Larisa Elena Petrec, a Montreal resident suffering from severe endometriosis, travelled to Romania for surgery after facing a waitlist of up to 21 months in Canada, paying approximately $20,000 out of pocket to cover medical costs, travel, and accommodation.
The Breaking Point and the Decision to Leave Canada
Petrec’s pain intensified earlier this year when a sharp pain in her right ovary left her completely unable to walk, talk, laugh, or work. I’m in bed crying and dying every single day,
Petrec said. Faced with a potential 21-month wait to have the condition surgically addressed locally, she began researching international options.
Before ultimately selecting Romania, Petrec evaluated medical facilities and surgeon credentials in Mexico and Turkey. Once she committed to the Romanian procedure, the direct medical expenses came to roughly $12,000. When factoring in airfare, lodging, and food, the entire out-of-pocket expenditure reached approximately $20,000. Subsequent medical examination in Romania revealed an endometrioma—a cyst linked to endometriosis—roughly the size of a grapefruit.
Systemic Delays and Diagnostic Barriers
Endometriosis is a chronic medical condition where tissue similar to the lining of the uterus grows outside the uterus. According to figures cited in the report, an estimated two million people live with endometriosis across Canada.
Dr. Christopher Labos noted that multiple structural hurdles complicate diagnosis and treatment. These include nonspecific symptoms that mimic other ailments, limited access to family physicians, and the absence of a single definitive diagnostic test. We have not historically been very good at treating pain, especially women’s pain,
Labos said, adding that delays plague every phase from initial imaging to operating room scheduling.
Patient advocate Katie Luciani pointed out that the average diagnostic delay hovers around 5.4 years, with some individuals waiting decades for answers. Luciani is advocating for a national action plan modelled after strategies implemented in countries such as France, Australia, and Denmark, urging policymakers to meet directly with patients, surgeons, and clinical experts.
Weighing Domestic Standards Against International Risks
While Petrec felt her symptoms were frequently dismissed or normalized by domestic healthcare providers, medical professionals emphasize the trade-offs of seeking care abroad. Labos cautioned that travelling internationally for major surgery introduces variable quality guarantees depending on local standards of care. Say what you will about our health-care system. At least here, we have fairly rigid standards,
Labos noted, affirming that Canada maintains a robust infrastructure once patients successfully clear access hurdles.
| Metric / Detail | Reported Figure or Context |
|---|---|
| Estimated Canadian Endometriosis Population | Approximately 2,000,000 people |
| Average Time to Diagnosis | Approximately 5.4 years (up to decades for some patients) |
| Canadian Wait Time Faced by Patient | Up to 21 months |
| Overseas Medical Costs (Romania) | Approximately $12,000 |
| Total Trip Expense (Medical, Travel, Lodging) | Approximately $20,000 |
Petrec now documents her journey and shares educational resources regarding endometriosis on social media to ensure others feel validated. Just trust yourself, trust your gut, and do what’s good for you,
Petrec stated.
