Just over four weeks ago something happened to me. I woke up in the night with terrible abdominal pains.
It was the longest night I’ve ever experienced, I was all alone and there was so much pain. It just didn’t go away – instead it steadily increased.
There was a point when I became frightened by the severity of the pain, and then I realized it was so serious I had to go to hospital.
It turned out I had a large ovarian cyst and was given an emergency operation the same day.
The cyst was the size of a cantaloupe melon – and to think I had no idea I even had one! I, who am so in tune with what’s going on with me?
I was very lucky, the operation went smoothly and I am recovering well. My ovaries are undamaged, thank Goddess. The shock of it all is slowly passing too…
As I’m sitting here contemplating what’s happened, I recall my last period prior to my operation.
I experienced the most outrageous PMS I’ve ever had – I got so angry I nearly killed my friend’s kitten. The cat is safe and my friend’s still my friend, but it was a little scary to feel so out of control.
At the time I thought it was a catharsis due to some deep detoxing and cleansing – and a large part of it probably was.
I’ve ditched many issues and healed much damage these past few months, but now I’m thinking that perhaps the extreme nature of my rage was also connected with my enormous cyst.
I’ve learned my lesson, I’ll have more frequent check-ups at the doctor’s…
A friend tells me that Dr. Christiane Northrup suggests large ovarian cysts could be caused by stress or blockage of creative energy.
I have given this a lot of thought, and must agree with her.
I am always so in tune with what’s going on in my life and with my cycle, but sometimes I have ignored the obvious. Gritting my teeth and getting on with it is something I’m very able to do when it’s required.
My life was indeed very stressful a few years ago, and my creative energy, which usually flows freely and powerfully, was stifled and strangled. I was in a bad place in many ways, and have luckily made the necessary changes and moved on from that.
Since then I’ve made a complete life-change, moved countries and taken up university studies. I’m a different person, I’ve made new friends, I’ve got a new life, I’ve got love. It’s a real second chance for me.
Now, I recognize stressful periods as stressful and not just ordinary, I recognize lacking sleep and not just going into autopilot. Now, I no longer drink three pints of coffee a day and I stopped smoking four years ago.
As part of this process I’ve been undertaking some deep detoxing and cleansing this spring, and I believe this was what made me ready to part with my cyst.
I was determined to heal whatever needed healing, and not getting to the root of my health and wellbeing-issues was just not an option for me.
Just one week after telling this to a friend I was on the operating table having my cyst removed. It seems I get what I wish for!
I am filled with love and gratitude. You see, I believe that this operation could not have come at a better time in my life.
I have the time to heal both physically and mentally before re-entering my ordinary life. I’m also surrounded by supportive and loving friends – in particular my wonderfully supportive partner.
For me, it’s been a liberating and empowering experience to relinquish control and let other people take care of me. They’ve really come through for me, and it’s a blessing to realize I’m so surrounded by love.
The cyst has become a visual representation (and yes, I have pictures) for all the damage and issues that have left me. It also reminds me how lucky I am. I believe we must count our blessings and rejoice in them.
Also, I’ve got the chance to create the good habits to last a lifetime. I’ve given a lot of thought to how I want to live, and will be making some changes to my everyday routines.
I’m looking forward to implementing changes aimed at giving me more peace, energy and enjoyment out of my life.
And I’ll continue to honour my moon cycle, now looking out for what it’s telling me in a new way. As I was heading for this month’s period, I noticed some tension and impatience in my body, but that’s ok. As my bleeding began, I felt grateful for being a woman.
I invoked the Goddess and thanked her for looking out for me, for giving me such an interesting life. The past four weeks have taught me a lot, starting with a humble gratitude for the love and support that surrounds me. I’m so blessed, so fortunate – and excited about the journey ahead of me.
Boost Progesterone
Chasteberry (proven to help treat low progesterone and regulate menstrual cycles in more than 60 years of clinical research, including 5 randomized trials)
Vitamin B6 (one of the best vitamins to boost progesterone)
Progesterone Cream (bio-identical hormonal support)
Reduce Estrogen Dominance
Liver Cleanse Detox and Repair Formula (support liver functions)
Dim Plus (improve estrogen metabolism)
Amazing Grass Super Foods (clear excess estrogen and alkalize the body)
Support Adrenal and Thyroid Functions
Adrenal Health Daily Support (promote overall hormone balance)
Thyroid Support Complex (support energy and metabolism)
Balance Nutrition
Once Daily Organic Whole Food Vitamin Supplement (provide essential nutrients for health and hormone balance)
Liquid Iron (support healthy blood)
Omega 3 Fish Oil (reduce inflammation and promote overall health)
Recommended Reading
The Hormone Cure, by Dr. Sara Gottfried
Cooking for Hormone Balance, by Magdalena Wszelaki
Thank you for sharing your story. As an artist, this article deeply resonates with my soul & I am able to completely relate to your journey. I harbor a great deal of sadness & frustration towards my endometriosis, as I feel it prevents me from fulfilling my highest artistic potential & aspirations, funnily enough, it has just occurred to me that both of my self produced, art exhibitions were conceived & birthed, during times in which I was ill & preparing for surgeries that entailed the removal of endometrial masses from within my ovaries. I have dealt with my pain through art since I was a little girl…it has always been therapy for me, especially when experiencing mind numbing endo pain attacks which medicine was unable to alleviate…those were the times when I would “paint through the pain” a technique I used to mentally focus myself out of agony.
Hi Rachey, sorry to hear about your illness and suffering. I read your comments about art with great interest, I’d love to see some of your work! Isn’t it just amazing that we can connect and relate to each others experiences in this way? So glad you posted your comment, and thanks for being part of this wonderful community! Lots of love 🙂
A friend of mine just had an ovarian cyst removed as well. She read your article, and felt that it was very deep, and that she shared similar sentiments as you had expressed. She wanted to tell you that she really appreciated what you had to say…
Vild, thank you so much for sharing your journey. Your courage and commitment to healing inspire me tremendously. So glad that you’re recovering well and that you’re surrounded by loving friends who are there to support you and take good care of you. Sending love and blessings your way…