How Exercise Saved My Life

We’ve all been there. Searched good ol’ WebMD, typed in a few common symptoms, and get the news we’re knocking on death’s door. This is the one time I took it seriously, and boy, am I glad I did.

I first realized something was off when, two weeks away from that time of the month, I was experiencing extreme cramping and other symptoms. Deciding that I’d rather not risk a possible cyst on an ovary rupturing, I went to the ER. Two scans and one pelvic exam later, I had my diagnosis: uterine fibroids. Not the best news, but it also gave me a much better understanding of the constant, worsening symptoms I was experiencing leading up to my diagnosis.

Fast forward two weeks later – my symptoms were worse than ever, and I needed help. I went to the doctor, where they did a blood count check, prescribed me medicine, and sent me on my way home to sleep.

Not Just a Scare

The following morning, I went to work, trained a client, then fell ill. Hoping I could sleep off the pain, I took a three-hour nap. I got a call from my gynecologist’s office, highly recommending I get to the ER, ASAP. My hemoglobin level was a 3, and it should have been an 11. A blood transfusion was needed to get my levels up. Although I was terrified to receive someone else’s blood, I realized the medical team knew best, and headed over to the hospital. As I was being admitted and they saw my hemoglobin level, they asked me if I had been brought in an ambulance. I looked at them like they were crazy, seeing as I had easily driven myself to the hospital.

I found out my oxygen levels were extremely low (65%), which ultimately led to me losing a tooth and worsening eyesight. Amazing how the body works, and knows what areas of the body need oxygen the most. Two days, FOUR blood transfusions, and two IVs of iron later, I was cleared to go home. My hemoglobin level was still so low that I required five weeks of iron infusions as a follow-up.

All of my health issues FINALLY made sense. When I started to develop daily headaches that brought me to tears, I knew something was off. The need for a two hour nap every day, the pain in my legs and back going up a short flight of stairs made me more aware of an underlying issue. The spells of dizziness, shortness of breath, and heart palpitations were the red flags that made me wake up, and get the help I desperately needed.

Exercise Saved My Life

So many of the doctors and nurses I met during my stay were baffled at my situation, and how I was able to function on a somewhat normal level. All they were able to attribute to me still being alive was the fact that I took care of my physical health. I was told that due to continual exercise and a healthy lifestyle, my body was able to adjust to the little blood and oxygen it had, and was able to sustain it for some time. People in my situation have dropped dead, passed out and gone into a coma, or into cardiac arrest. Overall, this is a testament to the fact that you should trust your instincts and get the help you need – but also never underestimate the power of a healthy lifestyle.

I am grateful to God and fitness for my existence!

Post written by FFC Lincoln Park Childcare Supervisor Nicole Achille.