Why I Chose to Have Three Surgeries for Endometriosis
When it comes to endometriosis, there’s no one-size-fits-all approach and choosing to have surgery is a deeply personal decision. It’s not something I ever took lightly, and it’s not the only path to relief. But for me, at three different points in my journey, surgery felt like the right choice. Looking back, each of those decisions came from a place of wanting to protect my health and quality of life and I do not regret undergoing any of those procedures.
After each surgery, I felt a level of physical and mental relief that I hadn’t experienced in a long time.
That post-operative space where my pain and unpleasant symptoms lifted reminded me what it was like to feel somewhat like myself again. It gave me hope, and that was incredibly powerful.
A huge part of what gave me confidence to proceed with surgery was the trust I had in my specialist. I never once doubted her intentions or expertise. I knew she wouldn’t operate unless she truly believed it was necessary. That trust is something I’ll never take for granted.
I was also incredibly lucky to be surrounded by a supportive network of loved ones. It’s one of the reasons I’m so passionate about helping others feel supported and seen, no matter where they are in their journey. I was also so fortunate to be in a financial position where I could undergo these procedures and take the time I needed to recover, and I carry a deep awareness that this isn’t the case for everyone.
My third surgery was a turning point.
While it addressed some of the ongoing symptoms I’d been dealing with, it also made one thing clear: surgery alone wasn’t going to fix everything. Leading up to this, my surgeon had suggested working with other specialists: a dietitian, gastroenterologist, pelvic physio and pain specialist. In all honesty, I brushed those suggestions off. At the time, surgery had resolved many of my issues for at least 12 months post-op, so I didn’t think I needed anything else or that anything else would have the same significant effect.
It wasn’t until after that last surgery that I began to realise how important it was to take a more holistic approach. My surgeon gently encouraged me again to connect with this broader team, and that’s where real, sustainable progress started to happen.
To be honest, that shift was hard. For so long, surgery had been the only thing that brought me relief. Accepting that I needed to do more or something different was confronting and frustrating. But I’m so grateful for that moment and for the people who have walked alongside me since. I wouldn’t be where I am today without their guidance and care.
So, is surgery the only solution? No, absolutely not. It’s not right for everyone. But it was right for me at the time and each experience helped shape the way I now approach my health in a broader, more holistic way.
If you’re navigating this decision, please remember: your specialist knows your case best. Trust them, ask the hard questions and make sure you’re exploring the full range of support available. Endometriosis care is complex and it’s the combination of treatments and support that makes the difference. I wished I had listened to this advice sooner!
My surgeries opened the door, but it was the holistic support and belief in a bigger healing journey that helped me step through.
Anna x
