PETITION!!

OK ladies, if you are in the UK you will know about the story of postcode lottery when it comes to fertility treatments, a friend of mine has set up a petition which needs 1000 signatures to be even looked at by the Health Minister, so lets help her help us :)

http://www.gopetition.com/petition/43913.html

I also have the second part of the Soy Isoflavones review coming soon :)

Nadine xx

Amanda's story

Amanda's Journey with PCOS

I had no idea what my doctor was talking about when she told me I had PCOS (polycystic ovarian syndrome). In fact, I don't think she knew.

I was 16, and had been having horrible pains in my lower stomach for about 6 months. Pains that sent me to the emergency room twice a week for months. The doctors would pump me full of pain pills and send me on my way. They had no idea what was going on. I was getting ready to move in with my fiance at the time, trying to finish high school, you know living life. And then, I had a health issue that no body could help me with. I had the stomach pains, no period and I was growing hair in spots that I was sure there wasn't supposed to be hair, at least on a girl. I shaved almost everyday, going to great lengths to not let my fiance know I was shaving as much as he was. I was a healthy weight, so what was going on?

When I was finally able to get into the doctor, she did an ultrasound and showed me the white circles all over my ovaries. Telling me they were cysts, and there was no cure for them, that I would never have kids as I couldn't release an egg from my ovaries. She handed me the pamphlet (a whole page long), prescribed birth control pills, and sent me home. I was shocked that there was no research on this, no one I could call and ask questions about, no internet pages to look things up on. I was on my own. I started a support group on line, the first in my state. It took 1 year and a lot of practice, but I was finally able to hand it over to women who had more time to devote to the site.

I was the youngest person to be diagnosed in the state with PCOS at the time (according to the doctor) and the first in my family. My mom and grandma had similar symptoms, but back then, there wasn't any thing they knew about PCOS, in fact they didn't ever find the cause of my mom's symptoms. She had 5 miscarriages before she was lucky enough to have me ( she had my 2 sisters after wards). My grandma had diabetes and my mom developed it. The doctors said it was genetic, to prepare ourselves and eat better, so we would have less of a chance to get it. No one made a connection between it and pcos.

I had always wanted a family. My fiance and I got married, intending to start filling our home right away, as he wanted kids as much as I did. 6 months later, we still had no luck. When I went back to the doctor, I had to explain to her what PCOS was. I had continued to do research, still finding little out about everything I needed to know. I was horribly moody, to the point of picking fights just to fight. I was up one minute, down the next, crying and hiding in our room. I had no desire for sex, I felt horribly “ungirly”, and was severely depressed. One night, I was in the emergency room, my husband had long ago stopped going with me, and found out I had my first miscarriage. I was devastated. I went home, went to bed and never even told my husband. We had no clue that I was even pregnant, as we were told we would never have kids. I wept for days, and felt bad about not telling my husband that we lost a child, but I thought if he couldn't care enough to go to the hospital, why did he care about the outcome. Irrational maybe, but that was the feeling I had. The harder we tried for kids, the worse our marriage got, until a little over a year of marriage, we ended up divorced.

The internet became a wonderful thing. More and more women were being diagnosed with PCOS and looking for answers. There were more sites that had experiences of these women and the symptoms they were having. I began to feel less alone, but more frustrated at not getting answers. I couldn't even find a doctor who knew what I was talking about. I joined chat rooms, support groups, and talked to every doctor I could.

I finally met a guy that wasn't worried about having kids. I never fully explained what pcos was; how could I when I didn't fully understand it? I knew I couldn't have kids, that I had unexplained problems and that was about it. We got married and moved from my home town to Wisconsin. There, I had to find a new doctor, but, surprise! I found one that I DIDN'T have to explain what I had. She already knew! She was even considered an expert. She told me that fertility is a large problem with women who have pcos, as was insulin resistance. I wasn't diabetic, had no problems with my blood sugar, so I didn't get that connection. My doctor told me that many doctors thought that pcos was genetic, passed down from mother to daughter. That's when we made the connection that my mom and grandma probably had the same thing. I was put back on birth control to slow down the hair growth, and induce a regular period. When I was ready to try for pregnancy, I was to go back. Other than that, there was really nothing else to be done.

Fast forward about 10 years. I have gotten divorced, again, found a wonderful husband, and moved back home. My husband knows all about the pcos, in fact he knows as much as I do. I have learned that pcos is connected to insulin resistance, high blood pressure and cholesterol, as well as a host of other health problems. I am on Metformin for diabetes, take natural remedies to help control some of the symptoms, and am other wise healthy. I am finally ready to try for a family. One of my pap smears came back abnormal, so I was sent to a specialist. I had a biopsy, the next pap was still abnormal. The doctor scheduled a leep to try to take some of the abnormal cells off my cervix. The day I went in, I told my doctor I was having cramps, sore boobs, all the signs of a period (of which I have had a total of 3 on my own, ever!), which made me happy as it was proving the Met was working (I was no longer on BC pills). She did a pregnancy test, which came back negative (no big shock) and then did my leep.

I was in the hospital the next day for cramps. The doctor did another pregnancy test, that one came back positive. I was stunned! My husband was shocked, we were both thrilled. I was high risk, with one miscarriage already, but was allowed to continue work, as much as possible with the horrible nausea I had. I was so ready for this little miracle, so happy to finally be a normal person again. It didn't last long, at 7 weeks, we lost the baby. This month, we would have been parents. The doctor said that most first pregnancies end in miscarriage, but that doesn't make it any easier. I am 32, if it took this long, will I ever have the chance to do it again?

After we lost the baby, I had 2 normal periods and then, a month long one. They doctor put me on progesterone to induce a period and clean my body out, reset my uterus is what she said. I am going back in 2 months to find out about clomid.

Pcos has taken a lot away from me. My ability to have children naturally, my womanhood, control of my emotions, and has affected every aspect of my life. Have I given up hope? Hell no! There is always hope. I have been through heartache, pain and sorrow. I have lost 2 children, and still don't have answers to many of my questions. But, I have found a good doctor, many natural remedies that help, a great husband, and I still have time. Maybe not a lot, but it's still hanging around. :)

My heart still hurts for the babies I have lost, and this month hasn't been easy for me. But, I will try again, I will fight through the heartache, the pain, the mental fatigue and every other issue that comes with pcos. I am a woman, no matter how this disease makes me feel. And I will win.

You can reach me at Amanda_781@msn.com. I am happy to answer questions, clarify any concerns. Be nice! It's my first blog! :)

New bloggers :D

Just want to say welcome to Amanda, Beth, Deepti, Racheal and Melissa :) im sure you girls will do an amazing job :D xxx

A Cyster has a Youtube account :D

Hey ladies :)

A friend of mine has a Youtube account, shes just starting out and it's going to be A-MAZ-ING :D

she will be uploading every week!!

so here she is http://www.youtube.com/user/PCOSux

pleaseeeeee subscribe :)

Next blog: Maximise your fertility :D

i will be writing this after my anniversary (11th sept) eeek :D excited :P xxxx

Food glorious Low GI and easy Food :)

Ladies... Hold your hands high if you find it hard to find easy, cheap and tasty Low GI recipes?

I feel your pain! I really do!

Ive got a few cheap and simple meals for you to get your teeth around. they might even leave you saying mmmmmmmm!

There area few rules when it comes to GI...

Rule 1: Eat the food near to its natural state, that doesn't always mean raw, it means don't eat it processed as processed lacks many minerals that are needed by us cysters.

Rule 2: Even though dairy is low GI, try and limit your intake... certain dairy products cause raised insulin production.

OK now its time to get to the recipes, i must tell you that these recipes will be measured in cups, just because i find it easier to measure out that lbs and Oz's or grams, all of these are personal favorites and trialled on the husband :) please note these are measurments for 1 serving.
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OATMEAL PANCAKES...

Ingredients
1/2 cup oatmeal
6 egg whites
1 tbsp raspberry jam spread (double fruit, no sugar added)
Directions
Heat a small frying pan over medium heat for several minutes. Mix oatmeal, egg whites and fruit spread together. Spray pan with non-stick spray. Pour mixture into pan. Flip after approximately 5 minutes and cook for an additional five minutes on other side.
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APPLE-BRAN

Ingredients
1 medium apple, peeled and chopped
1/3 cup Oat Bran
1 cup water
1 tsp wheat germ
1/2 tsp sugar or sweetener
1 tbsp sliced almonds
You can add nuts or raisins if you like :)

Directions
cook your Oats with 1 cup of water to the consistency of your choice, stirring continuously avoiding lumps, take off the heat and stir in your sweetener/sugar, place in a bowel and add the remaining ingredients.
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HAM N CHEESE TOASTIE

Ingredients
2 slices of wholemeal bread (soda bread would be even better)
2 slices of thinly sliced low fat cheese
2 thin slices of ham (non processed)

Directions
heat a frying pan over a medium heat until really hot, meanwhile, lightly brush one side of both slices of bread with extra virgin olive oil, on the other side of the bread place the cheese and ham, and place the other slice of bread on top, remember the oiled sides must face on top (so it touches the pan) cook for 3-5mins on both sides.
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CHICKEN FRIED RICE

Ingrediants
1 small chicken breast
2 tbsp of soy sauce
1 cup od fresh veg of your choice
1 spring onion (maybe known as scallions for you in america)
1egg or 2 egg whites
1 crushed garlic clove
2/3rd cup basmati rice
1tspn of olive oil
2tspns of almonds

Directions
cook the rice as it states on the packageing don't salt unless neccisary, heat up a wok or frying pan,
cut the chicken brest into strips, chop all the veg and spring onion, beat the egg, spray the pan with the spray oil, and add the egg and stir untill scrambled and cooked through, remove the eggs and set aside, place the olive oil in the pan and cook the chicken , remove the chicken and stirfry the vegatables for around 5mins, add the soy sauce to the rice and stir untill it is all coated, add the garlic to the pan then add the rice, egg, veg and chicken and stirfry for a further 5-10 mins, serve and sprinkle on the almonds.
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LEMON SALMON

Ingrediants
1 small salmon fillet
1 tsp fat free mayo
1 tsp lemon juice
1tsp dill(herb)
little pinch of salt and pepper
new potatoes
small green saled

Directions
spread the mayo ontop of the salmon with a pastry brush, sprinkle over the lemon juice, dill and salt and pepper and bake for 20mins in a medium heat oven untill the salmon flakes easily.
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CHOCCY  NUTTY ICE CR
Ingredients
1/2 cup non-fat, no sugar added, vanilla ice cream
1/4 cup NUT OF YOUR CHOICE
1 tsp good quality cocoa powder
Directions
Sprinkle scooped ice cream with nuts and cocoa.

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Here are some side dishes to put with any meal,

ASPARAGUS AND PEPPERS
Ingredients

12 medium asparagus spears
2 medium red bell peppers
2 cloves garlic
4 tbsp balsamic vinegar
4 tsp extra virgin olive oil
salt/pepper to taste

Directions

Preheat oven to 400 degrees.

Trim ends off asparagus and cut into bite-sized pieces. Cut red pepper into large cubes.

Mince garlic. Combine minced garlic, vinegar, and olive oil. Toss asparagus and red pepper with garlic mixture. Season with salt and pepper.

Bake for 15 minutes or until tender-crisp. 

LEMON BROC N COLI

Ingredients

2 cups fresh broccoli
2 cups fresh cauliflower
1/4 cup lemon juice (fresh squeezed is best)
1 tbsp Dijon mustard
2 tbsp extra virgin olive oil

Directions

Cut broccoli and cauliflower into small bite-sized pieces. Steam until tender-crisp, approximately 7 to 8 minutes. Drain well.

Lightly beat lemon juice, mustard, and oil. Toss well with vegetables. Serve.
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THE MOST AMAZING SOUP EVER....... SPLIT PEA CURRY SOUP!!

Ingredients

1 1/4 cups dry yellow split peas
4 oz lean deli ham, chopped
2 medium onions, chopped
2 medium carrots, chopped
1 tbsp curry powder
1 tsp dried thyme (or 1 tbsp fresh thyme)\
1 bay leaf
5 cups chicken stock
1 cup skimmed  milk
salt/pepper to taste

Directions

This soup can be prepared in a slow cooker or stove-top.

Rinse and drain peas. Chop vegetables and ham.

For slow-cooker method, combine peas, ham, onion, carrots, curry, thyme, bay leaf and chicken broth in slow cooker. Cover and cook on high setting for 4 to 5 hours or the low setting for 10 to 12 hours. Stir in 1 cup skim milk. Season with salt and pepper.

If using stove-top method, combine peas, ham, onion, carrots, curry, thyme, bay leaf and chicken stock in a large deep pan . Bring to a boil, them reduce and simmer for approximately 2 hours. Stir in skimmed milk - but do not return to a boil. Season with salt and pepper and serve.
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so there you go, simple, cheap and easy :)

enjoy ladies :D xxxx

Soy Isoflavones... What is it? How does it work? and what are my experiances?

Soy Isoflavones. The natural clomid, it works just like clomid, you take it just like clomid. and at the moment im trying it out, im currently on day 5! The final day of the coarse.

Soy Isoflavones are a natural supplement (Natural plant hormones that is found in many foods), it is proven that Soy Isoflavones can help with fertility, taken just like clomid (if taking Clomid 100mg take 200mg Soy Isoflavones for 5 cycle days such as 1-5, 2-6, 3-7 etc).

They are typicly sold in 40mg doseages from chemists and food stores. Usualy they are sold with 'Ease menopausal symptoms' but it is the right Soy Isoflavones. They must be taken at the right time in the cycle. (like what i mentioned above).
DO NOT TAKE FOR MORE THAN 5 DAYS!!!
It could have a negative impact on ovulation and could delay your cycle. You may wish to chart your cycle using the 'Basal temping' method.
(Basal temping is when women ovulate it causes an increase of one-half to one degree Fahrenheit (one-quarter to one-half degree Celsius) in basal body temperature (BBT) monitoring of BBTs is one way of estimating the day of ovulation. The tendency of a woman to have lower temperatures before ovulation, and higher temperatures afterwards, is known as a biphasic pattern. Charting of this pattern may be used to chart the best time to ttc).

It is believed that Soy Isoflavones works by tricking the body into producing more estrogen.

i have been taking these now for 5 days, so far all i have had is a very slight head ache but apart from that ive had no side effects, there are a few common side effects such as the Head aches, Constipation, Bloating and Nausea. Alot like Clomid, it suprised me how simular they really are.

I am overall quite happy with this trial, i may take another cycle if this one doesnt work, but im still un-decided.

i hope this has helped you in some way to understand what Soy Isoflavones are and how they work, i will be updating to tell you if it worked or not :) wish me luck :D xxxx