My Story: My Fibroid Surgery Taught Me... - BlackDoctor.org

Three years ago I went in for my annual pap and learned that I had a condition that was so common for women–specifically Black women, like myself. I had a fibroid. At the time it was the size of a quarter. However, the pain attached to it would cause trouble during my menstrual cycle and extreme pain during intercourse. It made sex extremely difficult, causing me to have a “let’s get it over with” attitude.

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When I described this to my gynecologist, she advised that at 24, that was not the proper attitude to have regarding sex. So she offered suggestions on ways to combat the fibroid. Her first suggestion was to continue measuring the fibroid to see how rapidly the growth was. I was going for annual ultrasounds until in 2014 we learned that the fibroid grew from 2cm to 8.5cm.

Since the fibroid was positioned on my uterus the final decision was to complete a uterine myomectomy, where she would make an incision at the bikini line, go in and remove the fibroid. It was interesting to learn that the fibroid was growing so quickly and the pain also grew immensely. I would have pain to my knees some days, even without having intercourse or being on my cycle. At that point I knew something had to happen.

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I decided that I would make my appointment for the procedure in March 2015. Leading up to the surgery I had reservations only because my doctor did explain that this surgery is not an end all be all. The fibroid may come back. She also advised that I could possibly have to undergo a partial or full hysterectomy should she begin the operation and see other issues.

Although I had reservations, I knew that I needed to at least give the procedure a shot to feel relief, even if it is for a short time.

I went through with the procedure and immediately following I already feel great about my future ahead. Being a woman is hard work, however, I am thankful to have had the experience and be able to share it with other women. It is so important that we learn our bodies and ask our doctors the right questions because these type of things can make or break you.

Note: The reader requested that her name not be shared.

The BlackDoctor.org ‘My Story’ series features real stories of health triumphs written by and about our readers. Do you have a health and wellness testimony to share? Inspire others and send your story to [email protected].