Inside Jill Martin's fibroids battle as Today host reveals she suffered 18 tumors that made fans think she was pregnant
TODAY host Jill Martin has opened up about her battle with fibroids – years after doctors first told her she was suffering from the tumors.
Fans thought she was pregnant as they speculated online while the lifestyle guru, 45, used her heat pad to mitigate the pain.
Fibroids are non-cancerous tumors that grow in or around the wall of the uterus.
It is extremely rare for the growths to turn cancerous.
Doctors do not know what causes the growths to appear but common symptoms include a sense of feeling bloated, heavy or painful periods, and lower back pain, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.
But, some women may have fibroids and not even know as they don’t have any symptoms.
In an essay uploaded to the Today website, Martin revealed that she was undergoing a routine exam in 2019 when doctors found the tumors.
Her mom suffered from fibroids and she wasn’t affected.
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Martin thought she had two growths but doctors found a total of 18.
She revealed that it hurt to have intercourse and admitted she constantly had to urinate as she tried to battle through the pain.
While Martin was suffering, fans speculated online if the hostess had gained weight or was pregnant.
One messaged Martin on Facebook: “Did I miss something? Watching you on today? Are you pregnant?”
She replied: “No. Do I look it? Have to have surgery for a fibroid. Very uncomfortable and hard on me.”
The social media user quickly backtracked as they wished the hostess a quick recovery.
While another asked: “Did Jill gain a little weight?”
'PAINFUL BUT MANAGEABLE'
Martin wrote in her essay: “My fibroids were painful, they were manageable. But recently they became so painful that I needed to do something.”
The Today star shared a picture of a fibroid protruding her skin as she opened up on her health battles.
Gynecologist Karen Brodman told the host that her uterus was the size of someone who’s four months pregnant.
Martin and her fiancé Erik Brooks researched ways how the effects of fibroids could be mitigated and came across a procedure known as uterine fibroid embolization (UFE).
It is a minimally invasive procedure as doctors use an x-ray camera to inject particles to the uterus and fibroids, according to the medical site Radiology Info.
The tiny particles block arteries that provide the blood flow, subsequently causing the tumors to shrink.
The fibroids eventually die and the uterus fully recovers following the procedure.
Around 90 percent of patients who have UFE will experience “significant improvement” afterward, Johns Hopkins University revealed.
Doctors sometimes offer uterine fibroid embolization to patients that don’t want to have a hysterectomy.
Patients tend to suffer from cramps or stomach pain following the procedure.
Sometimes, women can experience fever which is treated with painkillers.
WELL WISHES POUR IN
Jill underwent surgery last month. Dozens of well-wishes poured in on her Instagram page as she shared her battle with fans.
She said: “I’m still in pain but it’s good pain, because I know I am healing.”
The host branded not planning “days around the bathroom” as a blessing, adding that walking without pain is a “luxury”.
News personality Rosanna Scotto said: “Thank you for sharing your experience. It will help so many people.”
While, Jill Bauer – who is also a lifestyle expert on Today – commented: “Sending love.”
Ella-Coach, who describes herself as a "Fibroid Fighter" on her Instagram page, said: “Story of my life!!! My fibroids almost took my life.”
One fan said: “Thank you. My thoughts and prayers are with you. Love inspiring others.”
Another commented: “Thank you for sharing your story. I hope you continue to heal and strengthen.
“You are a beautiful human and your story is important.”
Responding to the many comments that flooded her Instagram, Martin said she was “glad” people who suffer from fibroids are sharing their stories.
She revealed she wanted to discuss her own battle because “so many people out there are suffering in silence”.
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