Becoming a mother brought so many changes into my life, far beyond the physical shifts and mental exhaustion. The most noticeable difference for me has been how easily I get sick now. My body simply does not feel the same as it used to.
The First Warning Signs in September 2025
Everything started around September 2025 when I began experiencing a persistent pain in my lower left belly. It was a sharp, throbbing sensation that would not go away, even after I had a poop.
Looking back, my lifestyle at that time was quite unhealthy. I ate whatever I wanted, late night meals were common, and I barely moved or exercised. As a mother, I felt exhausted most of the time, so my daily physical activity was mostly limited to moving around the house and spending time in the kitchen.
Because the lower left belly pain was getting worse and I felt no urge to poop, I was worried and decided to have a private consultation with a gastroenterologist.
Navigating IBS, Ovarian Cyst, and Medical Choices
After listening to my symptoms, he suspected that my digestive system might be the issue, with IBS being one possible explanation. I was prescribed a mild laxative because my biggest concern was not feeling the urge to have bowel movement. He also suggested having a colonoscopy check.
Letter from the gastroenterologist (SpPD-KGEH) suggesting an elective colonoscopy.However, because the procedure was quite expensive, I decided not to go through with it. Furthermore, during the abdominal USG, the doctor noticed signs of a cyst in my ovary.
That quickly shifted my immediate focus. During the same month, September 2025, I made an appointment with an Obgyn. The scan confirmed a 4 cm ovarian cyst. The gynecologist did not recommend surgery or heavy medication, providing only pain relievers for severe discomfort. The main instructions were clear: adopt a healthy lifestyle. I needed to lose weight, exercise regularly, and strictly manage my diet by avoiding spicy foods, food with coconut milk, instant meals, and fried items. My meals had to be boiled and lightly seasoned 🙁
Unexpected Results Three Weeks Later
I committed completely to the strict diet and built a regular exercise routine. Although the doctor scheduled a follow-up visit four months later to monitor the cyst, I was curious and went back after just three weeks.
The result was surprising. My ovary was completely clear, and the cyst had disappeared, exactly as shown in the medical scan photo attached to this post. I felt a huge sense of relief, assuming that my health struggles had come to an end by November.
Slipping Back into Old Habits
After that, life returned to normal. I tried to keep my gastroenterologist’s advice in mind: to be more mindful of my eating habits after turning thirty by filling my plate with more fiber than carbs. I also maintained my workout routine by jogging for twenty to thirty minutes, one to three times a week.
But I must say, there are times when it feels so boring that I slip back into old habits.
Midnight snack all in repeat, and drank coffee up to twice a day. Unsurprisingly, the lower left abdominal pain returned, along with the complete loss of any urge to poop. For context, I have never been someone who goes to the bathroom every day. And many doctors I met kept saying that I have a very slow digestive process or bowel movement that gave me 2-3 days to poop. The big difference is: I have never experienced the pain or no urge to go at all like this!
Taking Matters into My Own Hands in June 2026
By early June 2026, the pain hit its peak. The throbbing in my lower left abdomen came back; sometimes it came to the right side and reached my lower back. Knowing that my ovarian cyst was already cleared, I started searching social media for answers.
I came across posts about a dirty gut and natural detox methods. Desperate for relief from the severe bloating and lack of bowel movements, I decided to try a home remedy I saw on Instagram. Every morning on an empty stomach, I drank warm water mixed with chia seeds, lemon juice, and honey. In the afternoons, I drank a smoothie made of fresh pineapple and cucumber.
During the first week, it actually triggered bowel movements. However, I noticed my stool was floating and had a very foul odor. I assumed this was just a normal reaction, thinking my body was undergoing a deep gut cleanse.
The Turn for the Worse
By the second week of June 2026, my stomach could no longer handle it. The acidity from the lemon, combined with an occasional cup of coffee, severely irritated my stomach lining.
The pain shifted upward. I began experiencing severe acid reflux and heartburn that burned all the way up to my throat, along with a sudden outbreak of painful mouth ulcers.
I immediately stopped all the detox smoothies and chia seed drinks, but the damage was done. I could barely eat, felt constantly nauseous, and even a tiny portion of food made my stomach feel like it was going to explode.
I sought medical help again and was given antacids along with digestive enzymes to support my slow gut motility. The medication provided temporary relief, but as soon as the prescription ran out, the symptoms flared right back up.
Seeking Answers Through the Public Healthcare System
Realizing this was beyond home remedies or quick fixes, I went to a primary care doctor through BPJS, Indonesia’s public health insurance system (of course cause I cannot afford to pay for a gastroenterologist anymore). Under this system, patients must first visit a general practitioner at a primary clinic to receive an official referral before seeing a specialist.
Following the protocol, I secured an appointment with an internal medicine specialist scheduled for July 29, 2026.
Will this visit finally provide the answers I have been searching for over the past year? What has really been happening inside my body?
Talk to you soon,
Pika🌼
