In a harrowing account of medical oversight, Monica Eryn Johnson, a 40-year-old entrepreneur from New York, revealed that she was compelled to undergo major pelvic reconstructive surgery after years of dismissive treatment from healthcare professionals regarding her severe symptoms related to uterine fibroids and endometriosis.
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For nearly a decade, Johnson grappled with a host of alarming symptoms that she initially attributed to hormonal changes. The beauty entrepreneur and advertising producer recounted her ordeal in an exclusive interview with PEOPLE, stating, “I was constantly fatigued and experienced bloating, bladder pressure, and hormonal fluctuations, all compounded by heavy menstrual cycles.” Despite her attempts to manage her health, her condition deteriorated to a point where it became “impossible to ignore.”
The severity of her symptoms prompted a fertility consultation in early 2023, during which a specialist confirmed the presence of uterine fibroids. Yet, when Johnson raised her concerns with her long-time OB-GYN, she was met with disbelief. “My primary OB-GYN, a doctor I trusted for years, dismissed my symptoms as inconsequential and couldn’t ascertain what was wrong,” she recalled.
Determined to seek help, Johnson insisted on further testing, which eventually confirmed the existence of multiple fibroids, including one that was “the size of a grapefruit.” Despite receiving this alarming diagnosis from a nurse, she was reassured that “everything was fine” and given no follow-up plan. This dismissal left Johnson to suffer in silence, battling severe pain without medical support.
As her condition worsened, Johnson was forced into an emergency myomectomy in 2024, a procedure to surgically remove fibroids. “By that stage, my abdomen was so distended I looked several months pregnant, and the pressure was unbearable,” she recounted. Unfortunately, even post-surgery, Johnson continued to endure debilitating pain, leading her to seek care from a new doctor—a decision that would finally change her circumstances.
The new physician conducted a thorough evaluation, something Johnson felt had been lacking in her previous care. “They listened intently to my symptoms and promptly recommended a laparoscopic diagnostic procedure to investigate for endometriosis, which had never been suggested to me before,” she said. The subsequent diagnosis revealed not only endometriosis but also serious complications that required the expertise of a pelvic surgeon.
Utilising AI and online resources, Johnson researched potential specialists and found a surgeon equipped to handle her complex case. “This was a significant turning point,” she noted. Within just eight weeks, she underwent the critical surgery at the close of 2025, marking the beginning of her recovery journey. “For the first time in a long while, I feel like myself again,” she said, expressing relief at no longer living with chronic pain.
Despite her physical recovery, Johnson faces ongoing emotional challenges, particularly concerning her future fertility prospects. “Learning that I might struggle to conceive naturally, coupled with the changes my body has undergone, has been a profound mental burden,” she acknowledged.
Moreover, Johnson discovered upon reviewing her medical records that her original physician had recognised her fibroids as early as 2016 but failed to inform her or outline any treatment options. “This revelation was shocking,” she stated. “Realising that my health went unaddressed for so long prompted a complex emotional response – grief, anger, and eventually acceptance.”
Drawing from her experiences, Johnson is passionate about advocating for women’s health, particularly among Black women, whose health concerns are often minimised. “My advice is to act on your intuition. If something feels wrong, don’t hesitate to seek multiple opinions,” she urged. “Be relentless in your pursuit of answers. You know your body best—never underestimate your voice in the face of medical indifference.”
Johnson’s story serves as a poignant reminder of the necessity for women to advocate for their health and highlights the significant gaps that can exist within medical care. Her journey from despair to empowerment underscores a broader message: women deserve to be heard and taken seriously regarding their health concerns.