This 24-year-old girl was living a normal life when something unusual happened to her. She was just like everyone else until something massive started growing inside her belly. Keely Favell was at a loss when doctors could not figure out what was happening to her.
Her Pregnancy Revealed Something Out Of The Ordinary
The Beginning
Her stomach was expanding at a rapid speed and the only normal reasoning pointed to pregnancy. Weirdly enough, all the pregnancy tests said negative. At that point, she felt helpless but doctors continued to act like nothing serious was going on.
The Beginning
Her Story
Keely’s story goes like this. She is 28 years old born and raised in Swansea, Wales. When she was only 24 years old, she started to gain an excessive amount of weight that she was frequently mistaken for being nine months pregnant. In an interview with BBC News, she admitted that she was never incredibly skinny, but the stomach came from nowhere.
Her Story
Healthy Lifestyle
She always kept up a healthy lifestyle and was careful with what she ate. She knew she did not have a stick-thin figure and she was devoted to going to the gym regularly. After all the hard work she was putting in, she couldn’t understand why she was gaining so much weight. Her frustration only progressed as the mystery continued.
Say Hi To Keely
Not As It Seems
Before things took a turn, Keely’s biggest issue was her insecurity. She felt too large to find an outfit to wear to her Christmas party. Little did she know that things were about to escalate for her.
Not As It Seems
Too Fast To Keep Up With
Despite everything, she did her stomach just kept getting larger and larger. She was eating healthy and working out but still, her body was getting bigger. This is the most frustrating that can happen to someone who is trying to lose weight.
Too Fast To Keep Up With
What Was Going On?
It came so slowly that she did not even realize what was happening. She described it like this, ” I thought I was putting on timber.” She was exercising more rigorously and eating a stricter diet but still, she saw no results.
What Was Going On?
Not Just Growing
There was no way she could turn a blind eye to this weight gain any longer. All of the weight was going to her stomach and something was up. Also, her stomach started to develop a harder shell. She did not know where to go from there.
Not Just Growing
Staying Hopeful
She was doing her best to stay positive and was sure that with time the problem would go away. But still, her stomach was becoming larger with the days and more strange to carry. She was still keeping the mindset that it would get better, but unfortunately, that’s not exactly what happened.
Staying Hopeful
There’s Only One Explanation
She grew up in a home with her father who worked as a doctor and this made her a coward when it came to doctor visits. However, her dress size had gone all the way up to a size eight and she did not know what to do.
There’s Only One Explanation
Her Gut Feeling
Keely was unprepared for what was coming. The only thing she could think of was pregnancy, but she was hesitant to believe it. She couldn’t understand what else could be causing this and she was starting to feel like she was crazy.
Her Gut Feeling
With Child
Keely was looking at all the factors of the situation and all things led to once explanation. She had to be pregnant. Her stomach was the only part of her body growing larger and her entier mental and physical well being was deteriorating. She also was in a serious relationship with someone.
With Child
Unplanned Pregnancy
There was no way out and this had to be the cause of the weight gain. Keely and her boyfriend knew that pregnancy was a possibility but they were hoping that this was not the cause. The wait was killing them and they were becoming incredibly anxious.
Unplanned Pregnancy
Soon To Be Parents
Keely was in a serious relationship for nearly ten years so it made sense that she could potentially be pregnant. They were far from ready but they also knew they had to check so they could at least rule it out.
Soon To Be Parents
The Blue Stripe
The two were completely relieved to see that the test was negative. They were also quite surprised since this was the only logical explanation they could think of. They weren’t quick to believe the test and instead tried again.
The Blue Strip
Getting Worried
They couldn’t believe this was true and felt it was the appropriate time to visit a doctor. Her stomach was growing but she was not pregnant, so what else could it be? A million thoughts were rushing through her head until things started to get worse.
Getting Really Worried
Facing Her Fears
As much as she feared this, she realized it was time to see a doctor. She was finally going to get to the bottom of this but unfortunately, she wasn’t going to get the answer she hoped for. The doctor was so unprofessional and just told her that she was fat.
Facing Her Fears
Following Her Instincts
Despite the doctor’s behavior to her, she knew in her heart that something was wrong. It wasn’t causing so much harm to her life so she ignored it for the time being. It was still frustrating not knowing the cause of this giant stomach.
Following Her Instincts
Not Trustworthy
She was constantly exploring all the possibilities of what could be growing inside her stomach. It appeared as if she was pregnant but she wasn’t so what was going on? She was not trusting the doctors but they were the experts so she did not know what to do anymore.
Not Trustworthy
No Solution
The good thing about being pregnant was that her problem would go away after she gave birth. But this is not what happened. Her stomach continued growing for another two years and continued getting larger every single month. Finally, something terrible happened at work.
No Solution
She Collapsed
She was going about her duties at work when she started to feel slightly nauseous and suddenly she passed out on the floor. Her coworkers rushed to her and once she woke up, they told her that she just fainted. Keely was so scared and did not remember any of this.
She Collapsed
A Difficult Period
This was the moment she realized enough was enough and she needed to see a professional. She visited her GP who told her the source of all her problems was simply stress. This was the answer she was given and she no other choice but to accept. So she continued her life as usual.
A Difficult Period
All From Stress?
Keely wasn’t completely convinced that this is why she passed out. And the weight gain? Where was that explanation? The doctors tried to ease her by saying there was nothing serious happening. This did not make her feel better.
All From Stress?
Not What It Appears
Everyone noticed her stomach growing and asked the same questions about her “upcoming baby.” She was tired of explaining her situation and eventually just started going along with it. This happened far too often.
No End In Sight
In the beginning, she had the same answer almost like a script, ” The doctors say I am just overweight.” She was getting frustrated with her situation but at the same time this was her life now and she couldn’t even remember how it was before her stomach started excessively growing.
No End In Sight
Due Date
People were extremely interested in her due date and pregnancy journey and she couldn’t help but feel uncomfortable when she would tell them she wasn’t pregnant. To save them the embarrassment she just went along with it.
Due Date
Changing Appearance
She started to feel insecure about her looks, especially since she was wadding around with what looked like, a pregnant stomach. None of her normal clothing fit so she said to start shopping in maternity.
Changing Appearance
Maternity Clothes
In an interview in December of 2016, she said, “I remember trying to shop for clothes and nothing would fit. I was skin and bone on top, then this massive lump and normal legs. The only thing that was going to fit was maternity wear.”
Maternity Clothes
Needs Help
She was resistant to get help but things started to take a scary turn. She was fainting at work, having trouble with her breathing, and her weight gain was not stopped. Her life was at risk and it was time to get some real help.
Needs Help
Seeking Assistance
Her coworkers were with her every step of the way and were adamant about her getting the help she needed. Many who read Keely’s story can’t understand why it took her so long to get assistance. She knew there was a problem from the beginning so why was she acting so stubborn?
Seeking Assistance
A New Explanation
Keely was doing everything in her power to maintain a normal life. After four times passing out, she realized this was the last straw. The doctors said she was overworked and the reason for her exhaustion was simply because of her acne medication.
A New Explanation
Time To Stand Up
Unfortunately, Keely wasn’t ready to accept this answer. She felt like she wasn’t being taken seriously and her problem was being dismissed. Enough was enough and she decided it was time to put her foot down. She was fed up.
Time To Stand Up
Enough Was Enough
She knew this made no sense given she stopped taking her medicine already for several months. She spoke to another doctor who again insisted she was pregnant. He followed up with blood tests to check. Once again, these tests confirmed she was not pregnant!
Enough Was Enough
Getting To The Bottom Of It
Her GP explained that the only reason she could suggest was pregnancy. Keely was so frustrated since all the tests taken confirmed that this was not the case. Her doctor ordered an immediate ultrasound to find out the truth. Keely couldn’t handle this anymore, her breathing and walking were being affected.
Getting To The Bottom Of It
The Truth At Last
Finally, the day came for her ultrasound. She felt like things were moving forward and she was finally being taken seriously. It felt like she was almost at the end, or maybe just the beginning…Let’s wait and see!
The Truth At Last
Terrified
Keely carefully watched the doctor performing the ultrasound. She looked at the expression on her face and knew immediately that something was seriously wrong. Her eyes widened with fear and Keely was nervous to hear what she was going to say.
Terrified
Consoling Keely
The doctor immediately called for a consultant. Keely’s entire body was frozen and she did not know what to say or think. She knew at this point something was wrong but still did not have her answer. Her boyfriend tried to calm her down but nothing could stop this panic attack from coming.
Consoling Keely
Not Pregnant
The screen of the ultrasound showed up blank, which meant yet another sign of no pregnancy. The specialist confirmed that her weight gain and symptoms did have an explanation. Finally, they learned her life was in danger.
Not Pregnant
Shocking News
The endless explanations were now all she could think about. A tumor, a cyst, there were so many explanations it could be but they were going to need a CT to know for sure. She was overwhelmed with the possibilities and couldn’t stop expecting the worst.
Shocking News
Emergency CT
The fact that the ultrasound was blank was a red flag. An emergency CT scan request was put in and led to the most shocking news. The experts carefully prepared Keely for what was to come and she had her boyfriend to hold her hand as they awaited the results.
Emergency CT
Not Pregnant
One thing was for sure, Keely was not expecting a baby any time soon. However, what she did have was a giant ovarian mass growing inside her. Her entire world was about to fall and she still did not have a precise answer as the doctor wasn’t sure himself.
Definitely Not Pregnant
To The Skin
The cyst they found was far from normal. It was growing inside her stomach and was 24 centimeters thick. Finally, she had gotten to the bottom of her weight gain. Still, her life was in danger and they needed to do something about it urgently.
To The Skin
What Exactly Is An Ovarian Cyst?
If you are unaware of what exactly an ovarian cyst is, then it is a fluid-filled sac that grows anywhere on the body but in this case, it’s her ovary. They don’t typically cause damage and can go away by themselves but in Keely’s case, this is not what happened.
What Exactly Is An Ovarian Cyst?
Oddly Large
In some cases, a cyst can cause damage in a person’s life if it ruptures. In these situations, the blood supply to the ovaries is blocked. Also when it is extremely large it can interfere with a healthy. Keely’s cyst met the criteria for being large!
Oddly Large
Exploring Her Options
A month after this, Keely was speaking to the specialist about her possible options. The expression on her face is still prominent in her brain. She was in shock at the sight of Keely’s stomach. Even as a specialist, she had never seen something this severe.
Exploring Her Options
Complete Shock
The specialist was extremely calm when delivering the news but the look of fear on her face told the truth. She wasn’t experienced with something like this and this made Keely even more fearful. The size that the cyst turned out to be will truly blow you away.
Complete Shock
That’s Not All
The doctor also admitted that they couldn’t know for sure, but there was a chance to multiply cysts growing attached to various organs. Although the thought scared her, she knew that her most logical option would be surgery.
That’s Not All
The Effects
They managed to narrow the problem down to it being a cyst, yet still, the impact of the cyst was not clear. She was experiencing major symptoms, thankfully none having to do with pregnancy, but still they were present. Hopefully, surgery would solve everything.
The Effects
You’re Fine
The doctor was not sure the size of the cyst or what exactly what it was but he knew that action had to be taken. He was upset with the behavior of her previous doctors and how the dismissed her concerns. What kind of professional just says “you’re fine?”
You’re Fine
One Thing For Certain
The doctor knew that she was going to lose an ovary and that the location of the cyst would determine the length of her hospital stay. She was fearing the surgery and felt as if she was giving away her life. In reality, her life wasn’t so great before given this extra weight she was carrying around!
One Thing For Certain
Support
Katie’s mother was in Australia at the moment, and she lived there. Katie decided not to tell her, because she didn’t really want her mom to worry about it. She had been through a terribly difficult period, on the other hand, and she knew the time was approaching to tell them. Fortunately, they were narrowing it down now, and she could tell them, without the uncertainty that loomed over her, that she had gone through it without her mother at her side…
Support
All Alone
She had reached the point where she could no longer do this on her own, longing for support from her family. She decided to get in touch with her dear mother, her sister, and the other people closest to her. Katie had struggled all on her own through this medical problem. Enough was enough, so strong she had been, but throughout this trauma, she longed for love and support from those close to her.
All Alone
Ready To Go
Her mom had landed within just a couple of days. Once she heard the news, she took the earliest available flight available. Unfortunately, her father was staying in their hometown. He did make it very clear, however, that he was just a call away at all times. As soon as she had told them that her support system had come together for her, they wished they had known earlier and could have been there through it all! She was equipped for the frightening day to come..
Ready To Go
Going Under
Her doctor told Katie that her surgery would take 4 weeks to complete, it would be faster than she expected almost in a flash. It was measured at an additional five inches between the time Katie visited the doctor and her surgery that her stomach had evolved even further, this was a drastic development!
Going Under
Emergency Surgery
A high-risk obstetrics specialist was referred to because of the severity of Katie’s situation and would be one of the individuals operating. They discussed how an incision would be made from Katie’s chest bone all the way down to her pelvic bone as they clarified the procedure. This was the incision that used to be carried out in the C-sections of the previous day.
Emergency Surgery
March 9th, 2017
Sooner than she thought, the day had arrived. Katie went to the hospital and put on her surgical gown and some socks as well. The nurse guided her along the corridor as she dressed. Katie was shaking with fear, so nervous that she was terribly afraid of needles. For many people, being brought under is a concern.
March 9th, 2017
Extra Help
She began to panic, two nurses had to be called in to help her hold down and prevent her from flinching when the needle was inserted, it might be dangerous to move. Katie recalls the feeling that she was dying, that she was so overcome with fear, and that she could not stop thinking the worst.
And The Wait Continues
And The Wait Continues
The doctors had planned for approximately an hour to continue the operation. Things took an unexpected turn, and for five hours she ended up being operated on. This stressed her family, of course, and they were nervously waiting and praying for their beloved Katie as they sat in the waiting room. The physicians were doing their best, but what was the result?
And The Wait Continues
Back To Normal
Her cyst was gigantic, but how heavy it was was really the aspect that really took everyone by surprise. It was about time that this enormous mass was removed from the abdomen of poor Katie, and Katie was ecstatic. She was going to be back to her normal life soon, and this whole experience would be behind her, it had to be.
Back To Normal
Minutes To Hours
For everyone, this was an incredibly frightening time, but there was no other way for Katie to return to her normal daily life. A 90-minute surgery had been tuned to an all-day surgery, leaving everyone on the edge, but she pulled through, and now it was just time to recover.
Minutes To Hours
How Big?
The cyst within the belly of Katie weighed in at a whopping 60 pounds, because of this thing, she weighed 60 pounds more! Think about how heavy seven babies would be if you are unsure about how much that is. She was carrying around in her stomach the weight of seven babies. She was awakened by nurses describing her images of just how big it was and showing them.
How Big?
Treated Like A Celebrity
She was completely out of it when Katie awoke from surgery, and she was dazed and overwhelmed. “I still remember being groggy from the anesthetic as they wheeled me back to the ward and excited hospital staff was shooting pictures in front of me,” Katie explained. “The staff were just as shocked as she was.
Treated Like A Celebrity
After Surgery
Katie understood the effect it had on her daily life. This huge cyst accounted for one-third of Katie’s current body weight, Katie understood the effect it had on her daily life. Things that were normal for Katie had become a struggle and a difficulty, at the time this cyst had really altered her life. Now, at last, this major burden was gone.
After Surgery
Losing The Cyst
Katy only realized how terribly it had actually affected her way of life until this development was removed. Driving a car, walking upstairs and small things had changed-she was more appreciative of the intricate details of her daily life, she was grateful. For good, this surgery had sprung her back to her life.
Losing The Cyst
Nickname
“She was in total shock, to say the least, Katie could not come to terms with how much weight she had been lagging around. Once she had fully regained her consciousness and was able to analyze the pictures properly, she said, “It looked like a massive pile of ice cream, so I called it Mr. Whippy!
Nickname
Medical Mystery
By the size of her cyst, the doctors were completely taken aback, they declared it some kind of medical phenomenon. This cyst had been the hospital’s talk, the staff, Katie, and everyone in reach was just in utter disbelief and could not get over how big it was.
Medical Mystery
Back Home
A mere four days passed and Katie was released. Her mother and her boyfriend had been through it all right by her side. Katie was so terribly scared, but she had overcome it and the fight was definitely worth it. Katie says she doesn’t remember what it was like with that extra 60 pounds slowing her down. The surgery, however, had a small complication…
Back Home
Her Reminder
Katie was left with a large scar, the size of a ruler, all the way down to her pelvis from the top of her chest. Something she’s going to have forever. Katie made a rather quick recovery, after her operation, she was up and walking quite soon. She was eager, excited, and just wanted to get going with her new beginning. There was one downside of the operation, unfortunately, Katie lost her right ovary.
Her Reminder
Body Changes
Fortunately, she still had her left one and would still be able to have and carry kids very much. It was not so bad as long as this was the outcome. The abdominal area of Katie is plastered in stretch marks that will never let her live down this whole ordeal, her cyst will always be remembered.
Body Changes
A New Katie
After her surgery, the rest of Katie’s loved ones came to visit her, they were taken aback by what she looked like. Katie looked like a completely new person, she was half her size. Katie was super thin, showing her real body, and returning to normal was her stunning figure! She was super happy.
A New Woman
Smooth Sailing
Katie reflects on her recovery and says it was mostly uneventful, with a few hiccups along the way. She claims that her physical and mental health is much better than it was last year.
Smooth Sailing
Saying Thanks
She has specifically thanked her family, friends, and coworkers for their assistance during her recovery. Katie says she wouldn’t have been able to do it without them, and she tells herself every day how fortunate she is to have such a strong support system.
Saying Thanks
Inspirational
Katie would never have told her story a year ago. However, she has only grown more at ease in her own skin since then. She’s now sharing her story with us, and she’s a true inspiration!
Inspirational
There’s Hope
Despite the traumatic experience and the reminders of her scar and stretch marks, Smith has regained her life and has been assured that she will be able to have children even without her right ovary. She is extremely grateful to her surgeon.
There’s Hope
Alexandra & Antonin
Alexandra Kinova and her husband Antonin Kroscen had intended to start a family, but they were caught off guard by what was about to occur. They thought they’d have some time together before starting a family, but then they found out she was expecting twins. Unfortunately, during one doctor’s visit, something unexpected was discovered…
Alexandra & Antonin
Happy To Be Expecting
When Alexandra and her partner Antonin, a couple from the Czech Republic, found out they were expecting a child, they were overjoyed. This is normal for any couple, but they were caught off guard by what was about to happen to them.
Happy To Be Expecting
Ready For Parenthood
Despite the fact that she was only 23, she had no fear of the future. She knew what to expect because she had already given birth to her child. She had no idea she was completely unprepared for what life had in store for her.
Ready For Parenthood
She Thought It Was Under Control
She reasoned that since she had already given birth once, her second pregnancy would be simple. Unfortunately, she discovered after visiting the doctor that this could not be further from the truth. What did they tell her, though?
She Thought It Was Under Control
More Than She Thought
While she had planned to have just one child, she soon discovered she was expecting twins. It wasn’t that having twins was a novel concept, but this particular birth was about to become legendary, and no one knew it at the time.
More Than She Thought
Completely Unaware
The options were limitless. Was she carrying an extraterrestrial baby? Isn’t Antonin the father? The truth could be anything, but the ultrasound would at least give her some insight into what was going on.
Completely Unaware
A Follow-Up
Kinova simply saw that she was pregnant during her first ultrasound, which was like any other. The doctors were relieved that she was in good health and had no reason to believe that something troubling would be discovered in the second one.
A Follow Up
Even The Doctors Didn’t Know
Kinova went to the doctor again, and this time she learned something new, and within a few weeks, they discovered a heartbeat. But not just one, because this was not what they had in mind.
Even The Doctors Didn’t Know
Double The Fun
Kinova found out she was pregnant with twins after having an ultrasound. The couple was completely taken aback. They had already given birth to one child and were about to have three more. They had no idea what was about to happen.
Double The Fun
The Preparations
They spent months leading up to the birth of their twins planning and preparing. To keep their babies comfortable, they bought baby clothes and furniture. They thought they were doing everything right, but they had no idea what was about to happen.
The Preparations
Unaware Of The Truth
Everything seemed to be going according to plan in between her check-ups, and Kinova didn’t expect anything out of the ordinary. Even though she was having twins, it wasn’t unheard of for a mother to experience something like this.
Unaware Of The Truth