What Is PCOS/IRS?

I've had several e-mails asking me about PCOS/IRS, the answer is simple, yet complicated. It's Poly Cystic Ovarian Syndrome with Insulin Resistance Syndrome. A condition that is believed to be genetic, and one I was born with. Unfortunately back in the 70's and 80's, PCOS was unheard of- little was known about the disorder, and few treatments were available. Symptoms of PCOS/IRS include- Irregular periods/lack of period, excessive weight gain, inability to lose weight, fatigue, excessive hair growth, infertility, hormonal imbalances, elevated insulin levels, depression, anxiety- the list goes on.

For 24 years, I lived with the disorder, having no idea why I couldn't lose weight, why I felt like shit, and struggled to get out of my bed every day of my life. Doctors dismissed my weight problem, attributing it to poor eating habits and lack of discipline. When I was 15, I cussed out a doctor and swore I'd never see another again. After explaining to him that I ate less than 500 calories a day, less than 10 grams of fat, and LITERALLY took 2 step aerobics classes a day 5 days a week, he didn't seem to think that was enough. After using a few choice words, I then asked him why when I began with the "diet" and exercise program that I began weighing 245lbs, and wearing a size 24, and 8 months later, I still weighed 245lbs, but I wore a size 12 in clothes? I went down SIX DRESS SIZES and lost not one damn pound? Granted, my body was solid muscle, and muscle does weigh more than fat, but surely in 8 months eating what I was, I should've lost a pound?!?!

Ugh! After that, things went down hill. When I got married, I looked like a whale! Now, I'm not your typical fuller-figure woman. I don't mind being a little bigger. I was born this way, it's the only thing I know, so I love myself and know I look good. Yes, that might be vain, but I'd rather see someone with a good, healthy body image at any size, than someone who's a size 6 and insecure about their body. My biggest issue about the extra weight was, I just didn't feel good, physically. Mentally and emotionally, I was great with who I am, it's just I wasn't able to be me, because I always felt so bad.

In 2003, I went to the doctor for the first time in years. God Bless, Dr. Brenda Crowder. She was the FIRST doctor, who finally understood when I told her I couldn't lose weight, that there was a problem, and it wasn't that I was lazy or over-eating! She ran bloodtests that came back really bad. My insulin was triple that of a normal person, ALL of my hormones were screwed up, nothing was normal. She immediately put me on glucophage to being lowering my insulin. Let me tell you, glucophage will make your life HELL. The first month I took it, I didn't move from my bed other than to go to the bathroom. I threw up violently EVERY day of my life. I was so weak I couldn't move on my own, I had to have someone with me constantly to just function. As the insulin came out of my body, I began to feel better. I actually had a period again, and thought I was getting better.

For the past 3 years, I've struggled. My health had gone up and down, which put me on an emotional rollercoaster. The last time I went back to the doctor, my insulin was out of control again, and I felt miserable. I was planning my life around sleep. Literally. I would go to bed at 11pm, and wake up at the next day, barely able to function, and ready for a nap at 3pm. Dr. Crowder referred me to Dr. Joseph Kennedy. REMEMBER THAT NAME- and NEVER GO TO HIM. This man is an asshat. Yes, you heard me correctly, an asshat.

When I walked into his office, he had no idea why I was there, and the first question he asked me was what my husband did for a living and what kind of insurance I had. Ok, my husband works for the government, so yes, we have top of the line insurance, and yes, we live a "comfortable" life. Dr. Kennedy proceeded to ask me if I was there to see him about infertility and weight loss. I was like "NO I'm here to lower my insulin". I explained to him my problems with weight, and that it had been explained to me that until my body absorbs my insulin, that I won't be able to lose weight. He basically ignores EVERYTHING I tell him, and proceeds to suggest gastric bypass surgery. I was APPALLED!!! Don't get me wrong, I'm not judging those who have had gastric bypass, but for someone of my size, that's insanity. I am FULLY capable of losing weight *which I've now proven*. After listening to his 15 minute spill about the surgery, I got up and left. I called Dr. Crowder and rescheduled with her.

She was absolutely mortified that he had even suggested such a thing. She apologized for his actions, and we looked into new treatments for PCOS. My Aunt Judy is a diabetic, and had been prescribed an injection that helps her body to absorb her insulin, and lose weight. Perfect, exactly what I need. Although I am the opposite of a diabetic, that's exact what I need. Dr. Crowder wasn't familiar at all with the drug, and was hesitant. After doubling my glucophage with no result, she finally gave in and allowed me to be her "guinea pig". I'm SO thankful she has. After MANY, MANY years of not feeling like getting out of bed, and struggling just to survive, I finally feel like a human. I have the energy to get out of bed in the morning. I'm losing weight, and even though I haven't had my bloodwork yet, I know my insulin has to be going down. Byetta is a Godsend- truly.

After years of wondering why I wasn't normal, why when I ate far less than my friends and family that I was twice the size of everyone else, and never feeling normal, always being tired, crabby, lethargic, miserable, I'm living again. If you have any of the symptoms of PCOS/IRS or know anyone who does, please encourage them to see their doctor. There is help. Don't live in misery. There is no prison worse than living in a sick body. I've lived in one for 27 years, that's 27 years too many.