🌟 Devastating Misdiagnosis: Mum Mistakes Cancer for Menopause 🌟
Meet Crystal Portsmouth, a brave mother of five from Wiltshire, who endured years of debilitating symptoms like chronic anaemia, severe exhaustion, and painful periods. Initially, doctors attributed her condition to fibroids and later perimenopause, advising her to double her hormone replacement therapy (HRT). Unfortunately, the real cause was far more severe: myeloma, an incurable blood cancer.
Crystal’s journey was fraught with challenges. Her symptoms were dismissed as menopausal, and she faced numerous missteps in her treatment, including the insertion of a Mirena coil that only worsened her conditions, leading to urinary tract infections (UTIs) and heavy bleeding episodes. It was only after collapsing at work in April 2023 that more thorough tests revealed the true cause of her ailments.
By July 2024, the realisation that she had myeloma left Crystal stunned, describing the experience as feeling like “a dream.” Fast forward to today, Crystal is in remission after enduring intensive chemotherapy and a stem cell transplant. She’s now on maintenance chemotherapy, bravely adjusting to her new normal and focusing on spending precious moments with her family.
Joining forces with Myeloma UK, Crystal is on a mission to raise awareness of this oft-overlooked disease. She’s part of their Christmas Appeal, urging others to listen to their bodies and push for answers if something feels off. Despite the overwhelming challenges, Crystal’s story is one of resilience and hope.
Her message is clear: don’t ignore persistent health symptoms and always seek a second opinion if needed. For anyone touched by Crystal’s journey and wanting to support or learn more, visit Myeloma UK’s Christmas Appeal online. Let’s unite in making myeloma a little less invisible. ❤️
#MyelomaAwareness #HealthMatters #ListenToYourBody