I recently went through a little health scare, which I have documented through the following journal entries below:
3/15/08
“Life is what happens while you are making other plans.” It’s a famous quote that resonates in all of our lives from time to time. I personally was reminded of this quote on Friday, when for the first time ever my yearly well woman exam did not go as smoothly as normal.
“I think you have a lump on your ovary,” my doctor said. I was shocked. This is something that only happens to other people, right? Only this time, I was the other person. I didn’t know what to say. I had a million questions, but somehow none of them could make their way out of my mouth. My doctor gave me a look that I could not place (but I hadn’t seen before) and said: “It’s probably just a cyst, but you’ll need to come in next week for an ultrasound to see.”
I left the doctor’s in shock. It could be fine. What if it’s not? I can’t believe I am even thinking about this. I called my husband and told him. He was over at his sister’s place and she overheard our conversation. A couple of minutes later, he called back and said the same thing happened to her and that her doctor told her ovarian cysts are fairly common after pregnancy. I was a bit relieved. Although I did not know if what I had was a cyst yet, it was really good to know that bit of information. Then it hit me – this is what our site is about. Sharing information.
Of course, I already knew that! But, since I was now the person needing health information – versus someone else – I appreciate the mission of EmpowHer on a whole new level.
3/19/08
I received my results. No cancer! Woo hoo! In my gut, I didn’t think that I had it – but until you know, your mind goes crazy. What if it is? What will that mean for me – and my family? You try not to think about it, but until you know those questions are always there.
I am very thankful that my tests were negative. It also reminds me that there are many who have been in my same boat that have not been so lucky.
I also told my doctor’s office that I have decided to switch doctors, and I am in the process of getting my files to my new doctor. My next appointment is in a couple of weeks.
Oh, by the way, you may want to know what I DO have. Fibroids. That’s about all I know. When I was getting fertility testing, the doctor noticed some. Apparently, now I have a large one.
3/21/08
I started looking at some of my options on the Internet for the fibroid. A lot of them include surgery. The recovery time for one of the options is six weeks – yikes! I am trying not to think about that yet, since I still don’t have enough information about what is going on, but it’s hard!
UPDATE
I switched doctors & after a lot of paperwork transfer headaches & an appointment, I have learned that I do not need to have surgery. Yea! My new doctor said since my symptoms from the fibroid aren’t that bad, he wouldn’t suggest it. So, what is a gal with a fibroid issue to do now? Well, I have decided to go back to acupuncture, which I did a couple of years ago. My acupuncturist said that his techniques can help shrink fibroids, but it takes a very long time to be effective. I also think acupuncture improved my overall health, so that is another reason for my decision.
I know I am very lucky to have this outcome out of this experience, and I am very grateful.
I would be interested to learn what other people’s experiences have been with fibroids. If you have any stories to share, please let me know.