tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-16403086182202832572024-03-08T05:23:38.667-08:00Resuming WomanhoodStaceyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06880126991682286076noreply@blogger.comBlogger18125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1640308618220283257.post-52146251077975218482012-02-17T10:55:00.001-08:002012-02-17T11:01:45.487-08:00Last and final updateIf you stumble across this blog you may wonder what ultimately happened in this case. This post is several years rolled in one but it does detail the end of my hellish time with Metformin. <br /><br /><br /> After starting Metformin, I was on a roller coaster ride. I'd take it, get up to three pills a day and then my system wouldn't tolerate it anymore. I went years or up then down and up then down with this medicine. Personally, I hate it. I hate what it did to me. I was sick constantly and the GI upset, no matter the dose is impossible to deal with. <br /><br /> Even with taking the Metformin, I continued to get sick. I have seen more doctors than I can remember and have tried pills, an IUD, weight loss (it's back on now, lol) and anything else they threw my way. None of it worked. <br /><br /> Finally, just recently I saw my doctor at the end of 2011. I started a period August 2011 and it was ER heavy by December. I was battling my blood levels and chair bound. I couldn't do much of anything as it was so heavy and painful. February 1, 2012, I had a hysterectomy. No, my ovaries aren't fixed now that my uterus is gone, but I am no longer a slave to the nonstop bleeds. <br /><br /> I have given up on having another child, but I am fighting for a chance to live my life free of the bleeding and pain. <br /><br /> It is now February 17th and I have taken great pleasure in throwing every.single.bottle of Metformin away. I had bottle after bottle in all the cupboards. It was a freeing moment to toss it all in the rubbish bin. <br /><br /><br /> I am happier. I am healthier and I am metformin free but it cost me my uterus. <br /><br /> If you are going to take this medicine, I wish you all the best in the world. I hope you have better luck with it than I did.Staceyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06880126991682286076noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1640308618220283257.post-61392525934156092462009-02-19T07:39:00.000-08:002009-02-19T07:53:26.823-08:00Good news and the bad.Hello Everyone, <br /><br /> I post this with a heavy heart but trying to look on the bright side. Taking the good things with the bad is part of life right? <br /> Well, I stayed on the Metformin, still juggling between the 2 and the 3 pills a day. Funny thing, my mother in law came out about two weeks ago and I had a "surge" of hormones. Possibly stress? I don't know, but it happened. I had symptoms of ovulation and was really trying not to get optimistic about it, but figured something was going on down there. <br /> Needless to say, about a week later my chest started to hurt. I didn't think anything of it and had wine and a few rum and cokes over the weekend but still, thought maybe it was just my ovaries "waking up". I haven't had an actual period in so long that I wasn't expecting anything to come of this sudden surge of hormones. Boy was I wrong. <br /> Two days ago I took a pregnancy test and got a very faint line. Shocking, to say the least. I had looked at that test about 15 times an hour, just staring at the second line wondering how my life was going to change, but still not trying to get "too" hyped because the line was so faint... anything could happen. I asked Bill (my husband) to get a few more tests and to bring them home for me to retest with. <br /> He came home with the EPT +/- test and I took it as soon as he walked in the door. I had been "holding it" in anticipation, lol. I watched the test while it was working and felt my heart drop when I saw no other line form. I waited and kept looking at it. I held it to the light, turned it upside down, took the strip out.. everything- still no line. Bill and I ended up fighting all evening. I guess I was so upset and discouraged that I kind of took it out on him. I went to bed slightly crampy, still with a sore chest, still feeling hormonal...<br /><br /> I woke up this morning tempted to use the other test to see if the line would appear today but didn't want to go through another negative, so didn't take it. By 10 am, I started cramping harder and used the rest room to see AF rear her ugly head. <br /><br /> This is bitter sweet for me because yes, it was hard to see that line.. but hey!!! I Ovulated!! My egg fertilized! Did it stick? no... but I actually ovulated! Hallelujah! I can look at this as a loss, but I take it as a good sign. All is not lost and there is hope that maybe someday I can get pregnant again but maybe with medical help to *keep* the baby. <br /><br /> Bill has asked me to wait until we get back to the US and for me to see a specialist. He'd like for me to lose some weight and see if I can get my periods regular so that I don't have to take so much medication, and he'd like to be promoted in the military first. I can see what he means. I am okay with that. <br /><br /> So I just wanted to let you all know that yes, the Metformin is working. I am going to work harder and losing weight and being more consistent with my medicine. <br />If you are still a follower of this blog, thank you for you interest. I hope I can keep inspiring others to not give up. It's harder for us, but makes it so much more worth it when the good things happen. I can't believe having a period and ovulating has become such a big "thing" in my life where before I would just complain about it happening and gripe that I had to deal with the cramps. I miss the cramps and the consistency and all of the hormones... lol I miss not plucking my chin and not worrying about cancer. But I ovulated and that is a good sign.. and I am going to walk away thinking about that and not the faint line. Maybe someday I will get a dark line and have a healthy pregnancy, but for now, ovulation is good.Staceyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06880126991682286076noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1640308618220283257.post-45899420366424940732009-01-17T01:06:00.000-08:002009-01-17T01:24:26.179-08:00Update, Still on the Metformin. :)Hello my PCOS Cysters, <br /><br /> I hope this blog finds you all well. I am sure some of you are waiting for your update, so here it goes. <br /><br /> As of today January 17th, I am still taking the Metformin and am taking the full 1500 mgs dose. I don't know why, but I have such a hard time getting all three pills in one day. I hear from others that there is an extended release pill available but I can't get that until we get back to the States. It never made sense to me why I would take 2 pills in the morning and 1 in the evening, but I have been following the Drs advice as best I can. It would make more sense for me to take 1 morning, 1 in the afternoon, 1 evening, but with the 2 in the morning, I have strong side effects in the AM and then they lessen and are manageable by afternoon. <br /><br /> As of right now, I am 6 days late for my "period" and am going to start some progesterone this evening to see if I can bring one on and then hopefully will ovulate next month. I can't really get upset about not ovulating considering I have been up and down between 2 and 3 pills daily. I can report in that I have had a lot more control over my hunger. Food isn't really much of an issue these days. There are certain foods that upset my stomach more, but all in all, I'm not eating all day long like I used to be. <br /><br /> I've lost about 8 pounds since starting the metformin but saw most of this loss when I got up to the full 1500 mgs dose. I still have side effects and some days can be really bad, but I've promised to see this through. I am not losing hair this time. I still have hair growth in areas that I would prefer not to, but it seems not as thick. <br /><br /> I just wanted to thank those who have been reading my blog for all of the kind messages I have received. It is nice to know that although we are all stuck dealing with our PCOS issues, that the common bonds have allowed me to make new friends. I just want you all to make sure that you don't give up or get disheartened by the Metformin side effects. I hope one day that they will find a newer medication that does the same as Metformin without all of the side effects, but for now, it does it's job. <br /><br /> I must warn you though, in closing, that it is not a good idea to drink alcohol while on Metformin. Your liver has to process the medication through and when you drink, your liver then has the Metformin and alcohol to process and it can lead to really bad headaches. If you are dealing with bad headaches with the Metformin, you probably have a buildup of lactic acidosis and need to really push the water. You <em>have</em> to drink a lot of water with Metformin so your liver can process it as efficiently as possible. Drinking compromises that process, so if you decide to drink, keep it to a minimum. <br /><br /> I will post again soon. Take care everyone.Staceyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06880126991682286076noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1640308618220283257.post-69240908233980754392008-11-24T06:09:00.001-08:002008-11-24T06:25:00.131-08:00Metformin, Week 1So it's been a week! I haven't updated because it has been a great week, issue free. Today is another great Metformin day. I can not believe how different this time has been from last. <br /> I have not had ANY bad GI issues aside from some nausea a few times from eating too much popcorn. I have actually LOST about a pound a day since starting the Met again. I know it's not water weight because I am drinking about 48 ozs of water a day, at minimum. I was having problems with cravings in the evenings and started to take my pill when those cravings hit, and they are gone! The cravings have left. When they start back, I take my pill. I haven't had any of the diarrhea like the previous time I was on met, but I think that is also because I have drastically changed my diet- I mean drastically.No carbonated beverages, no alcohol, no sugary sweets. I haven't been eating greasy fatty foods, and I haven't been loading up on carbs. I feel wonderful, really. I haven't had a period yet, since the beginning of September, but I am thinking that I might have ovulated. The "atmosphere" down *there* has changed which means some hormones are actually working for once. I also had some cramping which leads me to think that in about 2 weeks, I may be able to circle another date on the calendar. I see the doctor on Dec 3rd and will be asking for a refill of the Met. I am so happy to have control over my appetite, to actually see the numbers going down on the scale, and to not have the GI issues from last time, that I plan on staying on the medication. I haven't gotten up to 1500 mgs a day, but right now am at 1000 mgs, and am handling it just fine. <br /><br /> So far, no hair loss either. Maybe the key to Metformin working properly is in diet. I think it works it's best when the person taking it works *with* the Metformin to help it fix what needs fixed. Because I am not eating the wrong foods, the Metformin is working better than last time I was on it. <br /><br />So far, I am sure I made the right decision to start taking the Met again. I will update soon after I begin the third pill. <br /><br />I hope this blog helps some of you in your own Metformin experiences.Staceyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06880126991682286076noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1640308618220283257.post-44050912127834447942008-11-17T22:42:00.001-08:002008-11-17T23:35:34.183-08:00Day 1, againWhat a day, What a day. <br /> I took 500 mgs last night at bed time. I usually stay up to read for an hour or two, usually with a rumbling tummy demanding food, but I took the pill and about a half hour later, my stomach was not growling and I was tired. I guess this is why the bottle says "May cause drowsiness" :) <br /> I woke up this morning and my stomach feels a little queasy, but nothing too bad. I actually felt a little hungry upon waking so I decided to do something I never do- have breakfast. I am not a good breakfast eater, never have been, so this morning I had a turkey on whole grain sandwich, banana, and water. The bakery here has some really nice seeded wheat rolls with flax seed which I love. I just hope that I don't end up "paying" for eating the sandwich later on after I start to digest. Time will tell. I know better this time than to eat lettuce, but I've forgotten many of the foods that I don't do so well with. I guess it's trial and error. <br /> <br /> On a side note, I would like to list some of the reasons why I decided to start the Metformin again. Well first, I am getting a mustache. Yes, as in hair on my upper lip. It isn't black hair, still light but it is very noticeable. My testosterone levels are high enough that I pulled a hair off my chin a few weeks ago, had one on my chest, and my facial hair is growing longer. Embarassing as that is, I have vowed to put my ego aside and to tell the truth on this blog. I also have only had one period over the last 4 1/2 months. I am currently over a month late which means that I probably haven't even ovulated in quite some time. My weight has blossomed to an all time high and my BMI actually made it to 36.5. I started working out and cut out the horrible foods in my diet a few weeks ago, but my cravings are so out of control that my will power is weakening and I find myself craving salty chips, fried chicken, soda, and candy. Healthy food doesn't appeal to me, but I could eat an entire bag of chips. The cravings for junk are so strong that I think they are worse now than they were when I was pregnant. On the Metformin, I notice that my cravings greatly diminish. I just wish that with insulin resistence, that my body would crave HEALTHY things but it's always the bad things for some reason. <br /><br /> My husband, right now, is away on Military orders so my options are limited on exercise because I do have two children. But when he gets back, which is very soon, I plan on going to the gym and searching out some support groups on base so that I don't make these changes alone this time. My husband is supportive and plans on helping me by not bringing junk food home himself, but I need to start going to the gym too. The Metformin helps me in that because it should help make my exercises more effective. It does me no good to work out for an hour and then come home and fall slave to my cravings.<br /><br /> So if you are reading this, and you are feeling any of what I have been feeling, please feel free to comment. I would love to hear your thoughts. <br /><br />Today is day one, but hopefully it is a great beginning.Staceyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06880126991682286076noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1640308618220283257.post-85657435427976962532008-11-17T07:36:00.000-08:002008-11-17T22:59:56.970-08:00Off the Wagon but trying to board the train. Nov. 17, 08I am ashamed to admit that I gave up. I gave up on myself, I gave up on my husband, I gave up on my kids, I gave up on my future. I let discouragement and the first bump in the road to knock me out of the wagon and I laid on the ground feeling sorry for myself. Today I begin anew, ready to move forward and to see where the journey takes me. <br /> <br /> I am going to try the Metformin again starting this evening. I don't care if I feel sick at first. I don't care if I can't order the chicken wings and the burgers that I so crave. I have decided that the cravings are not my friend- they are my own personal sabotage. I miss having the lack of hunger pangs on the Metformin. I miss sitting at night and being able to focus on my book rather than the growling stomach I KNOW I just fed an hour beforehand. It is out of control. My weight is out of control and I want to take it back. <br /><br /> So what if I lose hair? I have decided being bald is better than being overweight and unhealthy. I may be a bald lady, but I'll be the bald lady without insulin resistance and without the muffin top on her jeans. Ha, I can't believe I just admitted that. <br /><br /> So here we go again, and this time, I think since it is "my" idea and not some arbitraty thing I was going to "try" that I want to just test out, that I will be successful. I figure, unless it kills me, any progress is worth it. <br /><br /> I will post tomorrow how the day is going. 500 mgs of Metformin, ORDER UP! I'm sorry I let all of you down as well and just gave up. I want this blog to help others and all's I did was focus on myself.. well no longer. This blog WILL be a success story and I am not going to give up again. :)Staceyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06880126991682286076noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1640308618220283257.post-54446290610126606742008-06-05T01:07:00.000-07:002008-06-05T01:16:49.374-07:00Metformin Day??? UpdateSo I havent been around in awhile. I've kinda been at a loss of what to say. My mother in law came out mid may and I went off of the Met because I didnt want any embarassing side effects while she was here. Unfortunately, I have not wanted to restart the Met. <br /> The fact of the matter is, I have lost about 1/4 of my hair. It still is coming out in clumps daily, when I shower, the drain gets clogged. My hair has been gloriously long, thick and healthy for my entire life. Even at age 5, it was down to my waist. I don't know how to deal with the fact that my once thick hair is now thin and lifeless. I am afraid that although I have stopped the Metformin, that my hair is going to continue to fall out. My GI issues are not any better either, even though it has been weeks since I have taken a single Metformin. Everything I eat gives me a stomach ache and my digestion is way off. I have not lost any weight, but I still am not having a normal bathroom experience. I wonder if this is normal. <br /><br /> On the flip side, I had another period this month- exactly 30 days from the previous one. This is great, but not so great because of the other side effects. <br /><br /> I really am at a loss of what to do. I am afraid to go back to the GYN and tell her that this is what happened or else she may want to do the uterine ablation or try another IUD. This really sucks. <br /><br /> So I have a period, but am losing my hair. I had no pain on the met but spent a lot of "quality time" in the bathroom. I have to decide on being bald and in no pain or being in pain but not have most of my hair hit the floor. What do I do? What can I do? <br /><br />This isnt what I expected or hoped for.Staceyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06880126991682286076noreply@blogger.com5tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1640308618220283257.post-48524467041943219062008-05-11T21:15:00.000-07:002008-05-11T21:33:32.012-07:00Metformin day 24, May 12, 08Sorry to all of you readers due to my lack of blogging in the last 5 days. I have tried to blog over this time period but every time I start to write my new post, I end up deleting it not sure if I should write what I need to write. I have just been experiencing something from the Metformin that was not expected and I think would be discouraging for those who are considering taking glaucophage but since I pledged to be honest in my description of my "recovery" then I feel it necessary to explain what has happened over the last 5 days.<br /><br /> It started about May 9th. I was in the shower and got my hair wet and noticed that it felt "different". Now my hair is something I have been proud of my entire life. I hated it as a kid because it was so hard to brush, but I've always had glorious hair. I often grow it out as long as I can stand it and then cut 10-11 inches off and donate it to "locks of love" to be made into wigs for cancerous children. As you can see, my hair means a lot to me. So back to the shower. I put the shampoo in my hair and begin to "lather" when I notice as I go to pull my hands away that they are covered in hair. Large amounts of hair strands on both hands. I try not to freak out thinking maybe it's because it's getting warmer outside. Heck, my dog sheds, why can't I? I proceed to rinse my hair out and more and more strands are coming out. By the time I finished my shower, I was a numb. I didn't cry. I didn't panic. I didn't do anything but towel dried my hair and stare at my damp hair in the mirror. Sure enough, it is definitely a lot thinner than it was before the Met. Since then, my hair has slowly been falling out more. No I am not bald or anywhere near bald, but I am afraid that the hair loss is not going to stop. I dropped from the 1500 mgs dose back down to 1000 and don't know if it is helping any yet, but I am too afraid to go back up to 1500 mgs. I didn't see this hair loss a week ago and I would have noticed.<br /><br /> I googled Metformin and hair loss, and sure enough, it is a side effect. Personally, I would rather deal with the other unpleasant side effects before dealing with losing my hair, but what can I do? This medication is my last hope before having to explore surgery. I am sure that going through premature menopause would probably contribute to hair loss as well. (among other things)<br /><br /> It really is unfair that we have to suffer through this horrible "syndrome". I am thankful that it isn't terminal or anything like that, but wonder how much more of this I have to go through before menopause.<br /><br />ps. I try not to put my personal "comings and goings" on this blog because it is focused on the Metformin, but wanted to let you all know that my mother in law is here visiting us in Italy and that we will be going to Rome this weekend so if you don't hear from me for another long stretch, it's because I'm beating up some gladiators and chilling with the Pope. (Well, at his "crib" anyway). :) Take care everyone.Staceyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06880126991682286076noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1640308618220283257.post-18304700269791655412008-05-07T13:07:00.000-07:002008-05-07T13:15:54.021-07:00Metformin Day 19: May 7th, 2008I'm BAACCK! Things are going so well for me, it's hard to describe. I feel so good! I had a normal period, lasting 3 days but a good flow for the first two, and I am doing well. Hard to believe I had a three day period. Usually they never end. It's almost like a normal person's period.<br /><br /> I am doing well with the 1500 mgs but I have to take them all at once at night time. It's the only time I actually feel ok. I know it's supposed to be spread out, but it's the only way I can handle the whole dose. I sleep through most of the side effects which is a blessing. I am back down to losing the 5 pounds again but I haven't seen any real signifcant weight loss. I am not losing hope though, I think in a few weeks I should see some more improvement in that department.<br /><br /> I want to tell you, lettuce while on Metformin is not the greatest idea. I won't get into an more detail as I am sure you can use your imagination but lettuce= bad! <br /><br /> We go to Rome next weekend and I am worried about side effects while down there. I am thinking of not taking my met for the days we are there and then coming back and taking 1000 mgs again for a few days before I work back up to the 1500 mgs. I need to do some more research first though.<br /><br /> I will still keep continuing to update the blog here. I can say things are getting much better.Staceyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06880126991682286076noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1640308618220283257.post-46387191735523136452008-05-03T14:49:00.000-07:002008-05-03T14:53:55.773-07:00Metformin day 15: May 3rd, 2008Hello my fellow friends and partners in crime.<br /> So I feel better today. I only took the 1000 mgs for the last two days and guess what happened yesterday...<br />.<br />.<br />.<br />.<br />.<br />.<br />.<br />I STARTED MY PERIOD! Whoo hoo. Well, the excitement wore off a few hours after it started because this is a pretty bad one, but it is a period none-the-less. This is a step in the right direction. YAY! Now if it stops in a reasonable amount of time (less than 10 days) then I will be so HAPPY to have had a *normal* cycle. I stopped taking the provera a few days back but finally had a period. If it is a real one, I can't be sure, but if I have another one in 28-31 days, I can be assured I may have actualy ovulated. CAN YOU BELIEVE IT?!?<br /> I guess that explains why I have been so crappy feeling lately. This is one of many steps of the road to recovery but it is progress nonetheless.<br /><br /> Aunt Flow has showed up with a lot of suitcases so let's hope she leaves before she overstays her welcome.Staceyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06880126991682286076noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1640308618220283257.post-45739575686864756862008-04-30T21:53:00.000-07:002008-04-30T22:02:33.368-07:00Metformin Day 13 May 1, 2008Happy Month of May everyone. The sun is out, the birds are chirping, the skies are blue.... but I can't seem to get off the couch. I started the 1500 mgs two days ago, and even blogging has seemed like a huge task. I have been so TIRED! I know it takes a few days to get used to each dose and that I'll probably bounce back, but I am just exhausted. The act of thinking, by itself, is hard for me lately. I guess I am just "spacey".. reminds me of my nickname as a kid: "Spacey Stacey" but it fits. I have been in mid conversations and forgotten what we are talking about. I've yelled at the dog and called my daughter's name instead of the dog's name. I've gone in the kitchen and just stood there trying to remember why I walked in, and worst of all, I have just stopped and stared off in the distance while my husband has been talking to me. He says I'm freaking him out, which I can understand. I told him that this should pass but I am so scared that it won't. I am taking 500 mgs in the am and 1000 mgs in the late evening and I have to figure something out. I feel like it is all too close together, like maybe I should take the 500 mgs later in the day since I only get a few hours of sleep at night. I'm just not motivated to do anything right now except lay on the couch and watch episodes of Big Brother on YouTube.<br /><br /> I have decided that I won't be driving until this brain fog dissipates. Italy is not the place to be driving if you're head isn't 100% focused. I'm really surprised I got this far in the blog, lol considering, but I haven't taken my pill yet this morning.<br /><br /> Let's hope this minor setback resolves itself or I may have to dye my hair bleach bottle blonde and get breast implants. I'll check in soon, if I can remember how to use the computer. :)Staceyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06880126991682286076noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1640308618220283257.post-16256447278258409622008-04-26T05:13:00.001-07:002008-04-26T05:32:59.082-07:00Metformin Day 8, April 26, 2008<span style="color:#330033;">The sun is shining, the birds are chirping, and it has turned out to be a wonderful day. I still can not tell you all how amazing it is to wake up and not immediately run to the kitchen to get rid of the hunger pangs. I haven't had my stomach growl in several days which is new to me. I went to the grocery store and was able to get what I wanted, able to think clearly, and to not overspend on boxes and bags of impulse buys that I don't need. I will admit to getting the box of belgian chocolates, but I think that as long as my arm works and I can eat solid food, that I will be eating chocolate is one way, shape or form. One can't live so close to Belgium, Switzerland, and Germany without eating chocolates... that's my excuse anyway. When we get back to the States, I will have to come up with another excuse, but rest assured I will find one. </span><br /><span style="color:#330033;"></span><br /><span style="color:#330033;">I have gained a pound but that's because my side effects are gone and I feel wonderful. I'm not overeating, but I'm not sick to my stomach either. I think diet is KEY to this medicine and that with a proper diet, and with the B-12 and WITH lots of hydration, that the sickness that many women feel while on it could be mended. I have basically cut every single refined carb out of my diet- for the most part. When I can buy wheat- I do. Anything from bread, hotdog rolls, pasta, rice, crackers.. even pancake mix. The wheat products are there, you just have to look for them. They cost more, but if the extra dollar keeps you from spending the evening in the bathroom, it's worth it right? </span><br /><span style="color:#330033;"></span><br /><span style="color:#330033;">I still do not have a period, but my chest is sore which means some kind of hormones are working in there somewhere. I normally don't feel anything at all, but I may actually have PMS. I was always moody due to insulin levels constantly roller coastering up and down, but I am have PMS as in breast tenderness, changes in physical chemistry (you ladies know what I mean) I'm going to be brutally honest, because this is what this blog is supposed to be for. But I am starting to have a sex drive again. I'm not going to get into detail because this is not an X rated blog, but as this blog denotes, I am trying to resume womanhood- all that comes with it. One aspect that needed to return was my sex drive. Women with PCOS have high levels of testosterone and my estrogen is off the charts, but I think things might be leveling off as, like I said, things seem to be more normal. I am noticing things that I have not seen in a long time (like oddly enough, my bras fit better), and my body is toning from the walking but not bulking up like it usually does. Normally when I work out, I see muscle form right away, but this time, I am just toning. It is a nice difference. </span><br /><span style="color:#330033;"></span><br /><span style="color:#330033;">I have had nothing but good to report so far, but being it is only day 8, I will not jump to conclusions that things will always be great... maybe I will get used to it so much that the effectivity wears off?? I don't know. This blog is for me to find that out, and to share it with you. </span><br /><span style="color:#330033;"></span><br /><span style="color:#330033;">Can someone like me get better? Can Someone like me STAY better? Can I resume my womanhood or will I be under a surgical knife and only be female because the synthetic hormones allow me to? </span><br /><span style="color:#330033;"></span><br /><span style="color:#330033;">I am praying for a recovery and the ability to be a woman as God intended me to be, but that is only if this medicine continues to make me better. So far so good. Let's hope it stays that way.</span>Staceyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06880126991682286076noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1640308618220283257.post-57410641814341436332008-04-24T03:54:00.000-07:002008-04-24T04:12:58.725-07:00Metformin Day 6, 4/24/2008<span style="color:#663366;">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. :) </span><br /><span style="color:#663366;"></span><br /><span style="color:#663366;"> It is DAY SIX! <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_0">WHOOT</span>! I am surviving this. I really am going to make it I think. I started the dreaded 1000 <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_1">mgs</span> and seem to be a-<span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_2">ok</span>! 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 <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_3">PCOS</span> are lucky to say the least, but I am so grateful to not suffer through the suffering, <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_4">kwim</span>?</span><br /><span style="color:#663366;"> It was a good day yesterday, beautiful and sunny and <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_5">all's</span> 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 <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_6">metformin</span> 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 <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_7">Metformin</span> is making, but I stress about it while walking the track. :) </span><br /><span style="color:#663366;"> 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 <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_8">thats</span> why I say we are semi vegetarian. Sometimes grilling out some <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_9">hotdogs</span> or chicken breast is too appealing but we have started to grill veggie burgers. (Morning Star isn't that bad to tell the truth)</span><br /><span style="color:#663366;"> 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 <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_10">colorguard</span> 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 <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_11">PCOS</span>, 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! </span><br /><span style="color:#663366;"> 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. </span><br /><span style="color:#663366;"> I know other <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_12">Cysters</span> 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 <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_13">PCOS</span> to form, but it can take months for it to get under control and possibly better. Easy going and don't lose hope. :) </span><br /><span style="color:#663366;"></span><br />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. <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_14">Kezer</span>Staceyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06880126991682286076noreply@blogger.com6tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1640308618220283257.post-18930629982553070992008-04-23T02:08:00.000-07:002008-04-23T02:09:46.869-07:00Metformin Day 5<span style="color:#330033;">Back again to check in and let you readers know that I am still trucking on. I upped the dose yesterday to 1000 mgs and didn't feel anything different until this morning. After I ate breakfast (crackers and cheese) that's when I started to get that "acid reflux" feeling. It settled down and I was able to eat half a bagel which is nice. Weight loss so far: 4 lbs in 5 days. That's not bad really.. more than I expected. I guess now would be a good time to let you know what I feel about IUDs. I think they are a product that although safe for some, its side effects are not worth it. They claim to be 99 percent effective at preventing pregnancy "in the uterus" but what they fail to mention, is that conception still occurs and you either miscarry very early or have the egg implant in your tubes. A ruptured ectopic pregnancy can kill you in 20 minutes!! Once you have 1 ectopic, you are at higher risk for another one. Many women who use the IUD are having perforated Uterus' and have to have surgery to repair it. They are getting pelvic inflammatory disease leading to infertility. They have the IUD's fall out without their knowledge. They have their IUD's travel to other places in their body and then have to have the IUD removed surgically. In those few who end up with uterine pregnancies anyway, they either choose to a) keep their IUD and risk preterm labor and premature placental separation/infection or b) remove the IUD right away and have a high risk for miscarrying as the IUD is removed. This IUD is a nightmare! I think those without issues are lucky. I had mine placed in December and due to complications and hemorrhage, I will never have one again. Back to the Metformin... Well I have not had anything resembling a period since the bleeding last month (the 17th). The provera isn't working for me yet, nor is the metformin, but hopefully soon. I have a lot of pressure in my pelvis and I am hoping a normal period will help in that regard. I'll keep updating.</span>Staceyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06880126991682286076noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1640308618220283257.post-51786731000790814652008-04-21T10:22:00.000-07:002008-04-21T10:29:42.789-07:00Metformin Day 3: 04/21/2008Back again for my check-in! Things are going so well for me; I am so excited. The day was a very good one. I can't believe how much energy I have! I cleaned the whole downstairs today, floors too! It usually makes me exhausted to clean a room but today I just had all of this energy.<br /> For my fellow PCOS ladies, have you heard about cinnamon? Apparently, taking about 1/2-1 tsp a day will actually HELP your insulin problems. I did more research today and found out that cinnamon has some natural properties that when taken daily will open your cells up allowing better metabolic process of insulin. Imagine that- Cinnamon! I would never have guessed. So girls, break out the applesauce (organic of course) and dump some cinnamon into it and enjoy!<br /> I had another great day with the metformin. Not even a stomach ache today. I enjoyed cheese crackers and fruit this morning (I'm not really a cereal girl) and I had a half sandwich made with salami and mustard and a slice of pizza for dinner. I'm making roasted chicken for the family but not really hungry myself so it might be more fruit tonight. Tomorrow I take the two doses of metformin so I expect more side effects tomorrow, but so far so good. I am having some cramping on the left side of my pelvis so maybe I will actually ovulate soon? Hopefully at 1000 mgs, I'll show more signs of ovulation and at 1500 mgs, I might even have a period!! I can't wait! Sounds stupid to normal people, but for us pcos patients, periods are good things to have.<br /><br /> There is one side effect that I am having though and that is bloating. I feel huge!! My stomach is hard and my whole stomach feels full all of the time, but I am hopeful that soon it will subside. I'll post again on this tomorrow and hopefully it won't be so bad. It's more of an annoyance than anything, but still a side effect to make note of.<br /><br /> Have a great day and enjoy your cinnamon!Staceyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06880126991682286076noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1640308618220283257.post-45748379741152590752008-04-20T12:05:00.000-07:002008-04-20T12:14:04.287-07:00Metformin Day 2: April 20th, 2008<span style="color:#330033;">Hello everyone! Today is a wonderful day!</span><br /><span style="color:#330033;"> I have never had so much energy before. So, concerning the medicine, let's see...</span><br /><span style="color:#330033;"></span><br /><span style="color:#330033;">I had some problems last night after I took my medication. I started to get stomach cramps and then I had a long meditative experience in the lavatory. No details, but I'm sure you can imagine, that this side effect probably isn't my favorite. I went to bed and woke up in the middle of the night, and this part is funny, but my hand was moving on it's own. It was like the nerve has malfunctioned and my fingers were moving on their own. I pushed my hand into the bed and pressed down and let it sit like that for a bit, and then lifted it and the hand stopped moving on it's own. I was too tired to worry about it, but remember clearly thinking "Wow, this is kind of cool". </span><br /><span style="color:#330033;"></span><br /><span style="color:#330033;"> I woke up this morning, and was kind of tired, but I took some vitamin B12 and started to feel better. I packed up the kids and grabbed Bill (my husband) and we went to the gym and walked for a mile and a half. I then had taco bell for lunch- Chicken tacos with tortilla chips and refried beans, but I wasn't brave enough to eat the rice. For dinner I just had cheese, whole wheat crackers and some fresh fruit. It's 9:10 now and I took my pills (metformin and provera) about 30 minutes ago, and I'm hoping to not have another experience like last night. </span><br /><span style="color:#330033;"></span><br /><span style="color:#330033;"> I just can't believe how much better I am feeling lately. I have energy again! I cleaned two of our bathrooms and my bedroom today from top to bottom along with the hallway and stairs AND changed the litter box AFTER walking a mile and a half. This wouldn't be possible if my insulin was out of whack. I always felt too tired to do anything and just constantly hungry! It's nice to have my life back. 2 more days and then my dose increases. I hope the side effects don't get worse or my energy levels, but I will keep this blog updated. </span><br /><span style="color:#330033;"></span><br /><span style="color:#330033;">ps. Still no period. She will show up with suitcases in hand soon, ready to stay for awhile, but so far no sign of her</span>.Staceyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06880126991682286076noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1640308618220283257.post-84307213846109039822008-04-19T07:30:00.000-07:002008-04-19T07:43:54.922-07:00Metformin: Day 1<span style="color:#330033;">So it is the 19th of April, 2008 and I took my first Metformin 500 mg last night. </span><br /><span style="color:#330033;">I had an egg and steak omelet in a tortilla wrap and must say that it probably wasn't the best choice to start a new medication with, but it wasn't too bad. I ended up light headed a little after I took my first dose and subsequently developed a bad case of acid reflux, hertburn and gas (belching). </span><br /><span style="color:#330033;"> </span><br /><span style="color:#330033;"> I took the pill after eating dinner and with a glass of skim milk. It stayed down thankfully, but it was a rough ride. I felt kind of sea sick, but it wasn't unbearable. I have 4 more days of this dose 500 mg, 1 time a day, and then I move onto 500 mg 2x a day for a total of 1000 mg a day. Eventually it will be 1500 mg a day, but that's not for about two weeks.</span><br /><span style="color:#330033;"></span><br /><span style="color:#330033;"> What is this medicine supposed to do?</span><br /><span style="color:#330033;"></span><br /><span style="color:#330033;"> Well, one of the main problems with pcos, is that many women with it have something called insulin resistance. My gyn explained it as: I have a high level of estrogen as my ovaries are pumping it out like crazy, and my body, trying to break down the estrogen stores it in fat cells. Either the estrogen or the fat cells (they aren't 100% sure) leads to a higher level of insulin in the blood. This higher amount of insulin causes the polycystic woman to get hungry- a lot! It causes headaches from unstable sugar levels and peaks and lows and the increased hunger adds increased weight -and, you guessed it, more spaces to hold estrogen in the body. Once these fat cells get the estrogen in them, they don't want to let go!! With all of the fatty cells, estrogen and insulin levels, the woman usually stops ovulating on schedule and many times, stop ovulating altoghter. This leads to infertility. </span><br /><span style="color:#330033;">Metformin is supposed to moderate the levels of insulin in the body and counteract the fact that the body has a ton of estrogen and not enough progesterone. It is not 100% conclusive, but they are finding that miraculously, women who take Metformin are starting to Ovulate again! They start to lose weight, their insulen levels normalize and amazingly enough, with the weight loss, the body's natural ability to combat PCOS takes over. Some women can get off of the Metformin and go on to live happy and healthy lives as long as they monitor their weight. Some women never will be able to combat the disease, but the good news is that Metformin will help them until menopause when the ovaries shut down, but at the same time, it keeps these Insulin resistant women from developing Diabetes. </span><br /><span style="color:#330033;"></span><br /><span style="color:#330033;">Amazing stuff right? But.... as I stated, it tends to cause gastro-intestinal problems when adjusting to the medicine. I myself am not doing horribly with it, and I am anxious to see how I feel in a few days. Will the nausea get better? Will I have problems with certain foods? Will I start to see weight loss? And will I soon have a period- normally. Will I actually ovulate? We shall see, but so far so good.</span>Staceyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06880126991682286076noreply@blogger.com6tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1640308618220283257.post-31192961078685778782008-04-19T06:54:00.000-07:002008-04-19T07:16:53.824-07:00The road to PCOS Recovery: Episode 1 "Diagnosis and Symptoms"<span style="color:#330033;">I created this blog because I wanted to have a spot where I can keep track of my progress from diagnosis to recovery with Poly Cystic Ovaries (PCOS) and to also keep a record for other women who may be in different stages of their PCOS journey. </span><br /><br /><span style="color:#330033;"><span style="color:#cc0000;"> What is Poly Cystic Ovaries:</span> (info taken from </span><a href="http://www.4woman.gov/FAQ/pcos.htm#e"><span style="color:#330033;">http://www.4woman.gov/FAQ/pcos.htm#e</span></a><span style="color:#330033;">)</span><br /><span style="color:#330033;">Polycystic (pah-lee-SIS-tik) ovary syndrome (PCOS) is a health problem that can affect a woman's menstrual cycle, ability to have children, hormones, heart, blood vessels, and appearance. With PCOS, women typically have:<br />high levels of androgens (AN-druh-junz). These are sometimes called male hormones, although females also make them.<br />missed or irregular periods<br />many small cysts (sists) in their ovaries. Cysts are fluid-filled sacs. </span><br /><span style="color:#330033;"></span><br /><span style="color:#330033;"><span style="color:#cc0000;">What are the symptoms?</span> Personally I have several listed below which I put an X next to. </span><br /><span style="color:#330033;"></span><br /><span style="color:#330033;">(<span style="color:#cc0000;">x</span>)infrequent menstrual periods, no menstrual periods, and/or irregular bleeding<br />(<span style="color:#cc0000;">x</span>)infertility (not able to get pregnant) because of not ovulating<br />(<span style="color:#cc0000;">x</span>)increased hair growth on the face, chest, stomach, back, thumbs, or toes—a condition called hirsutism (HER-suh-tiz-um)<br />(<span style="color:#cc0000;">x</span><span style="color:#999999;">)<span style="color:#330033;">ovarian cysts</span><br />(</span><span style="color:#cc0000;">x</span>)acne, oily skin, or dandruff<br />(<span style="color:#cc0000;">x</span>)weight gain or obesity, usually carrying extra weight around the waist<br />(<span style="color:#cc0000;">x</span>)insulin resistance or type 2 diabetes<br />high cholesterol<br />(<span style="color:#cc0000;">x</span>)high blood pressure<br />male-pattern baldness or thinning hair<br />(<span style="color:#cc0000;">x</span>)patches of thickened and dark brown or black skin on the neck, arms, breasts, or thighs<br />(<span style="color:#cc0000;">x</span>)skin tags, or tiny excess flaps of skin in the armpits or neck area<br />(<span style="color:#cc0000;">x</span>)pelvic pain<br />(<span style="color:#cc0000;">x</span>)anxiety or depression due to appearance and/or infertility<br />sleep apnea—excessive snoring and times when breathing stops while asleep </span><br /><span style="color:#330033;"></span><br /><span style="color:#330033;"> As you can see, I have many of the symptoms, which upon talking to my gyn, I was diagnosed (Oct 2006). It was a long journey to get diagnosed, with trips to the ER for cyst ruptures, trips to the Urologyst to see if it was bladder related, and several U/S's to monitor the cysts. I have finally reached a diagnosis, but getting the proper medication has taken some time. </span><br /><span style="color:#330033;"></span><br /><span style="color:#330033;">I will post later about the medication journey, but I more wanted to focus on the new medication I have just started taking: Metformin, also known as Glucophage. I am hopeful for a recovery and want to use this post to share my journey with you, through pictures to show my weight loss, and up to date blogs concerning medicinal side effects and results. I hope to keep track of this entire journey so if anyone else is just starting out, they will be motivated to continue. </span><br /><span style="color:#330033;"></span><br /><span style="color:#330033;">I hope you get some knowledge out of this blog to help your own situations and for motivation. </span>Staceyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06880126991682286076noreply@blogger.com2