For years, Shoneika endured heavy bleeding, severe cramping and frequent menstrual cycles. Unbeknownst to her, these symptoms were caused by uterine fibroids —noncancerous growths in the uterus.
"I could have my period for two weeks out of the month," Shoneika recalls. The fibroids continued to grow, exacerbating her discomfort and impacting her daily life.
Seeking help
In 2023, Shoneika saw Dr. Monica Modi at Atrium Health Women's Care Charlotte OB-GYN for help.
“Shoneika told me fibroids run in her family, and most women in her family needed hysterectomies to treat the symptoms caused by fibroids,” Modi says. “She was very motivated to alleviate her symptoms and also keep her uterus to give her an option for future fertility. After discussing her treatment goals, I thought Sonata would be the right procedure for her.”
So, Modi connected Shoneika to her colleague, Dr. Leslie Hansen Lindner, to learn more about the treatment since it did not require major surgery.
"The treatment uses heat to render fibroid tissue inactive, which then makes the tissue reduce in size," explains Hansen Lindner. "The fibroids shrink a small amount initially and, on average, diminish 50% within three to 12 months. There is additional slow shrinkage and reabsorption of the fibroid over the months ahead. Patients tend to see a marked reduction of symptoms within a few months."
The Sonata treatment
"The minimally invasive procedure uses a small ultrasound at the tip of a handpiece to locate fibroids and treat them from inside the uterus," says Hansen Lindner. "It can be performed under sedation, and general anesthesia is usually not required for most patients. No incisions are made, which results in less pain, less bleeding and faster recovery for patients."
The procedure itself can take anywhere from 30 minutes to occasionally more than an hour, depending on the number and type of fibroids being treated. This innovative approach has proven to reduce symptoms significantly, with half of the treated women returning to their normal activities the next day and the average return to work being just two days. Additionally, the Sonata treatment can substantially reduce the need for a hysterectomy.
A new lease on life
After deciding carefully with her care team the best option for treatment, Shoneika underwent the Sonata treatment in 2023. The treatment offered her a solution with minimal downtime, allowing her to continue her work as a professor without disruption.
"Most of my classes are online, but I have one in-person class. I would have to take pain medication if it was that time of the month when I was teaching in person," Shoneika shares.
Since the procedure, Shoneika’s periods have become much more manageable.
"My periods are now once a month and only three days a week, with no painful cramping or heavy clotting," she says. "The fibroids also caused unwanted weight gain, especially in the tummy area, which bothered me for years. If I had known about this surgery, I would have gotten it sooner."
Now, Shoneika is using her experience to help other women understand they don't have to live in pain.
"Seek advice and help," she urges. "There are treatments available that can significantly improve your quality of life."
If you’re experiencing similar symptoms, contact your OB-GYN or schedule an appointment today. You can also email myfibroids@atriumhealth.org for more information.
