MY DIAGNOSIS TOOK 12 YEARS
Becoming primary school teacher, I still suffered badly each month. Sometimes the school would ask Mum to fetch me as my legs were too shaky to drive home.
By my mid-20s, I’d had enough. I began seeking answers and finally at 27, after two ultrasounds, I was referred to a specialist. She ordered a laparoscopy, a surgical procedure to examine my abdomen.
That’s when I learnt I had endometriosis, a chronic, relentless disease where the tissue that normally lines the uterus is found in abnormal sites around the body. It often can’t be seen on an ultrasound.
‘We removed a mass of tissue,’ the surgeon said. ‘There wasn’t a space in your pelvis where you didn’t have any. No wonder you were in such pain.’
‘So I’m not a hypochondriac,’ I wept.
Incredibly, not one doctor had suggested the condition in 12 years of suffering.
To stop my periods and ease my symptoms, I had an IUD inserted.
Knowing endometriosis could cause infertility, my husband Lachlan, 30, and I decided to try for a baby.
So after six months, I had the IUD removed. The monthly pains returned, worse than ever. But that wasn’t all.
‘You’re barely releasing any eggs,’ said my gynaecologist. ‘I’ll need to put you on drugs to stimulate ovulation.’
Devastated, I started the medication but had to come off it for more scans.
Incredibly, during that time I fell pregnant naturally.
However the pregnancy was agonising. Each time my baby boy moved, he hit scar tissue from the surgery.
Paracetamol offered little relief, but it was all I could take while pregnant.
On September 23, 2019, at 38 weeks, my bub was in such distress I had to have an emergency C-section. To our relief, he was fine. ‘He’s perfect,’ smiled
Lachlan. We called our miracle baby Harvey and
I fell in love instantly.
Unfortunately my pains flooded back and last month, I had another laparoscopy and more tissue was removed from inside my pelvis.
Some women have even had to have their bowel removed because the tissue growth is so extreme.
But I’m lucky I discovered what I had when I was still fertile, otherwise I’d never have had our precious son, now nine months old.
I want other women to understand that extreme period pain each month isn’t normal. If your doctor won’t take you seriously, find one who does.
• Endometriosis is a painful disorder in which tissue similar to the tissue that normally lines the inside of your uterus grows outside it.
• It breaks down and bleeds with each menstrual cycle but as it can’t exit your body, it becomes trapped, causing pain and possible fertility problems.
Trying for a baby on medication
daughter has had epilepsy since her teens and has been fit free for five years. She would like to start a family, but her specialist has said she should try coming off her drugs over the next six months before trying. Is this necessary?
QMy husband and I have always enjoyed an active sex life, but recently he has lost all interest. He assures me he’s not seeing anyone else, but the lack of intimacy is getting me down. Should
epileptic drugs in pregnancy can increase the risk of spina bifida. If she hasn’t had a fit in five years, I would suggest gradually weaning off the medicines under the supervision of a specialist.
It’s vital that she takes a 5mg folic supplement for a month before conception, as this has been shown to reduce the incidence of spina bifida.
went through a stressful divorce in my early 40s and overnight came out in a rash, which was diagnosed as psoriasis. I turn 50 this year and joined a gym to get fit. My personal trainer says I am at increased risk of heart disease. Is this true?
psoriasis is an inflammatory
he have his testosterone levels checked?
testosterone is often not to blame. Stress, sleep deprivation, anxiety and depression can be at the root of the problem, so it’s worth exploring these
Does she need the lump taken out?
QMy daughter is 28. She found a lump in her breast, which has been diagnosed as a fibroadenoma. Her specialist says there’s no need for any further action. She is very relaxed about it, but I had breast cancer five years ago, so I’m worrying. Should she have it removed? avenues with him. If you decide to go ahead with a blood test, you will need to book a morning appointment. Testosterone levels vary throughout the day, tending to reduce as the day goes on.
AFibroadenomas are common, benign breast lumps and usually women are only asked to come back if the lump gets bigger or changes. Most fibroadenomas just stay the same, but some shrink and disappear over time. They can get bigger during pregnancy or breast-feeding, but then shrink afterwards. If she’s concerned, she can ask to have it removed for peace of mind.