Fitness Trainer Didn’t Go to the Doctor for 7 Years Despite Strange Symptoms. Turns Out, She Had a Cyst the Size of a Baby (Exclusive)
A 28‑year‑old personal trainer, Megan Johnson, went nearly seven years without a check‑up—even after noticing strange bodily changes—only to discover a massive ovarian cyst measuring nearly 48 cm across: nearly the size of a newborn baby.
Johnson, from Chattanooga, had avoided doctors after losing health insurance and feeling dismissed by past providers. She relied on self‑diagnosis, convinced her growing belly, shifting belly button, and abdominal “split” were due to diastasis recti, a condition where the abdominal muscles separate—a conclusion she reached through YouTube tutorials and self‑tests at home.
In April 2025, she took to TikTok, sharing her struggles. The response was immediate: concerned strangers urged her to seek a professional evaluation. “It was insane. This army of women came to my rescue… you look like me whenever I had that,” she later told PEOPLE.
Encouraged, Johnson visited an emergency room on May 1. Doctors confirmed she did have diastasis recti—but also uncovered an ovarian cyst extending from her upper abdomen to her pelvis, measuring up to 48 cm. The mass contained approximately 27 pounds of fluid, a revelation that stunned Johnson
She underwent surgery on May 22, during which the cyst was removed—but so too were one ovary and a fallopian tube. While losing an ovary was difficult, the operation has brought immediate relief. Doctors are hopeful the diastasis recti may heal naturally over time now that the cyst’s pressure is gone .
Throughout her ordeal, Johnson remained upbeat online. She even nicknamed the cyst “Cysterella” and made a “sex reveal” style video when doctors announced the sex of the baby‑sized mass. She credits her faith and the supportive social‑media community for keeping her spirits high.
Johnson now urges her followers—and anyone listening—never to ignore persistent symptoms or skip regular health visits. “Don’t suffer in silence… don’t hide your shame or embarrassment,” she pleaded. Her TikTok updates have already inspired many to schedule doctor’s appointments for the first time in years
Looking ahead, Johnson is committed to yearly check‑ups and wants her experience to be a wake‑up call. As she told PEOPLE, “If I had to go through everything that I did for the same result, I absolutely would … now that I know better, I’m gonna do better”
What started as muscle‑separation concerns turned out to be a life‑threatening ovarian cyst. Thanks to TikTok followers and quick medical intervention, a potentially serious health crisis was discovered—and a vital message about regular care is spreading.
