Lilie Reinhardt, actress in the series RiverdaleOn Netflix, she shared her experience with endometriosis, a still little-known disease. Through photos and a detailed account published on Instagram, she recounts her medical journey and the obstacles she faced before receiving a precise diagnosis.
The actress indicates that she has received her official diagnosis of endometriosis. "last week" following laparoscopic surgery. The previous year, she had consulted a urogynecologist who had identified interstitial cystitis and explained that no curative treatment or lasting relief was possible for her symptoms.
Consultations without a clear diagnosis
Reinhardt describes several consultations without result: "Three hospital visits. Several urologists and gynecologists. None of them seriously considered that endometriosis could be the cause of my pain."she explains. It was only with the help of two therapists specializing in the pelvic floor that the possibility of endometriosis was raised.
She specifies that she herself requested an MRI, which revealed adenomyosis. Subsequently, an endometriosis specialist supported her decision to undergo laparoscopic surgery. However, she reports that other gynecologists had downplayed her symptoms. "Another gynecologist told me that I 'probably didn't have endometriosis' and that I should simply take the pill."
The importance of listening to your body
The actress emphasizes the need to trust one's intuition: "I'm glad I listened to my body and trusted my intuition, and I will continue to advocate for everyone to do the same."
Endometriosis, a common but difficult-to-diagnose disease
Endometriosis affects approximately 1 in 10 people with a uterus, according to the World Health Organization. The average time between the onset of the first symptoms and a definitive diagnosis by surgery is between 4 and 11 years. The disease is often confused with other conditions, such as urinary or digestive disorders, which can delay the recognition of symptoms and appropriate treatment.
Lilie Reinhardt's testimony underscores the importance of better informing people about endometriosis and recognizing the legitimacy of the pain experienced by patients. Her approach also aims to encourage others to listen to their bodies and insist on obtaining an accurate diagnosis.
