Rea Pyne talks about overcoming uterine fibroids
Published:Wednesday | October 11, 2023 | 12:06 AMKrysta Anderson/Staff Reporter
Rea Pyne’s early experiences with menstrual health were tough, but she never imagined being diagnosed with uterine fibroids. After enduring surgery and conquering the condition, she’s eager to share how a hospital transformed her medical journey for the better.
“I want to change the bad narrative that people have about Spanish Town Hospital because the doctors and nursing staff did extremely well,” she told Lifestyle.
Pyne’s period started when she was in sixth grade, but it was during her time as a boarding student at Manning’s School in 2018 that she started suffering from severe pelvic pain and heavy bleeding. When over-the-counter medications failed to ease the pain, Pyne developed anaemia, along with dizziness during her periods. She returned home to Clarendon, where a doctor’s visit and ultrasound revealed that she had uterine fibroids.
Uterine fibroids is a non-cancerous tumour that grows in and around the womb. “When I found out that I had uterine fibroids, I went through a roller coaster of emotions. The doctors said to try and eat more vegetables and foods that are rich in iron, like beetroot. I was also told to try and eat less meat. So I was losing weight. I tried not to drink a lot of soda. I was really disciplined with following instructions but sometimes, it was hard,” she said.
Experiencing uterine fibroid symptoms, such as heavy periods, pelvic and lower back pain, bladder issues, and large blood clots, took a toll on her mental well-being
In 2020, her condition worsened significantly, leading to a blood test that revealed dangerously low blood counts. This resulted in her hospitalisation. Although initially unable to undergo surgery, Pyne was placed on depot injections to control the bleeding. Surgery remained a necessary step in her treatment.
“I can’t express how much I appreciate Dr Animor, Dr Bellamy, and Dr Blake, among others that were there for me. These doctors and nurses treated me like royalty. I really can’t put into words how good those people were to me,” she revealed
Supported by amazing family and friends, Pyne felt compelled to share her story. She hopes that it will help other women, reassuring them that they’re not alone in the fight. “If I can overcome it, they can surely overcome it too.”