My Journey From Misdiagnosis to Motherhood

There was an uninvited guest that became part of my daily life that I did not expect nor want as a little girl. Her name was Pain. She made a constant appearance from the very start. The journey began with my menstrual cycle, marked by heavy and relentless bleeding that demanded my constant attention- changing pads, carrying spare undies and always bracing for the unpredictable at school. The most difficult times were during a P.E. class when I "flooded" my pad and the dreaded "leak" happened!

One doctor doubted my pelvic pain

For 15 whole years, I was on a quest for answers, seeking answers from one doctor to another. There was one dismissive doctor that questioned and cast doubt on the authenticity of my pain, which left me feeling not only upset, but also furious and invalidated.

Birth control helped but triggered new symptoms

To navigate the bloody waters of my heavy menstrual cycles (pun intended!), I was offered multiple contraceptive pills, which offered a temporary respite in that they shut down my hormones. However, every month seemed to bring a descending spiral of fatigue, constant bloating and joint pain. Yet, after a decade, warnings about potential health risks compelled me to discontinue usage. The return of my excruciating periods seemed to create new pains - throbbing in my rectum, bathroom-floor-sweating-pain on opening my bowels and lady-part numbness and shooting pains. I was an absolute MESS!

Finally, a diagnosis of stage 4 endometriosis

Prescribed strong painkillers, I found myself almost dependent and living hour by hour until I could take another dose! There was a point whilst working abroad that the pain got too much and swept me off my feet, making me pass out. I awakened in an unfamiliar hospital and endured the violation of a male doctor's examination without consent, only to find no answers to my struggles. Years rolled on, and the struggle persisted until a move to a larger city and a change of doctors finally got me some answers: a scan, revealing severe stage 4 infiltrating endometriosis as well as adenomyosis.

A career change brought knowledge and relief

The diagnosis brought a whirlwind of emotions. I was relieved to have a diagnosis and that I wasn't going nuts. At the same time, I was terrified as there was no medical cure. I couldn't help but worry about the potential impact on my fertility, especially with marriage on the horizon at the time. Fortunately, my partner was so supportive and understanding and we decided to go on a journey to explore alternative ways to manage endometriosis. I decided to make the jump and transition from the investment banking world to a women's health coach, using functional nutrition and specializing in endometriosis. I not only empowered myself but also became a beacon for others seeking a better quality of life with endo!

Against the odds, I am a mom

Despite a doctor's ominous suggestion of a hysterectomy and a low chance of conceiving, I now stand proud as a mother. I've learned about the power of functional nutrition with functional medicine, optimising my body's systems instead of suppressing symptoms. I’ve learned the art of coexistence with my disease as it ebbs and flows, ensuring it no longer dominates my entire life as it once did. There is hope over despair in the face of adversity from an illness without a medical cure...yet!