Our Favourite STRONG Moment

More than period pain

WRITTEN BY KATELYN SWALLOW

After years of suffering debilitating period pain, ICN Bikini Pro and Online Personal Trainer Bec Harvey (@becylufit) finally got the diagnosis she was searching for: endometriosis. Now with the medications to keep the condition under control, she’s on a mission to help other women reclaim their pain-free lifestyle.

After over 10 years of excruciating pain that left her bed ridden leading up to her period, Harvey wasn’t diagnosed with endo until she was 30 years old. Countless doctors dismissed her issues, before her sister – also suffering similar symptoms – finally gave her the advice she needed. “My life had been a series of unexplained or misdiagnosed pain. A decade of doctors telling me I needed antidepressants and I had some sort of imagined pain, and that I didn’t have bowel, bladder and period issues. I knew something wasn’t right,” says Harvey. “My sister told me to go to specialist Dr Michael Wynn-Williams, and it is no exaggeration to say that this man changed my life! It was such a profound moment for me.” Endometriosis is a chronic condition that is estimated to affect one in 10 women during their reproductive years. It’s essentially when the tissue that normally lines the uterus instead grows outside of it, including on the ovaries, fallopian tubes, vagina, intestines, uterus and even the lungs. Symptoms include severe pain – both during your period and other times of the month – heavy and irregular periods, and bloating. While the exact causes are

unknown, it does tend to run in families and while there is no cure, Dr Wynn-Williams advised surgery to help relieve some of the symptoms. “My health had slowly declined over the years and I knew I needed to do something right away,” says Harvey. “The surgery helped a lot. I had endo tissue removed via excision and laser. After the surgery, a lot of my major endo symptoms went away.” During a flare-up, rest, heat packs or a hot bath and avoiding any trigger foods such as dairy and alcohol have helped Harvey to manage the pain. Ultimately, seeking professional help from your GP or endometriosis specialist is vital. Most of all, don’t suffer in silence. “Be open to talking to doctors and specialists about your symptoms, about your past experiences and your current pains. Write a list of all of your current health issues or pain,’ she says. “If you have a partner, explain the condition and the pain you are in, so they can fully understand what you are going through.” S

Training schedule 1. A walk outside every day. 2. Body building style resistance training five to six days per week. 3. One leg day, two upper body days and three full body days per week.

Harvey’s day on a plate Breakfast: Scrambled eggs, toast and a long black. Snack: Double scoop of International Protein Superior Whey in Vanilla Ice Cream. Lunch: Nasi goreng (chicken fried rice with egg) and a papaya juice. Dinner: Satay ayam (chicken satay), white rice and green veggies. Snack: Oreo Minis.