PCOS..A little long but Please HELP

[aprincess'smommy]

I have just been diagnosed with PCOS among the myriad of other health problem I have, and I was hoping for some good realistic advice.

First of all, I am a TYPE 1 Diabetic. I was diagnosed at age 9 a few years after a nearly fatal battle with Bacterial Menengitis. Type 1 Diabetes, for those that don't know, is not caused by being overweight. I make absolutely no insulin and am on an insulin pump. I always have to clarify the difference because I get asked all the time if "I will grow out of it" or "if I can ever just take those insulin pills" I always had very tight control until I got pregnant with our DD . The pregnancy went smoothly but during the last trimester i developed a resistence to the insulin in the pump. The doctor thought it was a side effect of the third trimester and that it would go away after the birth. Well, 3 years later and I am still resistent to the insulin. This has caused a need for increased insulin rates as well as not being able to lose a lot of the baby weight even with diet and excercise (I am a dance teacher so I get a lot of excercise.) We really want to have another baby, but most of all I would like to get back to a healthier weight by healthy means.

I was looking for some advice on PCOS diets as well as any books or info that can help. We can't spend a fortune on expensive diets so some financially feasible suggestions would be helpful (we still want to be able to afford WDW ). All I keep running into are expensive programs.

Thanks for any help you can offer

 

[lillykat]

I can't help you with the medical issues - but I have PCOS.

My friend recommended this book to me - but I haven't had time to check it out with yet a 4 month old at home.

The Natural Diet Solution for PCOS and infertility. How to manage Polycystic Ovary Syndrome Naturally - by Nancy Dunne and Bill Slater.

Also have you check out http://www.soulcysters.com That is a great site with lots of people who can be very helpful

 

[daisylou]

Has your physician recommended any medications to treat the PCOS? I have been on metformin (glucophage) for PCOS since 2001. It has made a world of difference, enabling me to resume normal cycles and to get pregnant with both of my sons. Metformin improves insulin resistance and may allow you to decrease your insulin doses and lose the baby weight.

I also second the suggestion to check out www.soulcysters.net

The message boards were a great source of info and support after my diagnosis.

 

[3littleHalls]

I PM'd you. But agreeing with the soulcysters for info!

 

[Tnkrbelle565]

Also have PCOS...and am throwing in my vote for soulcysters! A lot of PCOS diets tend to be low-carb so be prepared for that. I'm embarrassed to admit that I really don't follow that diet

 

[adoptionmomma4]

I also have PCOS and am IR. I would also suggest soulcysters.com. I would suggest talking to your doctor about metformin. I also agree that most PCOS diets are low carb. GOOD LUCK!!!

 

[candaceg]

Another PCOS person checking in.
I am currently seeing a nurse who specializes in PCOS for weight management and diet monitoring. She recommends the South Beach Diet as a starting point. The general idea is that you need to eat good carbs, lean proteins, and tons of veggies.

 

[Mrsduck101]

I also have PCOS. I take 2000mg of metformin daily (just recently went up from 1500). My RE reccomends the South Beach diet or something along those lines. Basically less carbs, make the carbs you eat the whole grain type, and more proteins. He also says at least 30-45 minutes of exercise daily. Sounds like you get the exercise, so maybe some tweaking of the diet would help?
Good luck!

 

[TheDizMom]

I am sorry I have no help for you, but I hope you are able to solve it. I will be rooting for you to get it under control so maybe someday soon you can add another little bundle of joy to your family .

 

[ZPT1022]

I also have PCOS. No clue on the diets because nothing seems to work for me. I've tried everything, and actually my DH gets mad at me for not eating enough, but I've gained a person since i got out of high school 10 years ago Can't do the glucophage because of the side effects. I am waiting and hoping for some good news from the Byetta clinical trials. Good luck to you

 

[aprincess'smommy]

ZPT1022-
My stepfather uses Byetta and has had great results as far as weight loss goes. Hopefully it will be able to do you some good!!

 

[aprincess'smommy]

Thanks so much to everone's responses. I would love to hear from others. I almost feel like there is a little cheering section on here.
Y'all are so great. I know I can handle this and will be able to add to our family

 

[DisBound08]

Me too. Diagnosed when I was 27 (9 years ago) and also diagnosed with Endometrial Cancer. Fought the cancer and won. I'll be cancer free for 7 years on Nov 3rd. Metformin was VERY helpful in getting pregnant with my two children. In fact that's all it took to get pregnant with my youngest. I encourage you to find an endocrinologist that really treats PCOS. There are lots of issues beyond fertility. You need someone that will be proactive with all the other issues that go along with this disorder. I was never gestational diabetic nor where my numbers in the IR range post pregnancy. I made the mistake of going back to my regular primary after the kids were born - figured I didn't need a fertility endocrinologist any longer. I was only on BCP to keep my cycles regular. I kept gaining weight. I have now found an endocrinologist and I'm hoping to go on Met. as it really does help me control weight. Doesn't work for everyone, but does for me. It's important to find the time to exercise. I have two young children and I don't get to the gym everyday, but I do get there four times a week. I want to be around to see them grow up so I do it for all of us! Watch your carbs. Make good choices. It's hard. Those carb. cravings are overwhelming sometimes. If you make a bad choice, put it behind you and don't let it get you down. Just move forward.

Rooting for you!!! I remember being diagnosed. It was nice to have a name for my problems, but it's overwhelming sometimes. Sending healthy wishes your way!!!

 

[ZPT1022]

ZPT1022-
My stepfather uses Byetta and has had great results as far as weight loss goes. Hopefully it will be able to do you some good!!

That is awesome! I could use the help with the weight loss and also with the regulating insulin, so this would be a godsend for me. I have a lot of trouble with my blood sugar crashing

 

[momsoftwins]

another pcos girl here. i just really try to watch the carbs too because nothing helps me with my weight. i just am thankful that i was able to have my girls (with fert meds of course) and now just hopin to work on my pcos issues. it is a tough thing to deal with but nice to see that there are some of us here for support

 

[ggeorgiagirl]

My OB/GYN diagnosed me with PCOS without doing any testing. I find that wierd. I just told him my symptoms and he said, yep...it's PCOS.

My question to y'all...do you have hot flashes A LOT? I do (I am 35).