Blog: Doctors and Me (My frustration with PCOS)

A super long post. BUT I personally think all plus size girls should read this. For the petite ladies who knows someone with this condition, kindly share it to her. She may really need this.

Hey all,

Sprang out of bed to type this. (Part of the post was done when I was on a plane back to Singapore, but I decided to complete this tonight. This was important to me, I felt and I want to share it with you girls ASAP)This post is extremely personal to me. I have been rather private in nature but I think I need to speak out. I know there will be MANY FRIENDS and even family that will read this post and I will have to face them somehow or another. As much as I HATE TO deal with them, I had to 'man up' and really share with you girls' on my condition. I am definitely not the only with this condition. Anyone who is on the plus side, has a very high tendency to get this condition (or similar)

Was about to close my eyes and looking forward for the next day's challanges... and suddenly, loads of flashbacks of small mini incidents on doctors and me "dealing with my PCOS" condition. The more I thought about it, the more agitated I got, the more frustrated I became and BAM! I opened my eyes wide open and decided that I have to pen this down... I told myself that I must pen down all these doctors' advice and hopefully one or two will learn from me. I felt that I must share all these info to the girls as one day you will be like me. But before that day happens, at least you are well informed. Someone whom you know, has a condition and how I dealt with it.

Incident 1:

A few years after being happily married, I went to a GP for advice on my irregular periods. I knew something was not right with constant irregular period. I had to do something afterall right? I am married and in time I would like to have kids. So I did what most people will do. See a doctor right? 

Doctor's advice: 

You are still young and since you are not in a rush for children, you do not need to do anything.  When that day comes, just come back for consultation again. When the day comes, we will find a way to fix it.

*I believe this is the WORST ADVICE anyone can give to a woman who has obvious weight issues, irregular periods etc. The more I think about it. The most pissed I am.*

At this point of time, because I wasn't officially diagnosed with PCOS, I will not put blame on him on not telling me what this condition is all about. Afterall, there is only so much a GP can do to advise us..

Incident 2:

Fast forward, approx 2 years ago I decided that it's about time to really fix my problem and I went to a reputable women's and children HOSPITAL. I knew there were many concerns on why I went to a public hospital.  So I thought,  "Since there are so many concerns and myths about going to the hospital and I think I can afford the payments as long as I am frugal with my spendings, let's go to their private clinic instead" 

I went for checks, blood test, and had most things checked and that was when I was officially diagnosed that I have PCOS.  

Doctor's advice: 

You have PCOS. It is a very common problem amongst many ladies. Are you planning for a child now? My advice to you is to go for ovary drilling. Keyhole surgery and drill holes for your eggs to come out. Alternative options you want? You are still young, so no worries. You still can wait. And yes, good luck.

With me being diagnosed, he didn't give me clear understanding what it was. All he told me was that it's a common issue and I am still young. Again I took it within my stride. Why? Cos it was from a doctor's mouth. I mean, honestly, he said I am young, he said that loads of women suffer from this condition, so it should not be THAT bad right?

But there was one thing that bothered me. He conveniently asked me to go for Ovary Drilling which apparently can 'close up eventually' which also means that I am do a surgery EVERYTIME I try for baby? Devasted that the private clinic in a reputable hospital had conveniently told me to go under the knife, I got really upset. I didn't want to. I heard too many stories. I was not ready at all. 

Mustering courage to give it one more try, we decided to hear for 2nd opinion.  This time we went to a private clinic that is located in orchard, famous for serving Indonesians and the rest of the world. Many people from all of the world come to this place in hope to conceive. I mean, 'he HAS to be good right?'

To be fair to this doctor, he was really patient with me. He told me to be patient and work with him, and hope for good results. With him, I was under his care for about 6 months. I did a total 3 cycles of his methods and all failed. The amount of injection, the mental torture I have to go through, meeting them almost every other day to check (the eggs) and gosh, I really do not wish to count the huge amount of bills. I thought, 'as long as I am able to be a mother and fulfil my husband's wish to be a papa, all is worth it.' 

At this point of time, although PCOS had been diagnosed but again nothing was said on how to combat it. He gave assurance that I am not the worst case. I am 'mild case'. But when I failed the 3rd treatment, I was emotionally broken. I had to deal with my own issues with my body and yet brave the front, put on this smile whenever I am in shop or at business meetings. I cannot be like many of you, take a mini trip to destress, or take time off to just stay at home and cry. I couldnt do these privileges! Many people are waiting for me to produce good pieces, factories are waiting for me to give 'Go ahead' signs to start production for the new collection. "Life still goes on lady.." that is what keeps me going on EVERYDAY. And I am not even telling you the other nasties like 'Oh, you still dont want to be a mama huh~ Why wait, you think you still young meh? You eggless?' Oh those... are the WORST. 

But I sucked it up. I had to be professional. 
I had to put a pretty mask.

Fast track to weeks ago, I took charge of my body and decided that maybe I should not listen to what the above mentioned good doctors had suggested. I googled and I was astounded! I found out that people with PCOS condition are not advised to be drinking milk and even soy, I realised that I have switch food alternatives to combat this issue.  I also found out that PCOS does make one have water retention and I also found out that there are some juicing recipes that can assist in this condition.  Since I juice often, it was easy for me, I merely switched to kale, celery and a couple more (it actually taste good!) 

Thank God I have friends who are experienced in dealing with PCOS and they highlight that the rate I am 'growing', I need to step up a bit more on my condition. BUT not all girls like YOU are fortunate enough to have little angels to remind you that there is something wrong with your body. All you hear is that 'you are fat and you need to lose that weight' and 'go exercise!' Instead of 'there seems to be more than meets the eye on your weight gain, perhaps you should go take a look'. My husband is great too, (in case you guys suspect, he is tested healthy) he helped me find out more on PCOS and a dietary option on how to (combat) this condition. I have switched a few alternatives! No milk and soy (boo) etc but I still eat as per normal. I am hungry, I eat. 

Many will think that I am promoting my friend's get together on discussing PCOS.  Fact is, I am not and I am merely reminding you girls on taking time to understand what is really wrong with your body. Most of us like to be in denial and always wanna avoid this 'what's wrong w my body' issue. It is really time we really understand what the hell is going on. My dear friend Karen is so passionate about helping the plus size girls out there and she is thinking of giving FREE talks on other issues like depression, diabetes etc if this talk is successful. The amount of work consolidated to make sure you girls get as many info as possible is HUGE. And all these it is because she love us.

Karen will try her best in givig all the information you need but may not be able to solve your problem. But the simple idea of even finding out more and get to know fellow PCOS sufferers and even do mini bonding is a good start. We can share information on what we read online or simply just making friend who has this condition will help our mental health. I really hope you girls will stop being in denial and truly take the first step to understand your body better. This is very important and there is only 1 of 'You'. There is no duplicate of 'You' and you are extremely precious. You must protect yourself with as many info you can find for your body.

I KNOW I KNOW... This may not be suitable for you. Because you are not married, you are still young, and you do not have time to think about this. Guess what? I had the exact same thought as you did! Time passed so fast! And zoooom, I am now 31 yrs of age and wished someone had told me earlier to get my sick womb fixed. Karen and I really wished that you girls will take charge of your condition now. Fix it before it is too late

For those who are keen in the PCOS talk, find out more by clicking here

Remember ladies,

YOU ALL ARE BEAUTIFUL, AND YOU DESERVES THE BEST 

Love
K