Introduce yourself, and don’t forget your name!
I’m Erica L. Taylor, Executive Producer, entrepreneur, impact filmmaker, wife, a woman of God, and a fibroid awareness advocate and ambassador.
Do you have any New Year’s Resolutions?
I look at the New Year as a chance to shift to a new way of thinking or reach goals I’ve wanted to reach or set the year prior. This upcoming year, I will make more conversations about uterine fibroids happen through personal, social, and professional connections. I will also pay more attention to my own needs and act with courage and confidence in every decision. I also plan to limit or eliminate anything that is not physically or emotionally healthy for me – from certain foods to certain people.
What’s your first memory of suffering from fibroids? How old were you? What was it like?
I remember suffering from fibroid pain when I tried to get fitted for a birth control device in my early 30’s. I screamed in pain. I had no idea I had fibroids. When I got a second opinion (the first doctor ignored the incident), I got an abdominal sonogram and found out I had at least six fibroid tumors. I suffered from heavy, painful periods for at least ten years before my fibroids were discovered. The symptoms just continued to get worse.
How did your life change when you were diagnosed with fibroids? What did you begin to notice?
Fibroids caused me to have increased abdominal pain. I couldn’t even wear my stilettos anymore. I couldn’t wear fitted jeans because they would press too hard against my abdomen and cause pain. There were occasions when I had to call in sick to work or walk slowly because I was in such intense pain. The walk from my desk at work to my car was excruciating. The bleeding was so excessive. I was going through at least 3 of the largest sanitary pads in one hour. I was afraid to wear a dress, let alone light colors, for fear of bleeding through. I had to bring a change of clothes to work if there was a bleeding accident. When I knew my period was coming, I felt a sense of depression coming on because it meant that my life would shut down for 9-11days. That was after a full day of PMS pain.
Why is it important to talk about women’s health issues, including fibroids?
The discussion goes hand in hand with awareness which brings change. The more we talk about these issues amongst one another and build the buzz about our pain, the lack of empathy by the medical industry, the more we can change the way women with fibroids are treated in the OR and the ER. No one knows your issues unless you talk about them and demand that they listen.
As an Ambassador, what are you doing to advocate for fibroids?
I’ve dedicated my voice, purpose, and career to educating people about fibroids. In November 2019, I began producing a documentary entitled “Red Alert: The Fight Against Fibroids,” which brings attention and awareness to the vast number of women suffering from fibroid tumors. My hope is through the film. We will bridge the communication gap between doctors, surgeons, and female patients with fibroids. The film will introduce the treatment options that every physician is not offered in every exam room. My goal is to educate women on their treatment options to feel like they’ve received the best quality care and personalized remedies. The Red Alert documentary project, coupled with speaking engagements, virtual conferences, and other press coverage, is how I am utilizing my platform to spark change in the world for millions of suffering women.
