Anemic and Confused: Part 3
Let me tell you — I’ve had a time-and-a-half with this uterus.
As I detailed in my previous article, in a last-ditch effort, we tried an IUD to control my abnormal bleeding. How do you think it turned out?
My IUD experience
The IUD lasted all of 3 weeks before we removed it because my uterus revolted against it.
The insertion was nothing to write home about; it was the following 21 nights that were the problem. Every night, I experienced pain akin to electrocution. It felt like someone was tasering me in the uterus every few minutes. The pain was unreal.
My gynecologist had me come in for an ultrasound to see if the IUD was placed properly. The doctor on call said, "Yeah, it’s in the right spot." It wasn’t until a week later when my gyno looked at the scans that she realized the IUD was sitting directly on a polyp.
We decided to remove the blasted contraption and reconsider next steps. I did not realize the IUD was so large! I saw it after removal and the thing was huge. No wonder my uterus was angry.
Trying birth control pills again
At the time, I still had polyps and fibroids that contributed to the bleeding. So in a last, LAST-ditch effort, we tried birth control pills again.
We started with the highest dose, then tried single-hormone options, but we found that the lowest dose of a 2-hormone pill worked the best. It controlled my bleeding enough that I was no longer anemic. As of last fall, I thought that maybe, just maybe, the hysterectomy could wait until after I was done with school.
Excruciating pain and uncontrollable bleeding
At the beginning of this year, I experienced the most excruciating pain I have ever felt in my life. After visiting my gynecologist, we learned I was experiencing uterine torsion.
It honestly felt like my organ was dying. Really? Really, uterus? You couldn’t let me take the win?
Over the next 6 months, I experienced the twisting sensation maybe once a month. Each incident was accompanied by a massive bleed. Sometimes the bleed was okay. Sometimes it was uncontrollable.
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View all responsesAwaiting a hysterectomy
Well, that was that. The hysterectomy could not wait another 5 years, and I am scheduled for a full hysterectomy and salpingectomy (removal of the fallopian tubes) in July of this year.
It may seem like a rather drastic action, but I’ve run out of options, and all my specialists agree that it is in my best interest to get the surgery.
Goodbye, uterus!
I had a devastatingly bad bleed at the end of May, and my father said, "You have 2 more months of this?!" But I realized, "I ONLY have 2 more months of this." This has been an ongoing medical issue for too many years, and I am so excited to end this chapter of my life.
I am also immensely grateful that I have no competing emotions about the hysterectomy. I always wanted one, I just didn’t think it would be so soon — and I am looking forward to hosting my "Goodbye, evil killer uterus!" party!
Have you dealt with abnormal menstrual cycles or other reproductive issues while living with rheumatoid arthritis (RA)? Let me know in the comments!
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