Breaking Free From Endometriosis: How One Woman Found Relief at Cleveland Clinic London

For years, 32-year-old Chantel Maria struggled with severe pain that intensified around her menstrual cycles. Some days the pain was so intense it was difficult for her to leave home.

“It hurt to walk, sit in a car or even exercise,” she says. “I took pain medication, but after a while they didn’t do much.”

Her periods, which sometimes lasted up to 10 days, were so heavy she’d bleed through her clothes, which required her to set alarms to change them during the night. Despite being told by her GP this was normal, Chantel pushed for answers.

“They told me my tubes and ovaries were fine,” she says. “The doctor suggested maybe I had a low pain threshold.”

Although she underwent numerous scans and blood tests, her condition remained undiagnosed. In 2021, after various ineffective treatments and suggestions from doctors to change her diet, Chantel realised she needed a different approach. That’s when she turned to her private medical insurance through her employer.

In January 2023, she had her first consultation at Cleveland Clinic London and met Mr. Arvind Vashisht, consultant gynaecologist. Within weeks, she had her diagnosis – stage 4 endometriosis, a condition where tissue similar to the lining of the uterus grows in other places within the abdomen and pelvic area.

Mr. Vashisht recalls, "Many of Chantel’s symptoms resonated with endometriosis, and it was clearly interfering with her quality of life—socially, domestically and occupationally."

An MRI was arranged, which provided a detailed map of Chantel’s endometriosis.

"Her symptoms were severe, and we knew the disease involved her bowels and uterus. It was essential to assemble the right team and create a comprehensive treatment plan," Mr. Vashisht says.

“Before my diagnosis, I told my partner I was going to have a breakdown if they told me nothing was wrong because it was really having an effect on my mental health,” says Chantel. “I was not myself, so I felt like a weight was lifted once I got the diagnosis.”

Due to the advanced state of her disease, surgery was recommended.

“Chantel had already tried the non-invasive therapies we generally recommend like lifestyle modifications to diet and exercise, taking pain relief and hormones,” says Mr. Vashisht.

Before undergoing surgery, Chantel was prescribed medication to help shrink her endometriosis and make surgery more manageable.

"This medication effectively switches off the ovaries to reduce hormone levels, but it comes with some significant side effects,” says Mr. Vashisht.

Chantel experienced some of these side effects, including insomnia, mood swings, weight gain and a state of induced menopause. Despite the challenges, her condition improved with some medication modifications, and by June 2023, she was ready for surgery. "I wasn’t nervous. I was excited to be pain-free and myself again," she says.

The surgery, performed on June 9, was a success thanks to meticulous planning and a skilled team comprising Mr. Vashisht, an anesthetist, bowel surgeon and urologist. Following surgery, Chantel spent four days in the hospital.

"The hospital staff were fantastic,” Chantel recalls. “They took care of me, explained everything and were very patient.”

Her recovery continued at home, with support from the medical team for any complications or questions. “I got hives from the wound plasters,” she says. “I called them on a Sunday, and they were great and answered my questions.”

Since endometriosis is a chronic condition, Chantel will continue to be monitored. "We will keep a close eye on her symptoms and arrange a follow up to ensure everything is stable," says Mr. Vashisht.

Chantel felt immense relief following her surgery. "I was calmer, and less mentally burdened. By September, I was completely myself again,” she says.

Chantel hopes her experience helps others understand the importance of seeking specialised care for conditions like endometriosis.

"Period pain should not keep you in bed for three days. If you can't live your normal life, something is wrong, and you need to persist," she says.

Mr. Vashisht says Chantel’s case highlights the need for greater awareness and understanding of endometriosis.

“Awareness allows a degree of preparation,” he says. “Not everyone needs active intervention. It’s about understanding the condition and what lifestyle modifications can be made and learning about treatment options for down the road.

“The more people that know about endometriosis, the more we can improve women’s health,” he adds.