She's one of many Canberra endometriosis patients who have been forced to go private for surgery, costing them thousands of dollars in the process.
Surgery can provide relief from the 'debilitating' pain of endometriosis, but patients are facing waits of several years in Canberra 's public systemSurgery can provide relief from the 'debilitating' pain of endometriosis, but patients are facing waits of several years in Canberra 's public systemKatherine waited around a decade to be diagnosed with endometriosis, but she faced another lengthy wait when it came to surgery.
"When I returned to Melbourne and my regular GP and they were shocked that I was able to walk on it ... and I just said, 'well, it didn't hurt as much as my period did'." It's understandable to feel nervous about having a laparoscopy for endometriosis. Knowing what is involved can help ease your mind.
Earlier this year, she went back to her GP to see if she could find some answers, and it was at that appointment where she was told she was classed as a category 2. "I was basically told if I was comfortable and was able to afford seeing privately, that was a better option," she said.But it will leave her with a bill of a couple of thousand dollars.Canberra Health Services declined an interview with the ABC.
"This service aims to reduce the need for surgery and provides pathways for pelvic pain patients to access care," they said.Like Katherine, Shantell Cunningham went many years without an explanation for the abnormal period pain she was experiencing. The problem was that as time passed, Ms Cunningham's "debilitating" symptoms were getting worse, the pain was increasing and many of her usual pain management methods like heat packs and hot water bottles weren't helping
"When it comes to your health and that part of your health is linked to your fertility and your lifestyle, having no outreach from the clinic was shocking," she said. On top of the CHS service, Canberra is home to a federally-funded pelvic pain and endometriosis clinic, one of several around the country which were promised last year.In Canberra, one quietly opened late last year, and is now seeing patients who experience pelvic pain, painful periods or painful sex and those who have conditions like endometriosis.
Canberra Local News Local Canberra Health Services Public Health Private Health Endometriosis Canberra Hospital Sexual Health And Family Planning ACT ACT Government Federal Government Tara Frommer Canberra Endometriosis Centre
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