Dear Letena Ethiopia, I’m a 29-year-old woman from Dallol, Afar. Please keep my identity secret. I’m writing to you because I don’t know where else to turn. I’ve been feeling scared and confused lately about what’s happening to my body. I’m hoping your team might be able to help me understand what’s going on or at least guide me toward the next steps
It all began a few months ago when I started noticing unusual signs that have slowly become more worrying. At first, it was just a strange pressure in my lower belly, almost like something heavy is sitting there. I assumed it was just bloating since I get that from time to time. Then, about two months ago, I started noticing bleeding between my periods. It’s not heavy or anything, just small spots that show up unexpectedly on my undergarments. At first, I tried brushing it off, thinking maybe it was stress or that my body was just tired, but as time goes on, it’s becoming harder to ignore.
Lately, things have become even more unusual. I’ve noticed that I feel full just after a few bites of food, and most days my stomach feels bloated almost every day. I’ve also noticed a small lump when I lie down. It doesn’t hurt, but I know it wasn’t there before. Even going to Meelal to relieve myself hasn’t felt normal recently.
I’ve been married for a few years now, and I’ve never been pregnant; I don’t have any children. When I first got married, I used injectable contraceptives for a while, but aside from that, I’ve had a normal married life. Recently, I’ve started feeling discomfort and pain during sex, something I’ve never experienced before.
I honestly don’t know what this could mean, but deep down, I’m worried. That’s why I feel it’s important to reach out before things get worse.In a conversation with my friend, she mentioned that her aunt once had something similar, and it turned out to be a tumor. I don’t want to jump to conclusions, but I also can’t ignore the possibility.
I live in a small village of Dallol in the Afar region, where it’s hard to find someone who specializes in women’s health. That’s why I’m reaching out to you. I’ve heard that your organization helps women who don’t always have access to care, and I’m hoping maybe you can help me too. Either with advice or just pointing me in the right direction. I can’t shake the feeling that something is wrong.
Please let me know if there’s any way someone from your team could speak to me, even remotely. I don’t have many options. Your support would mean a lot in understanding what’s happening to my body.Please let me know if you can arrange a phone consultation or connect me to a women’s health specialist.
Thank you so much for reading this. Even just writing it down has been a bit of a relief.
Sincerely X
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