Last year, my tumultuous relationship with my ovaries reached a pivotal conclusion: I underwent a complete hysterectomy on the day of my eldest child’s birthday. Eighteen years ago, my ovaries were instrumental in bringing my first son into the world, and just three years later, they played their part again in the birth of my second child. However, a few years later, they unexpectedly turned against me.
During a routine exam, my gynecologist casually mentioned, “You have a small cyst on your right ovary,” as if discussing the weather. My response? Tears. At 32, I was navigating the challenges of single motherhood with two children under six, managing full-time work from home, and juggling responsibilities that ranged from school pick-ups to trapping field mice that had invaded my new condo. I couldn’t handle one more issue, especially one that began with the letter “C”—to me, cysts and cancer were indistinguishable.
“Don’t worry,” my doctor reassured me. “Most cysts resolve on their own.” But mine didn’t, leading to a 12-year struggle with my rebellious ovaries that resulted in five cysts, four surgeries, one unexpected pregnancy, and a treasure trove of life lessons. Here are some of the most impactful insights I gleaned:
1. Plans Can Go Awry
Not only did my cyst refuse to dissipate as my doctor predicted, but it also rejected her attempts to treat it with high doses of birth control pills, turning me into a hormonal rollercoaster. The pain from my cyst was a constant reminder that even the best-laid plans can go off track. I could either navigate this unexpected journey with grace or let it drag me down kicking and screaming—and believe me, I tried both approaches.
2. Struggles Forge Strength
As I faced multiple ultrasounds and the impending surgery, I was terrified. My history of severe allergic reactions to medications only amplified my fears, especially after a coworker’s mother had died from a routine surgery complication. However, I had no choice but to proceed. My doctor opted for a spinal epidural, and upon waking, I felt invincible knowing I had conquered my fears. If I could survive that, I was ready to tackle anything life threw my way.
3. Trust Your Instincts
A year post-surgery, when I felt familiar pain in my fallopian tubes, I knew something was wrong. Despite reassurances from others that it was just scar tissue, my gut told me otherwise. Ultimately, my intuition was proven right when I underwent another surgery to remove another benign cyst. This experience reinforced the importance of listening to my instincts instead of dismissing them—a lesson I had often ignored in the past.
4. Embrace the Chaos
Only six months after my second surgery, I felt the all-too-familiar tug in my pelvis. I was exhausted from the unpredictability of my health and was fed up with being strong. When I learned I had cysts on both ovaries again, I let out a string of expletives that would make a sailor blush. Sometimes, the best way to cope is to vent your frustrations unapologetically.
5. What’s Meant to Be Will Happen
Before my third surgery, I urged my doctor to remove my ovaries altogether, but she advised against it, citing my young age and potential future desires. We compromised, and shortly after, I met a wonderful man. Against all odds, I found out I was pregnant at 40, a surprising joy that filled my heart with gratitude. This unexpected journey reminded me that sometimes life has plans for us that we can’t foresee.
6. Unlearned Lessons Repeat
This lesson stings. After nearly a decade of calm, my remaining ovary decided to throw a curveball, sprouting yet another cyst when I was 44. The prospect of another surgery filled me with dread, and the waiting game only heightened my anxiety. Spoiler alert: it didn’t go away, leading to my hysterectomy. Now, devoid of estrogen and progesterone, I hope I’ve finally absorbed all the lessons my ovaries had to teach.
In summary, my journey with my ovaries has been a rollercoaster of emotions and lessons. From embracing the chaos of life to trusting my instincts, these experiences have shaped me in ways I never anticipated. If you’re navigating your own fertility journey or considering options like home insemination, resources like Make a Mom’s Baby Maker and March of Dimes can provide invaluable support. For those looking to boost fertility, fertility supplements are also worth exploring.
Keyphrase: Life Lessons from Ovaries
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