PCOS and *dun dun dun* Low Carb Living
Last Wednesday, I was diagnosed with PCOS. This illness is making it difficult for my husband and I to conceive more children. Ultimately we would love to have a large family. We love our two daughters, but there is no reason that they shouldn't get to have siblings, right? Right.
As soon as I was diagnosed, my doctor prescribed me Metformin, a drug designed for patients with type 2 Diabetes. Because PCOS is often caused by (or causes) insulin resistance, my doc thought this was a good choice for me. I was also prescribed Provera to jump start my periods, because I haven't had one in (Yikes!!) 18 months. And yeah, as great as it sounds to NOT have to deal with the evil witch, Aunt Flo, it actually causes more problems that it's worth. So I get to take a medicine this medicine that has literally turned me into the Wicked Witch of the West for TEN DAYS. My poor husband....
Anywho. I started the Provera last night. I start the Metformin tonight, and tomorrow - a low carb diet. Let me make one thing abundantly clear. I love pasta. I love bread. I love baked potatoes. But I am determined to be healthy, lose weight, and have more children. So I have said my goodbyes to my favorite foods in the world. Luckily, because we live in the 21st century, they actually make yummy low carb foods, and I will at least not starve. I also hate veggies. Yep. I hate 'em. *sigh*
I chose to follow the Atkins Diet, because after some pretty extensive research I found that more women who have PCOS actually have a great deal of success with the Atkins Diet. Worst case scenario, it isn't for me and I find a better way to eat Low Carb. Best case scenario - I lose weight, feel better and get pregnant again within a year or two.
Because this is an issue that many women seem to have, I have decided to record my progress in blog form. Every Sunday, I will be posting how I am feeling, how many pounds I've lost (or, heaven forbid, gained) and what treatments are working for me. I should note that I will be posting things that are working for ME. If you feel that any course of action I am taking will work for you, please consult your doctor. You can ask me for all the advice in the world, but I can't write you prescriptions and I don't know your specific circumstances - so please, talk to your doctor!
