January 20, 2012
My Paula Dean Moment
Six years ago I sat in my fertility doctor’s office waiting to hear the next plan of action.
I was finally pregnant and this time it looked like a viable pregnancy. I had been diagnosed with PCOS (Polycystic Ovarian Syndrome) in 2001 and part of my fertility treatment was taking Metformin, a drug used for diabetics. I hated taking drugs and wanted to be off, but after 3 miscarriages I would do anything I needed to play it safe.
When I asked my doctor if I could stop taking the Metformin he looked at me calmly and said “well you could stop now but you might as well stay on it because you will most likely develop diabetes.”
I can’t imagine what my face must have looked like when he said that…I was only 35 and he was telling me that I am going to get diabetes…was he serious? This the same doctor who told me to drink a “Wendy’s Frosty” if I had morning sickness because they had a good protein/carb balance. I was in shock. He further explained the connection between PCOS (which is related to insulin resistance) and diabetes. He made it sound inevitable.
I knew in that moment there was no way I was going to stay on those drugs and there was no way I was getting diabetes if I could help it. I was so mad at my doctor and yet eternally grateful to him at the same time. After all, he was the one who set up my fertility treatment plan and I was finally pregnant.
I decided I would do everything I could to be healthier during this pregnancy and beyond. I would treat my body with more respect. I would nurture my body and my growing baby. The only thing was I had no idea what eating healthy meant. I had spent the past two decades either dieting or bingeing. My idea of healthy eating was “Lean Cuisines”, low fat yogurt (oops…when they take the fat out they add sugar) and “skinny” decaf mochas. I had a lot to learn.
I became fiercely dedicated to overcoming my sugar addiction.
It was not just about me. I needed to do it for my kids. I did not want to be a 40 year old diabetic mom. I knew I had the power to make a change. That’s what I call my “Mama Power”. It is always easier to do things when we think of the impact it has on our children.
I am so grateful for that moment in my doctor’s office. It was a huge turning point in my life. It steered me down the path of reclaiming my health.
I started getting my period regularly when I was 37. I know this might not sound exciting to most women, but since I never had a regular period in life this was big to me. My doctor confirmed that my hormone levels are normal. I am more fertile at 41 than I was at 30.
I am no longer at risk of getting diabetes.
We all have a choice. Just like Paula. We can take the pill which might seem “easy” at the time or we can claim our power and create better health. With all the support available, I am hopeful that Paula will change her mind. What an amazing role model she could be if she chose health instead of looking for a pill to “cure” her.
Many of us will have a Paula moment. A chance to stand up for ourselves or give away our strength. Which would you choose?
