Mia's Story: Eight-Pound Fibroids and Survivor’s Triumph
In March 2021, Mia underwent successful surgical intervention to remove uterine fibroids.
But how did she arrive at an official diagnosis?
Having endured symptoms like abnormally painful periods and persistent bloating for over a year, Mia sought medical attention in February of 2021. “My stomach always felt full and bloated, and I looked about three months pregnant,” Mia recalls. An official diagnosis of uterine fibroids eventually opened the door for more personalized treatment.
Provided a list of options by her doctor, Mia landed on a minimally invasive surgical procedure. “My fibroids were removed via laparoscopy and weighed a whopping 8 pounds!” Mia shares. This surgery ultimately proved to be a turning point in her journey. “The healing process was a very challenging and painful one, but for me, it was the best decision,” Mia reflects.
The emotional toll of fibroids can be substantial, affecting self-esteem and overall quality of life. “I was always tired and in pain when I had them, so that put me in a constant state of stress and my confidence in my physical appearance declined,” Mia admits. Like many women, Mia was also suddenly faced with complex conversations about fertility. Her doctor revealed that because of this surgery, she would need to undergo a C-section if she ever decided to have a child. “At the time I wasn’t sure if I wanted kids at all, but it still shook me.”
New information about a uterine health condition may be frightening and making decisions that may impact quality of life can seem daunting. Still, Black women should be equipped to have these conversations in healthcare settings. Fostering the kind of comfort that encourages women to advocate for themselves or to share courageous stories with other women can begin with your inner circle. “Don’t feel shame about speaking on the topic or to people you trust,” Mia notes. “It’s so common and someone very close to you probably has a similar story or knows someone who does.” And Mia is correct. By age 50, 80% of Black women have uterine fibroids, meaning we all likely know someone who is affected by this condition.
Uterine Care Collaborative was not conceived solely to share research in a digital learning space—it was created for Black women to learn from one another in a way that collectively improves our uterine health. As communal people, Black women have historically created safe and impactful spaces that drive change—a notion that Mia just gets. “I would like more support for Black women specifically with this condition,” she affirms. “I don’t think it’s talked about enough and younger women should know about it sooner.”
Research indicates that fibroids grow larger and at a faster pace for Black women, causing increased pain, heavier bleeding, and other complications. Mia’s story and countless others emphasize the benefits of early detection. “Definitely go see your doctor immediately,” Mia advises.” I wish I didn’t wait so long to get checked out.” The likelihood of uterine fibroids increases with age, and Black women experience earlier tumors and more aggressive symptoms. What we can glean from Mia’s story is to recognize that symptoms like painful periods, fatigue, and severe bloating are not, in fact, normal. This early identification is important, but it’s what we do next in seeking medical help that can make all the difference.
Looking ahead and eight pounds lighter, Mia is focused on maintaining her health and well-being by making lifestyle modifications such as eating healthier. By sharing her experience, Mia joins a league of women hoping for and contributing to better health outcomes for future generations of Black women.
