Popular internet personality Deiondra Sanders after multiple fibroid surgeries is now over five months pregnant.
Sanders, the daughter of legendary Hall of Fame football star and former Major League Baseball player who now coaches at Colorado University, shared her inspiring story of battling fibroids in USA Fibroids Centers’ Talk About “U” IG Live with host Kym Lee.
Fibroids are benign tumors in the uterus causing a variety of problems, including heavy periods, fatigue, and pain, and appear to reduce fertility, according to the National Institute of Health. 1
Early Diagnosis, A Rocky Road
Sanders’ journey began when she started experiencing heavy periods, headaches, and fatigue in her early twenties. Her family initially attributed her symptoms to laziness, but a regular checkup trip to her gynecologist revealed the presence of fibroids. Birth control, prescribed to shrink the fibroids worsened the situation, and the fibroids began to grow bigger and faster. At 22, a terrifying hemorrhage resulted in her being hospitalized with a low blood count, requiring surgery and five blood transfusions.
“The turning point was a night of heavy bleeding. It wasn’t just heavy – I was losing blood clots the size of my fist, “ Sanders said. “ No exaggeration. I called my mom, and she urged me to go to the hospital, but I was so drained; so weak from losing so much blood; that I just wanted to sleep thinking it would stop by morning. Thankfully, my family wouldn’t take no for an answer and rushed me to the hospital. Looking back, I realize sleep could have been fatal. The bleeding wouldn’t stop – it was constant, every five to ten minutes.”
The Road To Recovery
Over eight years, Sanders underwent three myomectomies (fibroid removal surgeries). Recovery was slow, with limited mobility for weeks. She even explored ablation (burning the fibroids) as a treatment option. Each surgery had a lengthy recovery period, requiring help from others for r basic tasks. It was hard to bend over or even reach out for toilet paper in the bathroom. The final option presented to Deiondra was a hysterectomy, which removes the uterus and eliminates the possibility of pregnancy. However, she wasn’t ready for this life-altering decision.
Unexpected Pregnancy, A Leap of Faith
Sanders’ world turned upside down with an unexpected pregnancy. Despite her fear of how fibroids might impact the baby and being uncertain about her ability to carry a child, she embraced it as a miracle. d. Researching her options, she discovered a supportive online community of women with similar experiences.
Pregnancy with Fibroids: Unique Challenges
Sanders’ pregnancy has its challenges. Her biggest concern was the impact of fibroids on the baby’s blood flow. While large or numerous fibroids can disrupt the normal blood flow within the uterus, their impact on the baby’s growth isn’t straightforward. Some studies suggest a potential link between fibroids and lower birth weight or restricted fetal growth, but more research is needed. It’s possible that fibroids could divert some blood flow away from the placenta, which nourishes the baby, yet many women with fibroids have healthy pregnancies. However, fibroids can increase the chance of needing a C-section for delivery. Check USA Fibroid Centers’ resources for more information on how fibroids affect pregnancy.
Despite concerns, Sanders’ fibroids have remained stable throughout the pregnancy. They have caused discomfort by pushing the baby down lower.
“At 21 weeks, the baby is thriving, and my fibroids haven’t grown significantly., Sanders shared.
Key Takeaways: Stay Informed, Stay Hopeful
In her candid conversation with Kym Lee, Sanders urged women to prioritize regular checkups to keep a lookout for fibroids. Symptoms like cramping, fatigue, and heavy bleeding aren’t always present, which is why early detection is crucial. She encourages women not to be discouraged by negative pronouncements about fertility.
“Faith, the right knowledge, and perseverance are key to navigating life, and managing fibroids is important,” said Sanders
Here are Sanders’ key takeaways:
- Be Proactive: Don’t ignore symptoms. Get regular checkups and monitor your fibroids.
- Don’t Let Discouragement Win: Doctors may raise concerns about fertility, offering surgical treatment options like hysterectomy and myomectomy. Do your research about other fibroid treatment options to explore your particular preferences such as a minimally invasive procedure called uterine fibroid embolization (UFE).
- Every Case is Different: Fibroids affect everyone differently depending on their number, size, and location. There’s no one-size-fits-all solution.
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However, suppose Sanders had been presented with fibroid treatment options, like uterine fibroid embolization (UFE). In that case, she believes she may have saved herself years of dealing with blood loss, painful fibroids, and fertility issues.
Deiondra’s story is a testament to the strength and determination of women facing fibroids. It’s a powerful reminder that pregnancy with fibroids is possible, and with close monitoring and a positive mindset, women can achieve their dreams of pregnancy.
Learn if UFE is Right For You
Find out if UFE is right for you. If you have uterine fibroids and feel like coping with symptoms is taking over your life, it may be time to look into treatment.
Book a consultation at USA Fibroid Centers. Schedule online or call 855.615.2555 to talk with a patient care specialist.
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- Uterine Fibroids and Infertility, National Library of Health. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC8391505/
