My Journey With Uterine Fibroids

In August 2023, I was diagnosed with uterine fibroids, a revelation that took me by surprise. My doctor informed me candidly that prompt medical intervention was necessary to remove them, as their presence could potentially impact my future ability to conceive.

So, what are uterine fibroids? Uterine fibroids are non-cancerous growths that develop in or around the uterus, typically during a woman’s childbearing years. These growths can vary in size, from tiny, undetectable nodules to large masses that can distort and enlarge the uterus. In extreme cases, some fibroids can grow large enough to fill the pelvis or abdominal area, sometimes causing a person to appear pregnant.

The exact cause of fibroids remains unknown, but they are believed to be linked to genetic, hormonal, and environmental factors. Estrogen and progesterone, the hormones that regulate the menstrual cycle, are thought to promote fibroid growth. It’s also notable that Black women are more likely to develop fibroids than women of other racial groups.

I courageously shared my fibroid diagnosis and the impending myomectomy (surgery to remove the fibroids) with my family and a close group of friends. Many were surprised, as I didn’t exhibit the characteristic bulging stomach often associated with fibroids.

Symptoms

Uterine symptoms vary for each woman.

Deteriorating Physical Health

Earlier in 2023, I began noticing changes in my physical health that left me feeling confused and concerned. Despite getting what should have been sufficient sleep, I found myself constantly fatigued, waking up each morning already exhausted. The fatigue was so overwhelming that I would find myself dozing off whenever I had a spare moment, no matter where I was or what I was doing.

In addition to the fatigue, I started experiencing persistent and severe back pain. The discomfort was so intense that I often asked my friends for massages to help relieve it. This back pain became a regular part of my daily life, making it difficult to focus and get through the day without discomfort.

At first, I attributed these changes to the natural process of aging, assuming that they were just a part of getting older. Because of this, I didn’t pay much attention to the symptoms or seek medical advice, believing they would eventually resolve on their own. Looking back, it’s clear that these signs were my body’s way of telling me that something more serious was going on.

Anemia

A few months prior, I was diagnosed with anemia, which was a new and unexpected development for me. Given my poor eating habits, I initially assumed that my anemia was simply a result of not getting enough nutrients in my diet. I tried to brush it off, thinking that improving my diet might solve the problem.

However, the effects of the anemia were more severe than I anticipated. Even the slightest exertion left me feeling lightheaded and dizzy, making everyday activities much more challenging. Simple tasks that I used to handle with ease suddenly felt overwhelming, and I found myself frequently needing to rest to avoid fainting.

Concerned about these symptoms, I visited my doctor, who prescribed blood tonics to help boost my iron levels and increase my red blood cell count. After consistently taking the prescribed tonics, I noticed an improvement in my condition. My energy levels began to rise, and the dizziness became less frequent. While this was a positive change, I still didn’t fully grasp the underlying cause of my anemia at the time, believing it was solely due to my eating habits.

Bloated Lower Belly

Another symptom I noticed was the gradual bloating of my lower belly. By mid-year, it had grown significantly, prompting me to join a local gym in my neighborhood. My male best friend had convinced me that the home workouts I’d been doing weren’t enough. Determined to slim down, I committed to a routine of healthy eating and regular exercise.

However, after a month or two, there were no visible results. Despite my efforts, people continued to comment on how my stomach seemed to be getting bigger. These remarks really affected me, especially since I’ve always been slim, and a large belly didn’t suit my frame. The bloating wasn’t just noticeable; it was so firm and pronounced that even tummy control underwear couldn’t conceal it.

Frustrated by the lack of progress and disheartened by the constant comments from those around me, I began missing some gym sessions. One day, a gym instructor bluntly suggested that I get myself checked by a doctor. He pointed out that with the amount of work I was putting in at the gym and my disciplined lifestyle, I should have been seeing results by now. Taking his advice seriously, I decided to visit the doctor.

The Surgery

Long story short, I made the decision to undergo a myomectomy, a surgical procedure to remove uterine fibroids. My doctor strongly recommended that I have the surgery as soon as possible, as the fibroids were large, rapidly multiplying, and occupying most of my uterus, posing a risk of rupture. This could have severely impacted my ability to have children in the future. Given my desire to start a family, surgery was the only viable option.

The Recovery

Recovering from surgery, particularly a procedure like a myomectomy, demands careful attention to your body and strict adherence to your doctor’s instructions. It wasn’t easy—frequent urination, neck pains, and the constant need for redressing the surgical wound made the recovery process quite challenging. Every three days, I had to report to the hospital for wound care and to check my vitals. These regular visits were crucial to ensure I was healing properly, but they were also a reminder of how much my body had gone through.

One of the biggest changes I noticed was my weight. Before the surgery, I weighed 63kg, but post-surgery, I had dropped to 57kg. This weight loss was a stark indication of how much my body had endured during the procedure. The surgeon also showed me photos of the fibroids they had removed. Seeing those images was both surreal and eye-opening—the fibroids were not only numerous, but each was roughly the size of a regular baseball. It was a striking reminder of why the surgery had been so necessary.

The recovery process was far from easy, but with the support of close family members and some wonderful friends, I managed to get through it. I was able to return to work approximately two months after the surgery.

Despite the discomfort and the challenges of recovery, I am grateful for the care I received from and for the progress I’m making. Each step, from wound redressing to getting my strength back, is a reminder of the resilience of the body and the importance of patience during healing.

4th September 2024 marked exactly one year since I had the fibroids removed. By the grace of God, the myomectomy was successful, and my uterus is intact, ready to carry my future little ones—eventually! The road to full recovery may not be quick, but I’m focusing on gradual improvements and staying positive through the process.

Conclusion

I encourage women, especially in their 30s and beyond, to prioritize regular health checkups for conditions like fibroids, PCOS, and cervical screenings (Pap smears). These issues can develop quietly, so early detection is key. Make regular health checks a habit, even if you feel fine. Consider adding them to your birthday to-do list as a gift of self-care for your future health and well-being!