Brandi Rhodes is recovering from Endometriosis surgery and hopes her story can inspire others to listen to their bodies when they know something is wrong.
The former wrestling executive shared details of her personal health journey on social media this week. Rhodes explained that she\'s been experiencing painful symptoms for years, but had no idea what exactly was wrong. She was ultimately diagnosed with stage four Endometriosis, a disease in which tissue similar to the lining of the uterus grows outside the uterus. She shared a photo of herself after undergoing surgery for the condition and now seeks to help others.
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Rhodes was inspired by fellow WWE alum Maryse, who recently shared her own story with a rare pre-cancerous condition that affects the ovaries. The two-time WWE Divas Champion underwent laparoscopy surgery earlier this year during which doctors found and removed eleven implants located around her uterus, ovaries, and connective tissues in her abdominal cavity.
Endometriosis: What Is It?
Endometriosis is a disease where tissue similar to the lining of the uterus grows outside the uterus, such as the ovaries and fallopian tubes. Symptoms include pain in the lower stomach or back, period pain that prevents normal activities, pain when urinating or defecating and pain during or after sex.
Brandi had stage four endometriosis, the most serious level of the condition. Causes of endometriosis can include genetics or a problem with the immune system though it is often a condition caused by a combination of different factors.
Lower versions of endometriosis can be treated with painkillers or hormone medicines but more severe forms can lead to surgery (such as in Rhodes\' case.) While Rhodes just needed the implants removed, the worst cases can result in surgery to remove part or all of the organs affected by endometriosis.
