I didn’t even know I had fibroids.

I knew I hurt constantly and finally went to an ob-gyn someone recommended. They did exploratory surgery and said I had endometriosis. I was told they removed all of the endometrial tissue.

Afterwards, I didn’t feel better. In fact, after about a year, my periods started getting longer and heavier. This went on for several months. One day at work, my left arm hurt and was going numb, and I was short of breath. I went to see a doctor that day. I had an EKG and it was abnormal. I was sent for more testing and found out I’d lost so much blood and it had gone on for so long that I had congestive heart failure.

I had to have a transfusion and I now have a pacemaker and defibrillator. I’m now partially disabled due to my heart issues; all because of fibroids. 

I had a D&C and then the following month I had a hysterectomy. I wish they would have done the hysterectomy years before. I had constant cramping and pain for probably 10 years or more.

If your doctor won’t listen, then find one that will. Fibroids are nothing to mess with. 

What three adjectives best describe you?

Persistent, anti-social, bullheaded


What is your greatest achievement?

My children


What is your greatest regret?

Not telling my loved ones I love them often enough


What is the best advice you ever received?

You can’t take it with you.


What drives you to do what you do?

My sense of duty


What is your motto?

I don’t have one.


If you had to evacuate your house immediately, what is the one thing you would grab on the way out?

My dogs


If you could be any animal, what would you be? And why?

A bird to fly high in the sky

Have you ever experienced heavy menstrual bleeding because of uterine fibroids?

Together, our stories of survival can make a difference. When people living with and impacted by a disease or health condition share how they dealt with it, they inspire others and break down the shame, silence and stigma surrounding the condition.

If you have uterine fibroids, Real Health wants to hear how you are dealing with this health condition. Please click here to share your story.