From a young age,
women are educated about the significance of caring for their reproductive
health. Whether it's scheduling regular mammograms or pap smears, the message
is clear: vigilance is key as we grow older. However, sometimes individuals
face reproductive health concerns earlier than expected. For young Allison
Fisher, her health scare manifested as an oversized ovarian cyst.
Ovarian cysts are
fairly prevalent among women, with an estimated 20% experiencing at least one
in their lifetime. While some resolve on their own or with the help of birth
control, others may necessitate surgical intervention for removal. Fisher's
journey started when she noticed sudden irregularities in her menstrual cycle.
Additionally, she began experiencing frequent and severe abdominal pain.
Hesitant to Seek
Help
At 20 years old,
Fisher felt apprehensive about seeking medical attention. Understandably
discouraged, she had consistently found that her weight became the central
focus of any doctor's visit. "No matter the reason—whether it was a cold
or an ear infection—I was always advised, 'you need to lose weight,'"
Fisher recounted. "If no one's going to listen to me, if they're always
going to tell me I need to lose weight, then what's the point of going? What's
the point of listening to my body?" Consequently, she procrastinated on
scheduling a visit, hoping to avoid yet another discussion about her weight.
Ascension
Healthcare
Eventually,
Fisher reached her breaking point when her symptoms intensified, and a mass
started to develop on her stomach. As the mass expanded, her abdomen became
"rock hard," sparking concerns of a potentially life-threatening
situation. "I felt like I was pregnant with 10 kids," she described.
"I couldn't lay on my stomach. It felt like all my organs were being
crushed." Thus, in 2022, just before Christmas, she decided to consult a
doctor.
The ovarian cyst
had gotten so big that it was putting pressure on her lungs, making it
difficult for her to breathe. “I let myself believe that if I ignored it,
it would go away,” Fisher told Jacksonville Local News, “I was
scared. I was just really scared.”
Ovarian Cyst
Specialist
Fortunately, Dr.
Martin Martino took on Fisher's case. With a distinguished medical background,
specializing in gynecology, Martino was able to identify the root cause of
Fisher's issues: an enlarged ovarian cyst. Weighing just over 100 pounds and
containing nearly 50 liters of fluid, the cyst necessitated surgical
intervention. "What was particularly noteworthy is that upon removal, we
examined the other ovary and found it was twisted three times," Dr.
Martino elaborated. "The left ovary measured about 10 centimeters, which
enabled us to untwist it and preserve Fisher's future fertility, ensuring her
the opportunity to have children."
Successful
Removal of the Ovarian Cyst
The surgery to
remove the ovarian cyst proved successful. "I can see my feet again; it's
been years since I've been able to do that. I can stand a little longer. I feel
so much lighter, like a new person. I can wear clothes; I can do things that
regular people do," Fisher expressed with relief. "Moving forward,
I'm in the early stages of weight-loss surgery, and I'm genuinely excited for
what lies ahead." Fisher shared her story to inspire others to seek
medical attention, regardless of their weight. "There are people out there
who are in my shoes, others who are bigger, and they're just too scared to go
to the doctor because of their weight," Fisher added. "I want them to
know that they shouldn't be afraid."
Ascension
Healthcare
Open-Mindedness
Makes all the Difference
It's widely known
that being overweight can lead to significant health issues, and often the
initial recommendation from a doctor is to improve diet and increase physical
activity. However, even individuals in excellent physical condition may
experience various health issues throughout their lives. Prioritizing self-care
is crucial, which includes regular check-ups with medical professionals. Furthermore,
having a doctor who listens to your health concerns with empathy and an
open-minded approach is invaluable.
Second Chance
Allison Fisher
feels like she's been "given a second chance" at life after the
discovery and successful removal of her 104-pound ovarian cyst. While ovarian
cysts often present mild or no symptoms and can be easily treated, it's crucial
to stay informed about your reproductive health. This not only impacts your
overall well-being but can also affect fertility and the ability to have children
in the future.
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