Gina Heslop
In 2020, a young woman named Allison Fisher from Florida began experiencing troubling symptoms that would ultimately lead to a life-changing event. At just 20 years old, she started to suffer from constant stomach pain, and her menstrual cycle became irregular, persisting for nearly a year. However, she hesitated to seek medical attention, primarily because she had experienced a lifetime of being told to lose weight whenever she visited doctors for various ailments.
Allison’s fear and reluctance to seek medical help allowed her symptoms to worsen. She noticed a growing mass on her abdomen, causing her stomach to feel unnaturally hard, making it excruciating to move or even stand for more than a few minutes. She likened the sensation to being pregnant with ten children, with unbearable pressure on her organs.
Eventually, as the mass began to affect her ability to breathe, Allison decided to consult a doctor just before Christmas in 2022. The diagnosis was shocking and concerning – she had a massive 104-pound ovarian cyst inside her, filled with approximately 46 liters of fluid. Dr. Martin Martino, a gynecologic oncology surgeon, was tasked with the challenging job of surgically removing this enormous cyst.
During the operation, the medical team made an interesting discovery. The cyst had caused Allison’s left ovary to twist three times, a condition that, if left untreated, could have jeopardized her fertility. Fortunately, Dr. Martino was able to untwist the ovary and save her future reproductive possibilities.
Following the successful surgery, Allison felt like she had been granted a “second chance” at life. She could finally see her feet, stand longer, and regain her mobility. She expressed the feeling of being significantly lighter and more like herself. In her newfound hope and optimism, she embarked on the journey towards weight-loss surgery, eager to embrace whatever the future had in store for her.
Allison’s story serves as a powerful reminder to others, especially those who may share her fear of seeking medical attention due to concerns about their weight. Ovarian cysts are not uncommon, but ignoring serious symptoms can lead to life-threatening complications. Allison’s experience underscores the importance of listening to one’s body and seeking timely medical care when needed.
While many ovarian cysts are harmless, large or ruptured cysts can indeed cause severe symptoms, such as pelvic pain, abdominal fullness, and bloating. Allison’s bravery in facing her health issues head-on can inspire others to prioritize their well-being and not let fear stand in the way of getting the necessary medical help.
