Christabel Moschetti wouldn’t wish endometriosis on her worst enemy.
The 22-year-old was diagnosed with the condition four years ago, after an adolescence marked by agonising pain, severe bloating and nausea throughout her menstrual cycle.
“People brush it off as just a bad period, no one understands how much it can affect you and how depressing and isolating it really is,” Moschetti told AAP.
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Endometriosis is a complex and debilitating disease that causes tissue similar to the lining of the uterus to grow in other parts of the body.
It can cause infertility, along with other symptoms including abnormal pelvic pain, heavy periods, digestive issues and extreme fatigue.
Moschetti moved to Alice Springs, where she works with animals, soon after being diagnosed and having surgery to remove the tissue in Sydney.
She has since made the 2500km trip to the east coast for more surgery, having been unable to find adequate health care closer to her new home.
“I’m having to pay a lot of money to access that care,” she said.
Endometriosis Australia is aiming to help sufferers living in regional and rural areas through a scholarship program giving 100 country nurses specialist training to recognise and treat the disease.
The first 15 recipients of the scholarship, in partnership with the Australian College of Nursing Foundation, were announced on Wednesday.
The federal government has funded more than 20 pelvic pain clinics across regional Australia, acknowledging women in the country often wait longer than the average seven years to be diagnosed.
Those seeking treatment in rural areas contend with both fewer healthcare resources and medical misogyny, Endometriosis Australia board chair Monica Forlano said.
“People in urban areas are fortunate to be close to specialists,” Forlano said.
“For instance, we (know of) a jillaroo who was working in Broome, who had to fly to Brisbane to see a specialist.”
The nurses will undertake a 10-week course with the college, learning about the varying ways endometriosis can present and how to treat patients with pelvic pain.
They will also learn about the mental and emotional effects of the disease.
“The thing about endo, it’s so connected to the mind and talking about it is quite triggering,” Forlano said.
“There can be a lot of anxiety and depression around it, so rather than having to explain yourself again and again a nurse can actually help you articulate it.”
Moschetti said having access to a trained nurse would be a “game changer” for sufferers.
“Having accessible care, especially with someone who is knowledgeable, it makes you feel validated in your experience.”