Just a Little Bit | Endometriosis, Pain & Being Believed
Introducing: Mackala
Mackala had lived with pain for years before she was diagnosed with endometriosis. But the diagnosis didn’t bring the relief she had hoped for.
What followed was a different kind of struggle: trying to function while managing pain, inconsistent care, and the feeling that she still had to explain and prove what was happening in her body.
Mackala’s story raises bigger questions about what happens when women are finally diagnosed but still left without clear support, proper follow-up, or care that makes sense of their pain.
There is also a turning point in this conversation, when Mackala describes the difference it made to be met by someone who listened, explained things clearly, and helped her feel held.
Listener note: This episode discusses chronic pain, medical dismissal, emergency care experiences, and the emotional impact of ongoing pain.
“be the ‘annoying’ woman”
In this episode:
what it’s like to finally get an endometriosis diagnosis and still be left without real support
the impact of having pain minimised, including at the point of diagnosis
how long-term pain affects daily life, study, work, and mental wellbeing
what happened when Mackala kept turning up for care and still felt she had to prove what was happening
why diagnosis did not mean clarity, relief, or a clear path forward
the difference it made when someone finally listened and explained her pain in a way that made sense
the broader issue of women being diagnosed but not truly supported afterwards
what Mackala wants healthcare professionals to understand about listening, language, and trust
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