My first official hospital gynaecology appointment for PCOS.

SO after months and months of waiting for this appointment I finally get it! I wasn't sure what to expect from this, I didn't know what they're going to do or say. I was kind of worried that the appointment will be cancelled because my partners sperm results haven't come back yet. Thankfully that was not the case.
I arrived at the hospital on time for my appointment and after 30 minutes wait in the waiting room my name gets called out.
The doctor introduces herself. She looks at my documents and says I'm too young to be thinking of having a baby which quite frankly is none of her business. I am 21 and although yes I might be. It's our decision. It's something I have always wanted.
She asks a few questions like 'when was your last period, what tests have you done with your GP, have you been with other sexual partners or whatever, do you drink, smoke ect and have you got any family health problems.' She checks my records and sees that I haven't had a chlamidya test (I pray to god that I have nothing of that nature, I am sure I don't but who knows) anyway. She also says I need a blood test for hepatitis because my mum has previously had it. She checks my weight and hight and measures my BMI which was 24 which is normal. She asks what I weighed previously and then said that that's the root of the problem and that basically I need to lose weight.
After that, she prescribes Metformin and a contraceptive pill. Which for some reason I still can't get my head around because I am pretty sure that I wanted to get pregnant. She said that the reason for that is that we need to concentrate on getting my periods to be regular before talking about conceiving. So she said that the metformin I need to take everyday starting from tomorrow for six months. She said for the first few weeks I might experience loss of appetite, nausea ect but it will go away. Metformin also helps with weight loss and abnormal hair growth which are part of the symptoms of pcos. The contraceptive pill is to regulate my periods and I have to take those for the next 6 months.

She also advised me to either dance and do things like Zumba or just dancing, and/or skipping. This will help me lose weight quicker.

She booked me in for an appointment after 6 months so it will be March 29th 2015.

& that's what happened for my first appointment.

Let me know of your experiences at your hospital. :)

Thank you for reading! I apologise I take so long to update you on my pcos but I usually have nothing to say. So until next time!

Oh and I haven't yet started on my medication, they've ran out of it at the pharmacy so I will be collecting it on Monday, and I will let you know how it is :)

Take care xoxo

1 step closer to being pregnant!

After going for my scan, which I must say was SO uncomfortable. I received a letter saying that I am booked in for an ultrasound and I need to drink 1 litre of water an hour before the appointment. So I drank the litre and made my way to the appointment. I was surrounded by pregnant woman. Total jealous moment btw just seeing all these bumps. So my name got called and the nurse/doctor was like 'You probably drank 1 litre of water like we asked in the letter, we actually don't need you to' so they asked me to go pee it all out. The process of the ultrasound was SOOOOO uncomfortable. The stick they put inside me and moved around felt odd.

It looked like this. It was awkward. Anyway. I booked an appointment with my GP to talk about my results. She said they've found cysts on one ovary. (Which I already knew from the scan).  She booked me in with a gynaecologist and because me and my partner are not registered at the same GP she asked him to go and give his sample in and bring the results to the gyno. 

Another thing that has been happening is that, I have been craving sugary food and I can't resist but eating it. I know I should stop buying but it's like even if I don't then I make it otherwise I get a headache. Like a major headache.  I get angry at everything. It's sooooo frustrating. Like I just get mad at everything that comes out of my partners mouth even if it's a joke. He's starting to get frustrated by it too. But I don't know why I get angry. I hate it. 

Anyway, let me know if anyone has any tips on controlling my feelings/cravings! I'll greatly appreciate it. 

Stay positive x

To do lists and what not.

Now that I know I have PCOS I have to change my lifestyle, I need to do a proper diet plan that I will stick to. I am 20, 5'1 and I weigh 8.9 stones. I added on weight dramatically through out these past few months. I just want to go back to what I was. 

To do list - 

• get rid of all junk food Inc. white bread/pasta/rice.
• Buy more greens and fruits.
• Get rid of canned food.
• Make a exercise/diet timetable.
  

These four things I believe will change things dramatically. On top of that, I just need to remind myself that just because I found out that I have PCOS, I shouldn't let it control me and for those of you who are reading and are going through this right now. There are better happier days waiting for us once we get through this. We need to stay strong think about our partners because they're going through this with you. We can't be selfish. 

I will write about what happens next in my TTC journey after I have my doctors appointment.

Hard times will always lead to something great :)

Stay positive x

DIAGNOSED WITH PCOS

So today I went for an internal ultrasound scan, they found out that I have PCOS on one of the ovaries which is why I am finding it difficult to get pregnant. I already had a feeling I had PCOS but hearing it from a professional made me feel numb. After I finished with the doctors, I took the bus home no thoughts, no feelings..It's when I got home that it really hit me. I started crying, I know that there's treatment for the symptoms, I know that there's MANY people that have this syndrome, and have been able to conceive. It's just hard to take it in.
I have all these thoughts running around my head and writing about it now is making me feel somewhat better. I mean it is only on one ovary, I have a higher chance than those with two I should be grateful.

So starting from today, I have decided that I need to stop sulking. Eat healthy, exercise & take the time to really be thankful. Everything happens for a reason. It's not like I am NEVER going to be able to have children.

Just because something has happened, it doesn't mean it will never happen. It just means it hasn't happened YET.

Tell me your PCOS journey, pregnancy successes. I would love to read :)

Take care.

7 facts for those who are trying to conceive (ttc)

1. START YOUR PRENATALS BEFORE YOU CONCEIVE.
2. EAT HEALTHY AND EXERCISE 
3. EXPECT DELAY IN FERTILITY WHEN COMING OFF THE PILL
4. GET PLENTY OF REST
5. TIMING IS EVERYTHING
6. TRACK YOUR CYCLE
7. GET TO KNOW YOUR BODY

Baby checklist/Essentials! Everything you need for your babys arrival! (John Lewis)

SLEEP

• Moses Basket or Crib - Your baby can sleep with you in the first 3 months.
• Cot or Cotbed
• New mattress - A must for all newborns.
• 3-4 fitted sheets
• Swaddling blanket or Sleeping bag
• 3-4 blankets instead of swaddling blanket (never both)
• Room thermometer
• Digital thermometer for babys temperature
• Night light
• Baby monitor 

 

BATH

•  Baby bath or baby bath support
•  Bath thermometer
•  Top and tail bowl
•  Toiletries, cotton wool, sponge and flannel
•  Changing mat and travel changing mat
•  Cuddle robes or towels
•  As many nappies as you can get
•  Nappy pail or similarly nappy sack
•  Baby wipes
•  Muslin squares
•  Brush and combs
•  Nail scissors and clippers

 

FEEDING

Breastfeeding:

• Nursing Bra
• Breast pads - washable or disposable 
• Nipple protectors 
• 6 muslin squares

Bottle feeding 

• 6-8 bottles and teats (slow flow)
• Steriliser (Choose steam, microwave or cold water)
• Bottle warmer
• Bottle brush
• 6 Muslin squares

TRAVEL

• Infant carrier/car seat - It's not recommended to use a second hand car seat
• Pram/Pushchair suitable from birth
• Baby carrier or sling 
• Parasol or sun canopy in the summer
• Rain cover for your car seat and pram or pushchair (If not included in the package)
• Travel cot or you could use moses basket 
• Sun blinds for your car windows
• Changing bag

 

CLOTHING

• Bodysuits x10
• Sleepsuits x10
• Cardigans x2 and any other layers 
• Scratch mittens x2
• Socks
• Hats

 

PLAY

• Bouncer/Rocking cradle -  mums swear by them 
• Play/activity mat
• Rattles or Musical toys
• Pram toys
• Car seat arch or toys to hang on the car seat handle  

 

Lush Hair Treatment - Roots (Review) for hair growth!

This Hair Treatment does exactly what it describes on the container. It has a fresh minty smell which is strong but it does wonders to my hair. I had a bob cute early may 2013. I have recently been wanting to grow my hair and I have tried so much product that claim to help hair growth but I have only seen results when I started using this!
Like it says:

The root to great hair here starts at the scalp: we've used three kinds of mint to stimulate the scalp and hair follicles. We follow this up with extra virgin olive oil, honey, and nettle, and finish it with citrus essential oils to give your mood the same lift as your hair.

If you haven't tried it, what are you waiting for?! try it! 

it's spectacular, it makes my roots come alive! It so minty and zingy it makes me feel like I'm doing something great for my scalp!

I massage this on to dry hair for 20 minutes and rinse it. It makes me feel so relaxed!

My hair feels full and healthy after I use it. I use it twice a week, which unfortunately means I go through the pot quite fast. I think I finish one pot in less than 2 months. But if I'm honest it's totally worth it. 

Maternity Fashion!

I don't know about you, but when I'm pregnant I want to dress up my baby bump. I want it to look as cute as it gets! I see people outside in their trackies and hoodies not caring and hiding their baby bump and think no. That's not going to be me! Here are some amazing shops that have great maternity wear! 

This dress is from H&M! Only £14.99. 

This top I love! It's from Mothercare for only £16.80!

I love how this dress can be adjusted from the back to make it tighter and loose. This dress is from Topshop for only £20.00 

These leggings!😍 I will probably be wearing leggings 24/7! I hate jeans and I probably won't be wearing them. 

I love this dress, it's so simple and perfect for anything professional. £30.00 from topshop! 

New look has amazing little cute tops and maternity clothes. They're so cute. 

Of course you don't have to buy maternity clothes from the maternity section there are clothes that would fit you that are 'normal' lol 

Let me know if you know of any online websites or other shops! 

Items that you needn't bother buy for your baby!

           

Changing table

This is something I see in many homes that isn't actually used and it's something I personally will not bother buying. I will simply get a baby mat that I can move anywhere. I personally think it's a waste of space. I have only seen this being used whilst it's new and you're excited about using everything you bought. After a while you really just change your baby anywhere.

Baby Moses basket

This little cutie! Although yes it looks ADORABLE this is another one of the things I will not buy. It's only used for tiny baby's and as you may not baby's don't stay tiny for a very long time. Soon enough you will be looking for a place to hide it in. Invest in a crib instead it's will be used for longer. Of course I will accept it if I were given it as a present! but otherwise, I will not be buying this.

Designer Clothes!

If you can truly afford it go ahead! but if you're like me and you will be trying to grab on to every penny to save up and get affordable clothes, don't feel like you NEED to. Baby's grow at an extraordinary rate. They will grow out of their clothes like there's no tomorrow! Buy them comfortable clothes that they'll feel good in. Instead of clothes that you put on them to show them off. Your baby will look cute in anything! Trust me. There is no need to splurge on them they won't even notice.

Future Baby names!

                                                                                     

I have had so much time to think about what       names I want for my child, I have more boy         names than girls because to be honest I want         my first born to be a little boy.

I want arabic names, so for a boy I have Adam (but it's been taken by a close family member :( ) Abraham, Ismail, Bilal. For girls I don't have many, I have Mia, Ayah, Aaliyah...but I don't like them that much you know?

Let me know if you have thought of names for your future baby! 

Feelings & thoughts throughout the period of TTC

Whilst I was ttc my feelings were like a roller coaster...that mainly went down hill!

- I hated feeling like I was pregnant like I have finally scored! ...then the pregnancy test says other wise!
- I became so sick of seeing the 'not pregnant' on the clear blue tests!!!
-My irregular periods where the worst!! Even though I knew and I know that my periods are just unreliable whenever it was late or I missed I got so happy but only to get disappointed.
- I watched one born every minute and cryed my eyes out because it's just so beautiful and it's taking me forever to get there!
- 16 and pregnant PISSED ME OFF. Seeing all these delinquents that got pregnant and didn't care or didn't even try just annoyed me. Didn't stop me from watching the show though (haha). Why is it that those who don't want it get it so easily without putting all this money and effort into it.
- Period symptoms! MY GOODNESS! The symptoms before getting my period. Sore boobs, nausea, fatigue ......always = Pregnancy in my head.
- BABY clothes. I feel like I should go clothes shopping whenever I go passed the isles. I have to snap myself back to reality.
- I get jealous of friends and Family members with new born babys. WHY CAN IT NOT BE ME :(

I know I haven't been ttc for long and there is people out there who truly have been trying forever, but i just can't help the feeling.
It also doesn't help that I am impatient.

Things I have tried whilst TTC - Pre-seed lubricant

I have decided to try and conceive on my own for the first year before going to the doctors and asking if there's anything wrong and so over the 8 months that I have been TTC I have used different techniques and products. One of them being pre-seed.
Pre-seed is something I have just recently purchased on Ebay and I have only used it twice. So this is just an 'initial' thought.

The reason I bought pre-seed is because I have read that most lubricants are harmful to sperm, they actually kill the sperm which is no good for when you're trying for a baby. Pre-seed claims to be 'fertility friendly' and not harmful to sperm. On ebay it cost me £13.99 and it comes in a 40g tube with 9 applicators or syringes.


PROS:
The actual product has a consistency of your natural body's lubricating fluid, which is exactly what is says on the box. Most lubricants that I buy are either thick, oily and sticky however, pre-seed is so natural I mean I don't feel like taking a shower after using it like I do when I use for e.g. Ann summers lubes. Which I love. Another thing is that sometimes I find that other lubricant leave a somewhat burning sensation down below and with this is doesn't at all.

It comes with 9 syringes which is great for using the lubricant inside, to give sperm the fluid they may need to get to the cervix. Instead of just putting it on the outside.

So far like I said I have only used it twice. But I will keep using it.

                                                                                    CONS:
There's only one bad thing about it which is the size and the stiffness of the syringes. It's quite hard to put it inside and I don't know why maybe I'm using it wrong or it's just the way it is. but I find it a little uncomfortable.

That's about all I know for now! I hope it really does work for me and I totally recommend it even if it ends up not working! because it is a great lubricant.

Today after 8 months of TTC

Hi everyone, my name is Yasmin, I am 20 years old and I'm trying to conceive. & in this blog I just want to write down EVERYTHING from my thoughts and feelings to what I have tried and reviews on products. First of all I have been trying to conceive for the past 8 months and I have had no luck. I have had 'pregnancy symptoms' but it turned out it was all in my head (haha). I have irregular periods that come and go as they please. Which is why it's been quite difficult to track.

Lately I have been thinking maybe I have PCOS, PCOS for those of you who aren't aware of is Polycystic ovary syndrome. The reason I have been thinking I may have it is because of my irregular periods and...This is quite embarrassing but, I have also got hair around my nipples (oh! no!) anyway it's is what it is! I have booked my appointment with the doctor to talk about it and will be writing about it. The appointments are always so far! they've booked me in for the 20th of March. :(

More about my weight, health etc.

I am 55kg and I am 5'1 (quite short I know) in the past 8 months I have gone from being 47kg to 55! (weight gain is another symptom of PCOS) but this could be due to the lack of exercise and not so healthy food! I am terrible at keeping myself motivated when it comes to health in general. I have been wanting to start the gym for a while now :( but I feel like I need a gym partner. (excuses I know)
I believe I'm of average weight and shouldn't really be having major issues with pregnancy e
specially because of my age.

Having a baby is something I have always wanted. & it's quite painful to know that there's a possibility I can't or I can't have one the 'normal' way like everyone else. I know it takes an average of 1 year to conceive but It's almost a year!

Anyway, all in all I wish everyone who is TTC and myself the best of luck!