My Ongoing Battle With PCOS

Mabuhay! I could not contain my excitement over starting this blog about PCOS or Polycystic Ovarian Syndrome. It has been six years since I started my battle with the condition, and I have finally mustered the courage to openly discuss my struggles with you. As you know, PCOS is not a very pleasant condition because it does not only cause unwanted bodily changes, but it also has the potential to damage your self-confidence and self- esteem to the point of extinction.

When I learned that I had polycystic ovaries, I really felt that I was in tiptop shape. Aside from my allergies, I only had to deal with common ailments like the flu, fever, and other common health issues. In my 5’7’’ stature, I was in excellent shape. But I had to see a doctor because I had this very weird and disturbing pelvic pain that sometimes radiated to my upper abdomen. I really went paranoid thinking that it may be something really serious. I was almost done with Nursing School then, and it only made matters worse because I only had very morbid thoughts.

I first went to a doctor specializing in Gastroenterology thinking that my symptoms may be due to some digestive problems. But after a physical exam and a couple of ultrasound tests, the doctor gave me a clean bill of health! I got more bothered because the pain was very much present and it was totally impossible to ignore.

Grappling for answers, I consulted an OB-GYNE to check whether the pain was caused by my reproductive organs. And boy my instincts were right! Although my blood tests came negative, they were able to find that I had polycystic ovaries through a pelvic ultrasound. At that time, the condition was not really “full blown”, and I only had a couple of symptoms like very painful menstrual periods, hair loss, and irregular cycles. She said it’s not really the syndrome yet and the symptoms may be due to my polycystic ovaries. Nevertheless, she prescribed me with an oral contraceptive pill (Diane to be exact) to better regulate my cycles and to hopefully make my period-related discomforts tolerable.

Being on the pill, I had bearable menstrual periods but I gained so much weight. My doctor assured me that I will just have minimal weight gain but I guess I’m just different. I steadily gained 10 pounds each month for three months! After all that weight, I resolved not to take any hormonal pill and instead focus on getting more physical activity and leading a healthier lifestyle. I talked to my doctor about stopping treatment and she respected my decision to try treatment only when I decided to get pregnant.

Although the thought of infertility always bothered me, I tried to shift my focus on the other aspects of my life. But amidst my struggles, I can still consider myself extremely blessed. On September 17, 2005, I gave birth to a healthy baby girl through caesarean section. She is my joy and my world — but my journey with PCOS has taken yet another turn. After pregnancy, came the symptoms that were very distinct with PCOS, and I had no doubt in my mind that it has already taken a turn for the worse.

Fast track to 2009, I am currently dealing with the more annoying symptoms of PCOS namely – more weight gain, skin changes, abnormal menstrual periods, severe pelvic pain, and insulin resistance to name a few! But regardless of all this, I am very optimistic that there is hope. If you have PCOS or if you know anyone with the disease, I really hope that we can all share our struggles on this challenging journey. You don’t have to feel so alone. I can’t wait to hear from you!

4 Responses to “My Ongoing Battle With PCOS”

1. apple says:

   July 9, 2009 at 1:09 am

   hi sis.. reading this made me feel that we are connected… I,too, have PCOS and was diagnosed Dec 2006. I look forward for more beautiful posts from you. Keep ‘em coming!
2. Jane Heiza says:

   July 9, 2009 at 6:04 am

   I am so grateful that I found people like you on the net! I felt totally alone until I came across the group. It helps to know that there are other people who can totally understand my struggles. Thank you so much for dropping by!
3. carla says:

   July 9, 2009 at 10:50 am

   congrats sis kahit you have pcos you’re a mom na!
   kami we’re still trying to get pregnant.hopefully it will come soon
4. Jane Heiza says:

   July 9, 2009 at 12:46 pm

   Thank you! I will continue to pray that you will also experience my joy. Keep the faith Sis!