January 4th 2025.
In June 2023, my husband and I made the big move to Spain, accompanied by our furry companion, our beloved dog. As we stood on the shore, admiring the glistening sun on the water, I braced myself for the approaching wave. With excitement coursing through my veins, I paddled out and jumped onto my surfboard, riding the wave with pure exhilaration all the way to the shore. Just six months ago, this experience would have been unimaginable. I would have been confined to my bed, screaming in agony due to my severe stage 4 endometriosis. This debilitating condition not only affected my fertility and organs, but it also took a toll on my daily life.
But now, everything has changed. For the first time in over a decade, I am pain-free. I can exercise without collapsing, eat without rushing to the bathroom, and instead of relying on pain medication, my new routine involves activities like mountain hikes, boxing classes, and weekly surf lessons. It's a complete 180 from my previous life, where my endometriosis symptoms ruled over me.
Speaking of symptoms, let me tell you, it was no walk in the park. Severe period pain, discomfort while urinating or having a bowel movement during my period, heavy bleeding that required frequent pad or tampon changes, and pain during or after sex were just some of the struggles I faced. Fatigue was also a constant companion, making it hard for me to keep up with my day-to-day activities. Since I was 17, I had been making monthly visits to my GP, each time hoping for a solution to my excruciating pain. But unfortunately, I was always told that it was "normal" and that I had nothing to worry about.
As the years went by, my pain became unmanageable. I had to miss work, and there were times when I was bedridden or even passed out due to the intensity of the pain. Then, in 2013, I was suddenly rushed to the hospital with severe abdominal pain. After a scan, it was revealed that I had a 15cm ovarian cyst. The doctor recommended a laparoscopy, a procedure that involves inserting a thin tube with a camera into the body. This procedure confirmed that I had stage 4 endometriosis, which is the most severe form of the condition. At just 27 years old, my fertility was already compromised.
At first, I was under the impression that I could be cured of endometriosis. But unfortunately, there is no known cure for this condition. After the diagnostic surgery, my doctors advised me to manage my symptoms with hormone treatments. In severe cases, radical surgery is an option. I was also told to start IVF immediately, as it was believed that pregnancy could help alleviate my symptoms. Little did I know, this was just the beginning of a 10-year-long struggle.
My endometriosis was aggressive, spreading rapidly to my bowel, colon, rectum, and bladder. I underwent four private surgeries, had my fallopian tubes removed, and was hospitalized multiple times due to pain and ovarian infections. It was an endless cycle of pain and disappointment. But the worst was yet to come.
I went through nine failed cycles of IVF, each one taking a toll on my physical and emotional state. One of the attempts ended in an early miscarriage, and another one resulted in a termination due to medical reasons at 21 weeks, during the peak of lockdown. To add to my agony, I was also hospitalized with sepsis after the loss. The next step was a complex surgery that involved reconstructing my bowel, rectum, and bladder. There was a possibility that I would have to live with a permanent colostomy bag. At just 37 years old, the thought of my life changing so drastically was terrifying.
Around this time, my world was turned upside down when my mother suddenly passed away. It was a wake-up call for me to start looking at life from a different perspective. Despite being mentally, physically, and financially drained, I refused to let my life be defined by a disease. I was determined to find another solution to my endometriosis. As the saying goes, "a change is as good as a rest," and I decided to put it to the test.
In September 2022, my husband and I made the decision to move to Spain. We had previously lived in Ibiza for a year in 2016 and fell in love with the slow pace and outdoor lifestyle. It wasn't an easy decision, especially with Brexit making it challenging to move abroad. We had to do extensive research on visa options, and luckily, my husband held an EU passport, and I was able to apply for residency as a non-EU family member. We spent the summer in Andalusia, exploring the stunning natural landscapes and the charming white, hilltop villages called Pueblos Blancos. We also visited different cities and coastlines before finally settling on the beautiful foodie city of San Sebastián.
As we settled into our new Spanish way of life, I started to notice a significant improvement in my health. I was no longer dependent on painkillers and had transitioned from frequent use of morphine in the UK to only occasional use of paracetamol in Spain. Instead of spending eight hours a day in front of my laptop, I followed the Spanish lifestyle and prioritized my health. I took short breaks during the day to stroll around the city or have lunch at a local bar. I also started surfing, something I could have only dreamed of doing before. My stress levels decreased, and my endometriosis pain eased, allowing me to move more and feel healthier. I also started walking everywhere instead of driving, which was my usual mode of transportation in the UK.
My diet underwent a drastic change as well. With the abundance of fresh produce in San Sebastián, I started eating smaller portions, a signature of the city's cuisine called pintxos. As the supermarkets only stocked seasonal produce, I was encouraged to cook from scratch, which I found to be a therapeutic and enjoyable experience. A year ago, I wouldn't have been able to survive on a diet of cava and jamón, as they would have caused me extreme pain. But now, I can indulge in them without any worries.
When I asked my endometriosis consultant how such a significant improvement was possible, his immediate response was, "the produce." He believes that the quality of food in Spain has played a crucial role in reducing my inflammation and, consequently, my symptoms. And this summer, when I underwent my annual endometriosis MRI, the results showed no progression or new adhesions. For the first time in years, my condition was dormant.
Don't get me wrong; I am not cured of endometriosis. I still take a hormone pill every day, but I am stable. And, the best news of all, I was taken off the surgery list. I couldn't hold back my tears of joy. I truly believe that the slower, healthier lifestyle in Spain, coupled with the abundance of sunshine, has significantly improved my endometriosis. I only wish I had made this change sooner.
I want to make it clear that I am not saying that a move abroad is the solution for every endometriosis sufferer. But I do believe that my experience can inspire others to make positive lifestyle changes. The fast-paced lifestyle in the UK is not essential, and we need to learn to slow down and say no to extra commitments. It may take longer to walk to the store or the gym, but it's worth it. You'll get some much-needed exercise, a healthy dose of fresh air, and feel better for it. Instead of shopping at big supermarkets, try to shop at your local weekly market, and make it a part of your enjoyable, slow-living experience. And if possible, join a local wild swimming group and reap the benefits of cold-water therapy.
Two years ago, I was in constant pain. But today, I am living proof that significant improvement is possible. A change of scenery and lifestyle can truly be life-changing. So, don't be afraid to take that leap of faith and prioritize your health. As they say, "a change is as good as a rest!"
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