Putting PCOS in the Corner

Over the past year and half I've been battling PCOS (Poly Cystic Ovarian Syndrome). Basically what PCOS means for me is that my hormones are out of whack. Over the past year and a half I have met so many women struggling with infertility. Few talk about it. We're embarrassed, saddened by miscarriages. The truth is that MANY women and men struggle with infertility. The reason I would like to share my story is because I remember the comfort in learning I was not alone. I hope I can bring that feeling to someone else in this blog world.

A year ago Lon and I found out we were pregnant and were over the moon. 8 weeks later we miscarried and went through what was the most devastating thing I have ever dealt with. The loss of a child, of hopes, of the life you were already planning and falling in love with. I had the support of a dear friend who had already had her own struggles and she helped me keep hope.

Three months later we were pregnant again! Three days later we lost our second child. It was then I started asking the hard questions...what's wrong. The first time I was told it was bad luck...the second the same...but I didn't believe that. On my own accord I went to a fertility doctor. My regular obgyn said she couldn't refer me until I had three miscarriage-can you believe that?

My fertility doctor noticed my folic acid was low and B12-I have a deficiency and don't create either-so we fixed that with simple vitamins. Months and nothing...if you yourself or someone you know is going through infertility problems you know that the "trying" part is the worst and can often times be the loneliest.

After some more testing I was diagnosed with PCOS-which can mean lots of things but for me it means my hormone levels are off balance. I'm fortunate because my symptoms are mild. One of them is weight gain which contributes to the crazy hormones. So...I decided to put PCOS in the corner and have been losing weight since March-75 pounds and counting. I have already begun to see some of my symptoms subside. It was hard to put my plans on hold but we knew it would be worth it in the long run.

There is hope. If I had known I had PCOS earlier I could have seen the signs and adjusted my lifestyle. If you have PCOS keep your chin up. Change your diet and keep a regular work out schedule. Those of us suffering through infertility are fortunate that we're living in a time where new medical breakthroughs are available-sadly insurance usually won't pay for them-don't get me into that. Fertility should be a right rather than something only available to those who can afford it. You are not alone.

I pray for patience in God's plan as we get closer to starting our family. Fingers crossed for January. Sometimes when you work for something or someone so hard it makes it so much worth it.