Irais (above) was treated by Dr. Emma Jamison, a gynecologist, who provided a myomectomy to remove intramural fibroids while sparing the uterus. Irais’s daughter (photo lower right) born in October 2023.

“I am eternally grateful for Dr. Jamison and Operation Access for keeping my dream alive of becoming a mother.”

Irais felt powerless. She dreamed of having a child, but she had been experiencing pain and abnormal bleeding. Every day for two months, she endured heavy bleeding. She also suffered back and pelvic pain along with urinary urgency. Irais visited a clinic for help and was initially diagnosed with uterine fibroids. She was told the solution to her condition was a hysterectomy. Unwilling to give up her dream of becoming a mother, Irais got various treatments (oral contraceptive pills and later an IUD) to provide temporary relief for some of her symptoms and saved up money so she could get a second opinion. She endured recurring pain and her condition led to bouts of anxiety and depression.

Determined to restore her health and have a baby, Irais visited Marin Community Clinics and was examined by Dr. Emma Jamison, a gynecologist. Dr. Jamison diagnosed intramural fibroids, which are non-cancerous growths on the uterus that can negatively impact fertility. To Irais’s relief, Dr. Jamison recommended a myomectomy, a surgical procedure to remove fibroids while sparing the uterus, so that Irais could continue to have menstrual periods and increase her chances of getting pregnant. Uninsured, Irais was concerned about the cost of medical care to address her health issues.

Fortunately, Dr. Jamison, who also volunteers with us, referred Irais to our program and she qualified. Irais said, “I was at the right place at the right time.” Without donated care, she would otherwise have been unable to afford surgery.

Dr. Jamison performed a myomectomy. After surgery, Irais was finally able to relax knowing that her symptoms would improve. And for the first time in a long time, she was hopeful for the future knowing that she still had the chance to get pregnant.

Having fully recovered from the surgery, Irais returned to the things she loves like riding her bicycle and going for long walks.

With her health restored, Irais got pregnant. In October 2023, she and her husband welcomed a healthy baby girl into their family. Irais shared, “I am eternally grateful for Dr. Jamison and Operation Access for keeping my dream alive of becoming a mother.”

Story and photos shared with patient’s permission.