Popular Nigerian media figure Toke Makinwa has shared details about her struggles with fibroids and opened up about her personal health struggle.
The disclosure made by Toke Makinwa coincides with the publication of Stephanie Coker’s documentary, “Where the Heck is My Period,” which discusses issues related to women’s reproductive health.
In an honest discussion of her experience, Toke Makinwa made it clear that although she has not had PCOS, she has battled fibroids, a disorder that has had a serious negative impact on many women in her family.
The well-known figure in media revealed that she discovered she had fibroids when she experienced odd symptoms like a protruding belly, irregular menstruation, and a perceptible bulge when she lay down.
Toke Makinwa described her early days in the entertainment industry and the difficulties she encountered as a result of her illness.
Living with fibroids has a significant emotional cost, as highlighted by Toke Makinwa, who called it a “daunting” experience that negatively impacts self-esteem.
According to her:
“PCOS I haven’t had but I’ve had fibroids. Just watching the documentary, there are a lot of similarities with symptoms and the bloating. I remember when I started off in this industry and you had to host shows. I remember I had to wear like two waist cinchers or three waist cinchers because I was so tiny but I had a belly and people would always ask if you’re pregnant. I was tired of people asking “are you pregnant?” and you know how there would be photos on red carpets and it’ll be everywhere and everyone would be talking about the fact that “oh my god, is she pregnant, or what has she eaten?”
It was very very daunting. I think I remember the very first time that I got diagnosed. I knew there was something wrong because at some point, when I laid down, there would be a part of my belly that would literally swell up, like a ball. I could feel it. And when I went to the hospital, the doctor checked, and said “yeah, you have fibroids.” In my family, it’s quite a re-occuring issue. Most of the females in my family have fibroids.
“I’ve had cousins who’ve had to take out their wombs. It’s very daunting. It’s one of the most stressful things. I think one of the worst parts of it is bleeding excessively. I mean, I didn’t bleed for a hundred and something days, but I know about you just seeing your period when you’re not expecting it. I know about you sitting somewhere and you get up and someone has to move close to you and say “oh your period”.
I’m happy Stephanie Coker did this documentary because women can come together and talk about it. It does a lot to your self esteem. You’re just nervous all the time. The anxiety levels are high. Eventually, when I got surgery, I had 13 fibroids taken out of me. Tiny me, thirteen!
I’m happy people are bringing awareness to it. If you feel different, if you feel strange, do not be shy about it, go and get checked.”
