share: My experience and how Empowher saved my life
Plain and simple... Empowher saved my life. The past two years for me have been a nightmare physically and emotionally. At the age of 43, I began having irregular periods, heavy bleeding(sometimes for 40+ days at a time)..Severe depression... After 2 D & C procedures (polyps removed both times), my emotional state still remained the same and within a few months the heavy bleeding would resume. I was discouraged that all the doctors kept suggesting was another D & C, an ablation, and an anti- depressant.
My gut feeling was telling me, 'I find it hard to believe that my uterus is the problem!'How can a uterus cause such deep depression to the point of no longer wanting to live?? And although I am not completely against taking an anti-depressant, How was that going to correct the bleeding?
When I tell you, I came so close to taking my own life, it's the truth. My daughter's college graduation was the only thing that stopped me. That time.
Two days later, I heard about the Empowher web site. The first thing I did upon entering the site was to click the play button and listen to Michelle's story. Half way through, I was crying so hard. This is me!,
and my God, there is hope I thought. I immediately clicked on 'ask or share with Michelle' and shared my story. Within a day, I was on a brighter path. I now have a doctor who is not only addressing my HORMONAL IMBALANCE, but thyroid and adrenal issues as well. And, within a week after my first visit, I feel like a new person. How could this have gone undiagnosed? How could my doctors not have recognized how sick I really was. I honestly believe it is because most doctors today work for the insurance companies and not the patients. But that's for another time.
I have a ways to go, but at least I'm on the LIVING path now :).
Don't give up.
All user-generated information on this site is the opinion of its author only and is not a substitute for medical advice or treatment for any medical conditions. Members and guests are responsible for their own posts and the potential consequences of those posts detailed in our Terms of Service.
Add a Comment14 Comments
What an wonderful story. And how happy I am that you found this great website!
I believe Empowher.com is absolutely the way of the future in terms of empowering and informing. Thanks for telling us your story - it will doubtless inspire others. Information is everything.
Please keep us updated as to your progress.
April 21, 2008 - 11:37amThis Comment
I will keep you posted.
April 21, 2008 - 5:17pmThank you for your support!
I love your story too! I'm just curious what you're doing differently now that has made you feel so much better. Are you taking hormones? What is your current diagnosis?
I too went through a difficult time last year with debilitatingly heavy periods, although I didn't get to the point where you were. It started when I was 41. My gynecologist recommended an ablation, but I resisted, so she put me on the pill and it changed my life. I feel like I'm in my 20's again. What's working so well for you?
Thanks so much for sharing!!
Kristin Davis
April 21, 2008 - 11:59amhttp://ppdsurvivor.blogspot.com
Hi Kristin,
April 21, 2008 - 5:16pmSo happy the pill has worked for you! Which one are you taking? That's wonderful you resisted the Ablation if you didn't feel comfortable. Do you know that my first doctor told me I was "wacked" for not letting him do the procedure while he was already "in there" for the D & C.! I have a few girlfriends who have had much success with the Ablation but my gut feeling told me that was not going to correct MY issues.
My new doctor is wonderful and although the complete diagnosis is still pending my results from blood drawn a week ago today, I trust her.
I have been taking a combination of estrogen and progesterone cream. Preliminary blood work also indicated possible hypo thyroidism. Symptoms of heavy bleeding/clotting, depression almost identical with the exception of losing my eyebrows. My next appointment is April 29th. I will keep you posted.
Thanks so much for your support!
Gina, how WONDERFUL...Jehovah puts angels in our lives and I believe that Michelle is truly an ANGEL and EmpowHER is the tool we all have been given to bring us back to the self we were meant to be (I call it my "Garden of Eden"), the place of perfect health, mental and physical. Thank YOU for having the courage to reach out, sharing your story and helping others!
Isn't it wonderful to be in a safe place, able to share, able to receive help and know that we are surrounded with true LOVE.
Bless you!
December 17, 2008 - 12:40pmPrinceline aka Mariposa
Yes! it is wonderful :)!!
November 18, 2009 - 5:30amVery inspirational! It is amazing how many women still get the run-around instead of real solution. I know Michelle Robson personally, and she was truly living her story a few years ago, and finally, she was able to talk to a doctor who knew how to help her. God's speed to all of you who have similar problems. In every adversity, there is something good that comes from it. Look at how Michelle turned her nightmare into a web site that is helping so many other women now. She's OUR WOMAN OF THE YEAR in my book! I know it is a labor of LOVE too. Tell your friends so they can also benefit. Thanks, Michelle and all the rest of you for sharing your stories.
Love,
December 17, 2008 - 6:56pmJJ Lauderbaugh
Wow!!! I'm so glad you received the help you needed, how are you doing now? My hormones aren't balanced either and I am going through perimenopause, how can I help advocate for myself with my doctor?
December 19, 2008 - 9:52amI'm still on track! I did however switch to the birth control pill YAZ rather than using the hormone creams. I travel a lot with my job and find the pill much easier and I'm less able to forget (creams were twice a day). In addition, The cost of the pill is about 1/4 the price of the creams. My insurance company would only pay a portion for the cream. The YAZ is a $20 copay.
January 10, 2009 - 3:13pmTo answer your question as to advocating for yourself with your doctor, KEEP ASKING! With regards to blood work- ask for everything! Every test possible for your thyroid, hormones, etc. Are you experiencing heavy bleeding and depression as well? And... Don't settle until you're settled :) Let me know how it goes!
I, for one, love being apart of EmpowHer. This is the best website that I have found in a long time. Women empowering women! I am very touched from your story and rejoice with you regarding your recovery and positive attitude.
I find that when I feel alone, depressed, sad or need a friend, I find solace in Empowher. I am glad you found the same thing. We are all here with you in your struggle and will be here with you every step of the way.
January 10, 2009 - 3:54pm