For 16 years, Katherine Rajasingham endured debilitating pain, often dismissed by medical professionals as merely severe menstrual cycles. Her journey to a diagnosis of endometriosis and adenomyosis involved 10 surgeries and a protracted battle to have her symptoms taken seriously.
Rajasingham, now nearly 41 and living in Melbourne, began experiencing severe pain by age 14, coinciding with heavy periods and hormonal acne. Despite trying various hormonal treatments and painkillers prescribed by doctors, the underlying cause remained elusive. She recalls frequently being told she simply had "bad periods."
"I always knew that feeling that amount of pain wasn't right," Rajasingham stated, recounting her experience. It would take until she was 30 to receive an official diagnosis.
Her health concerns intensified at 19 when she experienced severe bleeding and pain after a termination. Though hospitalized twice for these issues, she received no clear explanation. The pain continued through her 20s, significantly impacting her life. She missed significant events, including her brother's wedding, due to the severity of her pain. Sex was often painful, and she sometimes resorted to painkillers to cope with discomfort.
Navigating the professional world also presented challenges. In male-dominated industries, Rajasingham felt uncomfortable disclosing her symptoms, often fabricating reasons for taking sick leave. She recounted an incident where a manager shared her diagnosis with colleagues, dismissing her condition as "ladies' problems," which fostered a long-held fear of how her need for recovery time might be perceived. Even after a recent partial hysterectomy, she returned to work after only three days, citing self-consciousness about taking extended leave.
Diagnosis and Further Procedures
In 2015, at age 30, a gynecologist referred Rajasingham for an ultrasound, which revealed an ovarian cyst and an out-of-place ovary. A subsequent laparoscopy at the Royal Women's Hospital confirmed endometriosis. However, seeking private treatment from a gynecologist who initially promised an end to her need for surgery, she underwent eight more operations under different doctors. She was later diagnosed with adenomyosis and pelvic congestion syndrome. In total, she has undergone 10 pelvic surgeries, in addition to two Cesarean sections.
Despite finally having a name for her pain, it did not cease. Rajasingham noted that years of having her symptoms questioned had led her to doubt herself. Even after her latest surgery, she initially hesitated to report recurring pain, fearing she was overreacting. "Even then, after that, you still doubt yourself every time," she said.
Today, she continues to manage daily pain with medication and sees a pain specialist, yet the experience of needing ongoing care can still evoke feelings of shame.
Personal Life and New Ventures
Rajasingham's journey also includes navigating fertility concerns and later-life diagnoses. Against medical advice regarding her chances of pregnancy, she has two children, born via emergency C-section and a subsequent pregnancy that began with significant bleeding. She describes herself as "very grateful" for her children.
Following the birth of her first child, she experienced severe postnatal mental health difficulties, eventually receiving treatment at a specialist facility. Around age 40, she was diagnosed with ADHD and complex PTSD, leading to relief but also reflection on how different her life might have been.
"How different would my life be?" she wondered. These diagnoses have since provided her with greater self-understanding and confidence.
Inspired by her experiences and observing the struggles of other mothers, Rajasingham is developing Restore Her Wellness. This initiative aims to consolidate health and mental health resources, community connections, and practical support for mothers in one accessible platform. She has also been accepted into an investor-ready program for the venture.
Rajasingham continues to advocate for herself, recently seeking a second opinion on suspected perimenopause symptoms after being told by her GP she was too young. "Whilst it's taken 40 years and so much rejection and disbelief, I now back myself," she stated. "If I think something's wrong, I just take the steps to find out."