Endometriosis Warrior: My Battle, My Daughter’s Struggle, and Our Fight for Better Care
Living with endometriosis isn’t just a challenge—it’s a relentless battle that tests your resilience. After enduring numerous ablation surgeries and hormone treatments, I lost my reproductive health by the age of 36. So when my daughter began showing symptoms, I knew I had to find a better solution for her.
The Search for a Better Solution
The Irish government made a commitment in the National Women’s Health Action Plan 2022-2023 to improve women’s health services. However, despite these commitments, specialist services for endometriosis were still lacking in Ireland in 2023. Current services are limited and not equipped to manage a condition that has the same prevalence as diabetes and asthma. Most Irish women do not know they have endometriosis until they start planning for a baby, and current statistics show that 49% of women with infertility issues have endometriosis.
I dove into research, determined to find the best option. The evidence was clear: excision surgery is the gold standard for treating endometriosis. Yet, despite the commitments made in the National Women’s Health Action Plan, specialist services were still lacking in Ireland in 2023.
My daughter suffered countless hospital admissions for pain management, only to be dismissed with comments like “period pain is normal” or “it’s all in your head.” But I refused to accept that. Her pain was real, and it deserved proper treatment.
The Battle for Recognition
I equipped myself with research and met other women who had traveled abroad for excision surgery. With the support of an open-minded local GP, I made the case for my daughter. But fear and doubt crept in. Could I take her to a country we send Christmas boxes to?
Two days before our planned departure, my daughter collapsed from pain. Scans showed nothing unusual, but she declared, “My mother is taking me to an endo specialist clinic for surgery.” The room fell silent, and all eyes were on me. I felt like shrinking into a corner.
Overcoming Fear and Doubt
Despite the skepticism of overworked and under-resourced gynaecologists who saw me as an irresponsible parent, I knew I had to fight for my daughter. We, as a family, decided to proceed with the surgery abroad.
The experience was harrowing yet transformative. My daughter was diagnosed with grade 3 endometriosis on both ovaries, multiple endometriomas, and infiltration into her pelvis and kidneys. Her appendix, close to bursting, was removed, and her pudendal nerve affected by endo was addressed.
The Real Impact of Endometriosis
Endometriosis is not just in your head. It affects your kidneys, your mobility, and your fertility. After the surgery, even our local GP acknowledged, “You were right.” But for me, it wasn’t about being right—it was about ensuring my daughter didn’t undergo multiple ablation surgeries that could harm her further.
Endometriosis still affects our family, and we manage it as best we can. I’ve learned that surgery alone isn’t a fix. Nutrition and lifestyle changes are powerful tools in managing endo. I completed the Monash Nutrition training, and as a dietitian, I now have a strategy to help others navigate their endo journey.
Empower Yourself
I know the endo road inside out. If you or someone you love is struggling, I can help you find your way. Together, we can manage your symptoms and improve your quality of life. Contact me to learn how nutrition and lifestyle changes can empower you.
Ready to take control of your endometriosis journey? Let’s connect and explore how we can make a difference together.
