A woman with uterine fibroids reported her years-long struggle to cope with the condition as doctors repeatedly attempted to treat the problem with medications that didn’t work.
In January 2019, after reporting heavy bleeding during her menstrual cycle, the author of a recent piece described the experience of collapsing in her shower and requiring an ambulance to get her to the hospital.
The woman was found to have dangerously low hemoglobin levels, around 5 grams per deciliter (g/dl). Women her age typically have levels around 12-13 g/dl. Anything under 9 requires medical help and less than 8 is indicative of the need for a transfusion.
Five bags of blood and three days later she stabilized, and an ultrasound revealed she was suffering from two uterine fibroids which were bleeding excessively. She simply thought she had a heavy flow.
Despite intense medical evaluation, doctors advised treatment with hormones and steroids instead of a full hysterectomy. She was also offered options for surgeries that would remove the fibroids, but was told there was a 50% chance they’d grow back. Despite requesting a hysterectomy, doctors refused to sign off on the surgery, and she suffered for three more years with intense pelvic and back pain.
The woman wasn’t able to travel, reported bleeding up to three weeks following her normal period, and was suffering anxiety anytime she was alone. She made regular trips to the ER, and despite all this it took half a dozen different doctors before she finally got a recommendation for the hysterectomy.
The woman reported seeing five different OBGYNs in five years. She reported being on the verge of tears as she explained to each one the pain, impact on her quality of life, and fear for her safety the condition was creating.
After threatening to bang down the door of every OBGYN nearby until she got the surgery approved, her new doctor finally made the appointment.
After the surgery she felt like a new woman and noticed a dramatic reduction in pain and bleeding. The story goes to show how frequently doctors ignore patient complaints and how patients must advocate for themselves in some circumstances.