By Shania Obrien For Daily Mail Australia
01:04 29 Oct 2023, updated 01:11 29 Oct 2023
Alicia Garrigos, a 20-year-old swim teacher from Melbourne, suffered for eight years with debilitating symptoms before finally receiving a proper diagnosis. Alicia experienced sciatic nerve pain, limited mobility, debilitating cramps, and heavy bleeding, all of which were dismissed by numerous health professionals. Doctors attributed her symptoms to needing more exercise and dietary changes to control her heavy period. However, Alicia’s symptoms were due to endometriosis, a painful condition in which tissue similar to the lining of the uterus grows outside of the uterus.
Speaking to FEMAIL, Alicia opened up about her struggle, saying, “It was really awful going through all of that alone. I experienced a lot of anxiety and depression. I felt like I was crazy and like it was all in my head – I kept trying to convince myself I was fine, but there were days where I couldn’t even walk.”
Throughout her high school years, Alicia’s classmates belittled her pain, assuming she was being overdramatic. However, the truth was revealed when a surgeon found lesions on her ovaries and abdominal wall. Alicia’s symptoms had started at the age of 12 when she had her first period. Despite seeking help from various doctors, her pain was repeatedly dismissed.
Alicia recalled, “The doctors seemed to have some strange obsession with my period being heavier because I wasn’t thin. They kept suggesting I change my diet and exercise more.” She added, “But the only reason it was low was because I was losing so much blood. Now that I’m on two contraceptives and not getting my period anymore, my iron is absolutely fine.”
At 18, Alicia visited a gynecologist for the first time, but he strongly dismissed the possibility of endometriosis due to her age. He attempted to treat her symptoms solely with birth control. Feeling disregarded and hurt, Alicia knew she had to seek a second opinion.
Fortunately, Alicia’s mother, a nurse, found a GP who specialized in women’s health. This doctor became the first medical professional to consider endometriosis as the root cause of Alicia’s pain. Alicia was referred to a surgeon who discovered lesions on her abdominal wall, pouch of Douglas, ligaments, and ovaries. She underwent surgery, which provided some relief. However, Alicia still requires hormonal birth control, strong painkillers, and anti-inflammatories to manage her symptoms.
Alicia shared, “I still have nerve pain, an upset stomach, bad reflux, and all of the other symptoms I was experiencing before. The doctors didn’t have a way of dealing with them, so I have to find my own way of managing it with the help of a nutritionist and over-the-counter medication. I’ll probably need another surgery if they get worse again.”
Alicia’s story sheds light on the importance of listening to and validating women’s pain, especially when it comes to reproductive health. It serves as a reminder that endometriosis can affect individuals of all ages and should not be dismissed due to stigma or lack of understanding.