A woman from Worcester who endured severe endometriosis pain for decades has completely transformed her health following life-changing surgery. Carys Thurlby, 43, lost 10 stone (140lbs) over 18 months after undergoing a hysterectomy, which finally provided lasting relief from chronic pain and exhaustion.
Thurlby believes she has suffered from the condition since beginning menstruation as a teenager. She recalls sitting for her GCSE exams while chewing paracetamol to cope with pain spreading through her pelvis and legs. “Having intense pain had become my normal,” she said, noting that she previously did not realize her monthly suffering was abnormal.
At age 19, she received a formal diagnosis via laparoscopy after enduring excruciating pain. Despite this, like many women with endometriosis, she spent years managing symptoms without a cure. The condition, which can affect multiple areas of the body, significantly impacts daily life, work, and relationships.
Over the years, Thurlby underwent several operations with only temporary results. Eventually, her ovaries were removed due to damage from the disease, followed by the hysterectomy. The procedure allowed her to stop relying on sugar for quick energy bursts and freed her from accommodating constant pain and fatigue into her routine.
“I can’t describe how different it felt,” Thurlby said. “It was a real shock to me to understand this is how normal people function.”
As her health improved, she began exercising and discovered a passion for running. Eighteen months ago, she could not run for more than a minute. She has since completed the Worcester Half Marathon and is currently training for next year’s London Marathon.
Vicki Shattock, a Belbroughton resident who wrote a book about her own struggles with dismissed health concerns, urged women to trust their instincts. “If someone is telling you pain is normal and you know it isn’t, don’t let it go,” she advised.
Training for the London Marathon at forty-three is absolutely inspiring. Go Carys!
Did she mention if she went into immediate menopause after the hysterectomy? That can have long-term health effects.
As someone who waited ten years for a diagnosis, this story makes me angry but also hopeful for younger women now.
Ten stone is a massive amount of weight to lose, but the pain relief was clearly the real miracle here.
What an incredible journey. Endometriosis is so often ignored; I am thrilled she found relief finally.