Allison Fisher, a 20-year-old from Florida, thought her constant stomach pain was something she could ignore. But when a “rock hard” mass grew so large it felt like “being pregnant with 10 kids,” she faced a terrifying truth: a 100-pound ovarian cyst was taking over her body. Her story of fear, courage, and a life-saving surgery is a powerful reminder to listen to your body—no matter what.
A Pain Ignored
Allison’s ordeal began in 2020, when relentless stomach pain and irregular periods became her new normal. At first, she brushed it off, dreading a doctor’s visit. “I let myself believe that if I ignored it, it would go away,” she told Action News Jax. Past medical experiences had left her wary—doctors often fixated on her weight, dismissing her concerns with a blunt “you need to lose weight.” Whether it was a cold or an ear infection, the advice was always the same. “If no one’s going to listen to me, what’s the point of going?” she said.
But the pain didn’t fade. Instead, her stomach began to swell, growing hard and impossible to ignore. Having read about ovarian cysts, Allison suspected one might be the culprit. “I couldn’t lay on my stomach,” she recalled. “It felt like all my organs were being crushed.”
A Growing Crisis
By late 2022, the mass was so massive it pressed on her lungs, making breathing a struggle. Fear gave way to urgency, and Allison sought help at Ascension St. Vincent’s in Jacksonville. There, gynecologic oncology surgeon Dr. Martin Martino delivered staggering news: the cyst weighed 100 pounds and required immediate removal. “It was affecting her ability to breathe,” Dr. Martino noted, emphasizing the cyst’s dangerous size.
During surgery, the team made another critical discovery. Allison’s left ovary was twisted three times, a condition that could have ended her chances of having children. Measuring 10 centimeters, the ovary was carefully untwisted, preserving her fertility. “That really helped us save her future,” Dr. Martino said.
A Second Chance
The surgery was a success, and Allison woke up to a transformed reality. “I can see my feet again—I haven’t been able to do that in years,” she shared with a smile. “I feel so much lighter, like a person.” Simple joys—wearing clothes comfortably, standing longer, living without pain—felt like miracles. Now, Allison is embarking on weight-loss surgery, excited for what lies ahead. “I’m really excited for what life has in store for me,” she said.
Her journey didn’t end with recovery. Allison is determined to inspire others, especially those hesitant to seek medical care due to weight stigma. “There are other bigger people out there who are so scared to go to the doctor because of their weight,” she said. “I just want them to know they shouldn’t be scared.”
A Story of Hope
Allison’s courage shines as a beacon for anyone battling health fears. Her story, shared widely by Bored Daddy and Action News Jax, has resonated with thousands, urging people to trust their instincts and seek help. “Please SHARE this story with your family and friends on Facebook,” Bored Daddy wrote, amplifying her message.
From crushing pain to a newfound lease on life, Allison Fisher’s transformation is a testament to resilience and the power of medical care. Here’s to her bright future—and to never ignoring what your body’s trying to tell you.
