Discovering My Health Puzzle
My health journey has been an ongoing puzzle focused on managing PCOS (Polycystic ovary syndrome) and my overall health. Over the years, I’ve gradually pieced together the complexities of living with this condition. Reflecting on my past, I realize how many signs were present, but I lacked the knowledge to interpret them. My first period didn’t arrive until 10th grade, which I thought was normal for a gymnast—tiny, muscular, and always active. I didn’t even hit 100 pounds until after my senior year of high school, so no one really questioned it. PCOS wasn’t on my doctor’s radar, and I didn’t think much about it either. I had no idea then what a huge part it would play in my life.
Diagnosis in Japan
It wasn’t until I served in Japan, just before having Amelia, that I was finally diagnosed with PCOS. Since then, I’ve faced many challenges, including over a year without my period. If I go longer than three months without it, I need to take progesterone for 10 days. Imaging confirmed the presence of cysts on my ovaries. These symptoms have profoundly impacted my life, forcing me to navigate the complexities of managing PCOS while embracing its changes.
Managing PCOS and Health: Understanding My Diagnosis
While this diagnosis was a turning point, it didn’t provide immediate clarity. Over the past decade, my PCOS symptoms have intensified. I’ve struggled with body and facial hair growth, and I’ve realized much of my acne is hormonal. Despite my best efforts, the hormonal shifts tied to my PCOS complicate my skincare journey.
Coping with PMDD: Strategies for Managing Emotional Health
PMDD (Premenstrual Dysphoric Disorder) emerged after Amelia’s birth, and it hit me hard. The mood swings and emotional crashes feel like an uncontrollable storm. It’s more than just PMS; it makes me feel completely out of control, adding to the emotional weight I already carry.
Coping with PMDD: Strategies for Managing Emotional Health
Seek Professional Help: Finding a therapist who understands PMDD can be invaluable. They can help you develop coping strategies tailored to your situation.
Medication: Discuss with your healthcare provider whether medication might help stabilize your mood swings and emotional crashes. Sometimes, antidepressants or hormonal treatments can provide relief.
Mindfulness and Relaxation Techniques: Practices like meditation, deep breathing, or yoga can help ground you during emotional storms. Even a few minutes of mindfulness each day can make a difference.
Journaling: Writing down your thoughts and feelings can provide an outlet for your emotions and help you track patterns related to your PMDD symptoms.
Support Network: Reach out to friends, family, or support groups who understand what you’re going through. Sharing your experience can lighten the emotional load.
Healthy Lifestyle Choices: Regular exercise, a balanced diet, and good sleep hygiene can have a significant impact on mood and overall well-being.
Routine: Establishing a routine for self-care can create a sense of normalcy. This might include setting aside time for yourself, even if it’s just for a short walk or a relaxing bath.
Toxic Relationships and Their Impact
I also experienced gaslighting and emotional trauma and more in a toxic marriage. This relationship exacerbated my struggles, leaving me to grapple with my mental health alongside managing PMDD and the complexities of motherhood. The combination has been overwhelming, but I’m determined to find a path toward healing.
Ways to Manage and Cope After a Toxic Relationship
Acknowledge Your Experience: Recognize what you went through. Validation of your feelings is essential to the healing process.
Seek Professional Help: Therapy can be an excellent resource. A mental health professional can help you work through your feelings, build coping strategies, and support your healing journey.
Create a Support System: Surround yourself with supportive friends and family who understand your experience. Don’t hesitate to lean on them for emotional support.
Establish Boundaries: Set clear boundaries with your ex-partner and others who may trigger negative emotions. This helps to protect your mental space.
Journaling: Writing about your experiences, feelings, and thoughts can be therapeutic. It can help you process your emotions and track your progress over time.
Practice Self-Care: Focus on your well-being. Engage in activities that make you happy and relaxed, whether that’s exercise, art, reading, or spending time in nature.
Limit Social Media Exposure: Sometimes, seeing your ex or mutual friends on social media can trigger painful emotions. Consider taking a break or unfollowing those accounts.
Educate Yourself: Learn about the dynamics of toxic relationships and emotional abuse. Understanding these patterns can help you recognize red flags in the future.
Join Support Groups: Look for local or online support groups for individuals recovering from toxic relationships. Sharing your experiences with others can be validating and comforting.
Focus on Personal Growth: Set goals for yourself and engage in activities that foster personal development, such as taking classes, pursuing hobbies, or volunteering.
Contact Information for Domestic Violence Victims
If you or someone you know is in need of immediate help, here are some resources for domestic violence victims:
Offers legal resources and information for victims of domestic violence.
National Domestic Violence Hotline (USA)
Phone: 1-800-799-SAFE (7233)
Website: thehotline.org
Provides 24/7 support, resources, and information.
RAINN (Rape, Abuse & Incest National Network)
Phone: 1-800-656-HOPE (4673)
Website: rainn.org
Offers support for survivors of sexual violence.
The National Coalition Against Domestic Violence (NCADV)
Website: ncadv.org
Provides resources, advocacy, and information about domestic violence.
Local Domestic Violence Shelters and Hotlines:
Search for local shelters or hotlines in your area for specific resources tailored to your community. Websites like domesticshelters.org can help you find nearby options.
Crisis Text Line
Text: HOME to 741741 (USA)
Provides free, 24/7 support via text message for anyone in crisis.
Women’s Law (Legal Help)
Website: womenslaw.org
Living with POTS: Strategies for Managing Symptoms
POTS has worsened over the years. Some days, my body feels like it’s betraying me. My fingers and toes go numb and turn white several times a week. I battle dizziness, especially when standing up or bending over. Sometimes, it gets so bad that I feel like I might pass out. This experience is terrifying and frustrating, making even simple tasks monumental.
Managing Postural Orthostatic Tachycardia Syndrome (POTS)
Increase Fluid and Salt Intake
- Stay Hydrated: Aim for 2-3 liters of fluids per day, especially water and electrolyte-rich beverages.
- Salt Supplements: Increase salt intake, as it can help retain fluid and raise blood volume. Always consult your healthcare provider before making changes to your diet.
2. Wear Compression Garments
- Compression Stockings: These can help improve blood circulation and reduce blood pooling in the legs. Consider thigh-high or waist-high options.
3. Gradual Position Changes
- Take Your Time: When transitioning from sitting or lying down to standing, do so slowly to minimize dizziness or fainting.
- Leg Movement: Before standing, do some leg exercises or pump your legs to promote blood flow.
4. Regular Exercise
- Tailored Exercise Program: Engage in regular, low-impact aerobic exercises like swimming, cycling, or walking. Focus on building tolerance to upright posture gradually.
- Strength Training: Include resistance exercises to improve muscle tone and blood circulation.
5. Lifestyle Adjustments
- Elevate the Head of Your Bed: Sleep with your head elevated to reduce nighttime symptoms and improve blood flow.
- Avoid Hot Environments: Heat can worsen POTS symptoms. Stay cool and avoid hot showers or baths.
6. Monitor Symptoms and Triggers
- Keep a Symptom Diary: Track your symptoms, dietary habits, and daily activities to identify triggers and patterns that worsen your condition.
7. Medications
- Consult a Healthcare Provider: Some medications can help manage POTS symptoms, such as beta-blockers, fludrocortisone, or midodrine. Discuss options with your doctor.
8. Manage Stress and Anxiety
- Stress-Reduction Techniques: Incorporate mindfulness, meditation, or deep breathing exercises into your routine to manage stress, which can exacerbate symptoms.
- Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT): Consider therapy to help cope with anxiety or mood changes related to POTS.
9. Nutrition and Diet
- Balanced Diet: Focus on a diet rich in whole foods, including fruits, vegetables, lean proteins, and whole grains. Avoid large meals that can exacerbate symptoms.
- Small, Frequent Meals: Eating smaller meals more often can help prevent blood pooling and reduce post-meal symptoms.
10. Education and Advocacy
- Educate Yourself: Learn about POTS and its management to empower yourself in your treatment journey.
- Support Groups: Connect with others who have POTS for support, sharing experiences, and coping strategies.
11. Work with Your Healthcare Team
Regular Check-Ins: Maintain communication with your healthcare provider and specialists to adjust your management plan as needed.
Ehlers-Danlos Syndrome: Navigating Health and Flexibility
Then there’s Ehlers-Danlos. Flexibility was always something I took pride in as a gymnast. But now, nearly 20 years later, I realize it might not just be flexibility—it’s part of the hypermobility that comes with EDS. My joints pop out of sockets, and my hips and shoulders move in ways they shouldn’t. I can even lick my elbow by popping my shoulder out of its socket—a weird party trick. However, the pain in my joints has become constant, and I can predict rain by how much my body aches.
Managing Migraines: My Long-Term Struggles and Solutions
Migraines have been part of my life for as long as I can remember. In second grade, I was often in the nurse’s office, needing a nap or ice to get through the day. I wonder if masking in class triggered these headaches. Pretending everything was fine while struggling inside could have played a role, or perhaps it was the stress of being in an unwanted environment. Regardless, those migraines signaled that something was off.
Navigating a Military Disability
On top of all this, I have an 80% disability rating from the military for my back and shoulder, which surely doesn’t help. The combination of physical pain and the mental strain of managing migraines adds another layer to my everyday challenges. I’m determined to find ways to cope and heal.
Finding Balance: My Path to Managing PCOS and Overall Wellness
It’s exhausting, both physically and mentally. Living with ADHD, PCOS, PMDD, POTS, and EDS feels like navigating a body and brain in constant flux. I never know what to expect each day, and that unpredictability wears on me. However, after years of struggle, I’m starting to understand how everything connects. It doesn’t make things easier, but it helps me be more compassionate with myself. I’m still learning to manage it all, but at least I know what I’m up against.