Life has a way of throwing some real curveballs, and for Keely Favell, it came out of nowhere. In her 20s and full of energy, she never imagined she'd face a medical mystery. Always healthy and active, it was a shock when she noticed something strange going on with her body.
Confused and worried, Keely started guessing what could be wrong. Little did she know, the answer would be something nobody saw coming. Her journey turned into a wild ride of surprises, uncovering a truth that left everyone speechless and led her down an unexpected path to figuring it all out.
The Start of a Shocking Health Saga
Growing up in Swansea, Wales, Keely was just like any young woman, enjoying life and indulging in good food. When she started gaining weight in 2014, she didn't think much of it until her belly began to swell, making her look pregnant. Though she wasn't slim to start with, her growing stomach raised her concerns.
Thinking she might be pregnant, Keely took multiple tests, all of which were negative. The confusion and worry set in—what on earth was going on? This seemingly ordinary weight gain spiraled into an extraordinary riddle, leaving Keely to uncover the truth behind her unexpected transformation. What she discovered was beyond anyone's imagination.
Struggling to Stay Fit
Keely was struggling, and it was evident. No matter how much she hit the gym or ate healthy, her weight only kept climbing. It was more than frustrating because it was affecting her emotionally.
With a big company event coming up, her confidence took a dive. Usually excited about such affairs, Keely was feeling self-conscious about her appearance. The dress she picked somehow highlighted her figure, making her even more anxious about the inevitable questions from others. Different factors can cause weight gain, but what was causing this for Keely, though? Could it be the stress or some other reason that's more stressful?
When Efforts Fail
It seemed futile, but Keely stuck to her routine every day, hoping to lose her growing belly fat. But still, nothing worked, and things just kept getting worse. Frustratingly, all the weight seemed to settle right in her abdomen. This isn't uncommon—conditions like polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) or hypothyroidism, also called underactive thyroid, can make weight loss difficult for many people, as per the Mayo Clinic website.
Keely's swollen tummy felt strange, and she couldn't ignore it anymore. How could anyone in that state, though? Staring at her reflection, she knew it was time to get checked out to understand what was happening with her body.
What Could Be the Reason for this Bulge?
But before that, Keely lived her life like everything was normal, clinging to a bit of denial. Her stomach, becoming tender to the touch, made optimism hard to maintain. Even as she astonishingly ballooned to a size 8, she avoided seeking medical advice—ironically, despite her father being a doctor.
Did you know that family members of doctors often have better access to healthcare advice and information? Still, in her mind, Keely hoped her expanding belly might mean a blessing on the way. However, reality had something much more unexpected in store for her. Eventually, the time would come for her to face the truth.
The Possibility of Pregnancy
Keely pondered her symptoms for days and days, trying to piece everything together. Eventually, she concluded it had to be pregnancy. It seemed logical; she and her boyfriend, Jamie Gibbons, had been together for a decade, weathering life's ups and downs.
Though having a baby wasn't in their immediate plans, the couple realized they needed to be prepared if she was expecting. As the saying goes, no one is ever truly ready for parenthood. The urgency pushed them to seek answers pronto, even though it's possible to experience pregnancy-like symptoms due to other health conditions, such as hormonal imbalances or stress.
The Nerve-Wracking Test
Keely and Jamie, young but determined, bought several home pregnancy test kits and set aside a day to take them together. Despite their optimism, the first test was negative, leaving them puzzled. Hoping for a different result, they tried another kit, but it was negative again.
This news was alarming, suggesting Keely's condition might be more serious than they thought, possibly even a miscarriage. According to Mayo Clinic, between 10 and 20 percent of early pregnancies end in that. Realizing the gravity of the situation, they knew a doctor's appointment was their next step to uncover what was happening.
Searching for Clarity
To rule out any serious issues, Keely and Jamie decided to visit a doctor. However, they were back to square one when the doctor said her condition was just weight gain. This left them confused and frustrated. Despite living a healthy lifestyle, Keely's symptoms remained a mystery. With no clear answers from the professionals, she felt stuck and desperate for a diagnosis.
What could be causing her unusual symptoms? The search for the truth was far from over. As Keely grappled with her unexplained condition, she knew she had to keep pushing for answers to understand what was really happening to her body.
Receiving No Diagnosis
Keely felt lost without answers and suspected she might still be pregnant despite the doctor's conclusion. Though she trusted medical professionals, she couldn't stop speculating. Her symptoms, especially her growing stomach, seemed to align with pregnancy. She could only hope that things would be solved once the 'baby' came—that was until the gestational period passed and her tummy still kept growing.
Then, one fateful day at work, Keely suddenly felt extremely sick. Interestingly, some conditions can mimic pregnancy symptoms. What was happening to her? This unexpected turn pushed her to seek urgent answers, and the enigma of her condition only grew deeper.
The Day Keely Collapsed
Battling an unknown illness while maintaining her job was incredibly tough for Keely. Despite her health concerns, she continued working. One day, everything came to a head. She felt a sharp pain in her stomach and passed out, with her colleagues rushing to her aid. This unfortunate incident at the office was a wake-up call.
When Keely visited a doctor, she was stunned by his diagnosis: the cause was likely work-related stress. This explanation left her more perplexed than ever as she grappled with how stress alone could lead to such severe symptoms. The search for answers was far from over.
A Growing Frustration
The doctor reassured Keely that her blackout wasn't serious and that rest would prevent it from happening again. He emphasized that she wasn't pregnant and attributed her symptoms to baby fat. Despite his reassurances, Keely couldn't escape the daily torment of questions about her growing belly. Friends, family, and even strangers assumed she was expecting and would deliver soon.
Keely felt lost, unsure of how to respond to their probing questions. The constant scrutiny weighed heavily on her, leaving her feeling isolated and confused. Each day became a battle as she navigated the misconceptions and tried to maintain her composure.
Expecting or Not?
At some point, Keely found herself repeatedly explaining that she was not pregnant and had just gained weight. While understandable, given her appearance, the constant queries irritated her. She believed such personal questions were inappropriate even if she was expecting a child.
This relentless questioning made Keely start to doubt herself, wondering if the diagnosis might be accurate. It was the only explanation she had since she was still clueless about her body's actual condition. The ongoing confusion and lack of answers left her frustrated, even though she was still seeking the root of her health concerns. Keely's patience was wearing thin.
Outgrowing Her Wardrobe
Given how large her tummy had become, any stranger passing Keely on the street would assume she was about to give birth. Walking turned into a struggle as she waddled like a duck due to her increased body mass, and she needed new clothes since nothing fit anymore.
Clothes shopping lost its charm, as only the maternity section had outfits that complemented her rounded figure. By December 2016, her physique remained unchanged except for her stomach, which grew disturbingly enormous. Keely’s condition obviously baffled everyone, leaving her in a constant state of discomfort and frustration as she searched for answers.
Urgent Action Required
Keely kept losing consciousness at work, and even breathing became hard. Her body was reacting negatively to whatever was happening inside, which was not good. Realizing she needed a sound explanation, she decided to seek a second opinion.
Keely's colleagues agreed and urged her to consult a specialist rather than a regular doctor. They wondered why she hadn't done this sooner—didn't she care about her health? Unbeknownst to them, Keely had been trying everything she could, but no one had been able to give her a precise diagnosis. The escalating symptoms made it evident she needed immediate and specialized care.
Desperate Search for Answers
Living a health-conscious lifestyle, Keely's peers could see she was in denial about her bodily problems. After fainting for the fourth time, she finally agreed to seek help from a specialist. Everyone hoped for answers, but another shocking potential cause emerged—her acne medication.
This new theory only added to Keely's frustration. She felt that the doctors weren't making any effort to research her condition thoroughly. After endless attempts to find a solution, she decided enough was enough. The continuous struggle for a proper diagnosis was taking a toll on her patience and well-being, leaving her extremely desperate at this point.
Another Round of Tests
The physicians didn't realize that Keely hadn't taken her acne medication for a while, so she argued it couldn't be the reason for her fatigue and blackouts. Running out of options, the doctor offered to do a blood test to check for other causes and to determine once and for all if she was pregnant.
Interestingly, the doctor also ordered an ultrasound. Her size made it difficult for her to move and breathe—something that should have been addressed as soon as her stomach began to bulge uncontrollably. Keely hoped this thorough examination would finally reveal the truth about her mysterious condition.
The Diagnostic Moment
Knowing the ultrasound images were critical, Keely’s doctor instructed the specialist to expedite her results. This was the moment of truth for Keely; she crossed her fingers, hoping for the answer that had eluded her for years.
As she lay on the table, the technician performed the procedure, and Keely wondered if this was finally the light at the end of the tunnel. However, her suspicion grew when the technician began reacting unusually during the ultrasound. What was wrong with her? The tension in the room was palpable, and Keely braced herself for the revelation that could finally end her long ordeal.
What’s Up with Keely’s Stomach?
The results were in, and Keely waited anxiously as the doctor reviewed her scans. Suddenly, he recommended seeking another specialist's opinion, leaving Keely's mind reeling. If her doctor needed a second opinion, her condition must be more serious than she had imagined.
Despite her large stomach, the images confirmed that Keely was never pregnant. Something else was causing her frequent blackouts. The doctor hinted at a potentially life-threatening illness, though it wasn't confirmed yet. Her heart pounded as she realized the gravity of her situation. The mystery of her condition was far from over, and the stakes were higher than ever.
A CT Scan was Needed
Keely finally learned the truth about her expanding belly. It wasn’t her stomach but her uterus, harboring either a cyst or a tumor. This information left her stunned and uncertain about what to do next. The pieces of her medical mystery began to fall into place. To get a clearer picture, the doctors recommended a CT scan.
The atmosphere was thick with tension as Keely and her boyfriend Jamie waited for the results. The minutes felt like hours as they hoped this test would finally reveal what was causing her mysterious symptoms. Keely's journey was far from over, but answers were within reach.
The Ovarian Cyst Revelation
All the uncertainty finally came to an end for Keely. She could now find some emotional relief with a seemingly precise diagnosis. Her 'baby bump' was actually a giant ovarian cyst, not weight gain or pregnancy. The massive cyst measured 9 inches, and she felt as uncomfortable as it looked, pressing against her stomach.
This cyst had been the reason behind her mysterious weight gain all along. However, the urgency of the situation was clear—Keely needed surgery quickly, as the cyst could rupture at any moment. This revelation was both a relief and a new challenge, marking the next step in her journey.
Understanding Cysts
Most people aren't medical experts, so even though cysts are common, understanding them can be confusing. Essentially, a cyst is like a fluid-filled plastic bag but with its own complexities. Although they are often harmless, their impact depends on location and size.
Unfortunately for Keely, her cyst was in her ovary and enormous. This posed a significant risk; if the cyst obstructed a main artery and compromised blood circulation, Keely could face serious complications, especially if it burst. Her condition was far from typical, and the urgency for surgical intervention was clear. The discovery marked a pivotal moment in Keely's health struggle.
Finding Treatments for the Condition
Keely decided to see another doctor to explore treatment options. Every physician she met was shocked by the size of her cyst, and she couldn’t help but notice their stunned reactions. The new specialist confirmed what she already knew—her ovarian cyst was incredibly rare.
Cases like hers didn’t come along often. He even suggested that her case could be a significant highlight in his career and might help treat others with similar conditions. Keely’s situation, though daunting, had the potential to advance medical knowledge and bring hope to others facing similar health challenges. She felt a mix of fear and hope as she faced the next steps.
Overwhelmed with Details
The specialist informed Keely that there might be more than one cyst inside her body. Based on their size, these lumps could be connected to organs like her intestine, liver, or stomach. This news was daunting for Keely, as it made surgery seem inevitable. Her symptoms were varied and severe, and it was clear the cyst was the root cause.
The full extent of the damage to her internal structures was still unknown, making it crucial to address the issue quickly. Keely faced another daunting step, hoping that the surgery would bring her the relief and answers she desperately needed.
A Critical Countdown
Keely's treatment plan kicked into high gear as the surgery approached. The cyst’s size made it a pressing issue, not just physically but also for her mental well-being. Unfortunately, the doctors had to remove one of her ovaries since the cyst had likely caused too much damage.
Adding to the stress, Keely might need a long recovery time in the hospital, depending on what the surgeons found once they started. It was a lot to take in, but our girl knew this surgery was crucial for getting her health back on track. She braced herself for the next big step.
The Importance of Support
Agonizing over whether to inform her family about her upcoming surgery, Keely struggled with her choice. Since her first symptoms appeared, she had kept them in the dark, not wanting to worry them, especially with her mother in Australia. Yet, the thought of facing surgery alone, even with her boyfriend by her side, was daunting.
Keely feared something might go wrong in the operating room and worried she would regret not seeing her family if it turned out to be her last chance. This decision weighed heavily on her heart as she balanced her desire to protect her loved ones with her need for their support during this critical time.
Date Set for Surgery
Luck finally favored Keely as her mom flew to her side without hesitation. Although her father couldn't join, he made sure his presence was felt and his support known despite the distance. With her family now fully behind her, Keely felt more prepared to face this challenge.
The surgery was scheduled in a few weeks, and the timing couldn't be better. The cyst had grown into a full-blown monster, adding five more inches to its size. Keely knew the end of this ordeal was near, and with her loved ones supporting her, she felt ready to conquer whatever came next.
Keely's Surgery Day
Keely's case got a new addition, an obstetrician who specialized in high-risk patients. After examining her, he said they needed to operate immediately because the cyst had grown since the last checkup. Keely was scared but hoped for the best. She found out the incision would be long, reaching down to her pelvic bone.
The nurses were super kind on the morning of the surgery, helping her get into her gown and wheeling her to the operating room. She felt pretty relaxed until the needle came into view, which spiked her anxiety. The moment had come, and Keely was ready to face it head-on.
Ordeal in the OR
Needles freak out even the bravest folks, and Keely was no exception. When she saw she was about to be poked, she had a full-on anxiety attack in the OR. The medical staff took turns calming her down and finally got the medication in. It was go-time for the surgery.
What was supposed to be a quick, one-hour operation stretched on. Keely’s parents were in the waiting room, getting more anxious by the minute. After five hours with no updates, their worry turned into fear. They started to think the worst, wondering if Keely would make it through. The waiting game was pure torture as they hoped for good news.
Surgery Success!
After a long and challenging journey, Keely finally had some good news. The doctors were happy to report that the surgery was a success, and they had removed the entire mass. Keely felt an immense relief, knowing that her life could soon get back to normal. It had all been worth it.
She couldn't wait to see her family after everything she had been through. The surgery had taken longer than expected, and she knew they must be worried sick. Now, her next stop was the recovery room, and she was eager to be out of the OR and back with her loved ones.
Unexpected Hospital Stars
Keely's cyst had always been massive, piquing the curiosity of everyone in the medical community. After the surgery, the pathologists collected and weighed it—an incredible 60 pounds!
When Keely woke up, she was shown pictures of her "pseudo baby" and was completely freaked out. But the relief soon took over, and she was thrilled it was out of her body and couldn't affect her anymore. Keely felt like a completely new person as if she had been given a fresh start. The joy and relief were indescribable, and she looked forward to a healthier and happier future.
Rediscovering Confidence Post-Op
Before her life-saving operation, even simple tasks like walking were a struggle for Keely. She couldn’t move around much, and when she did, she was always out of breath. The entire experience taught her never to take anything for granted, as life can throw the most significant hurdles, testing one's character.
With the cyst gone, Keely could finally wear her old clothes and feel proud of how she looked. It was as if a separate entity that had tortured her was removed, and now she was free. The relief and newfound freedom were exhilarating, and Keely embraced her second chance with gratitude and joy.
Keely and Mr. Whippy
Sometimes, people get oddly attached to things that caused them pain. For Keely, it was her cyst. Even after the surgery, she couldn't get it out of her mind—it looked just like a swirly scoop of ice cream! For a laugh, Keely decided to name it 'Mr. Whippy.'
Naming it Mr. Whippy made Keely one of the most unforgettable patients at the hospital. After all, it's not every day you hear about someone 'giving birth' to a sixty-pound cyst! Despite everything, Keely's sense of humor turned a tough situation into a memorable story that everyone at the hospital would remember.
A Quick Discharge
Undergoing major surgery can be tough on anyone's body, but Keely bounced back quickly. Her youth played a significant role in her speedy recovery, and she was discharged from the hospital less than a week after the procedure.
Keely left the hospital with a unique post-operative souvenir—a 12-inch scar from her chest down to her pelvic bone. Despite her battle scars and the loss of one ovary, Keely remained optimistic. She was determined to get back on track and reclaim the life she had put on hold. Her resilience and positive attitude inspired everyone around her, making her journey a story of hope and strength.
Triumph in Feeling Beautiful Again
Keely always loved her body, but when her abdomen swelled, she never thought she’d feel beautiful again. After the cyst was removed, she started feeling like herself once more. Sure, she ended up with some stretch marks from the stretched skin, but she gladly accepted those over the cyst.
The whole Favell family was thrilled to have Keely back. Her energy was different, and she almost looked like her old self, minus the extra weight. Keely’s journey had been tough, but she bounced back with newfound confidence and joy. She embraced life again, showing everyone that beauty and strength come from within.
Relief at Last!
Keely's journey toward full recovery was filled with hope and optimism for the future. Physically, she was able to regain her strength, gradually easing back into her daily routine. This phase marked a fresh start for her, a chance to embrace life anew.
Supported by her loving parents and siblings, Keely found comfort in their unwavering support throughout her recuperation. Her colleagues and close friends also played pivotal roles, offering invaluable assistance. She felt deeply grateful for the remarkable support system surrounding her, which testifies to the strength of her relationships and the positivity they infused into her journey forward.
An Inspiring Year of Change
After a whole year passed since Keely's surgery, it was evident that things have really turned around. She's feeling fantastic, more confident than ever. Keely's even thinking about starting a family soon—the surgeon gave her the green light, and she's grateful beyond words for their expertise. With this newfound positivity, she's excited to share her story, hoping it'll uplift others facing tough times.
Keely's story reminds all of us that life's hurdles can lead to unexpected joys if you keep pushing forward and believing in better days ahead. Her resilience is infectious, showing that with courage and determination, anything is possible!