In an emotional TikTok video, Poppy, a woman from the United States, shared her incredibly painful experience with a prolonged menstrual cycle that lasted for over 1,000 days. Despite visiting numerous doctors and undergoing various tests, the cause of her condition remained a mystery for years.
“It was picked up on the very first ultrasound I had, and no one thought to mention it to me,” Poppy revealed in her recent video.
Her journey began with two weeks of continuous bleeding, which prompted her to seek medical attention. For many women, menstrual cycles typically follow a predictable pattern, with periods occurring every 21 to 35 days and lasting between 2 to 7 days. However, Poppy’s cycle defied these norms. Her condition lasted for months, then years, despite numerous consultations and tests.
After receiving a PCOS diagnosis, doctors performed a hysteroscopy, but found no clear cause. New treatments, including medications and an IUD, failed to provide any relief. Despite her persistent symptoms, even an MRI and ultrasound did not reveal the root cause of her prolonged bleeding.
“My iron levels? Rock bottom. The cramps? Awful. All of my muscles hurt, my bones hurt. I have constant headaches, constant nausea,” Poppy shared. Her condition not only affected her physically but also took a toll on her mental health, plunging her into depression.
After nearly 950 days of relentless symptoms, Poppy made a breakthrough with the help of her TikTok followers. She discovered that she had a rare condition known as a bicornuate uterus, a heart-shaped uterus where the organ is divided into two chambers instead of one. Interestingly, this condition had been noted on her initial ultrasound, but its significance had been overlooked by her doctors at the time.
A bicornuate uterus, which affects fewer than 5% of women, can cause severe symptoms such as prolonged bleeding, painful periods, and pelvic discomfort. While many women with this condition are asymptomatic, others experience significant challenges, as in Poppy’s case.
“I have spent 950 days in absolute agony, spending my lifetime f—king savings on period pads and period products, on new trousers, on new underwear, on new sheets. I have cried every single day,” she said, reflecting on the emotional and financial toll of her ordeal.
To seek relief, Poppy plans to undergo several medical procedures, including a comprehensive hormonal panel to test her hormone levels, removing the IUD, and scheduling a dilation and curettage procedure. She is also considering surgery to address her heart-shaped uterus, which may be contributing to her symptoms.
“Thinking about a life where I’m not going to be bleeding every single day is heaven,” she said, hoping for an end to her years of suffering.
As Poppy continues her journey toward recovery, her story has resonated with many women who face similar struggles with their health, raising awareness about rare uterine conditions and the importance of proper diagnosis and care.
