A Personal Update: My Hysterectomy Journey
Here is a comparison between a healthy uterus and one affected by adenomyosis, illustrating the impact of the condition and the changes that led to the decision for surgery.
Hello friends,
Here we are in the heart of winter, and let’s just say, I’m not exactly a fan of the cold. But as the season shifts, I wanted to take a moment to update you all on a personal journey I’ve been on since my last post about my decision to have a hysterectomy.
I had the surgery, and I’m happy to report that everything went smoothly. But as I reflect on this process, I can’t help but feel gratitude and acknowledgment for the incredible gift my uterus has given me – my daughter. Though I had struggled with severe pain for years, I also have vivid memories of how my body created life. I know my daughter came from my right ovary because, on the night I conceived, I felt a sharp pain on my right side. I felt her implant there, and when I told the ultrasound technician, she confirmed that I was right. That moment, and that connection to my body, will always stay with me.
But as much as I am grateful for the life I carried, the physical toll of living with a problematic uterus for so many years was difficult. So, now that the surgery is behind me, I want to share a bit more about what I’ve been through, what I’ve learned, and how I’m feeling today.
What is Adenomyosis?
For those of you who may not be familiar with it, adenomyosis is a condition where the tissue that normally lines the inside of the uterus (called the endometrium) begins to grow into the muscular walls of the uterus. This causes the uterus to become enlarged, and it can lead to a variety of painful and debilitating symptoms.
Some of the most common symptoms of adenomyosis include:
Heavy and prolonged menstrual bleeding
Severe menstrual cramps
Chronic pelvic pain
Painful intercourse
Bloating and a feeling of fullness
Painful bowel movements or urination, especially during menstruation
Looking back, I realize that I experienced nearly every single one of these symptoms. For years, I just "pushed through" them. I remember feeling like my energy was draining out of my body, like a slow leak. It was exhausting.
For the longest time, I could always feel my uterus – when I walked, when I sat down, it was always there, a constant reminder of the discomfort. But it wasn’t just physical pain; the emotional toll was hard too. In the weeks leading up to my surgery, I started having severe pain during bowel movements. The pain was so intense that I became terrified to eat, because I knew I would eventually have to go to the bathroom, and it was excruciating. It felt like my bowels were moving against my uterus, and every time I went to the washroom, the pain would leave me breathless.
In those moments, I told my husband I was so grateful that I was finally going to have the surgery. It had reached the point where I was panicking about how bad it was getting, and I couldn’t live like that anymore. I had so many moments where I questioned myself and felt like I was crazy, especially when doctors dismissed me or couldn’t find anything “wrong.”
The Difference Between Adenomyosis and Endometriosis
At this point, you may be wondering: what’s the difference between adenomyosis and endometriosis? They’re often confused, but they are distinct conditions.
Adenomyosis occurs when the tissue that typically lines the uterus grows into its muscular wall, causing the uterus to become enlarged and painful.
Endometriosis is when tissue similar to the endometrium grows outside the uterus, typically on the ovaries, fallopian tubes, or other organs in the pelvis.
Both conditions can cause similar symptoms, such as pain and heavy bleeding, but the location of the tissue growth is different. Adenomyosis is more common in women who are in their 40s and 50s and those who have had children or undergone uterine surgeries. In my case, I was 37 when I got the diagnosis, I have one child, and I had undergone two uterine surgeries prior to this.
My Diagnosis and Recovery
When I went in for my surgery, my doctor confirmed that I had stage 4 extensive adenomyosis. My uterus was significantly enlarged – it was around 90 grams, while the average uterus is only about 60 grams. The doctor described it as feeling like "jello." It was also covered in 11 cysts, a nodule, and fibrous adhesions that had caused my right ovary to stick to my pelvic wall. The condition had made my uterus appear lacy, a sign of the tissue invasion.
Now, after my surgery and with my uterus removed, I can honestly say I feel like a whole new woman. The recovery wasn’t easy – the first two weeks were difficult – but once I started healing, I realized something incredible: I was no longer sick. For so long, I had been living with symptoms that made me feel drained and unwell, and now, without that diseased organ inside me, I feel healthier than I ever have before.
I truly can’t believe how long I suffered. But more than that, I am incredibly grateful to those who listened to me complain, cry, and express my frustrations over the years. Having people who supported me through my struggles, even when I didn’t fully understand what was wrong, made all the difference. I hold space for those who are still in the midst of their own struggles and want them to know that they are not alone.
Moving Forward
Looking back, I realize how much I have endured over the years. But I’m so grateful for the people who stood by me and listened to my struggles. Now, my body feels like mine again, and I’m starting to feel like my old self – the version of me that was once too overwhelmed by pain to live my life fully.
Thank you for taking the time to read this update and for your continued support. As always, I’m here to help, listen, and support anyone who needs it. Let’s keep advocating for our health and taking control of our well-being, together.
Until next time,
Coral Adams
