024: Life After Three Fibroid Surgeries – With Oyinkan Ogundele

Even as we continue to share the experiences of women who have dealt with fibroids, awareness of fibroids remains low. Lack of access, education, and resources, along with stereotypes and negative past experiences in healthcare settings, play a significant role in the number of women who go undiagnosed. Therefore, the topic of fibroids is one thing that we will never stop talking about to raise awareness about the disease in our community.  Data from Michigan Medicine shows that “Nearly a quarter of Black women between 18 and 30 have fibroids compared to about 6% of white women, according to some national estimates. By age 35, that number increases to 60%. Black women are also two to three times more likely to have recurring fibroids or suffer from complications.” There is a dire need for more education and discussion on this topic to help raise awareness and sensitize our community. So, today, our guest will give us a different perspective on her personal experience with fibroids. Be inspired!   Meet Our Guest : Oyinkan Ogundele is a 3-time fibroid survivor. After a 3rd open myomectomy, which happened to be her 4th major surgery, she became free of multiple Uterine Fibroids in November 2018. She is passionate about helping women who suffer from fibroids and other reproductive health conditions. My Gynae Issues Foundation (“My Gynae”) was conceived as a result of her desire to build a support system/ advocacy group for fibroid sufferers. The foundation also serves as a much-needed community for women with reproductive health challenges. In Africa, women often find it difficult to talk about issues affecting their reproductive health - these issues are usually shrouded in secrecy, out of fear and the associated stigma of infertility. So far, the foundation has helped over 300 women and it’s doing great with advocating for women’s health.   Contact Our Guest: Instagram: @mygynaeissues Facebook: My Gynae Issues Foundation YouTube: My Gynae Issues Foundation Website: www.mygynae.org    Things You Will Learn in This Episode:  [00:01 – 05:00] Introduction Getting to know our guest [05:00 – 55:00] Beginning Of Oyinkan's Battle With Fibroids The first time she heard about fibroids Getting diagnosed with fibroids Over bleeding and other symptoms Her first and second surgery Why doctors must take patient feedback seriously Her healing journey and challenges [55:00 – 1:10:00] Elaborating On Key Important Points The importance of raising awareness Trusted sources for more education Some symptoms to look out for when it comes to fibroids Chose a doctor you have a connection with Oyinkan talks about her advocacy platform Why you must ask questions and connect with other patients How to reach Oyinkan  [1:10:00 – 1:15:00] Final Words Oyinkan’s final words Anyoh's final words   Quotes “If I had somebody doing what I'm doing now (advocacy and raising awareness), I would not have needed the number of surgeries, because I would have learned to ask the right questions, get the right answers, and get the right help I needed.” –  Oyinkan Ogundele “I want people in our community to know that getting diagnosed with fibroids is just the condition and not a death sentence. It doesn't have to be a death sentence and not all fibroid cases end up with surgery.” –  Oyinkan Ogundele “People should not be desperate to start trying things that are not tested be it herbs or pharmaceutical drugs. Before you take anything that’s said to cure fibroids – please don’t ask someone who's taken it before. Rather ask those questions to your doctor who is specialized in that field before taking in anything.” –  Oyinkan Ogundele   LEAVE A REVIEW and tell us what you think about the episode so we can continue putting out the best content just for you! Connect with Living African Podcast: You can connect with us on Facebook, Instagram, YouTube, or Twitter, or send us an email at [email protected]. Check out our website www.livingafricanpodcast.com for more resources and to learn more. Connect with host, Anyoh: You can connect with Anyoh on Facebook (@anyohf), Instagram (@anyohfombad), and Twitter (@anyohfombad). Thank you.