Love Island Australia star Erin Barnett has revealed her doctors are finally allowing her to undergo a hysterectomy to treat endometriosis and PCOS after nearly 20 surgeries to alleviate pain her were unsuccessful.
The 27-year-old former reality star, who has been living in debilitating agony since she was 14, said she was “overwhelmed” with emotion after hearing the major news.
“IT’S HAPPENING! I’ve just been approved for a hysterectomy,” she shared in her Instagram Stories.
“I’M CRYING HAPPY TEARS! I can’t believe it’s finally happening. I’m so overwhelmed with so many different emotions.
“I’ve wanted this for so long. WHAT A WIN FOR ME!”
What is endometriosis?
Endometriosis is a condition where tissue similar to the lining of the uterus is found growing outside the uterus.
It affects 10% of women and girls of reproductive age globally and can be very painful and in severe cases cause infertility.
Married at First Sight Australia 2023‘s Bronte Schofield spent most of her teenage years in hospital in “crippling pain” due to similar health complications as did Bachelorette Australia 2019‘s Angie Kent.
A hysterectomy is the surgical removal of the uterus and is used to treat a number of conditions including endometriosis, fibroids and prolapse.
Erin has also been diagnosed with PCOS (polycystic ovarian syndrome), a complex hormonal disorder causing enlarged ovaries.
In an interview with Nine Honey last year, Erin said finding a doctor to perform a hysterectomy was the only option she had to alleviate the pain she lives with.
“It’s not a cure but I would probably be 90 per cent pain-free and today I’m living with about 1000 per cent pain every day,” she told the outlet.
“Sure, I would go into menopause and there are increased risks of having a stroke or heart attack in my 60s.
“But that means I have to live in pain and have constant surgeries for another 30 years. I accept the risks and yet they still won’t do it”.
Erin pleads with doctors to end her suffering
However, The Endometriosis Australia ambassador and author revealed doctors refused to perform a hysterectomy.
Despite having 17 surgeries to treat her symptoms, the first when she was just 14 years old, Erin was told she was too young and would regret her decision.
In a recent Instagram post, it seemed Erin had given up hope of ever being pair free.
“I absolutely hate my reproductive organs. With only 1 ovary left, I just want it out. That’ll never happen, but I can dream,” she wrote.
“I hate this so much. I hate my body for doing this to me. I hate how this makes me feel mentally. I hate everything about PCOS & endometriosis!”
Erin uses her platform to raise awareness and urges women to listen to their bodies.
Best of luck with the surgery, Erin.
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