Emily Griffiths, a 26-year-old woman from Carmarthenshire, finds herself in the challenging position of facing severe health issues yet feeling unsupported by the medical system. For several years, Emily has been suffering from debilitating symptoms caused by endometriosis and adenomyosis, two conditions that significantly affect her quality of life. Ultimately, she is seeking a hysterectomy, an operation to remove her womb, which she believes could relieve her debilitating symptoms. However, she is met with resistance from healthcare providers who deem her too young for such an invasive procedure, particularly as she does not have any children.
From a young age, Emily has been burdened by intense pain. Her symptoms began when she was just 12 years old, suffering through heavy, painful periods that often kept her from attending school. Unfortunately, her appeals for help were met with skepticism; healthcare professionals dismissed her pain as “normal” and attributed it to psychological factors. It was only after a severe episode of sepsis at the age of 21 that she was finally diagnosed with endometriosis, a condition where tissue similar to the lining of the womb grows outside of it. Despite being referred to a specialist center in Cardiff, the long waiting period prompted her family to seek private treatment, which has resulted in significant financial and emotional strain.
Emily’s case is compounded by a lack of adequate support and resources within the NHS. She feels there is “zero support” from the health service and has seen numerous private clinicians, but these visits come at a considerable cost. For three years, she has been receiving injections to chemically induce menopause in hopes of alleviating her symptoms, but this aggressive treatment is also affecting her bone density and other aspects of her health. Although a hysterectomy might not be a panacea for her endometriosis, it could address her adenomyosis, offering her a chance to regain some normalcy in her life.
Despite Emily’s desperate situation, healthcare providers seem to prioritize potential future childbirth over her present suffering. “Doctors are too busy planning ahead for the child I might want in the future and can’t see where I am right now,” she expressed, indicating a systemic flaw in addressing the urgent needs of women facing similar health crises. The advice she receives, such as engaging in physical exercise like running or pilates, feels completely unrealistic given her current state, where a simple walk is a challenge.
Emily’s case has garnered attention, even receiving letters of recognition from the King and the Princess of Wales, as she works tirelessly to raise awareness about the urgent issues surrounding endometriosis and the struggle many women face in securing appropriate treatment. Despite the awareness and recognition, the reality of her situation remains grim, as navigating the healthcare system continues to be a significant hurdle.
The current infrastructure for treating endometriosis in Wales is inadequate. There are only two accredited NHS centres for endometriosis treatment, which aggravates wait times for patients seeking care. Emily’s experiences have prompted discussions about reforming healthcare policies to ensure that individuals like her receive the support and care they deserve, and advocates are calling for immediate changes.
Politicians are beginning to take notice of cases like Emily’s, with officials like Sioned Williams from Plaid Cymru highlighting the need for the Welsh government to deliver timely and effective care. Similarly, the Welsh Conservatives have suggested scrapping restrictive NHS policies that limit patient access to care across broader regions. In December, the Welsh government plans to publish a 10-year women’s health plan to address these pressing issues.
Emily Griffiths embodies the struggles many women deal with regarding reproductive health and bodily autonomy. The clash between medical advice and a woman’s right to make informed decisions about her body poses challenges that, if not addressed, will continue to perpetuate cycles of pain and inadequacy in the healthcare system.
