Martina’s Story (PCOS)

I had no clue after having a beautiful baby boy 15 years ago at the age 22 how much my life would change physically. I had been thin my whole life, weight was never an issue for me. I did have strange skin issues as a kid and it always went misdiagnosed.  They were telling me that I had Psoriasis and they started treating me for that. Well… That’s not what I had.

Three months after my son was born I noticed I was gaining weight yet my diet had not changed. It was fairly slow at first but before I knew it I had gained 50 lbs. I was in tears. I had moved to the East coast to finish school and every doctor I saw in southern Virginia just kept telling me I was overweight and it was all food related. So they tracked my diet and sure enough like I predicted it wasn’t the case. They had no answers for me. None. I lived that way for two years begging doctors to run tests on me. Yet they still didn’t have answers.

I then moved back to Seattle where I walked into my OB’s office. She was in shock about the amount of weight I had gained. She immediately ordered a bunch of panels. She called me 24 hours later and told me I had PCOS. Of course I had no clue what that was. She explained it and got me started on birth control. I lost 30 lbs in a month.

I am not 24 years old anymore. It has been a constant battle and most of the time the PCOS was winning. I’ve managed to not become diabetic with food choices, however all other symptoms have skyrocketed in the last few years. I now am on medication for the triglycerides which are in the 600’s. I’ve noticed more hair growth than one would prefer, and I’m gaining weight like crazy. My skin on my face has scared and I don’t even resemble how I used to look.

I am feeling not so great about myself, today I took a stand to fight against this disease. I will NOT let this win my body! Tonight, just hours ago I joined a gym and I plan on kicking this thing right to the CURB! For all you ladies out there dealing with PCOS stay strong, keep your chin up, and I hope that one day in our lifetime they will find a cure. Until then, stay strong and FIGHT ON!

Martina
Washington
Submitted 09/18/2013

The informational content of this article is intended to convey a personal experience and, because every person’s experience is unique, should not be relied upon as a substitute for professional healthcare advice.

This story is intended to convey a personal experience and, because every person’s experience is unique, should not be relied upon as a substitute for professional healthcare advice.