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Carmel Stovall’s Story

June 07,2020

Since 2018, I had been steadily gaining weight, despite no discernible reason. I also began experiencing increasing stomach and back pain. My primary care physician conducted an examination but found no cause for concern, suggesting that the issues might be related to gas or excess weight.

I had been trying to conceive with my husband since a miscarriage in January 2016, with no success. Concerned, I sought advice from my obstetrician-gynecologist (OB-GYN). During the examination, she palpated my abdomen and ordered an ultrasound.

The ultrasound revealed three fibroids. My doctor presented several treatment options, but as the condition was not considered severe at that time, she recommended a dilation and curettage (D&C) procedure to shave down the fibroids.

Initially, the D&C seemed successful. However, I soon began experiencing daily urinary leakage, necessitating the use of pads throughout the day and night. The fibroids were pressing on my bladder, requiring me to sleep on a towel to prevent leakage.

A second D&C was performed, followed by a course of medications, but my symptoms worsened. The COVID-19 pandemic further complicated matters, as fibroid treatment was not considered an emergency, delaying further interventions.

The fibroids continued to grow, eventually reaching the size of a newborn’s head. Faced with this significant growth, a hysterectomy (full abdominal) became the only viable option.

While the hysterectomy successfully removed the fibroids, I am now left with the profound grief of lost fertility. I continue to experience back pain and struggle with depression, mourning the inability to have another child. The numbness in my abdomen serves as a constant reminder of the surgery.

My doctor later informed me that the fibroids likely contributed to my previous miscarriage and the blockage of one of my fallopian tubes.

I deeply regret that a hysterectomy was the only solution. The constant pain, the limitations on my daily activities, and the emotional toll of this condition significantly impacted my life. I endured these struggles silently, trying to maintain a facade of strength and happiness while grappling with severe internal pain.

Now, I am left to navigate the emotional and physical consequences of this experience and find a path forward.

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