Partnership in Healing: Paula’s Journey from Patient to Parent

This summer, Paula Warren will welcome a baby, a milestone she wasn’t always sure would be possible. Her journey to motherhood began not with a pregnancy test, but with a conversation about uterine fibroids and a doctor who truly listened.

Paula didn’t go into her surgery with a specific plan to become a parent, though she hoped it might be possible someday. After living with fibroids and facing an unexpected health scare, she decided to take action. That choice led her to David Eisenstein, MD, an OB-GYN with Trinity Health IHA Medical Group.

With Dr. Eisenstein’s support, Paula moved forward with a minimally invasive surgery to remove her fibroids. Now, she’s preparing to hold her baby girl in her arms. It’s a full-circle moment made possible by thoughtful care, open conversations and a provider who understood her goals from the start.

Understanding Fibroids

Fibroids are benign growths that form in or on the uterus. While some cause no symptoms, others can lead to pain, unusual bleeding, pressure, and occasionally even fertility challenges. 

“Fibroids are very common,” Dr. Eisenstein explained. “Most women in their late 20s or 30s know someone who has them.” Genetics and environmental factors may play a role, and fibroids occur more frequently in black women. Dr. Eisenstein pointed out that 80% of Black women will develop fibroids by age 50, compared to 50-60% of white women.

While a hysterectomy (surgical removal of the uterus) is one option for fibroid treatment, minimally invasive treatments, including myomectomy (surgical fibroid removal) are one of several treatment alternatives for those who want to become pregnant in the future.

The Road to the Right Care

Paula’s journey began in 2021. “I was lying flat on my back, and I felt a mass,” she recalled. Her belly also looked bloated, a sign that something wasn’t quite right. At her checkup, an ultrasound revealed multiple fibroids.

She scheduled a myomectomy to remove the fibroids, but before the surgery, Paula experienced a painful ovarian torsion, which led to the removal of her left ovary. Her original OB-GYN no longer felt comfortable moving forward and her surgery was canceled.

That’s when a family member recommended Paula consult Dr. Eisenstein for a second opinion. “He was very receptive and thorough,” Paula said. “He read all of my test results and reassured me he could take care of it.”

A Personalized Surgical Approach

Paula and Dr. Eisenstein discussed her options and decided on a mini-laparotomy, a myomectomy performed through a small, low abdominal incision. This method allows the surgeon to feel the uterus during the procedure, helping identify and remove more fibroids. For patients like Paula, who had several fibroids, it can be an especially effective option.

Dr. Eisenstein removed about a dozen fibroids during surgery. Paula said the recovery wasn’t easy, but was better than expected. “I was sore for the first couple of weeks,” she shared. “But I could still take care of myself. I just had to take it slow.” Within a month, she was back at work in the classroom.

Looking Ahead

Today, Paula and her husband eagerly await their baby girl’s arrival. She continues her care with Dr. Eisenstein, who is now her OB-GYN. “Every week that goes by, we get a little more excited,” she said.

Paula will deliver at Trinity Health Oakland, which was recently named one of the Best Hospitals for Maternity Care by U.S. News & World Report. She expressed gratitude for the attentive support she’s received. “I’m just very appreciative,” she said. “Dr. Eisenstein spends time with us and makes sure we understand everything. He really cares about his patients.”

For Dr. Eisenstein, caring for patients through every chapter is what makes his work meaningful. “There’s nothing more gratifying than this,” he said. “A patient coming for a second opinion, trusting you enough to stay with you, and later coming back to share she’s pregnant. That’s why we do this.”

Specialized Care When It Matters Most

From her first appointment to preparing for delivery, Paula found thoughtful care that supported her health and hopes for the future. If you’re living with fibroids or other gynecologic symptoms or conditions, Trinity Health’s caring women’s health experts can provide guidance and treatment options for your specific health goals. Learn more and schedule an appointment with a specialist today.

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