My Endometriosis Surgery Journey: A Breath of Fresh Air

For over 30 years, I waged an invisible battle against endometriosis—a relentless, unwelcome guest that took up residence in my body and refused to leave. It whispered doubts into my mind, clouded my days with pain, and tested the very limits of my patience and resilience. For years, my symptoms were brushed off as "just a bad period," "stress," or—my personal favorite—"an overactive imagination." Because, of course, my body and I were simply making it all up for fun.

When I was finally diagnosed, I was relieved to have a name for the monster, but frustrated that I had spent most of my life gaslit by the system. I had learned to advocate fiercely for myself, to demand answers, and to trust that deep, intuitive knowing within me that said: This is not normal. Keep fighting. So, when I exhausted every avenue for proper and timely care in Canada, I packed my bags, my yoga mat, and my unwavering determination and flew to Athens, Greece, for surgery with a world-renowned endometriosis specialist.

A Different Kind of Care: My Endometriosis Surgical Experience in Greece

On February 5th, I met Dr. Dinos—the kind of doctor you dream about when you're drowning in a sea of indifference. From the moment we sat down in his office, he saw me. Really saw me. He made eye contact, listened with genuine care, and even sprinkled in some humour to keep the conversation light. My husband, Ryan, and I walked out of that appointment feeling something we hadn’t felt in years—hope.

The pre-op experience was refreshingly smooth. The hospital was calm, the staff warm and kind. I had bloodwork, an EKG, a cardiology consult, a chest X-ray and met with the anesthesiologist. Not everyone spoke fluent English, but kindness is a universal language, and we understood each other just fine.

Before heading into the OR, my nurse helped me into my very fashionable disposable gown, compression stockings, and truly outrageous underwear. We had a good laugh about my sexy new look, and I appreciated the way she lightened the mood.

As I was wheeled into surgery, the porter chatted with me the entire way, keeping my nerves at bay. The OR was chilly, but the energy in the room was light and welcoming. They flipped on their 80's playlist as I drifted off to a drug-induced sleep, trusting I was in the best hands.

The Surgery and Immediate Recovery

The first thing I noticed when I woke up? My back pain was gone. Just… gone. A pain I had carried since my teenage years had vanished, as if Dr. Dinos had waved a magic scalpel.

Despite just having surgery, my bloating was already improved, and my pain was well managed with IV meds (which I later found out was only Paracetamol, Europe's version of Tylenol).

My husband was waiting for me, and not long after, Dr. Dinos came by to explain what he had done. The surgery was a smashing success. He had excised my pelvic side walls, and both of my utero-sacral ligaments, all which were full of lesions. His nurse, the lovely Marina, helped me take my first walk, and even stayed to chat about Greek travel tips. I felt so well cared for, so human—something I had rarely felt in my medical journey. I was given a copy of my surgical report, and images of the sugical procedure after he fully explained the process. He said that it is my body, and my surgery so it is important for me to have full report of what was done.

Post-Surgical Recovery: Moving, Breathing, and Thriving

From the moment I left the hospital, I was encouraged to move as much as possible. And let me tell you, I moved. Within days, I was walking over 10,000 steps a day. Every step felt like a small rebellion against the years of pain that had tried to keep me still.

Back in Canada a week later, I eased into my usual routine, but this time, without the physical pain that had tethered me for so long. My yoga practice became my sanctuary, helping me rebuild strength gently. I flowed through my sun salutations with a newfound ease, marveling at the simple joy of movement without pain. Meditation kept me grounded, helping me process the emotional weight of finally feeling well. And helping me to effectively process the grief and anger I felt about being dismissed for so long.

One of the most unexpected (and wildly welcomed) changes? My food sensitivities disappeared. Years of inflammation had turned eating into a minefield, but post-surgery, I was suddenly able to enjoy foods I hadn’t tolerated in years. Abdominal pain? Gone. Energy levels? Soaring. The shift was nothing short of miraculous.

Now, six weeks post-op, I’m back to nearly all of my pre-surgery activities. I feel stronger, freer, and more me than I have in over a decade. It’s like I got a fresh start, a reclaimed body, a second chance at living fully.

Lessons in Self-Advocacy & Healing

This journey has taught me that healing is not just about surgery. It’s about trusting your intuition, demanding better care, and refusing to be silenced. It’s about moving when your body allows, resting when it begs you to, and finding the tools—whether yoga, breathwork, or sheer stubbornness—that help you push forward.

Most importantly, it’s about never giving up on yourself.

If I had accepted every doctor’s dismissal, I’d still be curled up in pain, wondering if it really was all in my head. Instead, I fought. I advocated. I found a doctor who believed me, and I gave myself permission to seek the care I deserved.

To those of you still searching for answers: Keep going. You are not “too sensitive,” “too dramatic,” or “overthinking it.” Your pain is real. Your experience is valid. And you deserve to be heard.

To healthcare providers: Please, listen to us. Women’s health is not an afterthought. It’s time we stop treating it as one.

Moving Forward with Hope

Endometriosis stole so much from me, but it also led me to this place—where healing is possible, where I can live without the constant shadow of pain. Dr. Dinos and his team gave me my life back, and I will forever be grateful.

I will continue to share my story, to advocate for those still struggling, and to use yoga and mindfulness as a path to recovery—not just for myself, but for anyone who needs it.

If you’re struggling with endometriosis, if you feel lost in the medical maze, if you just need someone to say, I see you—reach out. I am here. You are not alone. And you deserve to live a life unburdened by pain.

Healing is not just about the body—it’s about reclaiming your power, your voice, and your joy. And for the first time in years, I feel free.