July is Fibroids Consciousness Month and within the newest episode of theGrio’s sequence “Unheard,” producer, dj and artist, Tamika Haywood, is opening up about her journey with fibroids.
Haywood discovered she had fibroids when she was pregnant together with her daughter 15 years in the past.
Uterine fibroids, often known as myomas or leiomyomas, are non-cancerous tumors of the uterus and [are] extraordinarily widespread in ladies, particularly ladies of the African diaspora, explains Dr. Ellison, affiliate director of gynecology at Maimonides Medical Middle.
“The good majority of ladies who’ve fibroids (and 7 out of ten ladies can have fibroids), one of many signs isn’t any symptom in any respect,” explains Ellison.
“However ladies who are likely to have signs, 25% of these ladies can have signs of irregular uterine bleeding, heavy menstrual cycles, cycles which are too lengthy, cycles which are irregular, cycles which are unpredictable, ” Ellison continues. “They arrive at any time when they need. In order that’s one of many principal signs.”
Navigating the medical system was aggravating for Haywood, who was mechanically informed she needed to get a hysterectomy–elimination of the uterus.
“My first go to with a health care provider, letting them know I’ve fibroids, we didn’t do any testing but,” recollects Haywood.
“We didn’t take a sonogram, ultrasound but to see the place they [were] positioned,” she continues. “She instantly informed me, it’s important to get a hysterectomy with out even my abdomen, with out even seeking to see what my medical historical past is. I used to be instantly informed a hysterectomy is important on this state of affairs.”
Haywood didn’t get a hysterectomy. She seeked one other opinion and was referred to Ellison who carried out a myomectomy— a surgical process to take away fibroids.
She had 80 tumors faraway from her physique.
“My physician let me know that that was essentially the most she ever faraway from somebody at one time in addition to she knew how essential it was for me to have elimination and never have elimination of my uterus,” says Haywood.
“As a Black lady, she understands the struggles that we undergo so as to discover medical doctors which are keen to take the time and care that she did.”
Take a look at the total video above to study extra about Haywood’s story.
TheGrio is FREE in your TV through Apple TV, Amazon Fireplace, Roku and Android TV. Additionally, please obtain theGrio cell apps as we speak!
