Products that Helped my Acne from PCOS

So, it's been a while since I have spoken about my Acne.  Mostly, because (knock on wood) it's been pretty good.  I have slight breakouts around my period - but it's manageable.  I feel much better about my skin - the acne, that I had was painful... I'm glad those days are hopefully behind me now.

Here is what I use to keep my skin healthy.

I love this formula.  I noticed a difference in my skin after completing the first bottle.  I would highly recommend this.  

I love this face wash.  I remember my mother as a kid, had a favorite nail polish color - and was crushed when they discontinued it.  At the time I couldn't understand being so connected to a product.  Now, I get it.... I would be devastated if this face wash wasn't around anymore.  I have used it's for the past 2 years.  It removes makeup like a dream (even eye makeup), and makes my skin feel amazing.  

This is a great product.  Just enough coverage in a super charged moisturizer all in one.  If I do happen to have acne - this covers well.  Feels like velvet going on - and doesn't upset the ph balance in my skin.  

I just started using these again, and I think they make a huge difference in the appearance of my skin.  I use the nose strips about once a week.  I think I bought a pack of 14 for about 8.00, sometimes you can even find a coupon.  

Don't Ask.....

So I had a really great weekend.  A friend organized a party that was an adult version of a backyard sports and it was tons of fun! I have noticed though that people look to see if I am drinking, it's not me being paranoid - I have had some of my friends come right out and ask when refrain from drinking "if there is a reason".  So, far sadly the only reason is that sometimes if I am not in the right frame of mind (good mood) and drinking can bring me down... it's no fun.  

When we are in a big group of our friends... and they ask: when are you having kids, any kids for you, thinking about starting a family, when are you guys going to start popping 'em out...? I have little patience for it now.  I feel as though I have been fielding these questions for over a year now.  I know they don't mean any harm - even though you really shouldn't ask anyone that question.  At the party I just wanted to have fun and not deal with the questions or the stress of how I will respond.   

When asked for the third time that day about having a baby, this is what occurred:

http://www.christart.com/legal/credits/

Q: When are you and going to have a Baby?

Me: If it were up to me, I'd already have a baby.  We have been trying, and we have a problem... that we are working on.  

Q: Shooting blanks, huh?

Me: No, the problem is me.  I have PCOS, and currently taking diabetic medication in hopes to help me conceive.  PCOS is a hormonal imbalance - it's been a really hard time.

Q: Oh.  

I think the thing with infertility is- it does affect so much of your everyday life.  Friends & family have said - don't let it consume you, don't like it take over.... if only it were that easy.  I try to brush off incidences like that, but they stick in my mind.  I know I have to let it go, but in some cases.... I feel like everyone is so intolerant, and all I want is compassion, not just for me but my Hubs as well.  I think it makes people uncomfortable, and they don't know what to say and half the times it's offensive.

MetforminER

So I started taking Metformin in December of 2011.  I was running to the bathroom constantly & always sick to my stomach.  I saw my doc 2 months ago and switched to MetforminER (supposedly easier on the stomach)- she told me that if it was making me sick, to take 2 (500mg) at night... which I have been doing religiously until this week I realized...... 


(TMI ALERT) they are just passing thru me! 

Is this because I am taking them at night?  Can my body just not dissolve them?


I wonder if this is in direct correlation with the fact that my period is still not here.  Very annoying as I am so eager to get on a schedule.  Having tracked my ovualtion for the first time, and seeing (what I think was a surge) I thought maybe there was a slight chance it was a pregnancy.  Of course wishful thinking... not having this period is really bothering me.  I thought I was finally getting on the right track.... now nothing!

Acne.... stinks!

PCOS ACNE

Ugh, this acne is the pits.  It really really hurts too!

 My Face looks and most importantly feels awful.  I can't stand it.  I am trying not to pick  - which doesn't do any good anyways since they are not budging.  I have not had a bad break out like this in a long while  -I didn't miss it..... and kinda thought I was over all this.

It's bothering me so much I didn't want to leave the house today - slapping makeup on this will only make it worse.  So I am letting me skin breathe and hopefully it will clear up before the weekend.

Truly a huge BUMMER.  I think it's safe to say that my period is most on it's way.

Preparation for Paczki Day

I have been doing really well on my new lifestyle diet, since I made a conscious effort to work on my PCOS diagnosis.... however as many Polish American's or Chicago Residents know tomorrow is PACZKI DAY! I look forward to this day all year long.  In years past we have ordered from Webers bakery but this year we are trying out Bridgeport bakery.  My favorite is usually Cherry, I have never had the fresh Strawberry and cream so that is what I am most looking forward to this year.    Being 1/2 Polish and going to Polish school/dancing classes as a kid I know all about my heritage and Paczki Day is def. one of my favorite traditions.  I remember eating them as a kid- and all the excitement surrounding the day. It's a fun tradition to pass along - I hope these bakeries are open when I have lil ones!  

So My Dad and I will make the drive at 5am to line up at the bakery (even though we have our orders placed) and then deliver some to my Grandma and Uncle - go home and then divide them up between 3 other couples (Mom and Dad) (Sister and Husband) (Me and Hubs).  

This is my order this year: 

 2 Poppy Seed

 6 Cherry

 6 Prune

 4 Apricot

 2 Strawberry w/ Whip Cream 

+ 2 Lemon 

 2 Peach

______________________________

24 TOTAL

I think I am going to have to do double time in the gym tonight.... I pry shouldn't eat for a week after tomorrow, lol.  I also plan on wearing pants with an expandable waist :). I'm already feeling guilty about eating them - at least it's only once a year.  I just hope all this sugar doesn't anger the PCOS gods.  

For those unfamiliar with Paczki Day check out this clip below.... filmed in Detroit a fews years ago, but the lines are similar to what we see here in Chicago.  

Friday....

I am really glad the weekend is here, very thankful!

I had a really hard time sleeping last night.  I was tossing and turning with TN face pain - I think I went down soundly at around 3ish.  The Affrin really seemed to help - I must have some sort of sinus thing going on that is triggering the nerve.  

I just don't know what causes it and neither do the doctors.  It's not worth going to the neurologist and paying a copay, so her med student can suggest drugs I can not take since I am  TTC.   I'm a tiny nervous that the pain could come back, but taking it one day at a time.  (Since we are currently TTC the epilepsy drugs are not an option)  There is a "blocker" shot I can go in for but that would have to be if things get REALLY bad - I'm totally not interested in and it sounds horrid.  The worst it trying not to think about it - it's truly impossible.

    

I feel like a new person this morning though...  No. More. Pain. !   

          

It's really refreshing to wake up with out it, or rather not being woken up from it.  I really do feel like a new person.  The pain this time lasted for about 48 hours.  That may be why I have not really had much of an appetite this week - I wish the scale would reflect that.     But, like I said I am feeling better and that is all that matters.  

Still monitoring my ovulation and so far no surge in the kit - I'm getting a bit anxious about it - seriously, I hate waiting so annoying!  I also plan to start working out again this week, now that I am feeling better. Yesterday, I also started my second bottle of the DCI for PCOS dietary supplement.  Hmm, that was a lot of little updates :)

I hope everyone has a great weekend.  Thanks for all the encouraging notes this week!

Animal Kingdom

So after a recent visit to the Zoo this weekend it got me thinking, thinking about mating, love, life, child rearing and the communities we live in.  I don't know how I feel about Zoo's - in general terms... I believe they are good for learning, maybe conservation.... but that isn't my point not looking for a debate.

A pic from the Zoo this weekend
Brookfield Zoo 2/4/2012

A pic from the Zoo this weekend
Brookfield Zoo 2/4/2012

In the animal kingdom monogamy and life long bonds are pretty rare.  What makes us humans different?  How do the stresses we create for ourselves or subjected to make a difference in our our being?  Are true love stories really a "Hollywood Fable"?  From what little research I gathered I think there are roughly a bakers dozen of different species that mate for life.... so the minority not the majority. Maybe it's the approaching of Valentine's Day that has me thinking, but I treasure every moment with my Husband and with my family. Going through the medical issues I have, facing infertility.....all of this impacts me and my relationship with everyone I encounter.  Overall I know I am blessed and grateful.

www.copyright-free-pictures.org.uk 

As a child I went to Catholic school where the student body wore uniforms (I wish I had a work uniform now) - sometimes for special events we were able to wear "street clothes" a very favorite outfit of mine was a legging & tunic set with neon colored angel fish.  I always thought they were so pretty, and it was my go to outfit.  I can vividly remember the outfit to this day.  I have forgotten what it's like to feel comfortable in clothes recently, again separate issue.  Did you know that French Angel Fish travel and hunt in pairs?  Or how about Seahorses, the role is reversed in this case and the male is primarily responsible for gestation - ahh... if only, then I wouldn't have to worry about my PCOS when it came to TTC.  However, I should mention that  from what I gather Seahorses do not mate for life.



I'm very lucky I have an understanding partner that is very supportive.  I know what I am most likely unpleasant certain times of the month - and the constant worry about PCOS & infertility or my slight hypochondria tendency gets very annoying.

I have been dating/married to my husband for about 7 years now.  I'm happy that we have and continue to grow together.  We have most absolutely grown into different people and we are constantly growing.  I realize more and more how important it is to stay connected and grow together.  We don't agree on everything - we mostly likely never will, we appreciate each other differences - maintain open minds and give undying support.  I know that I have to be open for anything, I realized that anything can happen I don't know nor can predict the future and I have to be prepared.  PCOS, Infertility, and TN have taught me change is constant and I have to adapt.  If only the animals that mate for life could give us some insight - I wonder what they would say?!?

PCOS and my closet - they are not friends

I finally got my period last week - (if you have not read the recent posts).  Until then I was feeling pretty disheartened in general.  PCOS has affected lots of things about me.... but a really hard aspect to deal with is  -  not feeling good about myself.  


I really don't enjoy shopping like I used to and  I am no longer interested in going places where I may need to dress up.  I have never been a gal that "needed to put her face on" before going out, I used to be totally secure in my appearance. I only used makeup when I wanted to - and felt totally fine leaving the house in "lazy stretch pants" or a basic hoody.   Now, it's the opposite - I feel extremely insecure about my appearance.   I have zero desire to "dress up" or  "put on make up" I actually view it now as a huge chore, rather then something I used to enjoy.  

I went from 128 to 164lbs in a years time, when I went of birth control pills(currently at 157).  I have loads of clothes that don't fit and that I can't part with.  We have a very convenient Salvation Army Donation bin in my condo building, and I have donated plenty of items.... but there are so many I still have kept hoping that I would/will/maybe fit into one day.  I should really find out how much money I have spent in clothes these past years - I have had to totally update my closet with larger sizes a few times.  


I have a closet that ranges from size 4 to 14!  It's maddening to me - to be reminded of all the things that I love - that simply do not fit.  

Although, one good thing (good kind of) to come out of this weight struggle is I have gotten better about "saving" clothes.  Classic example 2 years ago I bought a winter jacket near the end of the season on sale with the plan to "save" it and wear it as a new winter jacket the following winter.  Well, as you may have guessed it doesn't fit... and most likely never will.  I am not saving anything anymore... who knows if it will fit next week?!?  Does anyone else save clothes?  I used to do it all the time. I also have noticed that I like to stick to key pieces in my wardrobe - and then I totally wear them out and ignore other clothing, but that is a separate issue. 


I think this week I am going to try to sort out my-closet and get serious about donating, wearing and of course a small hopeful pile for some items that I love and can hope to fit in to.  My closet causes me much anxiety - b/c I know that I really don't have many items that fit - or that I need to try on to see if they fit.  To the unsuspecting eye - you'd think I was obsessed with clothes.  So check back this week and I'll keep you updated on how it went.  

Oh Happy Day.........It's Here!

If you would have told me 10 years ago I'd be thrilled to get my period- I would have never believed you.  I am not sure if it's the combination of the Metformin  & DCI Chiral Balance combo..... or one of the two, but yesterday I finally had a period on my own without the assist of a Provera prescription.  

Things are starting to look up, after a hard week.  

I had called the Dr. on Monday this week and asked her to up my Metformin prescription - since I am only on 1000mg a day, and I had heard that 1500mg was the "golden dose" for PCOS gals.  My Dr. said that she didn't feel comfortable doing that, and to "stick it out, or call the OBGYN if I just didn't want to wait" for a prescription for Clomid.  My Dr. said to be patient (not a strong trait of mine) - and that I should keep in mind that "there is the possibility Metformin may just not work".  Until that very moment, I had never thought that taking the metformin wouldn't work for me.  Of course then after we spoke I stressed all week that I may be taking Metformin which makes me feel sick and miserable all the time for nothing!  

Well I am so glad that is seems like everything is starting to work.  I feel totally re-leaved, actually!  This week I have been walking home from work, I walked on the treadmill one night, and I have been making smarter food choices.  I'm glad that I finally see some improvement in my situation - I needed this HUGE boost.  

So, I think now I may be actually able to start tracking out my cycles.  Here is hoping for the best!

This is so funny.  

Don't be a Goof!

So, in efforts to keep myself busy and occupied with things other then my health..... I have been doing a lot of pinning on pinterest.com.  There I have been able to connect with other PCOS glam gals and find tips on diet, exercise, and crafts.  There is so much to do on the website it a total time suck, beware.... don't say I didn't warn you!


So last night I decided to do 2 things.


1. Go to Trader Joe's and get the following ingredients for a morning smoothie ritual I intend to start.  (I'm off to a good start I had one today, hehe)  

Blythe's Glam Gal Smoothie Recipe 

 I made this in my Magic Bullet, you could use a blender too.

*Almond Milk Unsweetened  (many benefits to almond-milk - Check out the link)
*Honey - organic clover
* 2 ice cubes
*Organic Non-Fat Vanilla Yogurt  (tip: freeze in ice cube trays for fast servings)
*Half of a small banana - I froze overnight
*handful of frozen organic red raspberries - (check out that link did you know red raspberry is good for fertility)
*2 organic whole frozen strawberries

It was very tasty - even my husband loved it.

2.  I decided to make a craft I saw while doing some laundry.  It's for monogrammed soap dispensers.  We have recently repainted our bathroom, and I thought this would be a fun way to spice things up.

Here is the link I used for instructions: Soap Dispenser

Everything was going okay and I was at the last step.  We didn't have goo gone as suggested - but we did have Goof Off 2(to remove adhesive).  It was working wonderfully I was almost done and then it happened...... My hands turned bright red,were stinging in pain, and broke out in a rash that was starting travel up my arm!  I freaked and made my first call ever to Poison Control Hotline.  They were very kind and I followed the instructions they gave me and all is well now.  I just was so surprised at how quickly I broke out, I had not had a reaction like that before.  Lesson for the day: ALWAYS read the bottle before using... I was supposed to be wearing gloves with it and I hadn't.

I think my lil craft turned out well though... what do you think?  

Wait for it....... Nothing!

So, I called the Dr. today because it's been quite a while since my last cycle.  Also, because it seems like lately I can't go a week without contacting the doctor either.

My phone tracker app that I use on the iphone "Period Tracker" (I love it, so easy to keep track of everything), estimates that my cycle is about 34 days in length.  I don't know how long it takes to get on a somewhat regular cycle using Metformin/MetforminER....I have read so many articles and visited so many chat room posts I could go cross eyed.  

I have also taken 2 pregnancy tests and both were negative.

When I talked to the Dr.'s assistant and explained that my last cycle was quite sometime ago and that I am taking the metformin as prescribed and still no period.  The assistant seemed surprised that I was taking the metforminER for regulation of my period - I can only assume that maybe she thought I was a diabetic patient.


My lower Back really hurts too!  I have also experience 2 bouts of  insomnia this week. We have been doing some cleaning around our office and moving boxes - I just hope it has something to do with the back pain I am experiencing.  I have a tiny bit vaginal discomfort - but with my hormones all out of whack I am not sure what to expect.  The symptoms from my UTI are slowly starting to go away, still not feeling 100% yet though.  


I also have fallen into the trap of typing my symptoms into google and reading all the scary searches - WHY DO I DO THIS TO MYSELF?

DCI for PCOS Progress Post

Chrial Balance DCI Progress 
The Journey:

Below what you will find is weekly progress of weight and acne.  

I started 2 pills daily of DCI on Jan 16th.  (I am also taking daily MetforminER and a multi-vitamin)  

For the first two days I was taking them after I ate breakfast, I called the company and they suggested taking the supplement before food in the AM... which I switched up right away.    

For those not aware read about DCI for PCOS here:D-chiro-Inositol 

1/16/2012 Start

 Weighed in @ 158.00
*frequent breakouts (sorry I deleted the "first week" photo I took of my acne by accident)

1/23/2012 Week 1

Weighed in @ 158.8
* I notice tiny bit less acne - no real big change

A Glamorous Up the Nose Shot! lol

(no makeup, photo taken using i-phone)

So as you can see there is not much improvement in weight (bummer) I can't believe the scale went in the other direction! 

However, I have noticed that the were less painful breakouts.  My skin is a teeny tiny bit clearer.  So, that is a step in the right direction.  Usually each week I have a few really painful zits brewing, this week only one I notice so far.  

I have even been a little lazy and if I wasn't wearing makeup, I skipped washing my face once or twice before bed.  I always wash my face in the morning, that I never skip... I know by then it's really to late.  

It's hard to stay motivated throughout this process, because.... like any other  American gal I want instant gratification!  

I know, I know "one step at a time".  Here's is hoping for the best.  

1/30/2012 Week 2

Weighed in @ 158.8

* Painful Zits & no period, I'm pretty unhappy.  Face very irritated.

2/6/2012  Week 3

Weighed in @157.6
* My face and forehead totally broke out this week.  It was awful, but I think it was due to my PERIOD!, yep that's right you read it correctly..... I got my period - only lasted for 2 days, but I would say was about the same "flow" as when I would take Provera (script for a medical induced with drawl bleed "period") very exciting week! 

2/13/2012 Week 4

Weighed in @ 157.8

*Face irritated, slept in Makeup one night.  

No real great improvement in skin or weight.  I do notice not looking so bloated though.  That's got me feeling a tiny better about things.  Just got to keep on keeping on!  

2/20/2012 Week 5

Weighed in @ 157.6

* Face is the best it's been in a while.  Feeling slightly better.  Note: since starting the DCI, I missed Saturday's dose this weekend.  

2/27/2012 Week 6

 Weighed in @ 158.2

*Face is again best it's looked in a long while.  Feeling a tad bloated, but overall happy with my condition of my face.  Wore makeup more frequently this past week.  Feeling much better about the condition of my acne.  I also noticed less of the "darker" hairs that I once noticed on my face as well.

                     
3/5/2012 Week 7

Weighed in @157.2 

*Face is irritated more so then last week.

  

3/12/2012 Week 8

Weighed in @ 156.8

* Referrer to Acne.... Stinks Post. For Pics.

3/19/2012 Week 9

Weighed in @ 157.0

* Acne much better then last weeks outbreak.

3/26/2012 Week 10

Weighed in @ 155.6 

* Acne okay 

4/2/2012 Week 11

Weighed in @ 154.8

* Acne was really bad before and right after period, which I have not experienced before.

I'm wearing makeup in this pic.... I have to go to the DMV today and get a new ID.

4/16/2012 Week 12

Weighed in @ 154.4 

*Acne Better no real complaints.  Couple white heads that popped easily ( l know, I shouldn't touch them but I could not leave them along & healed quickly).

4/23/2012 Week 13

Weighed in @ 152.6

*No complaints about Acne Much Much Better!!

4/30/2012 Week 14

Weighed in @ 152.6

*MAJOR ACNE - I GOT MY PERIOD THIS MORNING!!

5/14/2012 Week 15

Weighed in @ 151.8 

* Face looks good no real complaints this week. I just noticed I have been a bit of a slacker with my progress posts.  I also started taking Vitamin D this week.  I'm wearing a slight amount of makeup today, powder and blush.  

5/22/2012 Week 16

Weighed in @ 151.2

* No real complaints, seems to be okay.  Today I had a surge on my Ovulation Test Kit - felt a little sick to my stomach with slight cramping.  

5/29/2012 Week 17

Weighed in @ 149.4

* Things seem to be going well.  No complaints... white heads not real problems though.

6/05/2012 Week 18

Weighed in @ 150.60

Thought I would have had my period by now, waiting........ 

6/21/2012 Week 20

Weighed in @ 150.80

No news really.

7/2/2012 Week 21

Weighed in @ 148.2

Acne around my chin has been really hard to deal with this week.  I expect my period soon, so that is most likely the case.  The number on the scale makes me happy, starting to go down in the right direction again.  

8/14/2012 Week 27

Weighed in @ 147.9 (it's been a while since my last post, sorry)
Not many acne concerns lately.  I expect my period soon.  The number on the scale makes me feel okay - wish it was still descending.  

9/6/2012 Week 30

Weighed in @ 148.2

About the Glamorous Me

Hiya - my name is Blythe (B- ly-the) it's not a name you hear everyday.  I share/named after Blythe Danner FYI she is Gwyneth Paltrow's mother.  Most ppl. who have never heard my name can relate to the above.  


The meaning of Blythe is cheerful and carefree, although these days I'm not sure how those apply.  I am 29 years old and live in Chicago with a wonderful loving Husband.  I was told I may have PCOS in 2007 - from the Dr.'s lips "It's nothing to worry about, try this new birth control and forget about it" - so I forgot about it.... you don't have to tell me twice!  Fast Forward to 2011 - test results are back and it's confirmed I have PCOS.  


I am a college graduate and love to craft and design in my spare time.  I'm not great with computers but I thought I would give blogging a try as an avenue to vent my current frustrations with PCOS and other health ailments.  This blog is my experience.  When I was told I had PCOS I didn't really know anything about it.   Visiting chat rooms and memo boards gave me a lot of insight on my condition, and how other women have been coping.  At first learning I had PCOS... I was embarrassed, frightened, in denial..... but I have since made peace with my diagnosis and am doing my best to get things under control.  


With all the health issues (Read my History Post) I have dealt with I can't help but to feel so blessed with a Wonderful husband and family who have been at my side the entire way.  It has helped me so much to be able to talk with someone even if the may not be able to totally relate with how I feel.  

One of my favorite pictures of myself
2009