Nova Scotia Woman Takes Drastic Step for Endometriosis Surgery in the U.S. Amid Long Wait Times

A woman from Nova Scotia has crossed the border into the United States in pursuit of urgent surgery for her debilitating endometriosis—an option that was agonizingly delayed in Canada due to lengthy wait times.

Steph McNamara, a 37-year-old from Halifax, revealed that despite enduring immense pain from her condition, which causes tissue to grow outside the uterus, her requests for prompt gynecological care were met with frustrating delays. “I’ve only got so much life left to live, and this disease has taken so much from me,” she lamented, highlighting the challenges she has faced.

McNamara's journey with endometriosis began when she was only 24. Since then, she has been in and out of emergency rooms and has dealt with severe symptoms, including extreme bloating and bladder complications. Doctors had only prescribed birth control as a form of treatment, leaving her feeling hopeless.

In the last year, McNamara experienced a rarer symptom known as umbilical endometriosis, characterized by alarming bleeding from her bellybutton. This led her to decide that she could no longer wait for Canadian healthcare. On Monday, she set off to Maine to undergo a surgical excision, having been quoted nearly $50,000 for the procedure.

Faced with this staggering bill, McNamara took extreme measures such as maxing out her credit cards and securing a bank loan. Meanwhile, her circle of friends is rallying to support her through fundraising efforts, including events hosted by her friend Kristen Herrington, who is auctioning off an art piece to raise funds at her gallery, Togetherland.

“This is not just a personal struggle; it’s a conversation we must have about women’s health and the impact of endometriosis,” Herrington emphasized. McNamara and her supporters hope her story ignites a larger dialogue about the challenges women face with this often misunderstood condition.

Dr. Elizabeth Randle, a gynecologist at the IWK Health Centre, echoed these sentiments. While she acknowledged that the IWK offers specialized care, she agreed that wait times can prove detrimental to patients in need. The hospital has a dedicated surgical team ready to help, but the demand far outstrips current resources.

In response, the provincial government has announced the upcoming opening of a new pelvic health clinic in Dartmouth next year and a $1.6-million investment to improve gynecological services and reduce wait times.

As McNamara embarks on this critical journey toward regaining her quality of life, she remains hopeful that her experience will encourage policymakers to act more decisively to address the struggles that countless women face with endometriosis. “I want the government—both federal and provincial—to recognize that far too many women are suffering in silence,” she urged.

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This retelling not only encapsulates McNamara’s journey but also raises awareness on a critical issue affecting many women, hoping to foster more extensive discourse around women's health care.