Yesterday evening CB and I went to
my sister's home to visit, and she graciously shared her laundry
facilities with us. Her husband was replacing the brakes on their
station wagon, and CB stood out there for hours helping him. We were
there for something like six hours, but in the end I believe it
helped us all grow closer, get to know each other better, and even
though we were tired, I think it was still a little fun. Sis still
has three months to go til she's due, but she started having
Braxton-Hicks contractions and had to rest a little. That combined
with constant interruptions delayed supper until 8:30 pm - half an
hour past the children's bedtimes. It was happy chaos.
This morning CB awoke in a particularly amorous mood. Twice
before we left the apartment we had enjoyed each other intimately,
the two occasions separated by breakfast and long, wonderful
conversations. We left early for the library - yes, I maintain this
site completely from the public library - so we had lots of time for
a nice, leisurely walk here. So far this day has been just
wonderful...
That is, until I got here and started reading in the Woman's Day
magazine. There are two articles in the 3/7/00 issue entitled "I'm
Lucky To Be Alive" and "PCOS - What You Need To Know" both by Kerri
S. Smith. She relates her story about a lifetime of menstrual
irregularities, trouble conceiving, and other problems, that
culminated with a diagnosis of PolyCystic Ovarian Syndrome.
I was diagnosed with this when I was 18 - we are talking about 15
years ago. Only recently, according to these articles, have doctors
pieced together some of the puzzle to a disturbing conclusion. It
seems to be a bit more serious than what was previously thought.
Well, yes... I say to myself... we ARE talking about a metabolic
hormone problem, right? Of course it is serious. Of course it
affects multiple systems within the body. But now there are
websites, and more information, and maybe, just maybe, some help for
me... and all the other women who suffer from this.
Websites Referenced in the Article:
PolyCystic Ovarian Syndrome
Association
University of Chicago
PCOS Center
Dr. Charles
Gluecks PCOS Page
Perhaps I can find an endocrinologist or gynecologist in the Fort
Smith area with experience regarding PCOS, or perhaps the interest
in learning about it. Perhaps I can receive treatment, so I do not
have to go through the cancer nightmare that Kerri S. Smith endured.
She refers to a gynecological oncologist, Javier Magrina, MD, at the
Mayo Clinic in Scottsdale, Arizona, who was helpful to her. I will
keep that name handy...
~Paisley
Blue
