Emily Griffiths, a 26-year-old from Carmarthenshire, is seeking a hysterectomy to alleviate the debilitating symptoms of endometriosis and adenomyosis. Despite experiencing severe health challenges, she has been unable to find a clinician willing to discuss the procedure due to her young age.
Emily’s medical struggles began at 12 when she experienced extremely painful and heavy periods that caused her to miss school and become anaemic. Initially, doctors dismissed her symptoms, telling her the pain was “all in her head.” She was finally diagnosed with endometriosis at 21 after collapsing with sepsis.
The conditions have left Emily housebound and unable to walk without support. She currently dreams of simply being able to walk unaided. Her endometriosis has spread extensively, affecting her ovaries, uterus, bladder, and part of her bowel.
A hysterectomy would leave Emily infertile and trigger early menopause, potentially increasing her risk of osteoporosis, heart disease, and dementia. For the past three years, she has been receiving monthly injections to chemically induce menopause, which has already caused her bone density to deteriorate.
Emily feels frustrated by medical professionals who continually focus on her potential future fertility rather than her current quality of life. She has been advised to try alternative treatments like the contraceptive pill, anti-depressants, and exercise – suggestions she finds inappropriate given her limited mobility.
The lack of NHS support has forced Emily to seek private medical care, funding two surgeries so far and potentially facing another. She receives no NHS monitoring, making her medical journey both financially and emotionally challenging.
Her situation highlights broader issues in women’s healthcare. There are only two accredited NHS endometriosis centres in Wales, with limited patient acceptance. Every health board has endometriosis nurses, but Emily reports experiencing lengthy waiting times.
Political figures have taken notice of her case. Sioned Williams from Plaid Cymru criticized the slow delivery of the women’s health plan, emphasizing that patients like Emily simply want to be heard and believed.
The Welsh government has acknowledged the importance of women’s health, announcing plans to publish a 10-year women’s health plan and establishing a Women’s Health Network with the first clinical lead for women’s health in Wales.
Despite the challenges, Emily remains hopeful. Her advocacy work has earned recognition from the King and the Prince and Princess of Wales, providing her with some motivation during difficult times.
Her primary goal remains finding a medical solution that can improve her quality of life. While a hysterectomy is not a guaranteed cure for endometriosis, she believes it could potentially provide some relief from her current debilitating symptoms.
