“I Was Born With Two Vaginas, Two Uteruses and Two Cervixes” | Listen Up | ABC Science

Anja Christoferrsen was born with extra and missing organs - a series a birth defects that left her incontinent. Thirty surgeries later, she's accepting of her body and refuses to hide it. Subscribe to ABC Science KZbin 👉 ab.co/2YFO4Go
Huge thanks to Anja‬ for sharing her story. For more, tune into her 2023 appearance on the podcast, Life Matters - Listen now on the ABC listen app: ab.co/ABCListe...
VACTERL association is group of birth defects that occur in the early stages of embryo development. VACTERL is an acronym where each letter stands for the affected anatomical structure: V is vertebral, A is anal, C is cardiac, TE is tracheal-oesophageal, R is renal and L is limb. The acronym sometimes includes S for single umbilical artery. It's a rare condition that is diagnosed during pregnancy or at birth. For health advice, speak to a GP: www.healthdire...
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[@ABCScience]

Huge thanks to Anja‬ for sharing her story 🧡 VACTERL association is group of birth defects that occur in the early stages of embryo development. VACTERL is an acronym where each letter stands for the affected anatomical structure: V is vertebral, A is anal, C is cardiac, TE is tracheal-oesophageal, R is renal and L is limb. The acronym sometimes includes S for single umbilical artery. It's a rare condition that is diagnosed during pregnancy or at birth. For health advice, speak to a GP: www.healthdirect.gov.au/australian-health-services

[@papayafun7226]

Thank you for posting. I know two people with the same condition. They are still kids. The strongest kids I have ever seen.

[@AminJones]

No clue how she survived the birth day. 0:37

[@jeannettewilson8808]

I was born with 2 uteruses and 2 cervixes as well. I was told I may not ever get pregnant and if I did I would not carry to term. I have a son who is now 39 years old!

[@BryanDoesCinema]

"Most disabilities are invisible". This was important to me when you said it, ty.

[@Chronically_JBoo]

Mine isnt visible

[@southbug27]

Mines not visible either, but I suffer from it every single day. One of the saddest points to me was when I was having a fun, travel dream & doing all kinds of activities & then my mind just interrupted the dream to remind me that I couldn’t do that activity or I would be in terrible pain, etc. & stick in a foreign country with no one to help me & no way home. When I woke up & remembered it, it broke my heart a bit.

[@madero-jb5ri]

These days, everyone has some form of disability, whether it's subtle or obvious.

[@1DancingCloud1]

She's smart, beautiful, and above all courageous.

[@boingyboop4960]

Indeed. She is very beautiful and intelligent, and just because she had to drop out of high school for medical reasons, doesn’t mean she isn’t wise and smart.

[@Ramblingpete]

Her beauty will see her through ❤️👍🏿

[@feelincrispy7053]

I came to comment section expecting a wave of inappropriate comments except all I found was positive and supportive comments. The internet is improving, slowly

[@geebo6569]

My thoughts exactly!

[@VioletEmerald]

The bad comments may have been deleted.

[@hikari_no_yume]

KZbin changed the algorithm that sorts comments at some point, it now tries to prioritise positive comments. Usually this is nice, but it does mean what you see might not be representative, and sometimes it'll promote things it thinks are positive but aren't really.

[@timdaley8978]

I cant put myself in your shoes specifically- but when I say the fact that you managed so well with school with a chronic illness as a result of a rare condition is admirable AF. i had something similar going on with chronic illness and rare condition beyond my control and like I barely did it by the skin of my teeth. I can understand feeling the shame of not finishing, but the fact that you were able to do it given those circumstances even if you didn’t quite make it to the finish line that’s huge. That is just huge.

[@jeannietimberger2556]

I'm disabled and I have a hard time. But my family treats me like I'm not. I don't get the support I need. Thank you for being an advocate.

[@van-hieuvo8208]

Looking at you I'd never guess you've suffered multiple severe conditions at the same time. You look healthy, glowing even. I'm glad you take your struggles in stride and are hopeful and thankful for what you have.

[@Dianna-pm2hv]

My mother's mother had what you have. She got pregnant three times in one set of uteruses and had miscarriages. The third pregnancy got to eight months and then went away. She never went to a doctor for births. The pregnancy that "went away" was actually a little skeleton in the uterus. Then she had four children in the other uterus, and later in her late forties she had to see a doctor. They found the situation inside of her and the skeleton is supposedly in its uterus in a jar of formaldehyde in a medical museum. My gran died when she was 52. In West Virginia, we were about 20 to 30 years behind the rest of the country as far as having good medical care.

[@HalifaxPeacock]

I can only imagine the issues that plagued women in rural America 50-100 years ago. I really appreciate you sharing this story about your mother and her struggles with bringing new life into this world. I wish I could sit down and have a chat with you over a coffee. I’m certain you would have so much wisdom and interesting stories to share. 🌸

[@bingewatchforever1587]

Wow. They should make a documentary about that story!

[@wholeshebang1]

@@HalifaxPeacock- It was her _maternal grandmother_ who had the uterine anomaly - not her mother.

[@erinmcdonald7781]

Your grandmother had some amazing fortitude. Some people look down on others from different parts of the country, but each state has issues that affect their populations; so, we should be more compassionate in relating to our fellow Americans (both the ones in this country and our northern and southern neighbors). I hope that we can get our politicians on board with programs that would give everyone access to quality healthcare. Hearing your’s and this woman’s stories, I wouldn’t doubt that there have been those who died due to similar situations because they didn’t have access to appropriate care. May things go well for you, your family, and community. And, may we all work together to make things work better for us ordinary folks. 🍀

[@TracyR4]

My youngest of 4 girls was born with VACTERL (V,A,C,R,L) . She is 18 yrs old. Beautiful and lives a full life.

[@jonr4164]

OMG on so many levels, the hospital stuff is horrific. What a story. The courage and willl to live is profoundly underated, this woman has an incredible strength.

[@JudithRansom-t5c]

You are so beautiful, inside as well as out. I’m sorry you have had to endure this experience. Life gave you lemons and you are making lemonade. I have been ill my entire life from radiation poisoning as a child but it has been nothing even close to what you have overcome. I’m 74 and have been in chronic pain for over 30 years. We are the strong ones, with an overwhelming desire to live the best life possible. God Bless You my dear. You were very fortunate to have supportive parents. Mine decided I was making it all up until I nearly died at 16. I will keep you in my prayers.

[@be.spiritlove]

Love the power of carrying on - Beautiful

[@zoeolsson5683]

Hey Anja, thanks for having the courage to share such personal information. The more we know about what people have to deal with we get better at empathy and understanding. Want to say.... Your parents must have been really scared for your future at quite a few points in your life and how proud they must be of you that you are so self-confident. All the best in your career!

[@agnesstokes1078]

She was probably meant to be a twin

[@JorJorBinksss]

That actually makes sense 💡

[@greensteve9307]

No, VACTERL association is group of birth defects that occur in the early stages of embryo development.

[@pi3man252]

​@JorJorBinksss huh I was a twin and my other twin never fully formed. Only complications during pregnancy were the umbilical cord around my neck but I don't seem to have any lasting damage. Only thing I might have is ADD not adhd. Care to inform me how else I was lucky?

[@ernieseegers4747]

I am a 67 year old male and obviously cannot imagine what your life is/was like. But, with great respect, I do take my hat off to you young lady

[@sliderule5891]

Thank you for having the courage to share your story. Helped me better understand my own hidden disabilities and overcoming them. You are a very brave and wonderful woman. ❤️

[@vk2aafhamradio]

Hooray for brave Anja!

[@Infarlock]

She's an inspiration to us all From someone who doctors thought she won't survive to being a very successful and lively person

[@charlenerathgeb8217]

What a wonderful young lady!!!! I am gobsmacked by her “can do” attitude.

[@KelseyStanbrook]

I love this, thank you so much, Anja :) I relate to your story a lot. It took me 'til I was 25 to get appropriately diagnosed with my conditions; I have autism, ADHD, hypermobile ehlers-danlos syndrome, endmetriosis, photosensitivity- I could keep going. Sometimes it feels like my body has failed me, and I, too, wasn't able to finish high school, but I realise that I have a lot more freedom than some people, even others with my conditions. I'm so proud of you that you are able to work and pursue what you love. I can't work, myself, but I do my best to keep learning and stay connected. I look like your average person from the outside, I think it's so important to show up as you are, and give others courage to be open about how diverse life really is :)

[@swagmanexplores7472]

Women like Anja should be held in the highest esteem in our society 😇

[@robinbabcock4620]

Such a strong woman to be able to talk about her issues to KZbin. Your scars are “badges of honor” of your strength. Intelligent and educated. 👩‍🎓Beautiful as well. ❤️🇦🇺❤️

[@mcz4251]

The description in the highlight for the video does not do her condition justice.

[@smokeyangelav]

My sister has two cervix and two uteri and one kidney. She can't have children. Thank goodness she wasn't as severe. She had bladder issues at 2 and they mistook it for appendicitis and that surgery really changed her. She wouldn't let anyone touch her for years except my mom. As big as the incision was, they never noticed that she only had one kidney. She found out about the double cervix when she stated having pain. One was blocked. Back then it was suspected to be an undeveloped twin.

[@lisastenzel5713]

1:18 It's hard on the baby too! It's a sort of birth trauma. You know you are taken away from where you been ever since, your mom. And you are under anesthesia at such a young age... It really is a trauma you gotta make up for. Your body remembers these, even if you're unaware.😢 You are a miracle young woman ❤

[@JoanneMaxwell-g7c]

You are an inspiration to me and so many others Anja. A Triple threat: Kind, Smart and Beautiful.

[@OilBaron100]

She is very uplifting and confident when she speaks.

[@leannevandekew1996]

Well, you turned out to be a beautiful woman.

[@SunnnyDay]

Congratulations, Mom & Dad, you raised a fine daughter !

[@eddiee2371]

Look at it this way; you became so much stronger, you’re not only beautiful on the outside but on the inside as well. Thanks for sharing your story.

[@nufailanoon]

She is more female than us. she is a superwoman 😂 God protect her I really wish she can live comfortably

[@davidcox3076]

It's no shame she wasn't able to initially finish high school. She had incredible perseverance to get that far.

[@dondywondy]

Wow! This beautiful woman should have her picture in encyclopedias alongside "Strong Woman"! She is so brave and strong she surely gives other people more will and power to overcome!

[@southbug27]

My nerve damage & injuries can cause me to have bladder failure. I’m always nervous every time I leave the house that I will have an accident, throw up, &/or fall because all 3 of those things have happened a lot & are possibilities. I’ve tried not to worry about it & to think that if it does happen, then so what, but I can’t stop that anxiety. Thanks for sharing your story. I will think about you in the future & attempt to order my anxiety to FO.

[@ananananabop]

What an incredible story, thank you for sharing it! The work of your doctors as well is astounding.

[@eric.nathanson]

Dang, girl! You have a lot to be proud of! I felt like I needed a diagram to follow the anatomical anomalies and yet somehow you’re rockin it. Hats off.

[@rooster56100]

Once again, this young lady proves how strong women really are. I can't imagine (having a daughter in her early 20's myself), how difficult it must have been for you growing up watching other girls lead a normal social/school life, and then to still have this wonderful and optimistic attitude to life that you have. You truly are a wonder, young lady. Be proud, as I bet your parents are, and I wish you all the best in whatever you choose to do. I am in awe of your inner strength.

[@47redtop]

Hats off for overcoming your own inner shame, i think hidden disabilities can be incredibly challenging. Sometimes its other people who feel it's okay to comment or judge when they dont have a clue to be honest. Best wishes ❤️

[@jo-annahicks3324]

Anja....you are stunning, superbly 'put together' (literally), and such a Warrior Princess (with totally zero 'Princess Complex'!). Your calm gentleness is so soothing (have you ever thought of doing voice over work?)..you are definately the sort of 'influencer' that young adults & teens should be emulating!!!

[@evilknino]

great story of overcoming and achieving and living your best life, much love and respect I admire your courage

[@kevinsnazz]

I had really bad IBS in my early 20s and was very embarrassed about it. I have a lot of admiration and respect for you and how you live your life.

[@michaelkolozsvari3575]

Anja, thank you so much for sharing your experience! Walking past you in the street, people would never know what you've been through or how strong you've had to be! You're beautiful and smart, and while you've already done great things, I'm sure we'd love to hear about your further successes in the years to come!

[@eprofessio]

My friend in college had the same exact thing. When she told me I high fives her and said “awesome!”. She laughed and smiled, we had lunch.

[@cathyreed6180]

It’s a miracle she’s even alive

[@grahamwood156]

You are a great person I have a invisible disability undiagnosed till I was 38 like you I didn’t finish school and I understand why you feel shame

[@jeaninemonet3845]

I hope she is able to have or acquire children of her own and show them all the love in this beautiful world.

[@VioletEmerald]

What an amazing story. It's crazy that so many severe and complex disabilities can be this fully invisible.

[@jenniferpeck5948]

Wow! What an amazing story of strength and perseverance! I wonder if a colostomy would give you less stress and more freedom? I am an ostomate who has greatly improved her life through this surgery.

[@artgrathartgrath3451]

Cant image how hard this has been for her annd the amount of time at the hospital

[@carolinpurayidom4570]

I thank God that this woman is alive and well today

[@markmorris3579]

What a beautiful woman,both inside and outside.How many of us could go thru what she has and have her attitude?

[@IxAmxOlek]

Against all odds. Hope she stays healthy and happy.

[@russell2449]

WOW, that is one tough way to come into this world :?( It's amazing that she's managed to have as normal a life as could be hoped for, and she's incredibly brave to share this 👍👍👍

[@luborrelli8966]

Is she a chimera? What i mean is that two embryos can fuse together in the uterus and form 1 individual. That individual would be a combination of both but undistiguishable from a "normal" person. Especially if the two embryos were identical twins. If feel for her, such features would make difficult to live a "normal" life

[@LastDitchGambling]

no, pls no

[@deolihp]

No she’s not

[@greensteve9307]

No, that's a different condition. VACTERL association is group of birth defects that occur in the early stages of embryo development.

[@tilak231]

She's definitely a true WARRIOR and Survivor! Respect to such people!! She has demonstrated immense strength of a human being!! May god give her success in bringing the awareness and in personal life!!

[@BainesAdam]

I had to have a good talk to myself is not a throw a way line. I have experiences with many suffers of chronic illness and nearly all identify pain/problems/disability as entities within, it enables you to negotiate with your self, even when you know, they know what your planning. My Minions dont want to handback control to me when I wake.. Usually takes a bout an hour to get up

[@stephenspreckley8219]

You are smart and also beautiful! You are also a wonderful lady . Good on you for sharing your heart story xx.

[@titaniumman_22]

You have an incredible attitude and you are stunning. Congratulations on your successes. 😊

[@davidj.leavitt7176]

Amazing incredible woman. I wish you all the best that life has to offer you. Thank you for sharing your story with us.

[@josephfredbill]

WOW! Just WOW! Im not going to feel sorry for you. Life has brought you challenges that are an order of magnitude more difficult to manage than what most people get - but its not about comparing what we get to others and you have risen admirably to the challenges. You should have a disability label so you can get whatever extra considerations or adaptations or funding you need to live well. I wish you every success and happiness in life and living well and doing the things you want to do.

[@barbarabrooks2925]

Very inspiring to others with similar struggles! I personally have very narrow ear canals. It has caused so much infections, doctor visits, pain both mentally and physically. I lost track of all the doctors, surgeries and struggles just to hear. The ears ran with puss and blood that ran into my hair, and yes, it smelled bad. In high school one operation finally stopped the running mess!! However my hearing was not improved to my dismay. I thought I would go crazy at times listening to the pounding noise in my head from I’m not sure. Straining to hear was frustrating, I have a conductive loss, many people don’t understand that and have accused me of making it up. Too hard to explain it here. Anyway, I did marry and have a family. Later in life I tried out for modeling and made it for a time but began severe bleeding that made to stay home. I know God helped me overcome many things and he hopefully isn’t finished with me yet!!! Wishing you the best! !

[@jakeaurod]

Been feeling similarly about disability. Got diagnosed with post-covid fibromyalgia last year. Meds for chronic pain have been helping, but sometimes flare-ups break through, and the meds have annoying side-effects. This on top of PTSD, some aphasia, and memory and GI problems caused by cardiac arrest a few years ago. I don't know if I'd qualify for assistance but don't know if I can get a job either. I had been living at home with my mom for the last few years, but she died a few months ago.

[@erinmcdonald7781]

If you’re in the US, find disability advocates in your area and apply for disability. Even if you end up finding employment/means of supporting yourself, you may need this determination in the future first things such as work or school accommodations. It’s generally a time consuming and soul sucking process, so it’s best to start asap and to find people in your area who understand and can help. For similar reasons, I’ve been going through this process over the last two years. The offices in my area are particularly inefficient and incompetent, so hopefully you won’t have as much difficulty. I wish you the best. Also, two KZbinrs who have been dealing with this in their different ways are Vlad Vexler- politics/philosophy, and Physics Girl- science. She’s working with an open source foundation trying to find doctors, treatments, and cures. 🍀✊

[@user-sq8gn6uq4r]

So she conjoined with a twin in the womb earlier enough in the preganncy and thus 2 reproductive parts and stuff plus malformation of air and feeding ways. There's so many different people born with extra body parts from an absorbed twin, her strength in this whole journey is amazing to see how well she's doing. At least her absorbed twin will always be with her. She will never be alone.

[@davident1]

Anja turned out better than most of the women I know. Good job. Keep up the good work.

[@opera93]

Thanks, for presenting this, & encouraging! ……….I oddly, missed VACTERL , ( specifically) in “Pharmacy School “, & life time , of Practice……

[@SHW5010]

Super courageous and brilliant young lass. God bless you, you’re an inspiration to all.

[@fionawhite4250]

Thank you so much for sharing your story, Anja. I really appreciate your candour.

[@EllaBella-76]

Modelling Agency missed someone Ace 👍 thank goodness!She is amazing!She gives me hope I have a TBI ..But 27 Fractures.I don’t like people asking me now because I have a teenage Son ..And also it’s got really really not good I choose whom and what I want to tell ,being visibly disabled or invisible seems you get abuse that’s the opposite of how Humanity,Respect & Compassion should be we are all warriors all have our own battles to fight but this was a fab interview!Wishing her not only a successful career but she will be an amazing Mum there are always ways !💓💓

[@sunovadistributionn.z.693]

What a beautifull person. Pressure makes diamonds

[@Lionforaday]

She would have to manage what she eats so carefully, and that's such a risk factor for eating disorders. You'd become an expert on exactly how long each food takes to pass through the GI tract, and no doubt it would be easier at times to simply not-eat. Much respect for the courage to share such a complex story.

[@suzettesova9601]

Appreciate your honesty and advocacy keep going and rocking this world!

[@melinasaionetakau-samson7542]

Thank you for sharing. You are doing well. God bless.

[@teresamcnulty8471]

Wow, though! None of that even showed on the outside! So much...thanks for sharing!

[@Nancy-px7hn]

Anja you are very beautiful. The fact that you have lived your life to the fullest with your disabilities is remarkable in and of itself. You are a brave woman. I sincerely hope all your future dreams come true.

[@Катнип]

You're beautiful and strong. You will make a good mum if that's what you want. I hope everything works out for you.

[@elenanyhan4490]

You are an amazing and inspiring young woman!

[@janicesmith1137]

Thanks for sharing your story. 💓

[@racheltgal]

Sending healing prayers

[@gyaniadmi2347]

God Bless This Child And Her Family With Good Health Happiness And Prosperity 🙏

[@pikochick]

Inspiring. Thank you 🫶🏻

[@lisastenzel5713]

3:41 Her parents did a great job, if she didn't feel this was being a huge thing... Her pictures all look like she was generally happy❤

[@debbiecritcher8436]

You are beautiful. What scars I saw didn't look bad at all! You are very brave! Hope all your dreams come true!

[@Gary1066G]

you are so much braver than me , god bless you for your attitude, i believe you will have a great life, thank you for your post

[@ianclarke3627]

🎩 off to you 👏🏼👏🏼👏🏼👏🏼 and good luck to you too.

[@JeffGusman-fs6oo]

YOU ARE AN AWESOME YOUNG WOMAN ANJA. I ADMIRE YOU. ALOHA FROM HAWAII

[@danellerandall8905]

Aw, She’s lovely! 😊

[@pamelacox540]

Thank you for your story!

[@petermccracken2247]

This Was HUMBling To Watch !! This Lady Has Taken Lemens And Made Sweet Lemenaid. She Is A Great Example To Many. Even Those Without Disabilities.

[@BP-nn7tq]

I thank you for sharing your story. There is so much that happens out there to men and women that most people cannot imagine and we need to learn about it. We are all one human race, we are in this together.

[@janethinerman993]

Wishing you all the best in your future endeavors. 😊

[@pault54]

your a real inspiration

[@leonidastullius2087]

She is amazing, very brave.

[@sarahdaviscc]

What an awesome woman. Thank you so much for sharing this.

[@JasonB808]

This ordeal has made her just as beautiful on the inside as the outside. 😍

[@sandipanbanerjee5010]

What a beauty! ❤

[@orogenicman]

This video needs way more likes!

[@CruzCruz-nw7fi]

She is beautiful

[@timhoulf1089]

Thank you for that inspiring video. God bless you. You’re an amazing, beautiful woman.

[@LaSouthernGemini]

Such a good video, in various ways.