A young, ambitious dancer had to surrender her professional aspirations after receiving a diagnosis of endometriosis, a potentially debilitating condition.

Brodie Reekie, a 21-year-old resident of East Linton, East Lothian, was diagnosed after healthcare professionals discovered advanced endometriosis inside her bladder during a routine procedure for this condition.

It was revealed that Brodie was between stage three and four, which is considered the most severe stage of the condition.

Facing unbearable daily pain and confronting a one-year waiting list under the NHS, Brodie sought private medical care to treat her condition. She powerfully explained: “Every month, I would be in pain the week before my period, then the week during and week after. I had around one week each month where I was not in pain, if I was lucky.”

“A very short time each month I’d feel like my normal self, so I always aimed to make the most of it,” she added.

Despite the fact that she suffers from a chronic illness, Brodie remains ambitious and hopes to maintain an active life. As she put it: “I’m 21-years-old and I want to live my life.”

Endometriosis could happen to women across all age groups, including teenagers. It is a long-term disorder where the type of cells found in the lining of the womb grow in other areas of the body.

The duration from experiencing symptoms to the eventual diagnosis averages at about seven and a half years. Thankfully, Brodie’s diagnosis was relatively early compared to many other cases.

While the formal diagnosis provided relief, Brodie also had to confront the realities of living with a chronic condition. Only through an expensive private procedure did she receive her diagnosis and the opportunity for treatment.

The young woman underwent surgery for her condition in December 2023 and hopes to reduce her pain through future surgical procedures. Despite the advancement of her condition, Brodie continues to find reasons and opportunities to pursue her passions.

Although she had to abandon the dance she loved, Brodie shifted towards photography for the National Trust of Scotland and a job at a Gastro Pub in East Linton.

Brodie has made admirable efforts to raise funds and awareness for The Endometriosis Foundation. She undertook a sponsored hair shave to garner donations for the foundation.

The photographer – turned advocate is passionate about increasing the public’s awareness of endometriosis. Her hope is to educate young learners about the symptoms and advice on what to watch out for.

She is passionate about bringing education to both young girls and boys about the condition because very few males are aware of endometriosis.

A more informed public, according to Brodie, would improve early detection and potentially provide better, quicker treatment for those who need it. She has committed herself to this cause not just in East Saliton but also in Glasgow and other locales across the UK.