General News
3 April, 2025
Full-body effect
While it's commonly known that endometriosis involves tissue similar to the lining of the uterus growing outside the uterus, leading to inflammation and scar tissue forming in the pelvic region, it's not so commonly known that the condition can impact all organs.
But Kelly Kennett knows all too well the effect of this – as at just 22, she battles with it in her bladder, bowel, kidney, liver and lungs.
"I'm literally riddled with it everywhere," Mrs Kennett said.
Mrs Kennett spoke to Wimmera Mallee News from her bed in hospital, admitted for yet another complication from endometrosis.
"I'm stage 4 endometriosis and my case is complex," Mrs Kennett said.
"My symptoms started at the age of 13–14, and I was only diagnosed at age 20 after it took seven years and multiple medical opinions and procedures before being diagnosed."
Endometriosis has stripped Mrs Kennett of a life of normality and, instead, she has been left not able to work a full-time job and with a lot of uncertainty.
"Each and every day is very unpredictable with bleeding, pain and symptoms that endometriosis has caused," she said.
"Not everyone knows just how debilitating and unpredictable endometriosis can be.
"Females who suffer with it are often good at hiding/masking how much the condition impacts them and their day-to-day lives."
Mrs Kennett said awareness and education around endometriosis was also lacking, with the average woman waiting seven to 10 years to actually be diagnosed.
"In saying that, during that process, so many women end up being dismissed for it being 'just a bad period'," she said.
"There is also funding lacking for females suffering from endometriosis, especially those who cannot work.
"Being chronically ill with endometriosis is financially expensive with all of the medical appointments, medications, sanitary items and surgeries, and we have to pay for all that with no assistance or help from the government as endometriosis is not classed as a disability."
