Oludayo Adeniyi, the Founder of Eximious talked to Oyinlola Sale in this interview about surviving Fibroid.
Tell us about your journey into surviving Fibroid?
It all started about 12 years ago, I was not feeling fine so I decided to visit the hospital. It was during the examination that I was told I had fibroid. I was devastated. How can I have fibroids? Where did it come from? What caused it? These were some of the questions that flooded my mind.
After much examination, I was told it wasn’t anything to worry about that all women had it. I was encouraged to continue with my normal life which I did. After a while, I had to go for an annual medical check-up and this was when I was told it was getting bigger. I was advised to do surgery but when the riot act was recited about the pros and cons of having the surgery, I was at a crossroads.
I was told the chances of the fibroid growing back was 50/50 since I wasn’t sure when I will be settling down. I couldn’t fathom why I would go through surgery only for the fibroids to grow back? Again, I was told if it was not disturbing me, I should let it be.
It was at that point, I get counsel from people to consider organic treatment. I tried that and also changed my diet but the fibroid continued growing bigger.
I considered going for surgery again but I was told I had to take some injections to reduce the size of the fibroid before the procedure. When I considered the side effects of the injection prescribed, I couldn’t go through with the procedure. I can’t be trying to solve a problem and then create another. Since the fibroids were too big to be operated on, I was left with no other option but to keep trying the organic ways.
It was a tough time because there was no awareness about fibroid so people attributed it to sin, curses and other negativity. I went through some mental torture. I even lost a relationship because of that; the things women go through. Not to mention the lack of empathy from some doctors and medical practitioners in the discharge of their duties. Their conduct even contributes further to a lot of medical issues women experience.
The fibroids became so big that I had to wear free dresses to cover it up. When I go for meetings people would congratulate me and even want to sell me baby things. I just laugh. There were times the fibroid would reduce in size and people will congratulate me for safe delivery. They would ask the gender of my twins and I would just thank them because as far as I was concerned they were prophesying into my life. Can you imagine dealing with all of this?
When I start my period, I would be afraid to sleep on the bed because of the heavy flow. I was not comfortable wearing white attires because of this. Somethings sleeping can be uncomfortable. It’s like carrying a pregnancy without knowing when delivery will happen.
Finally, I summoned the courage to do the surgery last year February, the way everything fell into place was a miracle. I didn’t have to shrink the fibroids, I went through the procedure and over a 100 fibroids were removed with no complications. My doctor said to me, God truly loves you because he could not explain it. I give glory to God. This story won’t be complete without appreciating my family, they stood by me all through the way. You are the best. Love you loads… hugs.
What are the signs women should watch out for?
The symptoms are not typical. It would include a bloated tummy, heavy menstrual bleeding, menstrual periods lasting longer than usual, pelvic pressure or pain, frequent urination, difficulty emptying the bladder, backache or leg pains, heaviness or pressure in their lower abdomen or pelvis, and much more
What did you do to empower yourself mentally?
Empowering myself did not come easy. I remember an experience that set me straight. I was directed to do a scan somewhere on the mainland. When I got there, the queue was so long. After going through the long queue. I finally did the scan and when my result was to be given to me the Radiologist threw my results at me and shouted, what is this “multiple-multiple”. I was so embarrassed. I felt like the ground should open and swallow me. At this point. I was so done. I remember driving down to my fellowship and meeting with my Pastor and I explained what happened to him. I was mad at my situation. In my rage, he encouraged me.
I remember dropping the scan report at the altar and I said to God, this is the last time I will go around for anything or waste money. If you won’t do it, then I rest my case. Not long after, a word dropped in my heart which happened to be scripture in the bible John 11: 4 “When Jesus heard that, He said, “This sickness is not unto death, but for the glory of God, that the Son of God may be glorified through it.”
That was it for me. That word becomes my watchword and affirmation. I was so convinced that fibroid won’t kill me. It was at this point, I took control of my health. I stopped focusing on the fibroid rather I shifted my mind to the result I wanted. I started painting a picture of the future I wanted with my husband and kids. I started learning more about the mind. I realized I had control over my health and I decided to take my health back. Regardless of what any doctor said. I was in charge. I wasn’t going to allow any medical report or situation to frustrate my life. I intentionally created the right energy around me by cultivating a heart of gratitude and joy.
Then in 2020. I attended a program organized by Bankole Williams called SOAR this program was the climax for me. I also met some amazing people like Oyinkan Ogundele of My Gynea Issues (An angel in human form) and many more. At this point, I was fully empowered and ready to confront my fears and take my health back.
Before I went for the surgery, I had an affirmation that I recited morning, day and night for 7 days. The words became flesh to me. My doctor confirmed I was reciting them unconsciously throughout the surgery.
With benefit of hindsight, I am so grateful to the Radiologist that embarrassed me…LOL. I used the situation to my advantage. I have come to realize that ‘what is important is not what happens to us, but how we respond to what happens to us.” …Jean-Paul Sartre.
How are you going to use your story to encourage women battling with fibroid?
Very great question. From the scripture that God gave me, my situation was for Him to be glorified and how He can be glorified is by empowering women with fibroids with my story. I made a commitment to share my story using different platforms which is what I am also doing now.
In furtherance to that, I have an upcoming virtual event to celebrate my First Anniversary of being a Fibroid free. The Event is called Empowering Women With Fibroids starting from February 15 – 19, 2022. This event will enable women to take back their health by:
Dealing with limiting beliefs impacting their health
Understanding the relationship between the mind and health
Access to support system to guide them on their journey
Learning from other women who have overcome fibroids
I extend a special invite to every woman living with fibroids. Don’t miss this event for anything in the world. All you have to do is register with this link: https://bit.ly/3LanOwW
You can follow me on my Social Media Platforms for more information:
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/iamoludayoadeniyi
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/adeniyioludayo
Final words
To every woman out there living with fibroids, I want you to know that you are not alone. You are strong and powerful to overcome any situation including fibroid. Fibroid only made me stronger and better. It is time to rewrite your story. I am evidence of what is possible. If I conquered fibroids, then, YES YOU CAN. Please don’t miss out on my upcoming event for anything and don’t attend alone do well by inviting other women you know.
Abundant Health is your birthright, don’t settle for less.
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