Yep. What I needed to hear.
January 17, 1977: My mom, after giving birth to my little sister, starts bleeding uncontrollably. She is enveloped by the soothing white light that people who come close to death talk about, and makes the conscious choice to stay on earth with her three girls. There will only be three: she has a hysterectomy to stop the bleeding.
January 17, 2012: I am bleeding uncontrollably in the ER of a random hospital in downtown Houston. (I, however, have not given birth.) I have no soothing, reaffirming white light moment; instead, I am just terribly frightened and lonely and can’t stop crying. (I sent SBS home around 11 p.m. on Monday night, since our presentation–the main reason we went to Houston–was on Tuesday morning.)
When I am admitted around 3 a.m. so I can have a blood transfusion, I can’t sleep. Lying in a lumpy hospital bed whose linens smell too flowery sweet, I search “hysterectomy” and “recovery time” on my Blackberry. I am positive I will need to have my uterus out in Houston because there is no way this bleeding will stop otherwise, and I want to know when I can get home. All I want to do is be home.
“I just want to go home,” I barked at Dr. Higgenbotham, the ob/gyn who visited me mid-day Tuesday, when she asked me how I was. I brought out the bitch because I wasn’t sure what else to do to get attention; I asked for a Sprite at 8 a.m., and it didn’t come until 1 p.m. I couldn’t find a call light for the nurse, so I had SBS call the hospital to have a nurse check on me. Three different people came in from housekeeping over the course of four hours to empty the trash, but nobody cleaned the floor where I’d made a mess.
The sweet doc was as awesome as her Seuss-ian Higgenbotham name. “You poor dear,” she said, “I read your chart and felt so sorry for you.” I softened a bit. She started talking to me like I was a friend, not a patient, and acted like she was going to hang out for hours with me. She told me her priority was to get me well enough to get home. Phew.
I mean awesome: Despite having delivered two babies, she went back to her office to get me some meds to slow the bleeding. She knew the hospital didn’t carry them, and she had samples in her office. They expired at the end of December 2011, but she was cool with giving them to me, and I was more than cool taking them.
Awesome again: I have pretty significant fibroids, and she went through all the options for them with me, giving me the scoop on everything from IUD to full uterus a-goner. I asked her what she would do, and she wrote down all the things I needed to ask my Denver doc.
Awesome x 3: Still, I couldn’t think straight and had somebody else’s blood (thankfully) dripping into me and I hadn’t slept in what felt like forever and there were gross stains on the ceiling I had to stare at and I was in downtown Houston and I live in Denver and the bad daytime television made me feel lonelier than ever. “I’m just so alone,” I cried when she asked if I felt better.
“You are not alone,” Higgenbothem replied very matter-of-factly, “This happened for a reason. Maybe we were supposed to meet. Maybe the universe has a plan for you…” and she went on, giving me this speech that I can’t remember very well. But I remember how it made me feel: soothed, reaffirmed, purposeful. Like I was supposed to be in a random Houston hospital on January 17th, 35 years after my mom was in a hospital for a similar reason.
I know that many of you have suffered with fibroids, heavy periods and other lovely feminine uterine-based issues–lucky us!–and this little journey of mine will be yet another way to connect to each other. I’m the more modest one of this pair, so I won’t make you relive how many times I sent SBS out to CVS for more maxipads and super tampons (and peanut M’n’M’s), but I will obviously keep you posted on my progress.
I have a feeling I’ll be starting from square one–yet again–once I am finally able to run again. (The good news is that the fibroids might be contributing to my hamstring problem. Could be the best BOGO ever.)
Sure, I was throwing a major pity party for myself in Houston. Was it justified? Yep. And necessary to cope? Probably. But the party kind of ended when Higgenbothem left. She was right. I might have been physically solitary, but I wasn’t alone. The presentation Sarah gave on Tuesday morning had a line about how female runners travel in packs. Not only was my mom floating around me (and reminding me to use my manners), but our AMR pack kind of grabbed me and lifted me up and reminded me to stay strong and positive. Nothing good comes from negative mental energy; I had to point my toes towards the finish line and concentrate on crossing it.
Don’t quote me, but I’m pretty sure the blood I was given wasn’t type AB, but type BADASS.
I just started following your blog. New runner. Well fast walker and past this stage in life as well thankfully. I hear your pain. Know you are not alone. Hugs.
Holy s**t! You are crazy awesome courageous. Huge waves of love and positivity coming at you from Australia. I’ll be running an extra km tomorrow for you!
Wow! Totally bada**!
And that’s how you finish such story! As badass as you can be!
Sending good recovery vibes also from oz land. Not long you’ll be out there contributing to our pile of miles!
Sheesh! From SBS’s post about that presentation she did without you, I figured you had a bad case of the runs or somethin’! Woman! I am SO sorry you went through that in a strange land without your family there to ease your mind. Had it been me there would have been a pity gala with a parade and red carpet and musical tribute to all I had suffered. Rock on, Dim, and be well!
And if you ever need a participant in your pity party, I will bring the Vino and the peanut M&Ms. Sometimes you need to wallow in it.
Dim- You can pull through this just fine! I had a partial hysterectomy (LAVH) just over two years ago. I had a bicornuate uterus which caused severe bleeding and cramping/ I bled through every darn pill out there. I finally found a doc who would listen to me, hear that my quality of life was that of a painful, sore, miserable mom who desperately wanted to get off of the couch, away from the heating pad and live my life with my two boys. He performed the LAVH when I was 30 (unheard of) and I haven’t looked back! I have never felt better in my life!!! The recovery is 6-8 weeks (they just took an organ out of you!!!). Go easy, after two weeks I ended up back in the ER because I felt so good I busted a stitch and started bleeding heavily. I do not regret having my uterus out for one minute!!! You can pull through this!
Wow! Glad you had the comfort and words of wisdom you needed when you needed them. Love docs who can actually talk with patients, eh?
Hang in there. You’ll be strong and looking back on this soon.
Such a scary thing! So sorry you had to go through that, even though SBS was in town, you were away from your family. I know how upsetting it is to be in a hospital, essentially alone. Seems like you had a pretty good mental state, though. Best part was the blood type BADASS.
Good luck, I know you will be fine and prevail.
XO
Wow! You are badass! So sorry you had to go through that, especially away from home. While you are giving your body the time that it needs to heal (and I know just how depressing and frustrating that can be), please remember just how much you’ve inspired all of us to be patient during recovery and to give it our all once we are back out there. We are cheering for you! Sending hugs and positive thoughts your way!
Gah! SO UNFAIR! Dimity, I felt so bad for you when I read this! You are a rock star–I would have cried nonstop and been the hugest baby EVER. Sending you tons of get well wishes and hoping the hamstring issue bites the dust!
Oh no! You poor thing. Here’s a virtual Sprite.
That is scary and awful. The worst must be being in a hospital someplace by yourself. I mean, it stinks to begin with but at least if you’ve got a few loved ones popping in and out you feel a little comfort.
sending thoughts your way.
Sorry you are going through this. 23 years ago I was having really heavy bleading, the Dr told me he couldnt operate because of the blood loss. After heavy iron suppliments he was able to bring my blood count back up. During and before that time my running was terrible. Only able to walk run. My Dr & I decided on a partial hysterectomy. Six weeks later I did a 10K. Alittle slow but feelinggreat. Looking back on it, my best running happened after the Hysterectomy in my forties. Felt great and ran fast. Ran my 1st marathon than after the his. Having a good iron
count can make abig difference in your running. This decision was the right think for me to do.
Peace of mind to you, until you are on your way to full recovery. (And at home in your own bed!)
Sending peaceful, soothing thoughts your way. I can only imagine the loneliness you must have felt. Take care and heal quickly you badass mother runner!
Sending healing vibes your way and hoping for a speedy recovery.
I’m so sorry you had to go through that, and I really hope your recovery will be quick and complete.
It is myy sincerest hope that you get better and stronger every day! Take care, girl; we are all here for you. HUGS UPON HUGS!
Wishing you a very speedy recovery!
Oh my gosh…wish I could have been there to give you a huge hug! Although we have never met, I feel as though we are friends in a virtual not creepy stalky sort of way. Get well soon! Xoxo
You are most certainly BADASS Dimity!!! I hope you continue to feel the love from all of the AMRs and feel better soon!!!
May you have all the hugs and peanut M&Ms you need to feel better soon, Dim. Healing vibes.
Can only imagine how scary this must have been for you. You are definitely a badass, w/o any transfusion at all. Some docs are just awesome, aren’t they? Sending healing, strong, supportive thoughts.
1. You are SUCH an awesome writer.
2. Wishing you healing.
I’m so very sorry to hear that this happened. Wishing you a super speedy recovery!!!
Oh, hon. It is scary and alone. Almost 9 years ago, I was 33 and on my 7th pregnancy I lost twins at about 19 weeks. My body was just done. They did surgery to scrape everything down, to try to salvage things but in the end I did have the hysterectomy. I had my kids at home with a midwife, used a naturopath when at all possible. I didn’t feel comfortable with the hospital and doctor and I was terrified. About 2 1/2 hours post hysterectomy I told the nurse I didn’t feel right and thankfully she listened. I went unconscious and back in surgery for almost 3 more hours to find and stop the bleeding. My funeral was planned, I was dead on the table. Apparently God wasn’t ready for me and when I woke up my doc finally had a decent conversation with me. He told me it was a miracle I survived. He called in a second surgeon to help. I had 5 blood transfusions and he had to open me hip to hip and take my intestines and who knows what else out of my abdomen. (I’m pretty sure nothing got put back quite right). He also told me he didn’t know how I’d carried my pregnancies because I was a “mess in there” and that once my blood levels got back up and I recovered I’d feel much better.
A part of me mourned the loss of my uterus. It makes me feel a little less like a woman sometimes knowing it’s gone even though logically that doesn’t make sense. But within 6 weeks I felt better than I had since I was 15. I didn’t realize how significantly my female “issues” were affecting my everyday life until they were gone.
You’ll get better and we’ll all be here to cheer you on.
Thank God! You are a miracle!
I’m glad you will get another chance to start your running over again. Every time something stops me from running for a while I wonder–is this it? Will I be able to run after this injury/complication? So glad you had a great doctor and are making progress in the right direction.
Hey! I know what you are going through I am 35 and I have had 4 kids and have the same problems as you. I haven’t had a hyst. yet. I also have left hamstring problems.
I was at Houston too!
Hope you are feeling better.
Love it. Not your emergency, of course, but blood type BADASS. Never fear–that will get you back on your game in no time.
Peace Dmity. I hope you are home safe. You are absolutely not alone.
On Jan 18th, 2011 I had a full hysterectomy from one 16cm fibroid wreaking havoc on my body. This was done using the DaVinci robotic assisted surgery which resulted in a shockingly short recovery time. Ok.. still no running for several weeks but off pain meds and back to driving within a week and a half. How do you get 16 cm out of 5 little half inch holes you ask? In PIECES, delivered vaginally (duh)!
Since I’m oversharing, also got the mid-uretrhal sling inserted to stop the tinkle that happened when I ran, coughed, sneezed or laughed. I know I’m not alone with that particular blessing. TOTALLY worth it!
I am 43 years old, and have 2 beautiful children and I know is never easy to make peace with the fact that the baby factory is officially closed but physically I have never felt better. Seriously, I wish I had made this decision years earlier.
Feel free to email me for ‘been there’ perspective. There are SO many of us out here! (also see ‘HysterSisters’ website for a whole new tribe, plus non removal options.
Best Wishes Dmity on your journey. Also to Sarah for whatever extra you’ll be picking up.
Wow woman! You sure have been through it! I am sending you peaceful healing white light. I hope you are well soon. I REALLY hope that this does conclude i wellness on several levels. It sounds like you have your head in the right place. We have your heart (for the time being) and we will take very good care of it. Thinking of you often, and hoping for a speedy recovery.
I am thinking about you and sending you good vibes and warm thoughts from Georgia. I am so sorry you had to be sick away from home….that is just the worst I think…I assume you are back home and can be with your family, see your doctors, and heal. We are all behind you 150%, we love you, and we are with you in spirit. I will dedicate all of my miles this week to you. Thank you for what you give us Mother Runners–as we are grateful, we pour it back on you. Be strong, and take care of yourself!
My mother had a hysterectomy at 29. I was her only child, even though she wanted a boatload of them. She always talked openly of how scary the bleeding was, so I can hear her voice in your words.
Whatever treatment you choose, you know that the other badass mother runners will be here for you, just like every step of every journey.
Oh Dimity I’m so sorry! A lot to deal with far from home! Glad the doc was a good one who actually knew how to connect with her patients. And you are totally badass – stay strong!
You are most definitely badass. I’m in tears reading this as I know that lonely feeling all too well, but also know that feeling of being surrounded by love in that loneliness. Grace and peace as you take the next steps and thanks for sharing so openly with us.
Damn, Dimity. I’m sorry you’re going through all this crap. Knowing we need to go through crap to appreciate the good days more doesn’t make the crap any more enjoyable. I had some serious ‘brisk bleeds’ (what an understatement) post-partum, and have a small concept of what you’re going through.
I totally wish I could come visit you, bring you a magazine or three, more peanut M&Ms, and give you a hug or three. But I’m in Ohio, so this comment will have to do. I’m rooting for you to be back on your feet, in your running shoes, soon.
Wow! I’m sorry. Very scary indeed! I thinking of you. So glad you had Sarah with you. Hugs..
Sorry, so sorry that you had to go through this. But your write-up is awesome! You had me laughing through my tears at “uterus a-goner,” then had me snort hot tea out my nose at “best BOGO ever.” I’ve been through the malfunctioning-girly-parts mill, and I know that you will find the right path. We have got your back in the meantime. xo
Rock on! Stay strong! and as one friend told me recently, “Dahlin’ Be the Queen of your Life cause this ain’t no dress rehearsal.”
Dimity, What an awful thing to happen, especially away from home…..I wouldv’e been crying right with ya!! It is a scary thing when your body is doing something you have no control over, hopefully now you are back home and will have this ‘thang’ sorted out, it has brought things to a head for a reason, get fixed, let yourself heal, and then you can get on out there and run like the wind girl!! (Brave words I know but it is what I would say to myself…)
thinking of ya. :-)
Crying for you. I had so many lady-problems that I ended up having a full urgent (emergency would have been day of, they gave me three days to get my family settled before I went in) hysterectomy at 26. While I was fine with it, it’s been hard having people always come up to my three boys and suggest they, “ask mommy for a sister” or all the endless questions about whether we’re having more kids. Now that I’m nearly 39 and my boys are teens it’s a lot better.
You’ll get through this. It’s hard and there is loss involved. But some of the loss is good – loss of periods, loss of cramps, loss of tampons and pads, loss of constant anemic concerns.
There is excellent treatment for fibroids too. You’re a brilliant woman and I know you’ll find your way through this.
Sending you loads of positive energy.
I have no words of wisdom, just a deep hope that everything starts looking up and you get better soon. We are all with you in spirit, but sometimes we whisper.
Oh Dimity, I am so sorry to hear of your experience while away from home. I am an OB nurse, usually helping with labor and postpartum, but do also care for women post-hysterectomy. It is upsetting to read about your experience in the hospital. No one should have to call a friend to call the nurses station for you. Thankful that you had a doctor who was caring and compassionate.
While I don’t have the personal experience of fibroids, heavy bleeding or hysterectomy, I do appreciate the comments from other BAMRs whose lives have been positively impacted by having a hyst. You know you are not alone.
I wish you the best as you meet with your own OB/GYN in Denver and work towards the next steps.
Take care.
Oh! You poor thing! And in Houston of all places!
Wow! I had to do a double take on the dates! I’m so sorry you have to go through this, and wish you a speedy recovery whichever route you go!
There’s no doubt in my mind that your blood type is indeed BADASS. :-) No transfusion required!
So sorry you had to go through all that, and away from home, too! I’ve dealt with fibroids before. I bled daily for 2 1/2 months before I finally agreed to go see the doctor. They suck, plain and simple. And never apologize for indulging in a pity party — you were totally justified in this instance!
I really hope you feel better soon, and get some closure on next steps.
{{{HUGS}}}
You are totally awesome!! As a Houstonian I am embarrassed by the behavior of that hospital staff, but I’m glad that doc gave you come peace.
love your last sentence ~ too funny! The dr. sounded very nice, but that would be very lonely to be in the hospital in a strange city! My m-i-l had an issue w/ such majorly heavy bleeding (which lasted for months…) and finally ended up with a hysterectomy a couple months ago. It did take her awhile to recover but the heavy bleeding was affecting her life (and not in a good way.) Hope your doctor can get it all straightened out for ya.
((hugs)) girl. I hope and pray the docs give you some answers and that you are back to running soon. And not just running to CVS.
Oh Dimity, that is so scary and to be away from home for something like that – I’m so sorry. I try to believe that things happen for a reason, too, but sometimes those reasons reveal themselves in quiet, simple ways. Hang in there and know that we are all pulling for quick healing. Hugs to you.
Dimity, I’m sending bunches of healing vibes to you. Many hugs!!!!
Wow Dimity! Thinking of you during your recovery. And thinking of what a great doctor you had that day. Always a lesson for all of us.
Hi Dimity,
We haven’t met yet but now because of your post I can’t wait to! It was awesome and heart felt, just what I needed. Thank you for sharing your crappy, and hopefully soon to be happy ending experience with everyone. The honesty and bigger picture connection a soothing balm. I moved to Oregon a week ago to partner up with Laura at Run Momma Run only to turn around 2 days later with a diagnosis of breast cancer. Although most of the time I am happy and centered, there are times where the pity party has crept in. Lonely a good word, disbelief, denial, WTF following close behind. I wish for you a speedy recovery and I hope to meet up with you and Sarah in the future. Hugs Michelle@runmommarun.com
Just read your post……I’ll be praying for you Michelle!
You are a BADASS! Keeping you in thoughts and prayers as well as sending virtual hugs!
Look at all of these comments, Dimity! and feel the love my friend. Sending you healing days and hopes that all your troubles will be in the rearview mirror very soon!
I am so sorry for what you went through. As some of the women mentioned who have had partial or full hysts, their quality of life has improved. I had a complete hyst at 27. After scaring my three young boys numerous times because I couldn’t get off the floor because I was in so much pain, I knew I had to do something. The best option for me was a complete hyst. I ran a 5k the day before surgery (last run for my uterus:)!) As crazy as it sounds, I already felt better in the recovery area. I didn’t realize how awful I felt, until I felt better. I am not advocating one way or the other, but please take care of yourself and do what you feel is best for your body. Best wishes and take care!
BADA** blood transfusion sounds pretty Galactic to me…. that’s all I’m sayin.
Glad you’re on the mental mend.
Hang in there Dimity!!! I’ll hang out on the sidelines with you. And I’ll keep you in my prayers
i’m so glad you are ok, hope you are on your way to more answers.
Yes, healing vibes from across the country — and if it wasn’t Badass blood going in, it IS NOW! Sorry for the half-empty part of your trip, but thanks for showing us the half-full mindset that makes you awesome!
Dimity, so happy you are home sweet home and I hope you’re feeling better! Five years ago I had a complete hysterectomy and it was the best thing ever! I threw away those ugly “that time of the month” panties and got me some new ones! ;) I’m so happy I went this route because my doctor informed me I had Adenomyosis (I never heard of the word before). Just this past Nov. I had to get the dreaded bladder sling…….I pray I can run a race without the dam breaking! That will be the true test! I know Hon, you will do what is best for you! I’ll be keeping you in my thoughts and prayers. Oh, not sure if you saw my post on fb but I made Deena Kastor’s Butternut Squash Soup…..it was very yummy! I’m excited to try her Hearty Winter Chili as well. I’ll mix it up a little by using lean ground turkey or veggie crumbles instead of ground beef. I’m sure it will be tasty! Take Care Dimity!
Wishing you a quick recovery Dimity!! You amaze me more and more I read from you. You have such an amazing ability to see the positive sides in life and that inspires me!!
Feel the love is right!! I hope you are over the hump. Thank you for sharing. Sending prayers and good vibes your way!
So sorry to hear. Sending you get well wishes and take your time to recover. Just like you said about negativity doing nothing but bringing you bad vibes, I am sending you good vibes—remember Life is Good!!
Goodness, Dim!!! I haven’t been around much, so I had no idea what was going on until now. I am so glad to hear you are on the road to recovery. And remember, now matter how long that road is, we are all here to pick you up and carry you across the finish line. ♥
Hi Dim. I just wanted to say that your last post moved me to tears… You are certainly an AMAZING WOMAN and I feel so blessed to have you as a role model. I hope you recover quickly but take things slowly as your body will need to gain strength… sending you much love from CT…
So lucky that SBS was with you…
love you, Dimity….Godspeed on the healing
I’ve been thinking of you, Dimity. Seems to me you deserved a pity party under those circumstances. I wish I had stayed in Houston an extra day to help out. And I hope your Denver doc proves equally soothing.
Dimity-
So sorry to hear this. But I am of the same thoughts of your MD, there are no accidents. Always helps to look out at the world as if everything has greater purpose because it does. Hang in there and take good care of yourself. Glad you shared.
Best,
Mary
I have no words of wisdom or solace, but aren’t you glad you and SBS created this great tribe of mother runners? Hoping you feel all our virtual hugs across the miles, and that they speed your recovery. Thinking of you in sunny south Florida!
Oh Dimity, I feel your pain. I’ve been dealing with crazy heavy periods ever since my daughter (almost 4) was born. Out of control does not even begin to describe them. I had some girl part surgery in Jan ’11 to help, only it made matters worse. A hysterectomy is in order- something I am excited about. I am currently training for my first 26.2 (15 weeks to go!), I am still running, I need my sanity! :) Sending a huge hug and good healing thoughts your way. xoxox.
I am so sorry! Love your ability to be real and inspiring at the same time!! Thank you from a NC runner.
I had the exact same thing happen. Here is my advice… If you aren’t gonna use it anymore then get rid of that sh*%. It changed my world. I put it off trying alternative methods thinking I would be one step closer to a nursing home. I was 42 when I had my hysterectomy. I am stronger, keener, and have a normal color to my face, thanks to my normal amount of circulating blood volume. I had horrible fibroids and was still able to have a laproscopic hysterectomy and a VERY short recovery time. I was back walking on the treadmill by day 3 after surgery and running after 2 weeks. You will be amazed at how crappy you have felt when you start feeling normal. I’m so sorry this happened to you and I wish you the best. Join the “I will never have a period again” club!!
So sorry to hear about this. Hang in there and know that we are all thinking of you and so grateful for the community you have created for us.
Jessica, a badass mother runner from Oakland, CA
Yikes! We’ll all be thinking of you every time we lace up our running shoes :)
Get well soon, Dimity!
Speedy recovery to good health, Dimity! There will always be another mother runner on some restarting line somewhere, so none of us will ever be alone in that.
So sorry you had such an awful experience. I hope you can heal quickly. Thanks for all the inspiration you provide – even from a hospital bed! Best wishes to you!
Oh how I wish I lived in Houston or Denver for that matter. I would be there to keep you from being lonely too. You are never alone here!! I hope you are back to being 100% very soon. My prayers are with you.
Dimity,
Reading your post made me teary eyed as I would be for a friend going through such a difficult & emotional journey. You have always been & will continue to rock your badass mindset as you continue seeking out your plan of action. Praying for your heart to be encouraged, healing, wisdom for your doctors, & peace as you make decisions regarding your health. You & SBS are the glue that holds our tribe together! Sending big hugs your way!!
You are superbadass and I am praying for your speedy recovery!
You are an inspiration and have an amazing way of connecting to your readers. Wishing you a quick and painless recovery. Thanks for sharing and for being such a BAD@$$. You rock, chica!
I’m sorry for what you went through! I have not had fibroids but I have two thoughts for you: (1) the Mirena IUD has been my best friend for resolving heavy bleeding that led to anemia, (2) if you opt for a hysterectomy, be sure to talk to the surgeon about whether or not s/he will be removing your ovaries as well and under what circumstances s/he might make an on-the-spot decision to remove them (evidence of disease? cysts?) It seems obvious that this should be clear before the procedure, but I know one person to whom this happened. Instant menopause is especially tough when you’re not prepared for it.
The tribe is with you, Dimity! You are the OB! (Not a tampon reference; the Original Badass!)
The BADASS blood type is reserved and tightly regulated, only given to the most worthy of uterine bleeders. Well done. Rock on and get better soon!
Whoa! That’s quite an experience! Think of it as the first step of your journey towards feeling better. I am a card carrying member of the girl parts all gone club and could not be any happier! My radical hysterectomy was 5 months ago and I have felt fantastic ever since! Go for it if your doctor agrees. You can’t imagine how much freer you feel without those danged fibroids in there. For some reason our DNA requires us to freak out at the idea of a hysterectomy-I was a wreck for several months prior (mentally). But recuperation is not bad at all (do it laparascopically if you can) and life is SO much better on the other side. Feel better and don’t be afraid of the future. Look what you endured in Houston, you can handle anything!!!
Do you know how many times the Red Cross has called me lately to go give up a pint? Do you want to know how many times I just let the phone go to voice mail and then hit delete? I’ve been a selfish bitch. Now it’s time to be my badass self and go give a pint. There’s no reason I shouldn’t and every reason I should.
I recently bought your book and began following your facebook page, which brought me to this post. I felt compelled to let you know that even when you are feeling “alone”, you are a major inspiration to me and I’m sure thousands of others. Healing thoughts to you!!!!
Dimity, truly hope you are doing better. Sounds like this doctor belongs in the tribe! :)
So sorry to hear you have to go through this Dimity. But I gotta tell you, I LOVE your last paragraph – yep you needed to have the pity party, but you are not alone! Thanks for the inspiration even during what must be a difficult time for you. You truly are BADASS!
Take care!
Oh, I’m so so sorry to read this!! :( Hope you feel better soon. I have been suffering from some mysterious female ailment (we think it’s endo) for two years now. It sucks. Fibroids are sucky too. Sometimes just being a girl sucks. On top of that, I hurt my knee skiing on NYE, and although the MRI was “normal,” I still can’t walk. So know that another RLAMer is out there doing the same thing with the peanut M&Ms and wishing you well. You are totally badass, and hopefully we’ll both be back to running soon. Sounds like you got yourself a really nice doc in Houston. That can make such a huge difference. Good luck getting the fibroids straightened out!
So very sorry to hear this! Here’s to a swift recovery and comfort in knowing you are never alone, and you are seriously one BAMR! x’s and o’s :-)
So sorry to hear about your situation – the pity party was totally justified! I hope your Denver doctor is able to provide you with the appropriate course of treatments to get you back on track in a timely manner!
Seriously???? Well this just makes you even more of a hero to me. Way to go gurrl… I sure hope you were lookin’ to be a role model, because you are one. Screw uteruses and blood. That crap’s for the birds. ;)
Hugs & Wishes..for a speedy recovery!!
Hospitals suck, no doubt about it. Chin up, you will get through this. Thank you for sharing your personal issues and I hope you get better soon.
Many good and healing vibes are being sent your way. Thank you for sharing such a trial with us and you most certainly are badass!
Take care of yourself and take the necessary time to heal because in the long run you’ll be a better mommy for it. Rest! Your body must need it.
So sorry to hear all that you had to go through. I hope you’re on your way home and to a speedy recovery soon.
Bless your heart, Dimity!!! What a horrible experience!!! I experienced crazy bleeding when I was barely 2 months pregnant with both my daughters!!! One of them, I got separated from my husband after watching a boxing match at Madison square garden!!!! Horrible!!!! Walking, dressed up, and bleeding – ended up in a cab and in a hospital!!! I feel your pain!!! Hugs!!!
totally badass! the BOGO is actually not untrue. I had terrible sciatic pain due to a uterus full of fibroids that was the size of a 18 week pregnancy (with accompanying urinary urge, pressure and all) and hemorrhaging for 3 weeks every month. Had an open myomectomy (one fibroid was 14cm wide, the gyn described it was the size of a baby’s head, so not appropriate for laparoscopy) and once healed, no more sciatic pain! no more hemorrhaging and I could run again. Recovery was tough for the first few weeks but I rode a century (in a slow, ugly fashion, but nonetheless), 6 weeks later. good luck with the decision-making and the healing. it is incredibly frustrating, difficult, and scary. but you are badass, and you will get through it.
Holy Crap! So sorry Dimity! You are NEVER alone, you have a whole friggin tribe behind you! We will have your back all the way through – you are one tough motha!
Oh my gosh, Dimity!!! Sending big (((HUGS))) to you! I feel so bad for you that you felt so alone. I can totally relate, though. After my middle baby was born, I got a MRSA infection in my c-section incision and had to be re-hospitalized for 3 days about 4 weeks post-partum. I was exclusively breastfeeding, and had to leave my brand new baby boy at home. We don’t have much family nearby, so my husband had to stay at home with the baby and our older son. I was completely ALONE at the hospital for three days. I sat there and cried and pumped and watched bad TV round the clock. And I felt very very alone. And I was quarantined because of the MRSA. I don’t ever wish that on anyone. I hope you are healing up well and coming up with a plan with your doctor. I had really heavy bleeding ever since my third baby was born, and I decided to try hydrotherm-ablation surgery before going for the hysterectomy. So far so good.
Sending you love and healing light. You are not alone. We are all holding you up in our hearts!
Holy moly cow, Dimity! So sorry to hear about all the bleeding! Sending healing vibes your way, sweetie, and yes, rest assured you are not alone. Xoxo
LOL I think only you could write about something like this and make it funny. That last line – I don’t know if it’s because it’s hours past my bedtime (when did I get a bedtime again? Am I 12?) but seriously thought about laughing out loud (you know, I would have but my kids and husband are sleeping). :) Praying for you, Dim.
Sending good vibes your way Dimity…Good to know that your wing man was in Houston with you (never have figured out the female equivalent to a wing man). Also a good reminder that I am long overdue to go and donate some of my BADASS blood.
You can do this! Let it go and say good riddance….you’ll be a bit lighter, faster and feeling better!! You are strong and awesome and can make it thru. We are all with you.
Oh my gosh, I’m so sorry you had to go thru that–and away from home!! I was reading SBS’s tweets of the Trials, and reading the live blogging on RW, and thinking, “Man, this stinks that Dim doesn’t feel good and is missing all this…”–little did I know!! I hope whatever path you take is easy-breezy-lemon squeezy and you are back out there on the pavement ASAP. You are inspirational and wonderfully “real”…I find myself talking about you and SBS with other mother runners as if you were our in-person friends. Be well, be optimistic, let that BADASS blood pump thru all the broken bits!
Wishing you a speedy Dimity! I’m damn proud to be part of this tribe. We are all with you!
Dimity,
Wishing you a speedy recovery and the patience to understand it will never be as fast as we would like. You are truly inspirational and this post was no different. Be strong and believe in yourself.
This post spoke straight to my heart. My mother had a full hysterectomy when I was 2 (she was only 23!). To date, her mother and her sister have also had full hysterectomy’s. I know the day is coming….I also suffer from major fibroids which cause extremely heavy bleeding and cramping. It is miserable, and my doctor has offered options, I just haven’t been able to schedule it yet due to needing the funds to meet our ridiculously high deductable.
Thank you for your heartfelt post. I am glad you are home, and will be praying for a speedy recovery.
Kandy, it’s that terrible we can’t afford the treatments that we need (this is the United States, right?). Sending prayers! Teresa
So sorry, Dimity. Having fibroids myself and ovarian cysts that like to rupture at the most in-opportune times, I totally understand. Take it very easy, rest up, and be easy on yourself!
That is so scary! I hope you gt everything under control soon.
I wrote this blog post last week trying to find the bright side in not being able to run right now. It didn’t really work, but maybe one or two things on this list will make *you* feel better.
http://my2girlsrock.blogspot.com/2012/01/10-super-excellent-absolutely-awesome.html
Dimity- I hope your feeling better. Anything female related is tough! I can’t image how bada** you really are, being away from home and winding up in the hospital. Yikes! ((((Big Hug)))) from a big fan. Stay well my friend.
Just catching up now… sorry to read about that, how scary, but how strong you were! I hope you are feeling better, get everything taken care of and on the road running as soon as it’s safe for you. Hugs :)
Thanks for sharing this very personal experience. So scarey. Hope you are feeling better soon.
Type BADASS is totally your bloodtype, they should write that in your chart. I am hoping that you are home now and resting up as much as you can with a busy family swirling around you. We are all thinking about you and sending you our strength, we have some to spare. xx
Oh man, I’m sorry you had to go through all that, and far from home too. Best wishes on a fast and easy recovery!
I’m so late chiming into this post and I’ve thought about it for days. Every time I sat down I got interrupted. I am so sorry this happened! I too had a female procedure for similar reasons over Christmas. It can be so scary and jus toverwhelming when you are used to being SO active! I am praying for you and I’m so happy you shared this- you have no idea how many women are dealing with this as we hit our 30’s and 40’s and it’s hard and can feel lonely if we don’t talk to each other. Cheering for you girl!!! Happy trails. :) xxoo
Oh, so scary! And how frustrating to be in a hospital away from home… had no ideas you had this experience in Houston… I guess we never asked how your week in Houston was! Odd that it could be tied to the hip, but I guess that’s somewhat hopeful, too. Hope it all heals up and gets sorted out!
I have tried multiple times to sit down and reply to all these comments, and just get overwhelmed. Thank you, thank you, thank you for all your love and supportive words. That doesn’t do it justice, but it will have to suffice. xo.
Big big hugs Dimity and I’m so glad that you had Sarah there and found someone who’s thoughtful words made it through to you and brought you back to the present moment. I had undiagnosed fibroids, probably for years, and didn’t get diagnose and rid of them until we finally went to the RE to understand why in the heck we weren’t getting preggers.
I wouldn’t put that thought that your hamstring issues and the fibroids are connected too far from you….within weeks the constant illiad joint pain that I chalked up to years of rowing that never went away….went away…two pain free periods later (never happened before in my life) and I was preggers too….
You are bad ass, you will be bad ass, and this is also a time to be “selfish” and take care of yourself. Be good to yourself and let yourself heal and get strong again. You will. None of us doubt that, and don’t you doubt it for one second either.