Help Maddy get surgery for her endometriosis

Currently the health system is not set up to support women’s health adequately. So many people are experiencing that right now during these unprecedented times.

My name is Maddy Connors. I am a proud Yorta Yorta, Dja Dja Wurrung and Gamilaroi women, mother of two young children (2 &5), an artist, an endo/adeno warrior and strong advocate in women’s health.

Endometriosis affects 1 in 9 women = Approx. 200 million worldwide. It can take on average 6 and a half years for those living with Endometriosis to be diagnosed.

I was diagnosed in 2012 with endometriosis, fibromyalgia and adenomyosis. With years of debilitating symptoms and the western medical system not having many answers it has been quiet a frustrating journey.

In September I saw a gynaecologist who I really connected with for my endometriosis symptoms and management. She was a private Gynaecologist and conducts surgery in the Public system. I felt confident after seeing her, she referred me to get surgery through the public health system and placed me under a category 2 which is around a 90 day wait. I was okay with that. Category 1 is if you have cancer or are dying.

I then rang the hospital in December to see where I was on the list and how much longer I was to wait (as it was almost the 90 days I was told). The respondent on the phone said to me that they hadn’t even booked any category 2’s into surgery due to the current covid restrictions they were not allowed to. I was devastated with this response. I then proceeded to ask how long it might be. She said she couldn’t give me an answer to that as they don’t know either.

I felt so heartbroken and defeated that I might have to go another 12 month wait with these symptoms. the pain prior and during my period is debilitating, I feel bowel pain with bleeding and I become nauseas and often vomit. Amongst other symptoms this then happens during ovulation as well. So three weeks of a month my quality of life is taken away by this insidious disease.

My gynaecologist office has mentioned to me since all of this happened that I can book in private with my gynaecologist for surgery but will cost me around $5,000 for the surgery, stay and anaesthetist. I am seeking support to have this surgery done privately. I hate asking for help but currently our public health system is failing me and many others.

The recovery post op is said to be 2-6 weeks but may vary person to person.