Hi friends! Today, I want to share my personal journey with uterine fibroids and the holistic treatment process I’ve been following.
The Beginning of My Journey
About ten years ago, I discovered that I had a 2 cm fibroid (subserosal type) on my left side. At first, it was small and didn’t cause any significant issues—no PMS or discomfort. I decided to manage it proactively with herbal medicine and regular treatments. For years, I kept the fibroid size stable between 2-4 cm. However, in recent years, I neglected my health due to stress, late nights, and an unhealthy diet, which caused my fibroid to grow rapidly.
When it reached over 14 cm, I began experiencing severe symptoms: frequent urination every 30 minutes, bloating in my lower abdomen, and an overwhelming sense of fatigue. Because the size of my fibroid grew too big in such a short period, I was advised to get surgery as soon as possible. This rapid growth can lead to complications such as pain, pressure symptoms, and urinary issues, making surgical intervention a common recommendation.
Please note: Because my uterine fibroid is classified as a 거대근종 (large fibroid) that requires surgery, I am currently undergoing hormone therapy* at a western hospital while simultaneously receiving Korean medicine treatments from Dr. Cho, PhD, KMD, at SEASUN Korean Medicine Clinic.
*I am receiving one hormone injection (GnRH) once a month for 2-3 months.
After my first injection, I had a follow-up with my doctor, who mentioned that the fibroid is shrinking quite rapidly, which is a positive sign! However, he also cautioned that if it decreases too much, it might not be suitable for him to proceed with the surgery. (Fibroid surgery can cost up to $24,000 without insurance in the U.S. Yikes! My goal is to reduce the size enough so that I can avoid surgery altogether.)
My treatment at SEASUN Korean Medicine Clinic includes:
- Herbal Injections: Targeted injections aimed at the fibroid area to help reduce its size.
- Heat Therapy: Specialized equipment is used to apply heat directly to my lower abdomen and uterus, improving blood circulation and promoting healing.
- Herbal Medicine: I'm taking three different herbal remedies:
- Gui Zhi Fu Ling Tang with Da Huang: Known for its effectiveness in alleviating stagnation and reducing fibroids. Dr. Cho added Da Huang to Gui Zhi Fu Ling Tang because of its functions in "purging accumulation downward," "invigorating blood," and "removing blood stasis."
You can find these cards inside the Herbology Deck!
- Distilled Herbal Medicine: Specifically tailored to my condition to support overall wellness.
- Yun Mu (Shi) Powder: Used to enhance the overall effects of my treatment. The benefits of Yun Mu include:
- Normalizing tumor and immune function
- Improving blood circulation and reducing inflammation
- Increasing and activating NK (Natural Killer) cells, as well as activating macrophages.
I receive treatments from Dr. Cho 2 to 3 times a week and take the prescribed herbal medicine 2 to 3 times a day.
Alongside these treatments, I’m making significant lifestyle changes to support my healing process:
Exercise: I’m incorporating cardio workouts into my routine to reduce visceral fat. Excess visceral fat can increase the risk of fibroids due to insulin resistance and increased estrogen production. Reducing this fat is crucial for managing hormone levels and improving overall health.
Healthy Eating: I’m prioritizing a balanced diet by reducing processed foods like white bread, snacks, and instant noodles. Instead, I'm focusing on incorporating more whole foods into my meals—such as fruits, vegetables, lean proteins, and whole grains. I’ve also cut back on drinking alcohol. No more beer for me! :( It's sad, but I'm making better choices for myself!
Sleep Hygiene: I’ve recognized my bad habit of working late, which affects my sleep. I’m actively working on going to bed earlier to ensure I get enough rest, as sleep is vital for hormone regulation and overall health.
If you’d like to learn more about the clinic and schedule an appointment with Dr. Cho, please see the details below!
SEASUN Korean Medicine Clinic
- Phone: 1800-6736
- Email: seasunclinic@gmail.com
- Website: http://seasunhealthcare.org/en/
- Address: 182 Sung-Dong Dongrae Gu, Sungwan Settian 7F, Busan, Korea
- Hours: Mon, Tues, Thurs, Fri: 10 am - 1 pm, 2 pm - 7pm / Wednesday: 2 pm - 7 pm / Saturday: 10 am - 2 pm
A Journey of Healing
My journey with uterine fibroids has underscored the importance of prioritizing my health. I feel incredibly fortunate to have received the right treatments from Dr. Cho right away, and I’m already seeing positive results. I hope my experience inspires others to explore holistic approaches to health and wellness, especially those facing similar challenges.
I’m sharing this to help more women discover that herbs and acupuncture treatments can help with fibroids. Please SHARE this blog with any friends, moms, aunts, or wives who may be experiencing issues with fibroids!
Warmly,
Bora Choi