Before traveling from Kenya to the UAE for transformative surgery, medical tourist Serah W. had suffered through years of intense abdominal pain, numerous misdiagnoses, and the shattered dreams of becoming a mother. Her condition frequently forced her to miss work and abandon activities she cherished. For the 34-year-old, the ordeal began in her teens with monthly bouts of abdominal pain, fatigue, and mood swings during her periods. She was unaware, or undiagnosed, that she had endometriosis, a distressing condition where endometrial cells grow abnormally outside the uterus, affecting about one in ten women worldwide. Endometriosis symptoms often remain unnoticed or are mistaken for ordinary menstrual discomfort. Due to the relentless pain, Serah lost many workdays and even had to give up swimming and dancing. "Endometriosis significantly hindered my life," she recounts. After marrying seven years ago, she faced the heartbreak of infertility. However, hope emerged when she connected with Prof. Horace Roman, an Endometriosis Surgeon, and his team in Abu Dhabi. She chose to journey to the UAE capital, where she was finally diagnosed with stage 4 endometriosis. Prof. Roman described her condition as "severe" and "affecting multiple organs." "The patient had a grave case of endometriosis that impacted the rectum and sigmoid colon, causing partial obstruction, and also involved the ovaries, fallopian tubes, and the navel, leading to a frozen pelvis," explained the doctor at Burjeel Medical City (BMC) in Abu Dhabi. Prof. Roman, alongside Dr. Rajive Paul Joy Chiriyankandath and Dr. Ali Iyoob Valiyaveettil, crafted a specialized treatment plan to eradicate the extensive endometrial lesions in Serah's body. Utilizing advanced technology, including the Da Vinci Robot, the surgical team conducted a thorough four-and-a-half-hour procedure to treat Serah. "The surgery was comprehensive yet highly successful," stated Prof. Roman. "We removed the diseased tissue from the organs. She can now expect a normal life, and her chances of conceiving naturally have significantly improved." Serah advises others battling endometriosis: "Don't lose hope and believe that life must be this way." "We are endo warriors, and we are unique." She attributes her resilience to her husband Stephen, who supported her through her fight against endometriosis and infertility. "My husband has been my strength these past years. He shared my pain, held my hand, and even took time off work to care for me during tough times. I am fortunate to have him," she said, also finding solace in prayer. Post-surgery, buoyed by new hope and the support of her husband and medical team, Serah anticipates a pain-free life and the possibility of motherhood. "Now that I've had surgery, I look forward to a normal life without pain and, God willing, becoming a mother," said the Kenyan national. Dr. Monika Chawla, a Consultant on Reproductive Endocrinology & Infertility (IVF) at M42's HealthPlus Fertility Center, noted that endometriosis presents through various symptoms, including pelvic pain, heavy menstrual bleeding, fatigue, and gastrointestinal issues. Differentiating it from typical menstrual pain can be difficult, but the intensity, duration, and timing of the pain often help in diagnosis. "A common misunderstanding is that endometriosis is just severe menstrual cramps. However, it is a chronic condition that demands medical care. It is vital to raise awareness about its prevalence, symptoms, and its impact on fertility to ensure timely diagnosis and treatment," Dr. Chawla emphasized.