Misdiagnosed back pain revealed as endometriosis at Spire Murrayfield Hospital, Wirral

For 35-year-old Rebecca Connolly, endometriosis was more than a diagnosis—it was life-altering. First identified in her early twenties, she spent over a decade battling symptoms that worsened with time. Despite being fit, active, and outwardly healthy, Rebecca lived in constant pain. “I couldn’t even bend down to pick up the dog bowl,” she recalls.

Enjoying time outdoors following treatment at Spire Murrayfield Hospital, Wirral

Navigating the healthcare system proved frustrating. Multiple MRIs, CT scans, and steroid injections all pointed to a spinal defect. “No one believed how much pain I was in because I looked fine. I was told it was just back pain,” she says.

Everything changed when Rebecca accessed private healthcare through her employer’s BUPA scheme. This led her to Spire Murrayfield Hospital in Wirral, where she met Consultant Gynaecologist Miss Nahid Gul.

“Miss Gul was the first female doctor I’d ever seen. She listened, identified the symptoms consistent with deep endometriosis and recommended excision surgery. I was so grateful.”

During the minimally invasive keyhole procedure, Miss Gul discovered extensive endometriosis across Rebecca’s pelvis, including on her bladder, bowel, and pelvic ligaments. The precise excision of the affected tissue relieved the nerve-related pain almost immediately.

“When I woke up, I realised the pain had gone. It was the first time in years I felt normal,” Rebecca says. Within weeks, she was back to CrossFit and jiu-jitsu. “I’ve got my life back. I even hit a personal best on my front squat—68 kilos. I haven’t been able to do that since my early twenties. 

Returning to CrossFit and building strength again.

Beyond physical recovery, the surgery transformed her life. Rebecca rebuilt relationships, reconnected socially, and reignited her career. “I can stand on stage and speak to hundreds without needing weeks of rest beforehand.” Her mental health and hormonal balance also improved. “I never realised how much endometriosis was affecting my cycles and energy levels.”

Rebecca’s advice is clear: “If you’re in pain, don’t dismiss it. Endometriosis isn’t just about periods—it can affect your whole body. Ask for help and push for answers.”

Miss Gul adds, “Endometriosis can present in many ways. Listening to patients is vital. Atypical symptoms, including back pain, should prompt clinicians to consider gynaecological causes.” Endometriosis affects one in ten women in the UK—over 1.5 million. Diagnosis can take up to eight years.

The Merseyside and Cheshire Endometriosis Centre at Spire Murrayfield Hospital, Wirral is a BSGE-accredited centre offering expert care for complex cases. Rebecca hopes her story inspires others to seek specialist help when something doesn’t feel right.