Dedication

Over the course of the past three years, since my unimaginable diagnosis of PCOS (Polycystic Ovarian Syndrome) I have gone from giving up, to unbelievably dedicated.

For the few who may not understand what PCOS is, it is the leading cause of infertility in women. Some may not even know they have it. It is, however, very common.

With this diagnosis, accompanied symptoms. Ones that I hadn't thought about, but were. Like hair grown on the body, hair loss on the scalp, weight gain, irregular to no periods, high cholesterol, insulin resistance, and acne.

I had gained 40 lbs in a few months, and had no idea what was going on. It came at me with a vengance. It seemed I had accumulated all the symptoms at once. It was rather embarrassing to me. I mean, here I was, a newly wed, gaining weight, losing hair, and being stressed out. I had never thought it was all part of something "common".

After I was diagnosed, and my wonderful husband helped me through the aftermath of the horrible infertility diagnosis, I gave up. I didn't care I could become diabetic because of this. I didn't care my cholesterol could raise to the point of possible stroke, and at merely 18 years old at the time. I gave up. Completely.

It wasn't until I had gained more weight, and an all-time high weight of 211 lbs. (When I was diagnosed, I was 150 lbs.) I had also been officially diagnosed with type two diabetes. Now, I work with type one diabetics, so I know little about type two, but when I was officially diagnosed, it was like a light flipped in my head. I should not only get better for me, but for kids, and for my husband. I was sick, VERY sick, and I had made myself that way. I had ignored the obvious and used it as an excuse. I was no longer going to allow that.

I snapped into gear. I revved my engine, and drove at an all time high.

I began to work out (at first 6 days a week) and eat healthier. My goal - to have a normal period. I had not had one in a year at this point, and if we were to have kids, this would need to be my first goal. Weight was no longer an issue, just the ability to bear children would be enough.

I worked out. At first, unable to run a mile. I joined the military at a young age, and used to be able to run two miles without hesitation, and now, I was unable to run a mile without feeling as if I would die of suffocation. I felt shameful. (This is just to prove this can happen to anyone.)If I would be able to have a normal period, than I knew that infertility would not be an issue for me. Then the battle would lie solely with weight.

Six months later, I can not only run a mile, but I can do it in 10:38 while working out 3 days a week. I can also, on top of that, go 10 minutes on an elliptical, and jump-rope without breaking a sweat. I have also lost 12 lbs. Over the past 5 months, I have also had three natural periods. Natural. Meaning drugs had nothing to do with them. A feat indeed. I know, 6 months and only 12 lbs - its rather disconcerting, but anything is better than nothing, and another symptom is inefficiency for losing weight. I knew that would be a battle, and just hoped for better health instead.

The better news.

I had a blood drawn and I have also successfully ovulated. Although, with PCOS, we cannot be sure if the follicle developed into an egg instead of a cyst, but we can be hopeful. the fact my hormones were in normal ranges to specify ovulation is a hopeful secure sign.

The opposing side to this rampage-
I had avoided high cholesterol until now. Although getting everything else in check, my cholesterol has sky-rocketed. My husband has been very helpful on this journey with me, and I am very thankful he can love me after this horrible escapade. But our journey is not over yet. I can only be more thankful he is still by my side.

So, until the forth, I am clueless to know if I have been able to successfully conceive. If I had, I should be due in September 2010. But, if I hadn't I fear I might slip into a depression I may not be able to get out of.

Taking bets:
I say September 11th 2010 - boy
My husband: September 13th, 2010 - boy
My friend: December 25, 2010 - girl (says I won't conceive for two more months)