Misha’s Story: Fibroids, Endometriosis & the Ultimate Gift of Liberation

For nearly two decades, a battle raged within Misha’s body.

In her early years, Misha’s symptoms, such as excruciating pain and heavy bleeding, signaled that something was abnormal. “I started having heavy periods as a teenager, and they were accompanied by massive clotting. This led to severe anemia, requiring bi-monthly iron infusions and several emergency blood transfusions,” she recalls.

Studies suggest that the use of birth control decreases the probability of uterine fibroids, but what if symptoms are already present and relentless? Despite trying various birth control pills, none effectively controlled Misha’s symptoms. It wasn’t until a conversation with a work colleague that things began to click. A recommendation for a new gynecologist meant that Misha was finally diagnosed with endometriosis and several fibroids.

Unfortunately, these diagnoses didn’t bring relief. Misha’s physician recommended birth control once again, but her symptoms only worsened. She would face periods that lasted over a month, accompanied by large clots and extreme pain. Eventually, Misha had her first myomectomy through an abdominal incision due to the fibroids and an enlarged uterus. Even still, Misha’s fibroids returned, requiring three more surgeries, including two where fibroids attempted to pass through her cervix. “I was grateful for them wanting to leave my body, but the way they were attempting to leave was painful as hell!” she remembers. 

Like many women with uterine health conditions, the daily toll created the biggest challenge for Misha. “I adapted in ways that might seem unusual, but became normal for me,” she notes. “For long drives, I would use a towel for added protection, and I laid towels on my bed to prevent accidents from heavy bleeding.” She also reflects on moments when the pain was so excruciating that Tylenol Extra Strength became her friend and heating pads were always within reach. 

Of all the aspects of having uterine health conditions, the hardest for Misha to endure was the unpredictability of her period. She could never be quite sure when her period would become unbearably heavy, making daily life—whether going to work, traveling, or running errands—challenging. “I had to constantly prepare for the worst, packing extra clothes and a ton of overnight pads to avoid accidents,” she shares. “I can't even count how many outfits, chairs, and other items were ruined due to the heavy bleeding.” Living through these experiences often left Misha feeling exhausted, fatigued, and irritable.

Beyond the physical symptoms, the intimate nature of uterine health conditions stirs up a mix of emotions for many women, including feelings of shame and embarrassment. Misha struggled with body image issues, particularly as her fibroids grew to the point where, at times, she looked pregnant. 

After various treatments and attempted lifestyle changes, Misha made the difficult decision to undergo a hysterectomy. This procedure changed her life for the better, but she acknowledges that there is still stigma around Black women being offered hysterectomies for fibroids.  Her gynecologist helped her weigh the options, and after finding 26 fibroids and roughly six polyps in her uterus post-hysterectomy, she is now grateful to be on the other side of her journey with nearly perfect iron levels.

Through these experiences, Misha could count on a strong support system to show up for her. “I was fortunate to have a family member who was undergoing their own hysterectomy at the same time, and we were able to support each other through the process,” she shares. A great relationship with her gynecologist was also instrumental, as she was able to text her with questions, noting that she was always willing to give her the good, the bad, and the ugly.

While Misha was able to find support close to home, finding support groups proved to be more difficult. “I found a few on Facebook and Reddit that were somewhat helpful, but spaces like this are what we really need—a safe space for women to learn and share their journeys,” she affirms. “You have to be extremely careful, because online groups are sometimes venting arenas and not true resources. That's what makes me really excited about the space you're creating,” she says of Uterine Care Collaborative.

Now, at 34 years old, Misha shares coping strategies that were helpful on her journey:

Space to be Sad: I allow myself to feel and process my emotions.
Space to Share: Therapy has been crucial during this journey.
Space to Laugh: The support and laughter from friends and family have meant the world to me.
Space to Give Myself What I Needed: Sweet treats, early morning walks, massages—these things and more helped me through the journey.

For others facing similar conditions, Misha advises, “Remember, this journey is about you and no one else. Research and learn all you can about what’s happening to your body and explore your options for improving your situation.” She also recommends listening to your body, and if it feels right, talking to people you trust or joining a support group to share your experiences.

Reflecting on her journey, Misha hopes to see improvements in how the medical community approaches womb-related conditions, particularly for Black women. “It’s frustrating that fibroids, which predominantly affect Black women, are still so misunderstood,” she explains. “I want black women to be taken seriously when we visit doctors and not just be given pills as remedies that also have numerous side effects.” She also highlights the need for more meaningful discussions and explanations during gynecology visits and genuine doctor-patient relationships, noting that women entrusting medical professionals with their lives is nothing to take lightly. 

A 2018 study indicated that many women who have had a hysterectomy shared feelings of being “incomplete” as a woman without their reproductive organs. Misha encourages societal change in this regard. “It was a challenge for me to openly share my experience of having a hysterectomy at 34, especially given societal expectations that women should aspire to motherhood,” she recalls. “My journey is simply different, and I hope for more understanding and acceptance around womb-related conditions and choices,” a message Uterine Care Collaborative fully stands behind.

Now, nearly nine months post-hysterectomy, Misha looks forward to a healthy future full of possibilities. “Being able to go on vacations without a care in the world is big for me, but more importantly, waking up every day with energy is amazing,” she celebrates. Even with big plans to travel, listening to and taking care of her body remains her primary goal. A hysterectomy might seem like an endpoint in Misha’s journey, but it truly represents a brand-new start. Though the procedure took her ability to have children, it has also given her life and the ultimate gift of liberation.