For years, Renée IJsebaert lived with debilitating pain and uncertainty, a common experience for the estimated one in ten women who suffer from endometriosis. After a lengthy diagnostic journey, Renée finally received a diagnosis, but finding effective treatment proved equally challenging. Her story highlights the struggles many women face in accessing timely and appropriate care for this chronic condition, and the potential benefits of seeking specialized expertise, even across borders. The experience ultimately led her to Belgium for a robot-assisted surgery that has dramatically improved her quality of life.
Endometriosis occurs when tissue similar to the lining of the uterus grows outside of it, causing pain, inflammation, and potentially infertility. Symptoms can vary widely, and diagnosis often involves a significant delay – averaging several years – due to the condition’s complex presentation and a lack of awareness. Renée’s case underscores the importance of persistence in seeking answers and exploring all available options when facing chronic pain and unexplained symptoms. Her journey to finding relief involved multiple consultations, diagnostic tests, and a willingness to travel for specialized care.
A Long Road to Diagnosis
Renée’s health struggles began in childhood with digestive issues and migraines. As she grew older, these were compounded by increasingly severe menstrual pain. Initial consultations with her family doctor didn’t yield a clear diagnosis, and she was often told her symptoms were likely due to stress or simply “something all women experience.” Despite these dismissals, Renée continued to seek answers, eventually receiving a diagnosis of endometriosis after years of persistent symptoms. “I cried with relief,” she recounted, acknowledging the emotional toll of the prolonged uncertainty. However, even with a diagnosis, treatment options remained limited.
Hormonal therapies were initially explored, but Renée experienced adverse reactions. A second opinion confirmed the endometriosis was widespread, affecting her ovaries, the area behind her uterus, and even her intestines. However, surgeons were hesitant to operate due to the complexity of the case and the potential risks. Feeling trapped and with her quality of life severely diminished, Renée began researching alternative options, eventually learning about a specialist in Belgium.
Seeking Specialized Care in Belgium
A relative shared information about Dr. Maene, an endometriosis surgeon practicing in Oostende, Belgium. Renée contacted the surgeon and was impressed by the swift and thorough response. “I was stunned that she could aid me so quickly and accept me seriously,” Renée said. Following an initial consultation and further imaging, Dr. Maene proposed a robotic-assisted surgery to remove the endometriosis. Prior to the operation, a coloscopy was performed to rule out any involvement of the endometriosis in her bowel wall, and the surgical team explained the potential risks and benefits of both “shaving” – a less invasive approach – and “resection,” which involves removing a portion of the bowel.
In October 2025, Renée underwent the robot-assisted surgery at AZ Oostende. The surgical team, led by Dr. Maene and assisted by Dr. Bafort, discovered extensive endometriosis throughout her abdomen, describing it as a “ravage.” Fortunately, the endometriosis was successfully removed using the shaving technique, avoiding the demand for bowel resection. The surgeons noted that the complexity of the case explained why it hadn’t been addressed effectively in the Netherlands, highlighting the specialized expertise available in Belgium for advanced endometriosis procedures.
A Life Transformed
Renée experienced immediate relief following the surgery. Her chronic back pain disappeared, and her overall pain levels significantly decreased. She was able to resume activities she had previously abandoned, including running. “It feels so light and free, now that that enormous brick has been removed from my stomach,” she shared. While she continues to manage adenomyosis, a related condition, and experiences some fatigue, her overall quality of life has dramatically improved.
Renée is now advocating for increased awareness and research funding for endometriosis. She believes that greater understanding of the condition is crucial for improving diagnosis and treatment. “We need to take this women’s disease seriously,” she emphasized. She also encourages women experiencing symptoms to be assertive in seeking care and to explore all available options, even if it means traveling for specialized expertise.
While the long-term effects of endometriosis remain a concern, as the condition can recur, Renée’s story offers hope and demonstrates the potential for significant improvement through specialized surgical intervention. Further research into the causes and optimal treatments for endometriosis is ongoing, and continued advocacy is essential to ensure that women receive the care they deserve.
If you are experiencing symptoms of endometriosis, it is important to consult with a healthcare professional for diagnosis and treatment options.
Disclaimer: This article provides informational content about endometriosis and is not intended to be a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always seek the advice of a qualified healthcare provider for any questions you may have regarding a medical condition.
