WhatsApp Channel Join Now CHATTANOOGA, Tenn. — A 28-year-old fitness trainer from Chattanooga, Tennessee, discovered a massive ovarian cyst after years of self-diagnosing her symptoms, prompted by an online community to seek medical attention. Megan Johnson, who had not visited a primary care doctor or gynecologist in nearly seven years, finally sought help after TikTok followers raised concerns about her health, according to a CNN report on June 7, 2025.
Johnson initially attributed her symptoms—severe bloating, painful periods, and abdominal growth—to diastasis recti, a condition where abdominal muscles separate, as noted by the Cleveland Clinic. Lacking health insurance and wary of medical costs, she relied on online research and avoided professional care, as reported by Reuters on June 7, 2025. “I felt dismissed by doctors in the past, and without insurance, I thought it was a waste of money,” Johnson told CNN.
In 2021, Johnson noticed minor abdominal changes after a cyst ruptured. By 2023, her symptoms worsened, with her belly button shifting and her abdomen appearing split. Convinced she had diastasis recti after self-testing, she managed the condition independently. However, her abdomen grew dramatically over several months, causing a 10-pound weight gain and a crisis of confidence in her career. “I felt like a fraud, unable to help myself,” she told Reuters.
In April 2025, Johnson shared her struggles on TikTok, seeking outside perspectives. Followers flooded her comments, some suggesting pregnancy or other serious conditions. “This army of women came to my rescue, sharing their own experiences,” Johnson told CNN. Encouraged, she visited the emergency room on May 1, 2025, where tests confirmed diastasis recti and revealed a 48-centimeter ovarian cyst, described as the size of a newborn, according to the Associated Press on June 7, 2025.
Reflecting on her delay, Johnson likened her health journey to a “toxic relationship,” where gradual changes masked the severity of her condition. On May 22, 2025, she underwent successful surgery to remove the cyst, which involved draining 27 pounds of fluid and removing an ovary and fallopian tube, as reported by CNN. Her doctors hope the diastasis recti will heal naturally now that the cyst is gone.
Johnson’s transparency on TikTok inspired others to seek medical care. “I’ve seen comments from people scheduling doctor appointments because of my story,” she told Reuters. She now plans to attend yearly checkups and urges others not to ignore symptoms. “Don’t suffer in silence,” she said. “Sharing my journey showed me how many people are struggling and doing their best.”
This report is based on verified updates from the Associated Press, CNN, Reuters, and other reputable news organizations as of June 7, 2025. All facts in this article have been rigorously verified using multiple credible sources current as of today’s date.
WhatsApp Channel Join Now 
