Addressing Chronic Pain: Annabelle’s Journey with Endometriosis and Virtual Healthcare

At just 18, Annabelle has faced challenges when it comes to communicating her pain, a struggle compounded by her neurodivergent condition. A pivotal moment came during a car ride when a simple joke from her mother unexpectedly turned painful. As Annabelle recalled, “I laughed, then turned to her and said, ‘Can you not do that? It hurts to breathe.’”

The Hidden Weight of Pain

Annabelle’s articulated pain usually rated a mere “two out of ten,” but through discussions with her mother, Kylie, it became clear that her understanding of pain was undervalued. “It hurts to breathe. I don’t like the seatbelt on my waist. I can’t stand tight pants. I can’t bend over. I can’t lie on my tummy,” Annabelle shared, indicating the substantial discomfort she felt despite her low rating.

Eventually diagnosed with endometriosis—a chronic condition where tissue similar to the uterine lining grows outside the uterus—Annabelle learned the roots of her suffering when a laparoscopy revealed tissue enveloping her bladder. However, this diagnosis was hard-won, following a blunt and disappointing consultation with a male GP registrar who dismissed her pain as psychological.

Supportive Healthcare Initiatives

Following her diagnosis, Annabelle was referred to Victoria’s virtual women’s health clinic, an initiative by the state government aimed at providing accessible healthcare services. This clinic, which offers 30-minute consultations via phone or video, focuses on various aspects of women’s health, including reproduction and conditions like endometriosis.

In Annabelle’s case, the clinic coordinated physiotherapy sessions to address her pain management, a significant step given her past traumas. “Because of my trauma, physio can be confronting, especially when it involves intimate areas,” she explained, highlighting the comfort found in virtual sessions where she felt safe and supported.

Improving Access to Women’s Health Services

Since its opening in June, the virtual women’s health clinic has made strides in providing essential medical services, particularly for women in remote areas of Victoria. Nurse Kim Lucas noted, “We’ve had women calling us from as far as Mildura or Swan Hill, who have said they can’t get into their GP for weeks,” emphasizing the clinic’s role in facilitating timely healthcare.

Access to medical abortions is a particular focus for the clinic, aimed at reducing stigma and ensuring confidentiality for patients who might otherwise face judgment in smaller communities. Despite advancements, statistics indicate that access issues persist—only 17% of Victorian GPs currently offer medical abortions, reflecting ongoing challenges in reproductive healthcare availability.

A Comprehensive Approach to Healthcare

The initiative is part of a broader $153 million strategy introduced by the state Labor government to enhance women’s healthcare access. This includes expanding services such as mobile health clinics and reproductive health hubs, and increasing laparoscopies for endometriosis treatments.

In conjunction with virtual care, innovative solutions like community pharmacy prescribing programs now allow pharmacists to treat uncomplicated conditions without needing a prescription, providing an additional layer of healthcare access.

Looking Ahead: Addressing Barriers in Healthcare

Experts like Dr. Evie Kendal highlight the importance of virtual healthcare solutions, as many individuals may struggle with traditional appointment logistics. Dr. Kendal states, “The reality is people can’t make it to the clinic… it’s an opportunity to intervene and provide health information.” This is particularly vital for women who often juggle multiple responsibilities and face unique barriers to accessing health services.

For Annabelle, understanding her condition through virtual care has been empowering. “It’s such a relief to know this wasn’t just ‘normal cramping,’” she states. With a supportive healthcare team, she has gained validation for her experiences, realizing she is not alone in her struggles.

Contact Information

The Victorian virtual women’s health clinic operates Monday to Friday from 9 AM to 5 PM. For appointments, you can call 1300 003 224 or visit the Each website.