I began menstruating at the age of 11, and by the time I was 12, my mother sought the advice of a pediatrician due to the severity of my symptoms. Heavy periods and debilitating cramps led to a recommendation for birth control. By 14, I was attempting to skip my periods entirely with continuous birth control, but they still appeared at the most inconvenient moments. Pain was a constant companion, yet doctors dismissed my concerns, normalizing my suffering.
At 20, I switched to a new OB-GYN, who was younger and more open. During our first appointment, she asked, “If you’re only having sex with women, why are you on birth control?” I explained my history of heavy, painful periods, and she suggested the Mirena IUD. A week later, I had it inserted, and for a while, my periods were reduced to sporadic bleeding. Life felt manageable until one February morning when I attended a Pure Barre class and sensed something was off. After brunch with a friend, I realized I needed urgent medical attention.
Upon arriving at the emergency room, I was in excruciating pain. After several attempts to alleviate my discomfort with medications, a CT scan and ultrasound revealed an ovarian cyst and later endometriosis. The OB-GYN on-call suggested exploratory surgery, which I consented to. When I woke up in the recovery room, my family was there, and the news was grim: my right ovary had twisted due to adhesions, and I had endometriosis.
Endometriosis is a condition where uterine-like cells grow outside the uterus, leading to severe pain and complications. Despite years of symptoms, I felt unheard by medical professionals. After a series of unsuccessful surgeries aimed at treating my endometriosis, I found myself in a cycle of pain and hospital stays. Determined to find a solution, I reached out to one of my OB-GYNs, who referred me to a specialist.
This new doctor took the time to listen, asking detailed questions about my experiences. He suggested that my ongoing issues could be due to adenomyosis or severe adhesions, and he brought up the possibility of a hysterectomy. The idea was daunting, but I knew it was time to consider it seriously.
However, the responses from others were less than supportive. Many warned against the surgery, sharing their regrets and fears. My mother, while concerned, expressed her belief in my ability to make my own choices. I took a few days to mull it over before scheduling the procedure.
In the lead-up to my surgery, I read countless stories from women who had undergone similar procedures. They spoke of gratitude toward their uteruses for the children they had borne. I, however, had no children at 25 and felt only resentment toward my uterus for the pain it caused me. The morning of the surgery, an anesthesiologist questioned my decision, saying it seemed pointless. I stood my ground, feeling confident in my choice.
After the surgery, my surgeon explained the extent of the damage: my uterus was fused to my abdominal wall and intestines due to adhesions, and multiple fibroids and endometriosis were discovered. He assured me that I would feel better after the hysterectomy. Those words resonated with me, and I felt a sense of relief wash over me.
Post-surgery, I no longer woke up or went to bed in pain. My life transformed; the agony I had endured was a thing of the past. My hysterectomy became one of my best decisions, akin to attending a women’s college or spending a year abroad.
I now share my story with every woman I meet, whether in waiting rooms, coffee shops, or grocery lines. It’s essential for women to hear about positive experiences with hysterectomies. I want to convey that I’m still a complete woman, capable of living a fulfilling life and potentially becoming a mother through adoption. My hysterectomy was not a loss but rather a liberation from years of suffering.
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In summary, my experience with a hysterectomy at 25 was a pivotal point in my life. It allowed me to reclaim my health and well-being, transforming my existence from one of pain to one of hope and possibility. I want other women to know that a hysterectomy can be a positive choice, leading to a better quality of life.