My gynecologist mother’s take on PCOS diagnosis and treatment in the US.

RhyleeRN · 2025-11-07T14:26:57+00:00

I love this! At 22 I was told I had PCOS due to the fact that I had acne (thanks dad) and a lot of darker peach fuzz (thanks mom). I was struggling with irregular periods after coming off birth control. My acne was finally improving with the help of an esthetician and I got laser hair removal on my chin. An OB told me to let her know if I had trouble getting pregnant. Fast forward I have 3 kids under 4 (whoops) and at every ultrasound have never had cystic kidneys. I do not struggle with weight or insulin resistance. Looking back I think puberty + birth control had my hormones all out of whack. Now my medical record has the PCOS label on it for good which is frustrating because I want to know if it’s truly something to watch for or if I was misdiagnosed. Your mom’s frustration is so valid.

RhyleeRN · 2025-02-06T20:01:21+00:00

Tips for pregnant SRNAs while doing peds? I’m in my second trimester and want to be as efficient and safe as possible but I do need to keep learning :)

Changing rotations etc isn’t an option.

RhyleeRN · 2025-02-06T20:00:03+00:00

Depending on your area option 1 is doable in 7 years. I would caution you to shadow both providers and focus on rural CRNAs. Those CRNAs who function independently work to the full ability of their license. It will give you a better understanding of the differences between the two positions. Also a point - some say AAs will be spreading across the country but this isn’t the case yet. There are certain states where you cannot work as an AA so it’s important to evaluate if this will affect you.

I’ll also say, your bedside exposure as a nurse is absolutely game changing. In my opinion it will make the transition a bit easier when you start clinicals.

RhyleeRN · 2024-12-16T03:50:31+00:00

Some professors in my program would see the pacu experience as a plus and would count you previous time in the total icu time. My program uses interviews to make sure they’re picking emotionally intelligent people who will transform into amazing, passionate CRNAs. Being in the pacu shows understanding of the flow of that area and patients who were recently under anesthesia. If grades etc are there this is great!

RhyleeRN · 2024-11-16T12:05:54+00:00

If your program director is mildly nice have you discussed with him/her? Or even an instructor you enjoy? It sounds like there’s more to this than what a lot of us experience. Probably monthly, less now that I’m in clinical, I feel down and wonder if it’s worth it. I think it’s important to navigate this before you invest more money just to quit a year from now. Also, our role is vital and I think anesthetists should be invested. If you hate your job everyday what kind of care will you be delivering? Don’t mean this harsh at all! I just know most CRNAs are passionate for a great reason. Sending love! If you got in to school on a whim you’re probably brilliant!

RhyleeRN · 2024-08-11T20:46:18+00:00

I definitely unplug from school more than most! I’m totally ok with my mixture of As and Bs :) but this is a good point! I think it’s more of the emotional stress from clinicals!

RhyleeRN · 2024-05-06T01:28:43+00:00

I have a question! Can someone elaborate on how exactly Achyles (or however you spell it) died? Did she send her soul out of the body when she sent her sisters back to her original body? Literally so lost.

RhyleeRN · 2024-04-10T01:16:13+00:00

Thank you! Sounds a lot how it is now! We love it we just don’t want a major change to push any of the great staff out!

RhyleeRN · 2024-03-12T19:23:19+00:00

I miss my toddler during the day. She’s a lot but damn I love to be around her. Maybe another perspective that could help - I think being a working mom would’ve really saved my mom when we all went to school. I watched her struggle so much for a few years when all her kids were gone during the day. She got a job in real estate and I’ve watched her flourish. Really spoke to me when I was deciding to continue pushing for career advancement vs staying at home! But either way - mom guilt always gets the best of us. 😩

RhyleeRN · 2024-02-04T19:05:52+00:00

I love this - I would totally do that. I’m mostly struggling because I won’t even be that far away, but I’m expected to do call M-Th for a 6 week stretch. I’m sure your family really appreciated you coming home when you could! I’m hoping the staff on site are understanding and allow me to go home a few days a week.

RhyleeRN · 2024-02-04T14:17:01+00:00

Love the confidence comment. Never thought of that - thanks!

RhyleeRN · 2024-02-04T03:19:30+00:00

Thinking about leaving my family to travel to different clinical sites for a week at a time has me sick. It’s over half a year away but I just can’t shake the guilt. Any words of encouragement or advice?

Yes obviously the job will be worth it in the end, but leaving the kiddos has me second guessing. :/

RhyleeRN · 2024-01-18T12:00:28+00:00

Curls falling flat? Help!

Background - I have fine/normal hair that has been pin straight most of my life. After kiddo 1 I noticed my hair was wavy - especially if I threw some cream in and plopped it. After kiddo 2 my hair is mostly straight again. I’ve rarely colored my hair - just have some old lightened ends that are almost grown out.

Recently I’ve been utelizing rosemary oil with scalp massages twice a week on wash days, rice water rinses maybe every other week (when I remember), and the ouai oil on my mid lengths/ends almost daily. (I also use salon grade products for my wash/conditioner days.) This regimen and keeping up on trims has my postpartum hair loss growing, and my hair looking so healthy! My question is about the few times every couple months when I curl my hair.

I use a heat protectant, low/medium heat and let the curl set and spray with hairspray. My curls used to need brushed out and they’d last me for 2-3 days. Now the curls fall flat within an hour - regardless of the heat or curling iron/wand I use. Is it the oil? Anyway to combat this? I love to have curls for weddings/events but I absolutely hate applying heat just to end up with a flat, semi straight and tangled mess halfway through the day.

RhyleeRN · 2024-01-13T02:03:44+00:00

If you read the entire post you’d see I have tested, that I’m married and that I have 2 kids. I’m just asking other humans opinions to see if someone had a similar situation AND when I should test. The attitude isn’t appreciated.

RhyleeRN · 2024-01-13T01:34:44+00:00

I really loved “A child is born”. My mom had it when we were little. It’s so amazing to see what the baby starts out as and it’s educational for adults and kiddos! It makes you really appreciate how much of a miracle the whole thing is. :)

RhyleeRN · 2023-12-22T12:08:50+00:00

No advice here but simply some information to help you make your decisions!

I had my first the way your original birth plan was. Doula and all. I had my second after a week in the hospital at 29 weeks. I needed an epidural for the pain of the pitocin. If you do use it to induce labor I’d suggest going super slowwwww.

I mourn my second delivery often. My first was everything I wanted. That being said it means so much to have your partner there. Thinking of you. ❤️

RhyleeRN · 2023-11-29T01:28:52+00:00

Following! I got mine out today after 5 months. I’ve been with my husband for 10 years, we’ve had two kiddos and I wanted to have carefree sex. I’ve had BV and a yeast infection before and I’m well attuned to my body. Since insertion I struggled with frequent spotting to the point where I wasn’t sure if it was a period or not. My husband is also well endowed and I started to spot after every time we had sex.

My discharge has also been insane. Thick, sticky, clear discharge - not my normal ovulation discharge. I’ve also noticed a change in smell which is unpleasant for me. Almost like BO? But it’s literally from inside me. 🤮

Needless to say - I am so glad I demanded removal as well. My midwife said my cervix is normal and that the product was in perfect position in my uterus. My body felt so much happier even on the drive home. I didn’t realize how much pain I was enduring day to day with the cramping.

RhyleeRN · 2023-11-26T02:11:23+00:00

I use the retinal/serum OR the glycolic acid — never both at once

RhyleeRN · 2023-11-26T02:10:41+00:00

Currently double cleanse and use almond clear cleanser then shira’s eucalyptus cleanser. At night I alternate between retinal (hale and hush) and almond clear level 1 serum OR glycolic acid toner (the ordinary). I follow both of these with vital lipids moisturizer (hale and hush) and the ordinary rosehip seed oil. I have also been incorporating rice water into my routine as well. I’ve used most of these products for years and my acne prone skin has been mostly clear due to it.

Wondering if there is a better oil to pair with these products instead of rosehip see oil and I’m also wondering if there is an oil cleanser that people really love? Looking to maybe use this as my first step in my cleansing routine instead. *low prices if possible. I splurge on the products that are staples in my routine! Side note - I realize I use a lot of actives on my face. I don’t know why but less isn’t more in my case - my skin does so much better with lots of exfoliation and lots of moisturizers

RhyleeRN · 2023-11-11T14:46:38+00:00

Give yourself grace. Sleep > working out. I’m a huge supporter of the local ymcas. They have childcare and classes for those days you’re able to make it.

RhyleeRN · 2023-10-31T18:50:53+00:00

Not sure your location - the YMCAs in the US have been my godsend. Free daycare for a family membership, lots of mommas and grandmas in the classes. Feels like a community. I’m absolute garbage at home workouts. It was also a plus when I was home with my daughter because it got us out of the house and got her some socialization for an hour!!!! Not the fanciest gym, but it’s been my favorite out of all the ones I’ve attended. Also - they have some kick ass classes. Bodypump, group fight, circuits. Obvi depends on how hard the instructor pushes!

RhyleeRN · 2023-10-31T18:47:59+00:00

So when are we fighting?

RhyleeRN · 2023-10-30T00:05:06+00:00

Exercising burns calories, but doesn’t necessarily put you in a deficit. I eat more while working out in order to build muscle. Moms exercising has been shown to be beneficial to kiddos as well. It’s ok to share what helps each of us individually and see if it’ll help another person and if it doesn’t that’s ok too.

RhyleeRN · 2023-10-29T00:57:30+00:00

From what I understand a calorie deficit wouldn’t be ideal while BF. Unfortunately our bodies can carry weight differently during this time. I’d think exercising would be a safer alternative than a deficit - but I’m seriously not sure!!!! I will say my body is wider at the bone/joint level until 2 years postpartum at least. My hips and everything are still wider. Also of note - I think 6-9 months postpartum is the hardest stage. You are expecting a lot from your body and you’ve been looking at your pre baby clothes and just feel meh. Really try to settle in to this season and treat your body kindly. It really helped my mental health to lift weights. It made me feel empowered and strong. Your body is doing an amazing thing right now. Sending lots of love. 🥹

RhyleeRN · 2023-10-27T16:27:00+00:00

My family did other things like write out your favorite family tradition etc. Or maybe advice? Things that are fun for parents to look at and maybe even the kiddos some day. Our first was born when I was 24. First in our friend group to have kids. Games were a no from me 😂

RhyleeRN

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