Falling to pieces at 30!!

[NiamhThomas30]

Hi, I'm not sure what I'm hoping for by writing this, but I feel I've got a combination of symptoms that are getting me down and I need to get them off my chest! I feel like a 80 year old - not 30!

Firstly, I was diagnosed with PCOS a few years back. Luckily, I still went on to have another child (I have three children in total). My weight has been increasing bit by bit, and even on Slimming world, I am struggling. I seem to never be capable of loosing more than a stone before putting it back on. (I am 14st and just over 5 ft.

I eat plenty of healthy foods, am a vegetarian. I cook from scratch and hate fast food (I am also incredibly fussy with other people handling my food, so don't venture out to restaurants much either!) BUT I do have a very sweet tooth, so when I try to eat healthily, essentially I cut out or reduce my sweet/chocolate intake.

My next issue is that I am always feeling tired lately. I believe that if I was to be fitter i.e. exercise, I would probably feel less sluggish, but, the irony is, I feel too tired/heavy/unfit, to motivate myself. I have been power walking now for the last few months, but I don't feel the benefits of it yet? Juggling work, homelife and children ware me out by the evening, and I physically can't motivate myself to do additional work outs - plus, I don't often find the time.

I'm wondering if my PCOS is causing much of this. I believe it is a factor in me not being able to shift the weight by healthy eating alone. But, the tiredness, irregular periods, double dose of PMT, and currently abdominal cramping on my left side are leaving me feeling like I'm in need of a new body!

Is there anyone else in a similar situation, or have been in a similar situation and have any tips or inspiration to 'lend' me.

I've very desperate for some advice. I feel like my children don't get the best of me lately as far as running around the park etc., and I am also concerned for my health.

Thanks in advance
Niamh

Just to add, that although this post seems like one of self pity and misery, I am in general a very positive, happy go lucky person :-)

Have you asked your doc to check your thyroid? Might be worth a punt?

The thing with exercise is that it's bloody difficult to start! I am exercise-phobic, and hate any impact exercise as my joints hurt (am 34), but recently stayed in a holiday home with a pool and swam every day - I loved it! Am now considering joining my local pool, having barely swum for 10 years+.
Sounds like you need to find something that you like, and is convenient, so that you can build it into your routine. I have to force myself to exercise, it doesn't come naturally, but once I start it's ok - its the first attempt that's the hardest.

Good luck

I know what you mean, I'm 35 and if I wrote a list of all me wonky bits, well! Let's just say I'd need both sides of the paper. Plus I seem to be growing a lovely moustache these days, and a bit further up I'm almost completely grey.

's fun, ageing, innit?

As for exercise, I took up Zumba last year and it's hilarious and fun. I do two hours a week and really enjoy it and feel much better for it. Have a look round and see if you can find a group near you. I go with one of my neighbours and I do think that helps, as you're more motivated to go with a friend.

love,

The Wonky Old Git

PCOS can cause all of your symptoms. I'd advise you to go and talk to your GP, who may be able to help.

Is your name Niamh Thomas? Are you 30? If so, then time for a namechange me thinks...

Hi, thanks for your response. Well done for taking the plunge! It can be so hard to motivate yourself after a long day, and you're right, it helps if you are doing something you enjoy.

My doctor did check me for thyroid and results came back as OK.

I feel as if PCOS has consumed me. I feel rather cheated, that through all my efforts on the healthy eating front, I can't shift the weight. As for doing something I love, I actually adore swimming. It's the only true form of exercise I enjoy. But, my body confidence is zero -and that has what has put me off going for years now. Sadly, my children have suffered, as I haven't taken them swimming... I have relied on the older ones doing lessons at school, meaning they are very behind. I'm not vain, but very self concious about my size!

I know that there is not one solution, and that I would need to incorporate much more exercise into my routine. But I truly feel lethargic these days and motivation is not coming easy.. :-(

Good luck with the swimming though. Rather jealous :-)

TodaysAGoodDay - Am I missing something? Am I the only one with an obvious screen name???

I have spoke to the GP - who unhelpfully suggested diet & exercise!!! She said that she wouldn't advise Metformin which is used to lower insulin in diabetics.

Cailleach - I know what you mean with falling to bits - I didn't scratch the surface with my post!! and I'm fully aware of the joys of a moustache :-)

Zumba looks like loads of fun but I definitely cannot fit a class into my day or evening. Well, maybe when the kids are older!!! I need to do something based at home, but then again, it's simply my lack of motivation at the end of the day that stops me dusting off my 'Davina workout dvd'!!

Thanks
Niamh

If I remember correctly, pcos is one of the auto-immune diseases. Once you have one, you are at a higher risk of having another.

I'd go back and try and see a different gp and ask for thyroid tests - not just tsh, but a full thyroid function test (tsh, free and combined t3 and t4, and thyroid antibodies test). If nothing else, it's a reference if you need to have the tests re-done in future.