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Despite being warned that she would never be able to have kids, Kirsty Hannam defied the odds and gave birth to four children within the span of a year.
At the age of 18, Kirsty Hannam was diagnosed with endometriosis and was advised by her medical professionals that it was highly unlikely that she would ever be able to have children of her own.
However, in November 2018, just three months into her relationship with her partner, Rob O’Her, a civil enforcement officer, Kirsty found out that she was pregnant with twins. This was an exciting and life-changing moment for the couple.
Kirsty welcomed her twins, William (5 pounds 9 ounces) and Willow (6 pounds 7 ounces), into the world with her husband Rob by her side in June 2019. However, only six months later, Kirsty was admitted to the hospital due to excruciating pain caused by the endometriosis.
In March 2020, Kirsty found out that she was pregnant with twins again, just seven months after giving birth to her first set of twins. This news completely took her by surprise. In October 2020, Kirsty became a mother to identical twin girls, Alice (5 pounds 6 ounces) and Oife (5 pounds 3 ounces).
Kirsty was amazed at the fact that she had gone from being told that she would never be able to have children to having four in the space of a handful of years. She considers having two sets of twins a great blessing, despite the challenges that come along with it.
Kirsty was 18 when she was diagnosed with endometriosis and accepted that it was unlikely that she would ever be able to have children with her now-ex-husband, whom she was married to from 2011 to 2018.
“At the time, I was married and established, and having children seemed like the natural next step with my partner,” said Kirsty. “However, I was aware that this was quite unlikely to occur. It was heartbreaking since I had always wanted to be a mother.”
Kirsty’s marriage ended in 2018, and she began a new relationship with Rob later that year. Rob was a former classmate of hers and knew everything about her health before they got married. It was never an issue for them.
Kirsty now knows that her twins were conceived in Bruges, Belgium, while she and Rob were enjoying their very first romantic vacation together. After a few weeks had passed, she still didn’t feel quite right, and her hormones seemed to be all over the place, so she decided to get a pregnancy test done. The test confirmed her suspicions that she was really pregnant.
When Kirsty told Rob that she was pregnant, she apologized and told him that she didn’t believe she was capable of having children. Despite the fact that they had only been together for three months, they were thrilled. However, Kirsty didn’t want to get her hopes up since someone had previously informed her that if she got pregnant, it would most likely be an ectopic pregnancy.
When Kirsty gave birth to her first set of twins, Rob had tears streaming down his face, and Kirsty couldn’t have been happier looking at her newborn children. She never thought that she would have any more children because her two toddlers were already quite a handful.
However, “I think Rob and I did want more children, but we knew I’d have to have a hysterectomy, so we didn’t think it would actually happen,” Kirsty said. She considers herself a fortunate woman.
FAQs
What is endometriosis?
Endometriosis is a medical condition that affects women of reproductive age. It occurs when the tissue that lines the uterus, called the endometrium, grows outside of the uterus and attaches to other organs in the pelvic area, such as the ovaries, fallopian tubes, or bladder.
What are the symptoms of endometriosis?
The most common symptoms of endometriosis include pelvic pain, painful periods, pain during sex, infertility, and heavy menstrual bleeding. Some women may also experience fatigue, digestive issues, and painful bowel movements.
What causes endometriosis?
The exact cause of endometriosis is unknown, but researchers believe that it may be linked to hormonal imbalances, genetics, or immune system issues.
How is endometriosis diagnosed?
Endometriosis can be difficult to diagnose because the symptoms are similar to other conditions. A doctor may perform a physical exam, pelvic exam, or ultrasound to look for signs of endometriosis. In some cases, laparoscopic surgery may be necessary to confirm the diagnosis.
Is endometriosis treatable?
Yes, endometriosis can be treated. Treatment options may include pain medication, hormone therapy, or surgery to remove the endometriosis tissue. In some cases, women with endometriosis may also need fertility treatment to conceive.
Can endometriosis be cured?
There is currently no cure for endometriosis. However, with proper treatment and management, many women with endometriosis are able to manage their symptoms and lead normal lives.
Does endometriosis increase the risk of cancer?
Endometriosis does not increase the risk of cancer. However, women with endometriosis may be at a slightly higher risk of developing ovarian cancer.
Can endometriosis affect fertility?
Yes, endometriosis can affect fertility. Women with endometriosis may have difficulty conceiving because the endometriosis tissue can block the fallopian tubes or cause damage to the ovaries. However, with proper treatment, many women with endometriosis are able to conceive and have healthy pregnancies.
Can endometriosis come back after treatment?
Yes, endometriosis can come back after treatment. It is important for women with endometriosis to continue to work with their doctor to manage their symptoms and monitor for any signs of recurrence.
What can I do to manage my endometriosis symptoms?
There are several things that women with endometriosis can do to manage their symptoms, including practicing good self-care, getting regular exercise, eating a healthy diet, and working with their doctor to find the best treatment options for them. It is also important to seek support from friends, family, or a support group to help manage the emotional impact of the condition.
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