Imagine this: you're bleeding for more than a month non-stop. Sounds alarming right? That's exactly what happened to me. At first I thought it was just a weird fluke but as days turned into weeks I knew something wasn't right. It was like my body was sending me an SOS signal and I couldn't ignore it anymore. So I decided it was time to get some help.

In this article I'm going to share my personal story with you. It's a journey filled with ups and downs confusion and a quest for answers. It's like going on a detective mission but the mystery is your health. I remember the first time I realized something was off. It was like a red flag waving right in front of me and I knew I had to pay attention.

Seeking medical help was a big step. It's not always easy to talk about such personal issues but I knew I had to do it. It's like taking the first step on a long hike – daunting but necessary.

I'll take you through the challenges I faced the moments of uncertainty and how I navigated the healthcare maze to understand my condition. So let's dive into this journey together and maybe my experience can shed some light on your health mysteries.

The Unexpected Spotting:

One summer day I discovered some light bleeding even though I had already finished my period. As a person who menstruates I knew this feeling all too well. It made me question what could be happening but little did I know that this was just the beginning of a much longer and complicated story.

From Past Experiences to Present Struggles:

To truly understand my journey we must rewind the clock 17 years ago when I was diagnosed with multiple sclerosis. This state of uncertainty became a recurring theme in my life. But let's not forget that even earlier during my second pelvic exam I had an uncomfortable encounter with a dismissive doctor. These moments shaped my mindset when it came to seeking medical attention.

Bleeding and Denial:

Being in denial is an instinct when it comes to our bodies especially when it concerns our menstrual cycles. I brushed off the bleeding convincing myself that it was merely a side effect of COVID-19 or a sign of perimenopause. Magical thinking had taken hold of me and I continued to downplay the situation as the days went by.

The Unignorable Flow:

As the days passed the spotting intensified into a full-on menstrual flow. The blood was fresh and vibrant signaling a clear message: something was not right. Yet even in the face of mounting evidence I chose to rationalize and make excuses not fully comprehending the impact this prolonged bleeding was having on my life.

The Cry for Help:

Finally on the fifth day of heavy bleeding I mustered the courage to consult Dr. Google. However it was a fleeting attempt at finding answers. Deep down I knew I needed professional healthcare advice. I came to a grim realization that being a woman often involved dismissing concerns about our health. It was time to break this pattern.

Restricted Life:

With each passing day the bleeding grew worse severely limiting my daily activities. A simple task like standing up meant having to immediately change my pad to avoid accidents or worsening the bleeding. Going out became a daunting proposition as the fear of an uncontrollable situation loomed in the background.

Navigating the Medical Bureaucracy:

Having already experienced the complexities of patient advocacy after my multiple sclerosis diagnosis I was no stranger to the labyrinth of the American healthcare system. However even with my prior knowledge I often struggled to assert myself and make my voice heard.

The Breakthrough:

After weeks of enduring the relentless bleeding fueled by my mother's worried plea I finally reached out to my doctor's office via email. To my surprise less than an hour later my phone rang. It was a call I had been anxiously waiting for. The doctor's urgent words left me with a mix of relief and apprehension.

Validation and Fear:

At the emergency room the medical professionals conducted tests and an ultrasound that confirmed my suspicions. There was indeed something wrong. The confirmation was both validating and frightening as the severity of my situation became undeniable.

Fibroids and Their Impact:

Years prior I had experienced tiny fibroids a common occurrence among Black women. These fibroids grew exponentially after I had my intrauterine device (IUD) removed resulting in severe hemorrhaging. I found myself facing the reality of not simply menstruating but hemorrhaging continuously for over 30 days.

Confronting Motherhood and Treatment Options:

During my hospital visit the mention of pregnancy and motherhood added yet another layer of emotional complexity to my journey. However discussions with healthcare professionals centered around potential treatment options ranging from hormonal birth control to a laparoscopic myomectomy.

The Frustration at the ER:

In my desperation for relief I posed a simple question to the nurse at the ER: was there anything I could take to reduce the bleeding? The response I received was disheartening. I was told that having fibroids meant bleeding was inevitable. The lack of options left me feeling defeated as my plea for help seemed to fall on deaf ears.

The Power of Advocacy:

Those who ask why I waited so long and why I hesitated to seek medical attention may not understand the complexities of our healthcare system. The fear of being unheard and dismissed and the frustration of a lifetime of medical gaslighting all played a role in my decision to stay home and silently endure the bleeding.

A Glimpse of Hope:

Despite the discouraging encounter at the ER a few hours after leaving I received a call from a physician who prescribed medication to stop the bleeding. It felt like a small victory in a sea of frustration reminding me that perseverance and advocacy can make a difference.



Resolving the Issue:

Now in the autumn of my journey the bleeding has finally ceased. I have once again opted for an IUD and my cycles are gradually returning to normal. It is still hard to believe that I let the fear of being dismissed deter me from seeking help sooner but I recognize the struggle that many Black women face when trying to access proper healthcare.

My month-long bleeding journey was a reminder of the hurdles we often encounter when seeking medical assistance. It highlighted the need for increased awareness and proactive patient advocacy to ensure everyone regardless of gender or ethnicity receives the timely and appropriate care they deserve. Let us work together to empower and support one another on our healthcare journeys.