My Uterine Fibroid Journey: Myomectomy, Recovery and Fertility Preservation - Part 2

 

Last week, I shared the journey that began with a Pap smear in 2017 and ended on an operating table for a laparotomy this August. Today, I want to explain more about fibroids and help you support someone in your circle who may be living with them.

A quick online search for fibroid symptoms often highlights only heavy or painful periods and back pain, as though there is little else to consider. In reality, fibroids can cause many debilitating symptoms. This is my experience.

High blood pressure — In 2024, seven years after my diagnosis, a healthcare course alerted me to my hypertension. I was shocked because I did not know how long it had been present, and untreated high blood pressure can lead to a stroke or heart attack. I also live healthily: I do not drink alcohol or coffee, smoke, vape, or use illicit drugs; I carefully manage my diet and walk for at least an hour most days. Stricter diets did not lower my blood pressure, despite advice I found online. After tests to investigate the cause, my doctor prescribed an ACE inhibitor. Even with medication and a disciplined lifestyle, my readings remained high. When I left hospital after my laparotomy, I accidentally left my tablets behind. Looking back, I believe God allowed that to happen because I no longer needed them. Since 8 August 2026, I have taken no blood-pressure medication, yet my readings have normalised. My systolic pressure has stayed at or below 116, while my diastolic pressure has ranged from 77 to 86. I believe the slightly higher diastolic readings reflect my current reliance on pre-packaged food while I recover and cannot yet prepare meals. I expect them to improve when I return to my usual diet.

Chronic insomnia — In 2017, I suddenly began experiencing prolonged periods of inadequate sleep. After months of trying to resolve the problem, I sought medical help. Since then, I have had recurring severe insomnia and tried several strong sleep remedies, including medicines intended for people over 60, without success. Since leaving hospital, however, my sleep has gradually improved. It was still disrupted at first, which I attributed to the surgery and the powerful medications used. As those medicines have cleared from my body, my sleep has become steadier.

Chronic anaemia — Before surgery, my body could neither produce nor retain enough iron. I repeatedly stopped eating a vegetarian diet, ate meat, and took supplements, but nothing worked. The condition also affected me mentally. Almost every week, I had to leave work early, which made me feel guilty despite the understanding shown by my supervisors and colleagues. They knew about the fibroids—my abdomen looked full-term pregnant—and saw that I sometimes struggled to stand steadily. Since surgery, my strength has gradually returned and I am no longer iron-deficient. Two weeks after the operation, tests showed that my iron was high enough for my GP to warn me about iron overload. I received an infusion on the third day after surgery because of blood loss, but I do not believe that alone explains my recovery. Before surgery, every iron-rich measure failed. Now that my body is no longer competing with eight large, blood-hungry tumours, the iron from my diet can support me as it should.

Chronic fatigue — Because I lived with severe anaemia for so long, chronic fatigue was inevitable and significantly reduced my quality of life. I often struggled even to attend Sabbath fellowship. Since surgery, I feel renewed and no longer experience unexplained energy loss. My body is still fragile and recovering, but I am no longer constantly exhausted. I am simply taking each day as it comes.

Back pain — Although it was not constant, I often experienced back pain that lasted for days. I later learned that pressure from the fibroids against my spine was the cause. Thankfully, it did not lead to a serious problem, but it was an inconvenience I would not want to experience again.

Frequent urination — In 2021, I began needing to urinate more often, especially at night. Tests ruled out diabetes and showed that my bladder was under significant pressure. This frequent waking also contributed to the insomnia I experienced before surgery.

These were my fibroid symptoms, yet they are rarely highlighted in medical information. During all the years I lived with this condition, I never had heavy periods, even though heavy and painful periods are often presented as the main warning signs. My experience shows how incomplete that picture can be. Other women may have symptoms unlike mine, but the condition is still too often minimised while women continue to suffer.

Fibroids can also threaten fertility. When many women of child-bearing age face barriers to reproductive health or lose their fertility, the effects extend beyond individuals to families and communities. For this reason, fibroids deserve far more serious attention.

This is my testimony of deliverance. I hope sharing it helps more women recognise what may be happening within their bodies.

Thank you for reading. Be blessed.