To everyone who entered, your beauty, strength, and determination was a privilege to read! Best of luck and hugs to you and your journey!
Please read about Jess Pauly & her journey thus far!
"Hi! My name is Jess. I'm 19 years old and I was diagnosed with PCOS April 15th, 2013. My doctor tried to explain and answer my questions about it to very little success on that first visit and that visit was followed by monthly blood tests up until August of 2013. My DHEA levels were and still are very very elevated. The first step my doctor took was to put me on metformin. Sadly I had a severe allergic reaction to the medication and I was switched to Victoza which is a once daily injection. Being a 19 year old college student, I bawled my eyes out when my nurse handed me a pack of needles for the month and a sharps container... but I got over it thankfully. My insurance would not cover victoza so two months ago I switched to Byetta which is a twice daily injection and has made me feel somewhat ill but it is working correctly in my body and I've lost 32 lbs in the last two months thanks to the combination of proper medication and my dietician opted to switch me to a Gluten and Dairy Free lifestyle plan. I've been G&D Free for one month now and I will not lie: It sucks. Being used to indulging in bread and cheeses, it was heartbreaking to walk away from my favorite foods but the weight loss has made it worth it. I've added exercise to my daily life (walking for about half an hour) and I've built a support network through my family and friends to try and feel more comfortable with my diagnosis.
I still sometimes find myself crying and feeling sorry for myself but then I remember how many people are not only supporting me in my daily life but there is this wonderful network of women with PCOS online here as well. That makes me smile all the time! I found the PCOS Awareness Association two weeks ago so I'm still relatively new but it's been amazing to read and post along with everyone else who understands what I'm going through and who I can connect with. So, so far in the last few months I've been playing with new recipes that are good for me as well as taste good, I've been toying around with herbal remedies to some of my unpleasant symptoms and/or side-effects, and I've been trying to step out of my comfort zone and communicate with others who have PCOS as well as remember to ask for help and support when I need it (I'll admit I'm stubborn and really don't like asking for help)."
If you would like to contact Jess, please email: jpauly@mcnallysmith.edu
Yay!
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