General News
31 March, 2025
The faces behind the pain
It's a chronic condition that causes debilitating pain, often day in, day out.
Today, in recognition of March being Endometriosis Month, these brave females have agreed to share their stories with our readers, highlighting just how bad endometriosis can get, all the different aspects of the body and life it can affect, and how little support is available for sufferers.
As these experiences show, this condition doesn't discriminate: it can impact females pre-teen and up, and many of these women walk among us with the community none the wiser to the almost-constant pain they live in.
But first, what is endometriosis?
Endometriosis is a disease in which tissue similar to the lining of the uterus grows in other areas.
This leads to inflammation and scar tissue forming both in the pelvic region and, in some cases, elsewhere in the body.
It can cause severe pain and make it harder for a woman to conceive.
Endometriosis can start at a person’s first menstrual period and last until menopause.
The cause of endometriosis is unknown and there is no cure or prevention, although sometimes it can be treated with medicines or surgery.
What became clear after chatting to these women is that their pain is real and it is severe.
They aren't overreacting and they aren't just looking for drugs – both suggestions that have been levelled at all of these women in the past.
Endometriosis stage: 4
Bree's story:
My symptoms started when I was around 23 or 24.
The exact time it took to be diagnosed is unclear, but it seemed like an interminable period.
I made multiple visits to the emergency department and several scans, tests and appointments with a specialist led up to my hospitalisation.
There I had an emergency laparoscopy to treat my left ovary, which had twisted and adhered to my abdominal wall.
Endometriosis has been one of the most challenging conditions I have ever encountered.
In addition to my other autoimmune diseases, endometriosis has had the most significant impact on my life.
Since being diagnosed with stage 4, the condition has taken a substantial toll and I have experienced persistent pain, except for brief periods following surgery.
Currently, endometriosis is impacting my life quality severely.
I am taking multiple medications – including pain relief, hormone therapy and antidepressants – solely due to endometriosis.
This disease is also rendering me unable to work full-time, resulting in significant financial strain due to medication costs and unpaid leave necessitated by debilitating pain.
I have undergone five procedures and am currently scheduling my sixth, typically having a laparoscopy every six months.
To effectively address endometriosis, it is crucial to address the stigma associated with this condition, promoting a serious and thorough approach among the general public, health professionals and employers.
Endometriosis stage: 4
Brianna's story:
My first symptoms of endometriosis were at the age of 15 but I wasn’t properly diagnosed until I was 17 years old.
Endometriosis has impacted me in so many different ways but most of all it has impacted me with chronic pain.
Some days it’s a struggle to walk, it can be that painful, and it gives me heavy and severe periods.
It also can be painful having intercourse.
It makes me bloated severely and it can also make going to the toilet irregular.
I have had eight laparoscopies since being diagnosed and it has been quite difficult to deal with, especially knowing there is no known cure for it.
I was told I would never have a baby, although I was fortunate to have my surgery done in September 2023 and fall pregnant with my beautiful miracle baby boy in December 2023.
One thing I want people to know about endometriosis is that you should always get another opinion, as I was told many, many times that I just had serve period pains, but it turned out that it was endometriosis.
I say trust your gut as only you know if in your body something isn’t right.
Endometriosis stage: 4
Ella's story:
Endometriosis has significantly impacted my life, particularly in my career.
I have had eight laparoscopy surgeries in less than five years.
The debilitating and frequent symptoms forced me to take time off work, which strained my relationships with my employer and colleagues.
Despite my commitment, the unpredictability of my condition made it hard to maintain consistent attendance, ultimately leading to the loss of my job.
The medical trauma I experienced added another layer of difficulty.
I often felt dismissed by healthcare providers who didn't take my pain seriously.
This lack of understanding left me feeling frustrated and isolated, making it hard to seek the effective treatment I desperately needed.
It eroded my self-esteem and contributed to my emotional distress.
Overall, the struggle to balance my health and work has been exhausting.
I’ve found it increasingly difficult to achieve the quality of life I deserve and want, and the loss of my job has only complicated my journey to find proper care and support.
Another way endometriosis has impacted me is regarding my fertility.
The disease has made it incredibly challenging to conceive, leading me to undergo the emotionally and physically taxing process of egg freezing.
Each step felt like a reminder of the limitations imposed by my condition, and the uncertainty about my future family weighed heavily on me.
The debilitating nature of endometriosis has been overwhelming.
There were days when I struggled to get out of bed, let alone fulfill my professional responsibilities.
The fatigue and pain often left me feeling powerless, and navigating these challenges took a toll on my health mentally.
Now, as a nurse I’m driven by a desire to help others who face similar struggles.
I want to provide support and validation to those dealing with endometriosis, ensuring they feel less alone in their journey.
My experiences have shaped my approach to care, making me more empathetic and understanding of the invisible battles many patients fight.
By sharing my story I hope to raise awareness and foster a sense of community for those navigating this difficult condition.
One important thing I want readers to know about endometriosis is that it’s a complex and often-misunderstood condition that goes beyond just painful periods.
Many people don’t realise that it can lead to severe physical symptoms, challenges emotionally and significant impacts on daily life.
Endometriosis stage: unknown
Emily's story:
I have never been given an endometriosis formal "stage" but I sure know it's there.
My symptoms started right from my first period at 16 years old (2010); I got it later than most girls my age due to being a competition swimmer at the time so I just thought it was normal to be in that much pain.
It took me years to be believed by health professionals, let alone investigated properly for a diagnosis.
After my first laparoscopy in 2019 I had the official diagnosis of endometriosis.
I've now had a total of three laparoscopies so far, all through Dr Michael Bardsley in Ballarat.
He's been excellent to work with.
Endometriosis! has impacted my life in many facets: psychologically because of the prolonged pain, hormonal changes causing PMDD and the potential of infertility, physically from the constant hormonal changes (acne, weight changes, mood changes, self-esteem issues) and associated pain and bloating, emotionally as it affects relationships, and even financially from trying to afford medication and surgeries and having to take days off during the worst flares.
I'd like younger women to know that an extremely painful period isn't normal and that sometimes they need to advocate a little harder for themselves.
Get that second opinion.
You know your body better than anyone else.
Endometriosis stage: 4
Endometriosis stage: 4
Endometriosis stage: 4