Women of Wagga get a helping hand from afar

Women of Wagga suffering from various forms of chronic pain have found a safety net through an online support group.

The Endometriosis, PCOS (Polycystic Ovary Syndrome), Adenomyosis and Chronic Pain Support Group on Facebook has attracted more than 1400 followers since its inception in April 2022.

Endometriosis is a disorder in which tissue that usually lines the uterus grows outside the uterus, PCOS is a hormonal disorder causing enlarged ovaries with small cysts on the outer edges and adenomyosis is a condition in which endometrial tissue exists within and grows into the uterine wall. All conditions can be accompanied by chronic pain.

Coffs Harbour’s Tunai Tarrant, 23, created the Facebook group to help other women like herself who suffer from severe chronic pain and other issues related to endometriosis, PCOS and adenomyosis.

“To have a chronic illness is debilitating and gut-wrenching,” she said.

Ms Tarrant’s initial goal was to help a handful of women network and find support but she exceeded her goal in the hundreds, with many followers hailing from Wagga.

The Riverina women, who may not have known others with similar chronic health issues before, can now meet in person.

Ms Tarrant was diagnosed with endometriosis 10 years ago. She has had 10 laparoscopic surgeries to remove endometriosis, botox in her pelvic floor and has spent much time in the hospital. She was later placed on a disability pension.

“It is difficult to keep a social life and as the years went on, I realised that I had no one to talk to,” she said.

“I knew there were thousands of women experiencing the same thing, so I decided to create this group to help as many people as possible.

“I’ve had so many lovely people thank me for creating this support network. It does bring me to tears knowing how many women are out here without support.”

“I’ve even had some practitioners reach out to me; it’s been amazing.”

The endometriosis warrior said her mental health worsens when she is in tremendous physical pain.

“You don’t have that support system when you’re on the bed or the floor in a ball crying in pain,” she said.

“It’s such an amazing feeling knowing how many individuals are joining this group and we are now a support system. It’s an online sanctuary for so many people, including myself.”

The undergrad child therapist has opened her inbox for individuals who don’t feel comfortable posting something in the group, so everyone gets the support they deserve.

She also has an anonymous setting for individuals who can post their questions without anyone else knowing who they are.

Ms Tarrant said she feels a sense of reward in providing a safe space for women to talk about their diagnoses and pain.

“We have so many women who join with a suspected diagnosis and to guide those women to get the support and health care they need and deserve is great,” she said.

“It takes roughly six to 10 years to diagnose endometriosis alone.”

Ms Tarrant finds that female-related health issues and chronic pain were never brought up in school.

“Even in university in classes such as anatomy and chronic illnesses units – they’re not mentioned. There are so many other conditions that aren’t spoken about either,” she said.

“To be diagnosed with a chronic condition, you need to find a chronic pain specialist or a gynaecologist that understands chronic pain.”

It took the young student seven years to get a diagnosis and find a gynaecologist that believed in her pain.

Ms Tarrant hopes this can change in the future but says it is essential to educate everyone about chronic conditions, including in schools and workplaces.

“We can change the future and it starts with us,” she said.

“If we can raise awareness and education surrounding all conditions, it can impact the time expectancy of being diagnosed.

“Every person deserves the right diagnosis and treatment for their conditions and pain.”

Since the inception of her support group, Ms Tarrant has joined more than 150 communities in NSW and her goal is now to reach out across the country.

To join the support group, click here.