When Everything Changed: My Journey Through a Hysterectomy, Medical Trauma, and Rediscovering Strength

At 39, my life changed overnight. What began as sudden pelvic restriction and intense pain—something that took me from being a high-level athlete to someone who could barely squat—led to an urgent hysterectomy. My uterus had fused to my pelvis, a complication of what was believed to be advanced endometriosis. I was given only a couple of months to prepare, which, in Canada’s medical system, was considered fast.

The surgery was supposed to be the solution. Instead, it almost killed me.

A blood clot formed post-surgery and ruptured the wall of my rebuilt cervix, leading to massive internal bleeding. I became part of the one percent of women who experience catastrophic hemorrhage after hysterectomy. I was rushed into trauma surgery to save my life. I am lucky to be alive.

When I was discharged, I was given no hormone therapy, no aftercare plan, and no guidance on how to navigate the trauma—physically, mentally, or hormonally. I kept my ovaries, but my body had already been thrown into hormonal chaos. I was left to manage the aftermath alone.

What followed was a six-year battle to uncover the truth behind my ongoing health struggles—eventually leading to a diagnosis of a mast cell disorder that had gone undiscovered for years. That experience forced me to rebuild not only my body but also my faith in my own intuition. It taught me to question everything I was told about recovery, menopause, and what it means to “bounce back.”

This journey completely reshaped how I coach women today inside SHIFT. Because for so many of us, midlife isn’t just about aging—it’s about surviving. It’s about learning to live in a body that’s been through medical trauma, hormonal chaos, and years of being told, “you’re fine.”

SHIFT was built for women like me—and maybe like you—who are ready to feel strong again, understand their bodies, and take control of their health without the noise, confusion, or dismissal that too often comes with traditional care.

If this resonates with you, I invite you to apply for coaching. Whether you’re navigating perimenopause, recovering from surgery, or simply ready to reclaim your strength, you don’t have to do it alone.