A Journey to Adenomyosis Advocate with Shamitris Kirby
By Shamitris Kirby, My Peach Fuzz
At QENDO we believe that sharing your story is both an act of vulnerability and incredible bravery, your story can help empower others to speak up and be heard, and we as a community are listening. At QENDO we are part of a global community of those affected by endometriosis, adenomyosis, PCOS and infertility, and so we are so excited to bring you stories not only from Australia, but from warriors across the world, because our support, resources and advocacy is for everyone. This week we travel to the United States and meet Shamitris Kirby, adenomyosis advocate and creator of My Peach Fuzz, a blog sharing her experiences with diagnosis, treatment and ongoing management of adenomyosis, and a safe space for sharing resources for anyone experiencing pelvic pain. Here she shares her journey to diagnosis and why she’s a passionate advocate for anyone affected by adenomyosis.
I remember the day I got my period for the first time for two distinct reasons: 1) my amazing mother surprised me to see lil’ bow wow at the Scream Tour concert at Madison Square Garden and 2) I vividly remember the pain that came with my period. I had to sit down multiple times during the show to hold my stomach and I had no idea that it’d only get worse as I got older. The rest of my teenage years were filled with my doctor assuring me that birth control pills would help. They never did.
I fell for this same trick in my early twenties with a new specialist until I finally had enough. I was beyond tired of trying different birth control methods that never helped, I was tired of doctors blowing me off, and I was done not being heard anymore. I remember the day I told my specialist that I was done with birth control and wanted them to dig deeper; I needed to know the real reason why my cramps were debilitating. Their reaction was mildly annoyed and they suggested that we do a transvaginal ultrasound. Fast-forward to our discussion on the results, they told me that I had a few pea-sized fibroids that couldn’t possibly be causing any pain. They proceeded to tell me that I reminded them of an amputee patient who was experiencing ptsd with their amputation. They then finished by telling me that my pain was in my head. In my head.
I eventually found another specialist who actually listened to me. They immediately suggested that we do a MRI and felt strongly that I had Endometriosis. I knew it was either Adenomyosis or Endometriosis. Turned out to be Adenomyosis. My doctor wasn’t familiar with Adenomyosis, like most doctors, but understood that the only cure was a hysterectomy. For a year, we tried a few drugs such as Depo-Provera, Orilissa, and Opioids and guess what? They didn’t work either.
This is what started my personal journey and propelled me into becoming an Adenomyosis advocate. This is also when my blog, www.mypeachfuzz.com, was born. My blog is my personal safe space to freely discuss how I’m feeling, what I’ve tried, and what else I plan to try. There seems to be many misconceptions about Adenomyosis and I will continue to unpack them. In the process, I’m opening up and sharing everything with other women like yourselves because it’s important for us to support each other. We may be on the same path but we don’t all go through the same trials and tribulations. It took me over a decade to get a true diagnosis and while I wish it came sooner, I am so proud of myself for never giving up on myself. I even had to question if my race played a part in doctors not taking me and my pain seriously. You really have to advocate for yourself and hold your doctors accountable. We’re used to society telling us that doctors have all the answers and that they are there to help us. While I know we‘d like for this to be true for all doctors, it’s simply not. Do your own research and push your doctors until they provide and produce satisfying results. I do hope women utilize my blog as a resource hub for women’s wellness regarding pelvic pain. Some of the things that may not have worked for me could certainly work for you!
Want to see more from Shamitris? You can follow her on social media via these handles:
Instagram @shamitriskirby and @mypeachfuzzblog
Twitter @mypeachfuzzblog
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