Remember my initial post about relaxers and fibroids? In case not, here’s a recap: fibroids are benign tumors that (generally) develop in the wall of the uterus. After learning I have several fibroids, I quickly hit up the internet to research causes and remedies. I came across many articles that linked hair relaxers and fibroids. The articles showed correlation but not causation. Therefore, many healthy hair and relaxed hair advocates argue correlation is not enough evidence to prove hair relaxers are really the problem. However, given my family history and my five year struggle with a precancerous condition, I’m unwilling to take senseless chances.
Hair Relaxers and Fibroids
After I shared my concerns about relaxers and fibroids, many of you reached out to me publicly and privately to share your thoughts and experiences. I greatly appreciate(d) all of the input, support and prayers. I continued my research about relaxers and fibroids but found no evidence that was conclusive although I found information that was convincing. I spoke to several doctors, specialists and holistic experts and views were mixed. However, all agreed that exposing ourselves to less chemicals as possible is wisest (but of course). Therefore, I made the decision to go natural for many reasons but my health was definitely one.
Current Fibroids Status
May was check-up month to see if the fibroids are growing, shrinking or staying the same. Unfortunately, the largest fibroid grew an additional 2.5 centimeters since my last check-up 10 months ago. At the start of this, the largest fibroid was the size of an orange. While they gave no reference this time around, I assume it’s now the size of a large orange or small grapefruit. Although the doctor considered the fibroid slow-growing, he is not taking any chances. I have to repeat my follow-up exam in 4 months. He also encouraged me to make a decision before the fibroids create major issues – pain, discomfort, heavy menstrual cycles, anemia, etc.
Fibroids Removal
There are several removal options available as I shared in an updated post titled, dealing with fibroids. However, the only one that comes with no recurrence of fibroids is hysterectomy. For most women, fibroids are benign but the risk of them becoming uterine cancer increases as we age. Therefore, I choose hysterectomy given my family history and my medical past. The question then becomes when. Mentally, I’m not yet ready but I will keep you posted once I decide on a date.
Got Me in a Weird Head Space
For as long as I can remember, kids were never on our to-do list. We never intended to have kids so we put up many roadblocks to keep it from happening. However, if God intervened and seen fit for us to be parents, we would be (have been) so cool with that. But, had you asked, are you having kids, our auto-response was set to no.
Now that my uterus is up for grabs, I am in a weird head space and I don’t even know why. I promise you, prior to knowing I had fibroids, we knew where we were headed. I suppose having my uterus snatched and my right taken away just has me weirded out. Thankfully though, my husband is very supportive and has assured and reassured that my health is the only thing he’s concerned with. Period. The end. Hearing that and knowing that helps but I still have to work through this funk.
Go Get Checked!
As I said before, let my situation be your warning to stay on top of your annual exams. Just remember, medical problems are not always painful. If we’re lucky, we will get a warning sign but that’s not always the case. If you recall, aside from excessive bloating and looking like I was 9 months pregnant with twins, I had no other warning signs or symptoms. Therefore, if you sense something is not right, please get checked! Don’t wait for something to ache or hurt before visiting your doctor.
Ihuchi says
June 10, 2016 at 4:15 amHi Jay. Once again thanks for being so open about your situation with us your blog readers. I wish you health and healing. In fact I pray the fibroids will shrink by your next exam.
And, if I may guess, no matter how strongly we decide we never have kids, we like that it’s our choice. So that should we change our minds down the line, it’s still our choice. Having your uterus snatched as you put it, takes that power away from you.
We as humans can be fickle, and I don’t mean that in a bad way, I’m human too :). We can just wake up and do a 180° in our previous decisions. Either way, we like having the options to choose. No one likes to feel powerless. So I think that may be the reason for the weird head space thingy. Just my 2 cents.
Jay | relaxedthairapy.com says
June 14, 2016 at 2:10 pmHello Sis, thank you so much for being so supportive and encouraging. You hit the nail on the head as you totally get what I was trying to say. Being powerless makes me feel helpless. I truly appreciate your prayers and well wishes.
MrsT says
June 15, 2016 at 12:03 pmThis reminds me that I need to have my fibroids re-checked, because it’s been over a year. So thank you for that. Also I know how you feel about the “I don’t want kids, but I don’t like the idea of not having the option to change my mind.” I’ve never wanted to have children either, but I also have always told my doctor no when the idea of permanent sterilization was brought up. Who know’s what might happen, I could get hit over the head and change my mind tomorrow, lol.
Good luck on your journey. I’ve been putting off the idea of going natural and just doing long stretches, but depending on what happens at my next check up, I may need to reconsider.
Jay | relaxedthairapy.com says
June 16, 2016 at 7:29 amHey MrsT! Thank you for totally understanding where I am coming from. Sometimes it’s hard for people to understand that we’ve never wanted children. Even had someone to tell me that I was not fulfilling God’s destiny. People are rude and speak without thinking or knowing my circumstance. Please get re-checked to make sure all is well with your fibroids. Good luck on your journey! Prayerfully, your fibroids will shrink and you not have to make a decision about them.
Nerline says
June 16, 2016 at 12:28 amThanks for sharing your story with us, Jay! And this post is very helpful. I’m trying to stay away from chemicals. Period. Whether I have proofs or not.
Nerline recently posted…Ghana Cornrow Braids with Kanekalon Hair | #WashDayExperience
Jay | relaxedthairapy.com says
June 16, 2016 at 7:24 amThank you for reading and you have a great point, Nerline.
Ameerah says
June 24, 2016 at 3:23 pmI have fibroids – was diagnosed nearly ten years ago. Once of them is the size of a grapefruit. Since I am of child-bearing age, my doctor placed me on birth control pills to control my painful periods and also to lessen the amount of blood and hormones the fibroids have to feed on. The only surgical procedure my doctor put on the table was a myomectomy which involves going in and removing the fibroids. It does not completely eliminate the possibility of them returning but it is less drastic and invasive and leaves the door open for pregnancy (if you choose to have children). Has your doctor discussed any of these options with you. My being on birth control has for the most part slowed down the growth rate of all of the fibroids and one of the smaller ones has actually shrunk a bit. It might be something to think about in lieu of such a drastic procedure as a hysterectomy.
Jay | relaxedthairapy.com says
June 24, 2016 at 4:12 pmHi Ameerah, thank you so much for writing me. I am of child bearing age as well and I am on birth control (IUD). I don’t have periods with an IUD. They actually feel that’s a benefit given I would likely have a heavy cycle otherwise. I visited a fertility specialist and we talked various options – embolism, myomectomy and hysterectomy. I can choose either of the 3. Based on my past and my family past, I want to make sure I am not at risk for fibroids returning and/or developing uterine cancer. I wish you the best and please keep in touch. Stay blessed!