Heavy Menstrual Bleeding: When is it Too Much?

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All menstrual periods contain blood, along with uterine lining, mucus and other tissues that are shed from the uterus when a pregnancy doesn't occur.  As women, we often just normalize whatever we see when we change pads or tampons, but how do you really know if what you're losing constitutes "normal" or "emergency"?  

Here are some things to watch for to know if your flow is too heavy:

• You are soaking through your pad and/or tampon within 30-60 minutes. This is even worse if you're wearing the Super Plus absorbency.
• The blood is bright red and quite watery - this can indicate that it's direct from an artery in your uterus, and is often caused by a leaking fibroid.
• You cannot wear a pad without a tampon and vice versa. Too much flow otherwise.
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• Sheets and PJs are stained when you wake up in the morning, even while wearing double protection.
• You've used an adult diaper at least once in your life, due to your flow.
• It's difficult to use a menstrual cup because there's just too much blood flow. 
• The toilet paper is soaked red with blood just from having a quick pee, and the toilet water is red, brown or orange with blood. 
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• And most importantly: You've had to go to the ER because of these symptoms:  Dizziness, chest pains, shortness of breath, shaking/feeling chills, blurred vision, confusion, lightheadedness and/or headache. 

The above has happened to me, and sadly many women bleed much too heavily (a condition called Menorrhagia) which can lead to serious health concerns - most commonly, anemia (low iron in the blood which reeks havoc on the health).  This can be caused by a number of factors, most commonly either endometriosis or fibroids.  No matter the cause, you will require medical intervention and cannot leave heavy bleeding untreated! 

Exercising with Uterine Fibroids

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It's easy to want to put off exercising when you have fibroids.... I know this first hand.  There is always (yes, always) low-grade cramping pain, bloating, and a feeling of lethargy from previous heavy blood loss/low iron. 

In addition to that, there is always the fear that a fibroid (or several of them) will become over-stimulated from higher pulse coming through them during activity, which can lead to a spontaneous bleed!! 

I've had spontaneous bleeding occur when it wasn't my technical period, and more than once it was caused by high levels of stress (I've since cut those stressors - a poor family relationship and horrible job - out of my life).  

I've also had it occur due to tight pants (yes, pressure on the fibroids can "squeeze them like ketchup packets") and a couple of times due to too much caffeine consumption.   Admittedly, it's always frightening to just start gushing blood from my genitals, even when I know what's caused it.  And so, this has led to me putting off heavy exercise just out of fear of it happening again....

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However, exercise is a fundamental part of human life, for our overall health.  It helps with our circulation/cardio health, breathing, mental well-being, muscle health, strength/endurance, digestion, immunity, organ function and even sexual health!  And it doesn't hurt to look trim & toned.  It's not something that should be put off, even when there are some risks associated with it...

Truthfully, the issue most of us have with motivation to exercise, is that we sometimes see it as a big, scary, time-consuming or exhausting activity, which will leave us sore & tired.  We over-estimate what it entails and overwhelm ourselves before even starting.

Now, it is true that women with bleeding fibroids should not be over-exerted. Thankfully, there are lots of safe & gentle exercises that can help with the bloating and energy levels:

• Yoga - primarily the kind that gently makes us gain core strength in the abs.
• Squats and Pilates - though stay away from aerobics since they can cause a bleed.
• Dancing - my personal favorite!  Belly Dancing is even better due to the movement.
• Doing housework - think of it as an activity and do it to music, rather than think of it as tedious chores. Set a timer and move swiftly to try & "beat the clock" :)
• Go for a walk - this is especially nice during the autumn, where you can enjoy the crunch of the leaves, colors of the trees and the crisp air. 
• If you have an exercise bike, it's recommended that you use it gently and for shorter periods of time, more often. Instead of 45 minutes on it, do two 15-20 minutes at a time, maybe in the morning and evening, or whatever you choose.
• Make time to play outside with loved ones, whether that's your spouse, kid(s) or dog. 
• Water Aerobics - if you like the moves of aerobic exercise, try a class where you get to do it in a refreshing swimming pool.

Two more sites for ideas for "fibroid exercises":

• Atlanta Fibroid Center
• Healthfully

Kind of in Limbo

 Hi all, 

this is kind of a random post.  

In early October, I went to see my primary care physician as a follow-up about my fibroids.  It had been about half a year since the last time I went to see him, due to Covid stuff.  In the meantime, I was still occasionally experiencing incredibly heavy periods (soaking through Super Plus tampons in a short time), and cramps bad enough to cause fever, chills & nausea!

When I went to see him, I was menstruating at the time and he wanted me to get a blood test to count my hemoglobins and see how much iron I was losing.  Unfortunately, because of the longer wait times to get in to clinics (by appointment only these days) and work schedules, it was mid-October before I could get in, and my iron levels may have gone up a bit by then....

I was anxiously awaiting a phone call from him, since he didn't want to take any next steps until I've gotten my hemoglobins checked a few times... but it was a surprise to not hear anything back by 5 days after the first blood test.  So, I went online to access my own health records (we can do that in Alberta, and very likely in other places as well).  My iron levels were strangely pretty good at a 28, but I noticed something else of interest here...

My ferritin (see above) levels are on the low end of the range, which does appear to sometimes be linked with low iron caused by blood loss from heavy menstrual bleeding.  Interesting...

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Anyway, though I'm not currently planning to change doctors at this point, I do admittedly feel almost humored.  I know something is wrong with my feminine health, and though this time last year he encouraged me to consider a hysterectomy, this year it seems he wants me to just use a blood clotting medication and pain relief meds to treat the fibroids.  I had also thought they were growing, which was causing my belly to bloat, but I learned at the appointment with him that my "swelly belly" is mainly just weight gain.... likely caused by my craving for sugar since my loss of blood lowers the blood sugar levels in my body.   

To be honest, at this point, though I was expecting a hysterectomy later this year, it looks like the whole thing is currently in limbo...

I was told to come to him a few more times during my periods to get an appointment and form for blood work, to check those levels each time.  He also wrote me another prescription for Cyklokapron.... guess for now I'll just get used to the side effects and hope for the best.

In the meantime, if my bleeding, pain, swelling or any other fibroid symptoms get worse, I'm going to request a referral to a gynecologist (yes, I know every woman should already have one!)   

👩 ♀

Fibroids and Lethargy

 Being lethargic... it's not the same as being lazy.  

When a person is "lazy", their mind matches their body, and neither one is motivated.  When someone is lethargic, their body cannot keep up with the energy of their mind - and that's what I've been going through for the last 2+ years...   

What causes it?   Many health issues can cause a person to be lethargic - listless, fatigued, etc. - but this post is specific to fibroids and how they contribute.  It's no secret that fibroids cause significant bleeding, both during and not during a woman's period.  This incredible loss of blood (which occurs long-term), contributes to anemia - low iron.  With little iron and oxygen in the organs and muscles, the woman with fibroids is operating on the "bare minimum" for nutrients and can benefit from:

• Taking iron supplements and eating iron-rich food
• Having bed rest during the first day or two of menstruation when it's heaviest
• Getting blood transfusions during heavy menstruation
• Avoiding the use of heat for pain
• Taking a tranexamic acid such as Cyklokapron to control bleeding
• Getting surgery to either remove the fibroids, or the whole uterus

In addition to feeling very tired from fibroid-bleeding (even with adequate hours of sleep), another incredibly common symptom of the anemia they cause, is being cold all the time. This is because the amount of blood and iron needed for warming all the muscles throughout the body, just isn't enough.  When we have the "bare minimum" of blood in our bodies, it will be focused in the torso, where our major organs need it... meaning our extremities (arms & hands, legs & feet) won't get as much.  Being small-framed makes this even worse, and if you know someone like this, please don't body-shame her 🙁 

On the bright side, often when the fibroids have been removed and the patient recovers, with proper transfusions and taking iron, the body should re-establish a healthy amount of blood and then energy levels should increase! 

Fibroids and the 'Phantom Tampon'

 

Image may be subject to copyright

Some of you ladies know what I'm talking about... you've accidentally left an old tampon in, and you have a heavy, painful feeling in your vagina... it starts toward the cervix and eventually, your vulva feels sore.   What if I told you... you removed your last tampon already?

This is referred to as the Phantom Tampon because it feels like it's there, but when you check by feel and eventually with a pocket mirror, you realize nothing got "left behind"... except for a medical condition, such as vaginal dryness, irritation or polyps in there.  

Fibroids typically don't enter the vaginal cavity, but on occasion, larger (heavy) fibroids can "fall" through the cervix, causing an uncomfortable and painful feeling of fullness in the vagina.  Unfortunately, they are tender and can bleed easily, and ironically, if a woman is unaware (not likely but still) that it's there and rams a tampon against it, that can cause a very heavy bleed which will likely require transfusions... this is why it's so important that we ladies take our uterine health very seriously and see our doctor when something is wrong - that can save our life!

I'm in an At-Risk Group

 

This is me today, wearing a mask to go out and do stuff with my hubby.  The main health risk associated with COVID19 is oxygen going down and organs failing because of that. This can occur as a result of pneumonia and requires a respirator in extreme cases. 

As we all know by now, those with weakened immune systems and/or pre-existing conditions like cancer or diabetes are at higher risk.  I'm in the higher-risk group because of anemia, which already keeps my oxygen levels significantly low.  

If this COVID19 bug gets me, it has potential to put me in the ICU with a need for emergency oxygen!  😬

I'd like to do a little PSA now for women who have similar "female issues" which weaken our immune systems. It's not always pleasant to wear a mask, nor is it fun to follow orders like standing in social-distance lineups.  Our skin is getting dry from all the sanitizer and we miss traveling...  But the longer we get carried away by our petty frustrations about it (and refuse to keep taking precautions), the longer it will take to eradicate this bug, and it increases your odds of getting seriously ill 🤒 

I wear my mask proudly, because it can help protect me (otherwise I'm as good as gone) AND I feel good knowing that I'm helping to protect others, especially those who are immuno-compromised

So please, don't refuse to be part of the protection, and please don't be putting your "I don't wanna" before the health & safety of others 🙏 

Fibroids and Bowel Movements

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This is a topic not everyone wants to discuss, but when it comes to health, it's often necessary - pooping. 

Well, no matter what title you've assigned to doing it, there is one thing that can really impede the ability to be regular: 

Fibroids!

I used to think it was just me, and assumed I naturally inherited my mother's IBS (irritable bowel syndrome, which I was initially diagnosed with a couple years ago before the fibroids diagnosis).  I am also bad for eating too many sweets/carbs, and not enough veggies... so admittedly some of my constipational issues are just a consequence.... 

However, I've learned from hundreds of other women on facebook support groups that it's common to experience moderate trouble being regular, mainly due to the growth of the fibroids against the bowel.  It can even become very painful if a pedunculated one(s) end up wrapping around some part of the bowel, which could lead to an ER trip and emergency surgery, not to mention extreme pain!  This is part of why it's so important to get your fibroids (or endometriosis, etc.) treated as soon as you can!  

The best treatment of course, is to stay hydrated.  Get your water, your electrolytes... and try to avoid alcohol as a regular beverage.   Of course, the other best treatment is to try to avoid empty carbs and get some more fibre in your diet.  This can be from whole grain bread and pasta, and eating nuts & seeds.  I find one of the best "treats" to keep regular, is dark chocolate almonds, because they give some real ruffage.  It's also a good idea if you can eat it without gagging, to get probiotics from yogurt.  You can also take probiotic supplements if you like. It all helps.

When you really need an emergency 💩 due to pain & bloating, then opt for a fast-acting stool softener. Just be sure to set aside time for privacy in the bathroom ;) 

Anyway girl, make sure to get your uterine health checked out.  You shouldn't suffer in silence when it can be fixed for you.  

Fibroids, Hysterectomy and Intercourse

 This one is for all the husbands and boyfriends out there (I'm directing it specifically at male partners, because I believe female romantic partners will be a lot more understanding due to having the same parts). 

When a woman has had any of the 3 types of hysterectomy - whether it was done vaginally, abdominally, or via laroscope - her interior will need at least 6 weeks to heal, and sometimes up to 8 weeks or more.  In fact, technically, after a hysterectomy, she is not to be having sexual activity at all (even externally) until cleared by a doctor. 

This is because there is a risk of infection, which could turn life threatening and extremely painful for her.  There is also the risk of bleeding, which can become severe and is often caused by popping the "cuff" (the top of the vagina, where the surgical wound is sewn back together).  

Image available at iStockphoto.com 

The doctor needs to examine her surgical wounds and see how they're healing... and in many cases, the go ahead even for clitoral stimulation isn't until about the 6-week point. 

However, many women feel it when they're ready to approach sex again... each one is different and depending on whether her ovaries were removed, will have varying levels of sex hormones. It's really best if you let her initiate the romance with you, and not the other way around.  

*Unfortunately, though this thankfully isn't true of all men, some partners become frustrated and impatient with waiting, which has led to ultimatums - pressuring her into sex before being cleared first, cheating, and the like.  On behalf of women everywhere: Please don't.

Now this is for the ladies (the ones who have had or will have a hysterectomy): 

First of all, listen to your body, and to your doctor. Don't let anyone pressure you, nag you, or threaten you to get sex out of you.  Your body is healing and needs time to repair itself.  If you feel you're at risk of domestic violence, seek out your local hotline or talk to your family doctor about it ASAP!

Chances are, while you still had fibroids or whatever was the reason for your hysterectomy, you were already experiencing pain with intercourse, and possibly even spontaneous bleeding from having sex.  Girl I feel you - for the past couple of years, I've been finding penetration more & more painful, and now it's at the point of spotting right afterward.  Anyway, you will likely find that sex after recovery will be better than it was pre-surgery.  

If full-on penetration (even with a toy) sounds intimidating, that's totally okay.  It's your body and only you really know what you like... so if it's easier, start with external stimulation the first few times, and work your way to other things as time goes by. 

Again, every woman is different and just because your friend who had a hysterectomy says that now her orgasms are through the roof, doesn't mean it's a competition (and, how do you even know she's telling the truth?)  You may find that sex feels a lot better without the impeding fibroids, or maybe it's about the same as it was before... or if you are experiencing sexual difficulties such as lack of arousal/lubrication, painful intercourse, no orgasm or minimal pleasure, or strange discharge, it's wise to talk to your gynecologist to find out what can be done to improve it for you.  After all, you shouldn't have to suffer in silence.

Fibroids and Cramping

 

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Fibroids are benign tumors which grow in, on and around the uterus (some are pedunculated), and of course they are rarely not symptomatic to some degree.  It's true that some women are lucky enough to not even know they have fibroids, but for most of us, that's not the case.

In addition to the obvious heavy menstrual flow (spotting, prolonged periods, anemia, ER trips, etc.) there is one very distinct symptom of fibroids: PAIN!

The pain is worst during the menstrual period, as normal cramping sort of "massages" the fibroids, which are fairly solid and will push back against surrounding muscles - ouch!  And even worse for us, is that using heat to soothe the cramps, will increase our heavy blood loss, so we often need to find other options for pain relief:

• My first & foremost option is Aleve.  I know it's designed for joint & muscle pain, but the uterus is sort of 'muscular' so it works.  Over the years, I've experimented with various pain relief meds, from NSAIDs, to Ibuprofen... just try them until you find the one that works for you.
• Light exercise - but nothing strenuous!  Staying upright, rather than laying down, can help just by ensuring that the fluid flows out of you naturally, so your uterus and surrounding muscles don't have to "squeeze" so hard to get it out. 
• Staying hydrated, and taking your iron supplements. It's amazing how the "little things" we do for our health, can have such a profound impact when done regularly... when your body is healthy, you'll feel better overall. 
• Use a folded cloth on your lower belly. It gently uses your own body heat, without overheating you and causing heavier bleeding.  One thing I sometimes do, is while wearing leggings, fold a face cloth and shove it against my lower belly and use my leggings to hold it in place. Weird? Oh yes. Helpful? Ooooh yessss......
• Lay off on the caffeine... for awhile.  When your cramps are bad, one thing that can make them worse is caffeine, as it stimulates your central nervous system and increases a lot of your body's mechanisms. Sometimes a nice hot cup of peppermint tea with honey can hit the spot just as well 🍵
• Using cold - yes, contrary to what most women use for cramps, using a cool damp wash cloth, ice pack, frozen peas or something else to "chill" your lower abdomen can be quite calming and soothing.  If you have sensitive skin, use a thin towel (like a kitchen towel) as a barrier to protect you from frost bite - true story. 
• Eating turmeric - this spicy flavor may be an acquired taste, but if you like Indian food (butter chicken? Yes please!) then you can add this anti-inflammatory seasoning to your meals, which can help decrease inflammation in your body and therefore should lessen the cramps a bit.  Cinnamon has a similar benefit and is delicious on desserts, chicken (yes), and in warm beverages like tea. 
• Staying calm... you already know this, but stressing increases heart rate and blood pressure, and therefore your cramps.  Try some adult coloring, listening to binaural beats, baking, smelling essential oils such as lavender, watching funny videos, or anything else that relaxes you.

Remember that the best way to relieve cramping caused by fibroids, is to make an appointment with your gynecologist and discuss options.  You'll also want to get tested to find out if it could be endometriosis (uterine lining on surrounding organs such as bladder, bowels and surrounding tissues), or cancer.  Getting checked is safer than ignoring it.  

Follow Up

 Hi everyone!  

So as you know, yesterday I went to see my primary care physician regarding the fibroids and suggestion of a hysterectomy.

I showed him my bloated belly and complained that my fibroids were getting too big... his medical assistant weighed me in, and I've put on 8 pounds since the last time I visited late last year... which is actually a big deal for my otherwise tiny frame.  As it turns out, it's not entirely from growing fibroids...

He had me lay down and pressed around my belly... and it turns out, I've been comfort-eating to make up for lost iron (my desperate attempt at replacing lost energy through consuming lots of sugar).  I will admit that was an embarrassing moment, LOL!

We discussed my blood loss and symptoms of anemia, and after commenting that I look pale (even for me, which is not good since I'm part Irish, Scottish and British), he gave a requisition form to get my hemoglobins checked with a blood test.  The earliest I can get in at the lab right now (with all the Covid stuff going on) is October 26.  That's just as well, since I don't want to get blood drawn while menstruating heavily, since I need as much blood as I can keep right now...

Take a look at these comparison pictures

Me in 2011 on wedding day with Rob, and me today (October 8, 2020):

Over the past 9 years, gradually-increased blood loss has led to anemia, which has led to a dangerously low level of iron in my body.  I often get comments on how pale I look these days, and back when I was still in touch with my (narcissist) mother, she sometimes said I looked almost like a zombie with "gaunt cheeks". Though it might've been partially insult, she wasn't wrong... my health is visibly deteriorating... 

Anyway, one time during a recent period, I went to pee and was bleeding like a pig with it's throat cut!  It was awful how much was coming out and how quickly... I don't normally do this since it's vulgar and indecent, but for medical reasons I came back with my phone (after washing hands) and took a reference photo to show him.  He had a very appropriate response, which was horror, and then he wrote another prescription for Cyklokapron, which helps blood form clots and stop flowing so freely out of the body. The picture is below...

TRIGGER WARNING - GRAPHIC CONTENT BELOW...

PHOTO BLURRED SO IT'S NOT AS DETAILED...

The above is just from wiping after peeing, and not sure how that much blood needed to come out at once, but it was very heavy, watery and bright red!  This is exactly the reason that women with heavy menstrual bleeding caused by underlying health conditions, need to see your doctor right away to get it taken care of.  It can become life-threatening!

On a side note, I took a couple of Cyklokapron pills this morning. Frankly the only way I'm even able to, is by taking 2 chewable Gravol gingers with them, to ward off the nausea that comes with them.  It is a minor side effect but worth it to be safe 👍

Thank you for sitting through my gross posts, I appreciate you being along on this journey with me!

Fibroids and Frequent Urination

 If you've ever been pregnant, then you know the awful feeling of "WTF!? I just emptied my bladder 20 minutes ago!"  Of course, this can also be a symptom of diabetes, due to overactive kidneys trying to filter.... but there is something specific about this when you fibroids - like a growing baby, these tumors 'rest' against the bladder, making it near impossible to hold our urine for long periods of time 😠

Unfortunately, short of stopping drinking water, the only real way to treat this is to get rid of your fibroids, either by a myectomy or hysterectomy.  After 6-8 weeks of recovery, you should be starting to feel better. 

On a personal note, and this is very likely relatable among all the women with fibroids, for the past few weeks, I've been getting up in the middle of the night to pee a river, which is very disruptive to sleep.  It's not too terrible if I can sleep in, but the days I need to get up at 6am for work, it's unacceptable.  And it makes me feel kind of helpless, since I cannot just decide not to stay hydrated - I still need to drink water, and do at bed time because our room is dry enough to cause morning nose bleeds.  I'm not looking forward to the whole concept of having a hysterectomy, but boy am I looking forward to not having to deal with urinary urgency anymore... I'm only 32 years old, LOL. 

If you are experiencing any symptoms which could be caused by fibroids, please make an appointment with your gynecologist! 

Life After Hysterectomy

 Today's the first day in a series of stressful days leading up to an inevitable hysterectomy.... today, I'm going to talk to my amazing family doctor and begin setting up the process 😬🤞

In my nervousness, I've been doing a lot of medical research online.  And I came across a really good and helpful website for women like us:

This is a screencap taken this morning on my phone.  I'd like to give you the link to the site here:

Life After Hysterectomy 

Bloating from Fibroids

 

This is just a quick personal video. It's October 6, 2020 and my bloating is gradually worsening. I'm having constant low-grade cramps, peeing every night around 2 in the morning, and spotting from fibroids. 

Tomorrow, I'm going to take my pregnant looking belly to my family doctor and begin the process of setting up the date for my much-needed hysterectomy 😬

Fibroids and Spotting

 

From "The Shining" by Stephen King and Stanley Kubrick 

If you have fibroids, then you likely already know how damn easy it is for them to start a spontaneous bleed!  Of course, the most common cause of heavy fibroid bleeding is menstruation... as blood flows to the uterus to become part of the lining which eventually sheds, blood flows to and through the fibroids, like a funnel!  

Since there is no real way of stopping this externally (aside from taking lots of tranexamic acid medication), it can become life threatening if not properly treated!  At the very least, it will certainly cause anemia from loss of iron.  

Fibroids, as they grow, develop their own blood vessels for nourishment... like something out of a Hollywood horror movie! 

Image belongs to www.jvir.org

Other examples of what causes spotting/bleeding from fibroids:

• Overexertion; exercising too hard, lifting something too heavy, etc.
• Emotional stress, as it can cause high blood pressure.
• Poor diet, specifically consumption of too much caffeine, which can cause high blood pressure.  Try a variety of (non-alcohol) beverages for relaxation. 
• Aggressive sex, either with a partner or toy.  If you have fibroids and they're prone to bleeding, try to steer clear of vibrating sex toys.  If intercourse causes bleeding, ask your partner for clitoral stimulation instead. 
• Heat - whether it's a hot tub, a hot bubble bath or using a heating pad for cramping, heat increases blood flow and can cause you to literally need a transfusion - I came damn close a couple years ago when using Icy Hot pain relief patches and had to go to the ER for bleeding from it. 
• Other health issue, such as obesity, diabetes, hypertension or something that can cause issues with circulation in your body. 

To avoid bleeding, at least until you've had your hysterectomy or other fibroid treatment, keep yourself calm, hydrated, well-rested and be careful with your limitations.  If you know what triggers your spotting (which is bleeding during a time that's not your actual period), then don't do that thing.  And please, see your gynecologist pronto 🩸

 

Make sure to get checked out!

Fibroids and Bloating

 Fibroids are benign tumors, which means they can definitely have some girth to them.  Some fibroids removed from women, have been the size of a grapefruit... so it's no surprise that they can make a woman appear 2-3 months pregnant in some cases.

In fact, in a sick way, when a uterus is riddled with fibroids (especially the kind that sit inside the lining of the uterus), it's like the patient is "pregnant" with them... so it's actually quite common that women with this condition will opt for maternity pants for comfort!

A uterus with a large fibroid inside it

The only real way to relieve this bloating, is to either have a myectomy to remove the fibroids themselves... but due to risk of heavy bleeding from this procedure (and knowing that fibroids can grow again) a hysterectomy is much more common.  After about 8 weeks of healing, a lot of women who have had a hysterectomy report a great sense of relief!

Here is a personal example of what my belly has started to look like...

Anyway, if you are experiencing a heavy, bloated feeling and you have tested whether it's dietary, and you know you're not pregnant, please make an appointment with your gynecologist!

1-year Anniversary

 Hi everyone!  👋

So, I wouldn't really call this a "celebration", exactly... just can't believe that it's already been a year + 1 day since this blog was started!

In early September last year, I got diagnosed with fibroids after having seriously heavy bleeding, prolonged periods, and excruciatingly painful cramps.... it was a surreal diagnosis, especially when the doctor told me to get a hysterectomy to ease the symptoms and reduce the risk of fatal bleeding...

Admittedly, I was tempted to get that surgery right away, but I was also in the middle of a major life change, with leaving one long-time job and starting a new one... so that time period didn't work.  Then we had a family trip shortly after that, so eventually - against my better judgement - I put this much-needed hysterectomy on a back burner....

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It's currently September 29, 2020, and there is no doubt that my fibroids are causing me more grief... 

• I constantly have a "swelly belly" that feels heavy and painful. It makes me look 2-3 months pregnant, and causes low-grade aches 24/7.  The maternity pants are actually feeling tight now.
• There is spotting that is hard to monitor... it's random enough now that I basically wear light pads 24/7 now, and sometimes use a tampon before enjoying a bath at any time of the month....
• This spotting has thrown a wrench into mine & Rob's intimacy... it's scary not knowing if I'll "break the damn" and bleed all over him and the bed 😨
• It's becoming the norm to get up in the middle of the night and pee a river... even when I don't drink a lot of water before bed, the growing fibroids' weight rests on top of my bladder while lying down. It's been waking me up almost constantly!
• Quite frankly, my fibroid symptoms are at a point where I kind of feel like I'm already recovering from a hysterectomy, since some of the symptoms can be similar.

So, after my hubby's upcoming birthday in early October, I'm going to pull up my belt, sniff with pride, and call my family doctor for a year follow up, leading to surgery.... It feels like it's time...

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Before I go today, I'd like to mention that, as a surgery looms in the future, the heaviness of financial uncertainty weighs on both mine & Rob's minds.  Yes I do have savings put aside for that time period... it's just that I don't yet know how many weeks I'll be recovering, and how much work I'll be missing.  My position at work doesn't really offer much in the way of sick leave or medical benefits, which is why I've been working on building up savings... 

                                                                                                                                                                      

Anyway, as you know, I'm a cartoonist by trade and have a Patreon page about it. I'd really appreciate if you could consider making small monthly pledges, and in exchange, you'll get rewards such as coloring pages, stickers, and more. 

Thank you for being with me along the last year of this journey!

This time last year...

 Wow.  It's already been over a year since I first got diagnosed with fibroids... 

I remember feeling horrified, relieved, and partly expecting it, as fibroids do run in my family and both my mother and grandmother have had hysterectomies due to them. 

It was within the first week of September that I sat in the doctor's office, already suspecting something serious, going by his tone. Especially since he tried calling me shortly after the ultrasound I had prior.  After he told me, we discussed possible treatment options... I had a lump in my throat, as I was on the verge of tears, but trying to sound strong I casually suggested birth control pills to slow down the bleeding... he thought about it, but said that would make the bleeding even heavier.  He strongly suggested a hysterectomy was best, especially since my "main" fibroid seems to take up almost half my uterus... did at the time in 2019, I don't know about now...

I thanked him for his time, and went on my way for a light lunch to the Dairy Queen across the street... I was in such a daze, that I accidentally bit off a small part of the tip of my tongue (ouch!) while eating... to this day, the tip of my tongue is misshapen from it.  I still felt like crying, and a lot of thoughts were going through my head... I was trying to come up with the right words to tell my husband that I'd need this surgery... and confirmed forever that we won't be having any babies. 

 I took a ruler and drew, as per what the measurements were in the ultrasound findings, my womb and the fibroids' size in relation. The biggest one seems to be the main culprit for the cramping pain and the heavy bleeding... it was 2.5 cm wide at the time, and a year later, probably bigger! 

So, though I know it's very important to get these removed for my health (to stop being anemic, to reduce the risk of fatal hemorrhaging, to improve quality of life with no cramps, etc.) it seemed that everything was happening to impede the ability to have surgery at the time...

• I was in the process of leaving one job and beginning another (this blog started on September 28, which is the same day I left my job at Old Navy after 7 years). 
• We had family trips coming up, pre-booked long in advance so I wasn't able to be recovering at the same time...
• After the trips, I was going to try again to book a surgery, but the Covid19 pandemic hit, and the hospital closed down to anything considered non-emergency, while they dealt with lots of cases of the bug. Now they are slowly reopening...

I feel mentally and emotionally (and physically) ready for this surgery now that it's been so long since diagnosis... just need to make an appointment with my family physician and get more tests to see where I stand with these fibroids, and then we can go from there...

What Women Want Men to Know About Periods

First of all, we want you to know what, specifically, a period actually is: Menstruation comes from the uterus, not the bladder (Yes there are some younger males who have thought this). 

•  It's not something we can consciously control, like peeing. It trickles out whether we want it to or not, and we're sorry (not sorry) if our needing to hit the washroom more often because of it, annoys you. 

•  It's caused by varying levels of hormones, which are responsible for creating a lining in our uterus in case you get us pregnant.  That lining lasts for several days, and then sort of "spoils" and begins to shed, so a fresh, new lining can grow in it's place.  It's this lining that comes out of us... and it's a mix of blood and other soft tissue and fluid.  BTW, it's harmless to you if you ever touch it. 

• They're not always painful, but when they are, the pain is real and we're not exaggerating!  The closest way to describe it is how you feel after getting a hit to the testicles, and this pain can cause fever and even vomiting sometimes...the pain is real!

• We can be more in the mood for sex during this time, due to hormone fluctuations...and honestly wish you wouldn't be so grossed out by our menstrual fluid. It won't hurt you, and if you're worried about something like AIDS, you can use a condom for peace of mind.  **Bonus: Having an orgasm can help relieve our cramps!

• We wish you'd ask us more questions about it, so we can bond on a deeper level (especially for long-time spouses). Most of us are fairly comfortable discussing our periods.

• If we're cranky around you during this time, it's partly hormones, but also a reaction to being in strong pain.  It's normal to be snappy when in pain and you would be the same way.

• Sometimes we're low energy or "slow" to get something. Please give us a break - our brains & bodies are losing vital nutrients from blood loss. For this reason, food cravings are real, too (sweets for upping low blood sugar).

• Please don't mock us for menstruating, like joking to your buddies that "she's on the rag again!"  That's period-shaming, and it's derogatory.  We're whole human entities and having the ability to menstruate is just one of many aspects of that... it doesn't define us. 

• Also, please don't get scared and try to avoid us during that week... Yes we can be a tad moody, but that can be resolved with a loving cuddle and a small surprise gift ("no honey, I'll do the laundry tonight").

• No two periods are exactly alike, regardless of what media often implies. Your lady night have hers every few months, twice a month, or for weeks at a time.  Being on birth control, or having health problems, can cause irregular periods. Please don't compare hers to that of a relative or former girlfriend... we're all unique beings :)

If you're married or in a long-term partnership with us, try to learn specific details about our periods, such as: 

• When to expect it 
• How long it typically lasts 
• What we prefer for pads/tampons/cups
• Specific food we crave
• What pain relief we tend to use

This can make the bond between us stronger... and help you appreciate all aspects of us. 

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Ladies, I am always happy to "take requests" and update this article with anything that you'd like to add to the list, so your man can have a deeper appreciation for what you go through each month, or every few months, or twice a month, or however your period is for you.   

Super Absorbency Pads and Tampons

 That embarrassing - but necessary - trip to Costco. 

If you have a menstrual bleeding disorder, then you know what it's like to need these giant value packs.

In fact, my husband & I have made it a hobby of sorts to track sales in flyers and "clean house" when they're on sale (currently, our laundry room is loaded with them). 

When I was in my teens, my mother taught me how to track periods on the calendar by tracking & marking the days. This works for a typical 28-day cycle... but these past couple of years, my cycles have become anything but typical.  I still mark the "due date" on the calendar and then begin wearing pads about a week out, since on numerous occasions Aunt Flo has crashed the party by showing up early. 

I'll admit, I envy women with normal cycles (and normal flow!) - you ladies sure save a lot of money!  And, though I'm not super looking forward to having a surgery, I am looking forward to the day when I no longer need these and will donate my remaining supply to the local Food Bank, and then will save so much $$$ going forward!

Remember: Just like they say in the commercial - if your tampon leaks, go up a size. If it hurts to remove it, go down a size.  Same for pads - if it's soaked through or leaking, go up an absorbency level (and always get wings). If it's mostly dry or feels like wearing a diaper, then go down a level.  Remember that they are color-coded for your convenience. 

Hysterectomy Support Groups

 It can be a frightening time in any woman's life... being told you need to have a hysterectomy.

Whether the reason is cancer, endometriosis, fibroids or something else, the anxiety about such a surgery, is very real.  And unless you have a mother, grandmother, sister, aunt, or friend who can relate and share her experience with you, it's hard to know where to turn with that anxiety about it.

Any surgery can be scary, but this is one that eliminates the ability to have children and for many of us, that is a lot to deal with....

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When I was diagnosed with fibroids last year, I was told the best course of action would be to have a hysterectomy.  I asked about shrinking them with birth control, but was told changing my hormone levels would actually grow them.  Then I suggested the artery embolization, but the risk of fatal blood clots is fairly high. I was told that just removing the fibroids themselves is an option if I want to preserve my fertility, but fibroids almost always come back, and sometimes worse!

So, knowing that I will eventually be having a hysterectomy, I went to facebook and searched support groups.  Other women in the same boat, can be such an amazing resource - a real sisterhood 💕

Here are some good hysterectomy support groups to join on facebook:

• Young Hysterectomy and or Menopause Sisters
• Hysterectomy Sisters
• Hysterectomy Sisterectomy 

In addition to the online ones, you can also reach out to your local Primary Care Network or Community Health Centre, to inquire about any in-person support groups they may offer in your area.  

It can be of great help for what to expect during prep and the days leading up, and what to expect during healing.  The experienced ladies can help you make an effective post-op recovery plan that you can get your whole family in on. 

Remember, no matter what happens, you've got this. You're strong and you needed that surgery because what was hindering you, was significantly worse than the outcome.  

Fibroids and Sugar

 Recently, I found out something kind of scary about fibroids... they crave sugar.  More accurately, that explains why I always crave sugar.  This morning, I had a Nutella waffle for breakfast... and then 2 hours later, I made another one 😭  

Admittedly, I don't usually indulge to this degree, but I will admit that over the past 4-5 years, my cravings for sweet have increased to the point where I feel almost desperate for my next "fix".  I've racked up quite the debt on my card, which I tap to the vending machine every other day at work, for an Oh Henry! bar (my favorite). 

Kicking the sugar habit cold turkey is near impossible. My brain & tongue are too trained... but the good news is, I can start making healthy choices - and if sugar cravings get you too, then read on:

• Strong soothing flavors - such as peppermint, ginger & cinnamon - can be great alternatives and all have health benefits. They can be found (or put) in green tea. 
• Choose water over pop, and put fruit or fruit juice into the water for a boost of flavor.
• Use honey instead of refined sugar, on things like cereal or toast.
• Opt for smoothies over milkshakes, and yogurt over ice cream - when possible.
• It's okay to indulge in actual sugar sometimes - just not all the time!
• Choose chocolate covered nuts or granola bar over typical candy snacks.
• Dark chocolate = less sugar and healthy antioxidants. Yay!
• Limit it to no more than 1 treat per day. More than once a day is a problem...

Cutting back sugar won't single-handedly get rid of fibroids, but it can sure help slow their growth and make things like cramps less intense over time... Plus, you'll feel better overall!

Video of a Robotic Hysterectomy

 Hi all, 

Before I get into it, I'd like to point out that this is not my video.  It was published by UnityPoint Health in Cedar Rapids, Iowa.  

Anyway, this is a very cool video, featuring a robotic hysterectomy with vaginal assist, which is minimally invasive (though still considered major surgery).  These days, it's more & more rare that your surgeon would need to make a large abdominal incision, unless you have an extreme health issue (such as your uterine lining ending up on all your surrounding tissues).  I'm really hoping that when I get mine done, that it will be simple like this.  The video duration is about an hour:

The main surgeons, Drs. Rozeboom and McCarron, are very chill and great at describing each step you see on the screen. 

Though I'm sharing this for your benefit, to help ease your mind if you have a surgery upcoming (that is why I look up this kind of stuff, to calm my nerves), I'd like to warn you that it is a bit graphic and if you feel queasy about blood & guts, it's best not to watch. (it's okay, I cannot watch "Dr. Pimple Popper" for that reason, hahaha). 

Saying goodbye to my "normal" pants

Okay so, this might be kind of a strange video. As I may have already shared, I recently bought myself 3 new pairs of maternity pants (in addition to the one I already have) - giving me 4. Yay! 

This is a sort of sad "goodbye" video for my former pants and leggings, as I acknowledge that I'm no longer able to wear any of them due to painful bloating (and increased risk of heavy bleeding from pressure on the fibroids, from pants). 

At some point, I'd like to take photos of myself in all the new maternity pants and show you how super cute and cozy they are. Now I could not imagine wearing pants that don't hug my "swelly belly" LOL.

In the meantime, here is a personal photo, where I staged stuff I actually use. Of course, that's my only non-blue denim maternity pants there, along with the Super-Overnight pads I need to use, since anything lighter tends to fail. And one of the Super-absorbency tampons of course, along with my Aleve - the only thing that (safely) works for my worst cramps! And last but not least, the iron supplements I take during my period to help lessen my anemia. 

Pictures of Belly Bloat

 Hello all!

As you know, fibroids can be the size of a pea, or they can eventually become the size of a grapefruit! Mostly, they remain somewhere in between... in many cases, their size can make a woman appear several weeks pregnant as they fill the womb...

For example, all of these are pictures of me from over the years (many are before I even knew about having fibroids). I currently look approx. 2 months pregnant, and have for quite a long time... tune in to a future post to hear all about my new collection of super-comfy maternity pants!

Some of the above photos date back to about 2010... so something was already beginning and would just worsen over time. Along with a slowly growing belly, I also experienced worsening cramps and heavier flow! It just doesn't get better... 

Anyway, I'm getting hesitant to wear the white sweater-dress pictured above (on my 26th birthday), because it's really begun to emphasize "the bloat".  My response to "Oooh, what are you expecting?" will be, "a hysterectomy."

Strange Bleeding and Another Follow Up

Hello lovely ladies (and others here), 

It's now July 8 and I haven't been keeping up regularly with this blog as much as I'd like to.  It's been quite busy at work (customer service desk at a hardware store during the Summer).  Anyway, in late May I made a follow up post for you.

I had all-but bragged that my last period was relatively short and pain-free, but now I'm back to a point of on again/off again spotting, as well as near-constant lower abdominal cramps.  As noted, these tend to get worse when I'm under emotional stress, so I try to relax and take it easy as much as possible, and turn to journaling when I simply have waaaay too much on my mind! 

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So now I'm having another issue... and I don't know what to make of it.  For the past about 5 days I've been spotting (which I've gotten used to), but now there appears to be a bit of blood that leaks out from my urethra.... it scares me to death to have to go to a doctor and have them examine me, since I don't want anything being put in there (the thin tube above the vaginal opening, where urine and female ejaculate come out of).  I imagine it would be quite painful and lead to a nasty infection... and I finally confessed - very embarrassed - last night to my husband about it, and he said we should see a doctor since I have today off work. 

However, my period this month was due in only 3 days, and seems to have gone ahead & started... so maybe this is a blessing in disguise? I can pray and hope that the urethral bleeding will clear up on it's own, or better yet - that I just imagined it or was mistaken.  

Either way, I know I will eventually need to go back to a doctor, now that the Covid-19 situation is lifting and hospitals and doctor's offices are letting in limited amounts of people with masks and appointments... 

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In the meantime, I am looking forward to buying more maternity jeans like these ones here

**This blog is intended to share a personal journey with an intimate issue, and readers are strongly encouraged to open up and share personal issues too. This is intended to be a safe space for you. A place to relate and realize you're not alone.