Brandi Rhodes, a former professional wrestler, recently opened up about her harrowing three-year journey to being diagnosed with endometriosis. Despite experiencing significant pain and various symptoms, Rhodes' concerns were repeatedly dismissed by medical professionals. Her story, as shared in an interview with TODAY, underscores the importance of self-advocacy and awareness of women's health issues.
Rhodes, 40, first noticed something was wrong after becoming pregnant with her daughter, Liberty. She described experiencing intense internal pain, likening it to severe irritation in her ovary or uterus. Despite her concerns, her doctor assured her that these symptoms were normal and would subside after childbirth. However, even after giving birth in June 2021, Rhodes' pain persisted.
"It felt like something inside, whether it was an ovary or my uterus, just felt really irritated and aggravated," she told TODAY.
Over the next three years, Rhodes sought help from multiple specialists, trying pelvic floor therapy and seeing a nutritionist and gastroenterologist, who misdiagnosed her with irritable bowel syndrome (IBS). Her symptoms, including irregular menstrual cycles, heavy periods, and severe bloating, continued unabated. The constant fluctuation in her physical appearance was particularly distressing
"One day I'd wake up in the morning and I felt normal and fine and (could see) my abs," she recalled, "and then another day I would wake up and I would look three months pregnant."
"Then I found myself back at the doctor again," she added. "And that doctor really waved it off. She didn't really show concern. She really didn't have a lot of questions."
Repeated dismissals from doctors led Rhodes to doubt herself. She started to feel defeated, questioning her own experiences and considering whether her pain was imagined. As a fitness instructor, this ongoing struggle impacted her ability to help others with their fitness, as she was battling significant discomfort herself.
Rhodes found renewed determination after fellow pro wrestler Maryse Mizanin shared her own health journey on social media. Mizanin's story of being diagnosed with a rare pre-cancer of the ovaries after being dismissed by numerous doctors resonated deeply with Rhodes. Inspired by Mizanin's courage, Rhodes decided to push for more answers.
"Seeing that really lit a fire under me," Rhodes told TODAY.
Finally, Rhodes found a doctor who performed a basic pelvic exam and quickly identified the likelihood of endometriosis. This diagnosis came as a relief and a frustration, as it confirmed Rhodes' suspicions but also highlighted the unnecessary length of her suffering.
"It's been three years. What took so long?" she said, telling her husband and fellow pro wrestler Cody Rhodes that she felt both relieved and frustrated. "I'm so mad. I'm so worked up because I knew something was wrong. And the way that I felt so dismissed in so many different ways... This is so wrong."
After her stage four endometriosis diagnosis was confirmed, Rhodes underwent surgery to remove the endometrial tissue. She is now recovering and committed to advocating for other women facing similar struggles.
On May 22, Rhodes shared her endometriosis journey with her fans on Instagram, highlighting the importance of persistence and self-advocacy. She credited Mizanin's openness with encouraging her to continue seeking answers and hopes that her own story will inspire others to do the same.
"Women... we have to advocate for ourselves and our bodies," Rhodes wrote. "It is far too common in the medical world to be dismissed when it comes to Women's health issues. Don't be dismissed."
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Tips for Women Being Dismissed by Doctors
Rhodes' experience is unfortunately not unique. Here are some tips if you feel you are being dismissed by your doctors:
- Keep a Detailed Health Journal: Document your symptoms, including their frequency, intensity, and any triggers you notice. This can provide concrete evidence when discussing your concerns with a doctor.
- Seek a Second Opinion: If you feel dismissed by your current doctor, don't hesitate to seek a second or even third opinion. Different doctors may have different approaches and insights.
- Bring a Support Person: Having a trusted friend or family member accompany you to appointments can provide emotional support and help you advocate for yourself.
- Ask Specific Questions: Prepare a list of specific questions and concerns before your appointment. This can help ensure you address all your issues and receive thorough explanations.
- Request Specific Tests: If you believe a particular test or examination could be beneficial, ask for it. Be firm but polite in explaining why you think it is necessary.
- Educate Yourself: Research your symptoms and possible conditions so you can have informed discussions with your doctor. Be cautious of self-diagnosing but use the information to advocate for appropriate care.
- Document Interactions: Keep records of your interactions with healthcare providers, including dates, times, and summaries of conversations. This can be useful if you need to escalate your concerns.
- Consider a Specialist: If your general practitioner is not addressing your needs, consider seeing a specialist who focuses on the relevant area of health.
- Join Support Groups: Connecting with others who have similar experiences can provide valuable advice and emotional support. Online forums and local support groups can be helpful.
- Stay Persistent: Trust your instincts about your body. If you feel something is wrong, continue to seek help until you find a healthcare provider who listens and takes your concerns seriously.
