From the age of 13, Natashjja Heming knew something wasn’t quite right.
She had always felt what she describes as a “pulling” on the left side of her pelvis, and when she turned quickly she was overcome by a sharp pain. As time went on, the pain became increasingly severe.
At first she thought that the chronic discomfort was a feature of being female.
Perhaps ovaries were just “meant to feel like huge, heavy stones”. When she described the pain to her mother, they thought it might be endometriosis, which runs in their family. At 14, she went to the doctor, but they were unable to identify the source of the pain.
The physician explained that because Natashjja was so young, they were hesitant to do anything too invasive. He advised that she not “try to be a hero” and take Nurofen and Ponstan as required.
Women reveal the most painful thing they’ve experienced. Post continues below.
During high school, the pain worsened significantly. But Natashjja felt self conscious about experiencing what she describes as “lady pain”, so she clenched her teeth and kept it to herself.
Top Comments
I developed a 2kg cyst on my left ovary, I had it operated on at the end of the year when I was 16. For the whole year I was extremely tired, wasn't hungry along with many other symptoms I should have spoken up more and been more forceful in getting answers but after initially being told by my doctor to see a podiatrist because she thought I needed orthotics I was too scared to speak up after it cost so much money for my parents! It wasn't until I could no longer lay on my stomach that enough was enough. I had emergency surgery as it had contorted after having an examination with my specialist, I also had teeth and hair in my cyst which lucky for me my specialist kept for me the teeth which I still have 9 years later. I also joked about having a twin and 'winning' in the womb! So can totally relate, unfortunately I now have another one on my right ovary and have been told it will be something I will continually get!
I find it interesting when people are so quick to blame doctors, when actually we live in a country where medical care can be provided for free and we take it for granted.
So little credit is given to health professionals who regularly help and even save lives, but people are so quick to criticise.
Where is healthcare free? Maybe if you have an issue that requires hospitalisation but most people pay for their healthcare in Australia either through private health or the Medicare levy.
I saw a GP for 4 months who kept telling me I had gastro. Finally my body collapsed and I was rushed to ER where, within hours, I was diagnosed with Crohns Disease. So doctors can vary..on one hand I have the GP who just shrugs away my symptoms and the other the Gastroenterologist who diagnosed me quickly. It really is just chance that the doctor you consult will be thorough in examination and look for underlying causes or assess your symptoms and diagnose based on what is most common for the symptoms. It really does pay to seek another opinion if you feel your doctor hasn't diagnosed you properly. It is, after all, your body and you are the only one who has your health as their number 1 priority.