Hi, I’m Anna

Hi, I’m Anna

I’ve lived with excruciating period pain since I was 12. I still remember our GP coming after hours to give me morphine just so I could cope. But like many of you, I had no idea that this monthly agony - along with my heavy, flooding periods and constant anxiety about bleeding through my clothes — was actually Endo.

By my 20s, I’d heard of "Endometriosis", but I’d been conditioned to believe my pain was “normal.” I felt really sorry for women who had Endo, wondering how they survived pain that must be even worse than mine.

At 32, I started bleeding from my bowel during my periods. A female specialist told me it was “just haemorrhoids.” In reality, it was Stage 4 Endo that had perforated my intestines and meant I needed major surgery, including a bowel resection.

Since then, my Endo journey has included:

• Multiple laparoscopies, hysteroscopies, and D&Cs 

• Secondary infertility and multiple rounds of IVF

• Removal of both fallopian tubes (bilateral salpingectomy)

• An ectopic pregnancy

• Fibroids, uterine and endometrial polyps, severe anaemia, and

• Adenomyosis. 

I’ve since learned that Endo runs in my family - across three generations- and sadly, my daughter was diagnosed with Stage 3 Endo at just 16.

This history inspired me to complete a Master of Genomics and Health last year. Alongside mentoring for QENDO, my goal is to help our community by researching the genetics of Endo and working toward better diagnosis and non-hormonal treatment options.

I’d love to hear your story — wherever you are in your Endometriosis journey — and learn how I can best support you. You’re not alone

Outside of research and advocacy, I’m passionate about family, our pups, travelling, cooking, dancing, movies, and music. These joys keep me grounded and remind me that life is still full of beauty, even in the midst of pain. I'm looking forward to hearing what lights you up too !