had several hits, so I know you're out there. :)
It is DAY SIX! WHOOT! I am surviving this. I really am going to make it I think. I started the dreaded 1000 mgs and seem to be a-ok! I am the one who when taking medication gets every side effect allowed for that medication, but this time, it's like God has smiled down on me and for once, I am one of the lucky ones. None of us with PCOS are lucky to say the least, but I am so grateful to not suffer through the suffering, kwim?
It was a good day yesterday, beautiful and sunny and all's I wanted to do was go to the gym. Alas I couldn't because I had other errands to do, but today is nice as well so I will be going as soon as Brianna gets off the bus. (Brianna is my 7 year old daughter. I also have a three year old named Justin). I went to the gym over the weekend and it was nice to just get out and move. I can't believe just how sick I was until now, that the metformin is helping so much. I didn't think it odd that I never wanted to go outside. I didn't think it odd that all I wanted to talk to my friends and family about was food. I didn't think it wrong that I would plan dinner before getting out of bed. I didn't think it wrong that 1/3 of our paycheck went on going out to eat several times a week because of my "cravings". Now I find that all of it was pretty odd behavior. Now I am obsessing over every little change the Metformin is making, but I stress about it while walking the track. :)
So my husband and I are in the transition of going semi-vegetarian. This means that we hardly have any red meat in our diets at all, and instead of making the meat the focus of our dishes, we are making out whole meals vegetarian or seafood. We still eat chicken and turkey once in awhile, so thats why I say we are semi vegetarian. Sometimes grilling out some hotdogs or chicken breast is too appealing but we have started to grill veggie burgers. (Morning Star isn't that bad to tell the truth)
Anyway, I have only lost 4-5 pounds but I feel so-much-better!! I don't have cravings anymore and when I eat, I actually feel full and stay full for a bit. Even if I don't see weight loss right away, I know it will come off eventually just because of the changes we have made. I used to be anorexic as a teenager-not on purpose. I was just so active with after school activities like colorguard that food was not a priority. I was busy 24/7 and would fall into bed at night with an empty stomach and not even notice- I would be THAT tired. I worked full time while in school and along with my band activities, that weight was never an issue. After I got out of HS and was no longer in those activities, I started to gain weight little by little and watched as my waistline expanded and my periods got more irregular. The more weight, the less often a period. Now at age 26, I have full blown PCOS, high blood pressure and insulin problems. So far on the Met, my blood pressure went from 147/94 down to 130/70. I am starting to feel energized like my teenage self used to be!
I am on day 6 and I feel great! I love to look in the mirror in the morning and see that my face is no longer swollen. I like to take my socks off and not have the ever present water ring from swelling. I like to cook meals that I know are healthy and I especially love to not be dependant on food again. It's like I was given a second chance and I am so happy to have it.
I know other Cysters with this disease are struggling with it. I just wish they all could feel as good as me. For once I am the exception, not the rule and it's a blessing considering. But don't be discouraged if you do have the dreaded side effects. This medication is working, even if you don't see it right away. It took years for our PCOS to form, but it can take months for it to get under control and possibly better. Easy going and don't lose hope. :)
When you do nothing, you feel overwhelmed and powerless. But when you get involved, you feel the sense of hope and accomplishment that comes from knowing you are working to make things better.--Pauline R. Kezer
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6 comments:
Hi Stacy! My story is almost like yours! Hope you don't mind that I link up with you through my blog! Began today and will update soon. Great job btw!
Emily
Thanks for inviting me to read your blog! :) I like how you are doing it; my blog has suffered, as I didn't have a clear vision when I started it or what my purpose was in writing. I had some painful encounters with well-meaning, but less than thoughtful people, and I started my blog in an attempt to keep my life private while still sharing with some. You are more than welcome to read it, though I haven't updated for a while. I am seriously thinking about starting a new one, using an email address that none of my local (or related) peers are familiar with. If I do that, I'll post the new address at SoulCysters.com, so keep an eye out there. In the meantime, feel free to check it out at http://alenabug.blogspot.com/ and let me know what you think! :)
Another thought, really quick, about Metformin. I've been taking it since early February, and have had great results so far! :) I haven't lost any weight yet, but then my energy levels have not improved as drastically as yours - I went from sleeping 20+ hours a week, to being able to clean for about 30 minutes at a stretch, once a day. I still can't take a 30 minute walk, and cleaning the whole house is a massive undertaking that I still can't beat. I also have hypothyroidism, so that contributes. Anyway, this is getting long, sorry! :P
I just wanted to encourage you - my periods got really irregular and finally quit last November. I started Metformin the beginning of February (500mg x1/day), and had my first period on March 16th. I am in the middle of my second now, and have not had to take anything to make them start. I don't know how long you've been without a period, but I just wanted to encourage you that Metformin really seems to help! :) Keep your chin up!
I haven't been diagnosed with PCOS or IR yet, but I'm positive I have IR and possibly PCOS. I have been trying and failing for a year to get my IR under control and I haven't been able to do that yet, so I am seriously considering Met. So many of the things you have to say, and your symptoms, describe me exactly. I look forward to following your metformin journey, and I'm glad you're feeling so much better :)
Hi Alena, I understand completely what you mean. I am behind when it comes to setting up links to other bloggers but yesterday I read a blog post from someone else that said it's a shame that more famous people don't come out of the woodwork and say that they have PCOS to help bring some understanding and awareness to others about what PCOS is. I look forward to reading your blog.
Bernadette you are very welcome to keep reading the blog to see if this met helps me (so far no period, but I'm at a lower dose so maybe next week??) If you can't get good answers from your gyn, I suggest seeing an RE Specialist. They seem to be the better option when you are trying to get a diagnosis and a treatment regimine going. GL and nice to meet you.
Great post Stacey! I'm soooo happy for you. I'll keep my fingers (and toes) crossed that you don't develop any side effects. Keep it up, girl!
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