PCOS: How does it affect me?


My understanding form my former Dr in Dodge City is that the disease was present at puberty. It generally causes the awful apple shape that I had in middle school. Then in HS I worked hard to make it go away...no matter how hard I tried I remember always looking pregnant. (So much so that my adopted son people thought I gave birth to him in High School. )

The worst part of polycystic ovarian disease for me was not the fact that having kids was no easy task. I was very fortunate to have a husband that was eager to keep trying on a daily basis. The worst part has been the insulin resistance that goes with it. Insulin resistance causes my testosterone levels to be high. I really hated all the hair. This for the most part was corrected after my hysterectomy. My hysterectomy took care of the pain, the embarrassment of suddenly starting my cycle and the pain from the cysts. However what it didn't change is the fact that no matter what I eat I still gain weight. No matter how little or how much I eat, no matter what diet plan the Dr. places me on. I even managed to start gaining weight on the shake diets that I spending a ton of money with a doctor's office to be on. The insulin resistance just makes it so everything I eat is turned into fat.

I never use to understand how your spirit was in your body and that they were not the same. I understand now, my spirit so wants to be in someone else's body and able to do the things I use to be able to do.

I am told and from what I have researched the only way to possibly reverse PCOS is to loose weight, only it won't allow you to loose weight like a normal person. I am told that the lap band surgery is my only option. In one week I will find out if it is an option. If not maybe I should just quit eating all together.

Sunday, April 22, 2012

Sitting here feeling guilty I didn't make it church again. It seems really difficult the last few months to make it.

Instead I am watching my kids enjoy some free time to play on the Wii. While I sit here and listen to NKOTB and Train music. Speaking of which...thought I would share a little about my experience in LA last with NKOTB.

NKOTB held a "Townhall Meeting" for their fans. The event was by invitation only. I feel very blessed to have been able to attend. Since I had a longer drive than most I was pretty far back in the line, but still managed to get third row seats on the end. The guys had directer chairs on the stage they sat on while answering questions.

I had made a poster that read "eye am stingy" with Jordan and Donnie's names on it. I also had two of the logo's my husband had made for Donnie's logo contest two years ago. Donnie was on my side of the stage and seen my board. I pointed to the logo's, then he apologized and said that he would not be on "Donnie Time" anymore and would not be doing anymore of those contests. I was content that he knew what the logo's were.

Last month I had VIP tickets to see Jordan Knight in concert, have our picture taken etc. I couldn't manage to say anything other than, this was my only VIP and that I have four kids and don't get to attend very many events because I am mom. When Jordan seen me he seemed surprised/happy I was there then Jordan seen my Stingy sign he laughed.
The next time they will be touring will be at least a year from now. By then I will have my lap band for about a year and should have lost 50% of body weight. Then I will need a new pic of JK and I!

Here's to finding my dancing shoes!

                  The road to my dancing shoes…..

This is my first blog entry. You probably have noticed that already.  Eight years ago I was diagnosed with Polycystic Ovarian Disease with insulin resistance. This was two years after the doctors found a large tumor on my left ovary. Now, I am not complaining. I know that I am lucky to be alive at this point and have been blessed with two children while the disease was affecting me and my pregnancies and my ability to become pregnant.

How is it the road back to my dancing shoes? When I was 16 I was told by a doctor that I had no cartilage in my knees and that I should never run or dance again. I have been told the last part of his advice just is not true. At the time I was 5’3 and weighed 118 pounds…oh how I miss those days!

January 1, 2010 Kristie Alley kicked off her 100 days of dance (www.100daysofdance.com)  . It was an awesome experience for me. I never expected anyone to watch my videos and I never expected to enjoy people watching my videos.

I am ready to get my dancing shoes back. I have a new bicycle waiting for me in the garage, a stair stepper, weights, exercise balls, bands, Jillian Michaels video and start up junk….. you get the point. I however am to large to feel comfortable using most of that equipment. I also seriously lack the energy I need to do such things.

Next weekend I will be going to Phoenix for a procedure that will determine if I am eligible for lap band surgery. The doctors tell me that the surgery will eventually reverse the PCOS symptoms. My surgery will take place June 8, the day after my oldest son graduates from high school.

This is where you can help. I don’t want to hear…WOW you lost weight or hey look at you. What I do need is real support.

Lastly we need prayers for our family as we transition into the next phase in life. My other blogs won’t be as serious I hope!