Welcome to Wonder in the Weeds. In this episode, I am opening up about a deeply personal, ten-year battle with the medical system. Starting in my late thirties, I dealt with severe pain, heavy bleeding, and extreme swelling. Despite staying highly active with spin classes and yoga teacher training, multiple doctors repeatedly dismissed my concerns.

They often blamed my weight and told me to simply eat less and move more.Because of my background in health coaching, I internalized this dismissal and blamed myself.

My health continued to decline, leading to such severe anemia that I craved nothing but ice chips and pickles. The breaking point finally arrived when my general practitioner noticed my dangerously low hemoglobin levels, which pushed my care team to take my situation seriously.

This crisis ultimately led me to agree to a partial hysterectomy.

After the procedure, my surgeon validated everything I had been experiencing: I had a massive fibroid and excessive tissue causing my severe symptoms. Tune in to hear why you must always advocate for yourself when the medical system stops listening.

Key Takeaways:

The danger of medical dismissal: Doctors ignored my severe symptoms and blamed my weight, which severely delayed vital treatment.Overcoming self-blame: The mental toll of internalizing medical gaslighting left me thinking I was failing my own body.The reality of a hysterectomy: I experienced immediate physical relief from finally receiving the right surgical intervention.Advocating for yourself:

You know your body best and must push back until you find a doctor who listens.

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Welcome to "Wonder in the Weeds" with trauma therapist Cristie Ritz-King.

This is the show where we talk about how to live, love, and grow right alongside grief, change, and the "wild messiness of this human life".

Moving beyond the role of the "blank slate" therapist , Cristie combines her professional experience with her personal stories of challenge and reinvention. We're not about toxic positivity or influencer-style advice. Instead, this is a space for authentic connection, community , and understanding that we don't have to wait for life to be perfect to feel good.

Each week, we'll talk about:

Finding "wonder" even when you feel like you're "walking through the weeds".

Navigating personal change, from parenting to finding your authentic self.

The "Weeds of the Week," where we discuss everything from small daily annoyances to the big things that bother us.

Sharing stories to feel less alone in our experiences.

Join us to get through the weeds together.

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➡️ Website: https://thewonder.life/