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Eugenia Buie, a woman in the Atlanta area, experienced years of debilitating symptoms due to uterine fibroids. Despite being diagnosed, she initially downplayed the severity of her condition, believing she could manage it on her own. However, as her symptoms worsened, she realized the urgent need for treatment. 

After suffering from fibroid disease for 20 years, Buie‘s journey to recovery began with uterine fibroid embolization (UFE). This minimally invasive procedure, offered by USA Fibroid Centers, provided a safe and effective solution for her condition. By sharing her story, Buie hopes to raise awareness about fibroids and encourage other women to seek early diagnosis and treatment.

Buie had been suffering from heavy periods for nearly two decades. Then, when she reached her 30s, her cycles increased from seven to ten days. She attributed her heavy bleeding to the stress of being in college and working in a ministry. She blamed her pain and fatigue on being overwhelmed, not on anemia caused by her excessive bleeding.

Initial Misdiagnosis: Buie’s initial doctor dismissed her symptoms, leading to delayed diagnosis and treatment

“She said there was nothing I needed to do about my fibroids right then, so I took it to heart,” Buie said.

Self-Medication: Buie attempted to manage her symptoms with iron supplements and coffee, but these measures were ineffective. Her doctor suggested that she take low estrogen birth control and iron pills, as well as monitor her mental health to ensure fibroids weren’t causing her too much stress.

Buie said, “It was never explained to me how birth control and fibroids were connected or how the iron pills might help my symptoms, so I chose not to take any of them.”

Severe Anemia: Buie’s anemia reached a critical point, requiring a blood transfusion. In March of 2021, she had a blood transfusion because her anemia was causing dangerously low hemoglobin levels. Two days after her transfusion, she received a call saying, “You have to go to the emergency room right now: you have 13 fibroids.” 

Up to 30 percent of women affected by uterine fibroids are also anemic. However, this correlation is not something many women are aware of due to a lack of education about fibroids and their symptoms. 

UFE as a Solution: UFE provided a minimally invasive and effective treatment for her fibroids. 

Buie saw one of the USA Fibroid Center’s Ambassadors, Cynthia Bailey, discussing fibroids on television. Bailey talked about her symptoms and the importance of being more aware of the disease. 

Rapid Recovery: Eugenia could return to normal activities within days of the procedure. 

“What would have taken over six weeks to heal from only took me six business days,” said Buie about the UFE treatment,” Buie said.

Dr. Yan Katsnelson speaking at Fibroid Awareness event
Dr. Yan Katsnelson, Founder and CEO of USA Fibroid Centers, discusses fibroid symptoms and treatment options at a Fibroid Awareness Event as part of the organization’s mission to improve the quality of life for every woman with this common condition. Katsnelson believes that women shouldn’t have to choose between invasive surgery and continued pain from fibroids.

“Fibroids are an epidemic not only because they impact a shocking 26 million American women but also because they have social and economic side effects in addition to their impact on women’s health,” said Dr. Katsnelton, “Fibroids are sometimes not diagnosed until a woman’s symptoms have become severe and are impacting her life.”

Why UFE?

Buie was inspired to research UFE and chose it to treat her fibroids because she wanted the least invasive and painless procedure. UFE is an outpatient procedure, taking about 45 minutes, and allows patients to go home the same day. Unlike surgical options, like hysterectomy, UFE doesn’t require general anesthesia or stitches and won’t cause scarring. Another benefit of UFE is the short recovery period. “I had my UFE on July 1, 2021, and only took six days to recover, but if I had undergone a hysterectomy, I would still be in pain and bed right now,” says Buie.

She was out attending social events without worrying about her symptoms shortly after her UFE.

“I went to support my friend at a speaking engagement, and the next day, I went to the christening of one of my close friends’ daughters,” Buie shares. She was also surprised at how much UFE relieved her pain. “It was unbelievable because I was in so much pain before the procedure, and to not have to live with that pain anymore was so freeing.”

Buie feels that spreading awareness is key to helping other women recognize and find treatment. CBS NEWS BALTIMORE highlighted her story during Fibroid Awareness Month. Fibroids are a condition that’s quite common among women but can more often affect women of color.

To watch the newscast, click here.

Are You Experiencing Fibroid Symptoms?

If you suspect you may have uterine fibroids, don’t delay seeking medical advice. Many women mistakenly believe that a hysterectomy is the only treatment option. However, effective treatments, including non-surgical methods like Uterine Fibroid Embolization (UFE), are available.

Why Choose UFE?

  • Preserves the Uterus: Unlike hysterectomy, UFE leaves the uterus and ovaries intact.
  • Minimal Invasiveness: It’s an outpatient procedure with a short recovery time.
  • Effective Symptom Relief: UFE can quickly alleviate painful, uncomfortable, and inconvenient symptoms associated with fibroids.

Take the First Step

Schedule a consultation today to learn if UFE is right for you. Our team of experts at USA Fibroid Centers is dedicated to helping women find the best treatment options for their needs.