Fibroid Monster

And now, it's time to get down and dirty about living with a fibroid tumor. My story and how I have managed it are posted here in other blogs, and I hope you have a chance to read them. However, I have been fairly nice about how living with a fibroid tumor affects you and your body.

First things first though. I would like to clarify and set a couple of things straight before I begin on this subject. I am a member of several groups on FB that discuss fibroid tumors, both naturally, with pharmaceuticals, and for some surgically. I hope to touch on all of these subjects a bit today.

Let me tell you this, I am not a proponent of surgery of any type unless the issue is causing major troubles in the body or there is a life-threatening issue that only surgery can prevent. I am a firm believer that if you treat your body like it should be treated, you will have no need of doctors. With that being said, here we go.

When I talk about diet, I am not speaking of dieting to lose weight or anything like that. I am speaking of the eating lifestyle of people. If you diet to lose weight, you are doing it all wrong and missing out on some wonderful foods. We'll also get into that later.

DISCLAIMER: All information and resources found on this blog are based on the opinions of the author unless otherwise noted. All information is intended to motivate readers to make their own nutrition and health decisions after consulting with their health care provider. I am not a doctor, lawyer, psychiatrist, therapist, or your mother, and I don’t play one on any platform.

The author of this story encourages you to consult a doctor before making any health changes, especially any changes related to a specific diagnosis or condition. No information on this site should be relied upon to determine diet, make a medical diagnosis, or treatment for a medical condition. The information on this website is not intended to replace a one-on-one relationship with a qualified health care professional and is not intended as medical advice.

NO information on this site should be used to diagnose, treat, prevent, or cure any disease or condition.

I was officially diagnosed with a 12 cm x 8 cm fibroid tumor in 2013. I had severely low blood iron and had begun bleeding profusely. I do know that I had this thing for several years before diagnosis, but because I was caregiving an elderly parent, I let my own health go. We won't go there this round. Suffice to say, I was in pretty bad shape.

I had also begun cooking the easy way. Out of boxes, a quick run to the fast-food joint of choice. Frying instead of baking. Fewer and fewer fresh food items. I drank soda because it was quicker to pop a top than grab a glass of water or make some fresh tea. Yup. I gained a lot of weight also. All of this made my fibroid very, very happy and happy to grow.

Upon diagnosis, I did my homework and went immediately back to healthy eating and drinking. After all, I did graduate from the Institute of Integrative Nutrition as a Certified Integrative Nutrition Health Coach. Why not use my knowledge to help myself and my family get healthy again?

Now, let's talk truth about fibroids, nutrition, and such. I recently published a book that goes into a little more detail about healing fibroids naturally. Find it on Amazon. But, I have a lot of thoughts and information about them that was not included in the book. These are some of the things I would like to share with you now. Ready?

I have mentioned this thought before, and I am in the process of trying to find out if it is a possibility. Years ago when I went in for my yearly exam, I remember telling the doctor that my PAP will come back irregular. It always had, from day one. And of course, it did. But there was never a reason why. During this exam, the doctor told me he found a polyp and immediately snipped it off. And once again, there was absolutely nothing wrong, other than the fact that I had spent close to $500 on something I had already told the doctor. The PAP, of course, came back abnormal, but no reason why.

A couple of years later, I had to find a new GYN. Once again, I had to go through the process. I had talked to the doctor about having such a heavy period. No snips this time, but he scheduled a dilation and curettage (D&C), telling me it would help control the bleeding and maybe result in a normal PAP after healing. HA! I think it actually became a little bit worse. The PAP, still abnormal. And guess what, he moved away a year later.

Now, since the backtrack is done, let's speculate a bit. The two major things were snipping the polyp and the D&C. Neither of which were necessary IMHO. The fibroid tumor that lives in my body is near the area where the polyp was snipped, so it makes me wonder. Obviously, no one is able to confirm that, so it is just an assumption on my part. But, I think of all the things that are done when we go through our exams and wonder, even though it's supposed to be gentle, if there is a connection to that.

Familial is also another concept I hear. And that could be a possibility, but think about this, most familial issues show up early in the body. I'm not saying all, because again, one has to look at all the factors involved. But, if fibroids are familial for some, would they not show up relatively early after the body starts producing heavier hormones? And in some they do, but most fibroids come later in life while the body is preparing for children, producing heavy hormones.

I am definitely not trying to be a downer here. I am very positive that fibroids can be handled through natural medicines and foods. I want people to know that I am not just a writer on the subject. I actually carry a cantaloupe around with me daily. It is not fun! The poochy belly, swelling, heavier, rougher periods, not to mention the horrible clots. Learning to live on the edge... of the commode. The bathroom actually becomes a type of prison if you flood and have blowouts.

Fibroids cause heavier bleeding during menstruation, and for most, become very debilitating. You literally become a prisoner in your own home because you're afraid to leave due to "accidents." And the accident always happens when you are in a busy place. So, you make mad dashes to do what needs to be done and fly back home hoping nothing happens, and wait for the next "event" to take place. I won't mention trying to hold down a job and deal with one of these suckers. You pack every morning as if you are going on vacation.

Foods high in iron are highly recommended. Also, many fibroid sufferers need additional iron supplements. I use MyKind Plan Iron. Regular iron pills are just what they say, Iron. And the body cannot absorb metal. Going back to plant-based nutrients will allow you more control than trying to figure out what pharmaceutical you need to deal with the issue. The trouble with most pharmaceuticals is the side-effects. So you are basically damned if you do, but damned if you don't.

To begin with, a compromised immune system will usually always lead to some sort of issue in your body. If your pH drops below a certain level, your body is not able to fight infections as well. It is suggested to have a pH of at least 7.5. This is more than likely the root cause of a lot of issues we seem to have. To keep the level high, two options are Raw Apple Cider Vinegar with the mother, or lemon water (no sugar as that will defeat the purpose of the lemon water) taken twice daily.

Also, raise the immune system by eating lots of berries. They are full of antioxidants and will work wonders on various parts of your body. When a woman is diagnosed with a fibroid tumor, she has usually run the gauntlet of quick fixes and is at the point of desperation to get rid of the thing growing inside. Through no fault of her own, her immune system is probably very low. We have to start somewhere, why not with the good stuff?

Many have learned that their diet also contributes to the growth of a fibroid tumor. Since it is a tumor, it loves sugar. No doubt about that at all. So let's look at the foods we consume a bit:

• Meat. Most meats are injected with growth hormones, steroids, antibiotics, and who knows what else to produce an animal that is supposed to be healthy and ready to consume in roughly 49 days. It takes a lot longer in nature for an animal to reach a mature age. That should tell you something right there. And if you chose organic, make sure your pocket is deep, cause it's going to take a lot to maintain the freezer.
• Diary. Sadly, most dairy is just as full of the same chemicals used on the animals they come from. Not to mention, the added sugar and treatments to make it "healthy". It does not promote health, it promotes the same issues that come with eating the meat that produces the milk.
• Fruits and Veggies. The biggest thing you have to keep an eye out for is the toxic chemicals that are used to keep the fruit insect free and rot free. Most veggies are grown in ground that is saturated with different types of chemicals used over the years. These chemicals will be incorporated into the veggies as they grow. Sadly, fruits are also. Unless the land has been untreated for at least five years or more, it is not organic.

In other words, you are dealing with all types of chemicals in almost all the food you eat. This is how diseases like celiac disease, Crohn's disease, and other gut syndromes, skin issues, personality disorders, and allergies come about. It is also a possibility that it contributes to the onset of fibroid tumors and most tumors in general.

As many have stated, fibroids just love sugar. And sugar comes in all forms. Anything you buy in a box will usually have high sugar and high sodium. Almost all drinks, including health drinks, have extremely high sugar and should be avoided at all costs. Sugar from natural foods is still sugar and should be avoided, but the body can handle it better than processed, so stick to plant-based sugar (Stevia) or none at all.

So how do you deal with treating your fibroid without surgery or pharmaceuticals? Good and difficult question. For me, the answer was going vegetarian and as organic as possible. It also meant re-learning herbal remedies, researching natural remedies and herbs that would help control the issues I was having with my fibroid. Hits, misses, good days, bad day, they were all part of figuring out what would work with my body. And I say this, what works for me, may or may not work for you, but it is definitely worth a try. I experimented and still do when I come across something that I think could help control the symptoms that occur.

In my book, Dealing with Fibroids Naturally, I share my experience of my journey with the fibroid I carry. I know that there are herbs that will at least control the symptoms. there is no guarantee that shrinkage will occur, but if you can control the symptoms, you can have the possibility of living a normal life. My goal is to share the information I have gained over the years and share it. Teach women that they do not have to torture their body through surgery or iffy pharmaceuticals to become healthy and well.

Know that there are healthy options for managing your fibroid tumor. Learn to become healthier as you do. You and your family will engage in a lifestyle that is so much better for you. I hope you will follow me in this fibroid tumor journey and share with others. Peace.