A mother has received a rare health diagnosis after experiencing bleeding from her navel. Ceri Bruinsma, aged 43, was identified with umbilical endometriosis, a condition where tissue from the uterus lining grows in the belly button.
Her symptoms began five years ago after discontinuing a contraceptive implant, leading to severe fatigue, pain, and bedridden periods. Medical examinations revealed endometriosis tissue within a hernia sac behind her navel, causing the unusual bleeding.
Despite enduring symptoms for five years, Ceri is awaiting surgical treatment at Liverpool’s Women’s Hospital to remove both the endometriosis and the hernia. She described the necessity for a dual operation and highlighted the excruciating pain she endures during endometriosis flare-ups.
Ceri shared her history of enduring extreme period pains and the unanticipated discovery of discharge from her belly button post-implant removal. Following multiple episodes of bleeding, she sought medical attention, ultimately receiving a diagnosis of umbilical endometriosis after undergoing MRI scans and internal examinations.
While awaiting surgery, Ceri underwent hormone replacement therapy injections to induce an early menopause, mitigating her symptoms but causing excessive sweating. However, the treatment successfully halted the bleeding from her navel.
As she prepares for the upcoming surgical procedure, Ceri mentioned utilizing alternative therapies like reflexology and gentle release therapy to manage her pain. She has also established an Instagram page, @Endopreneurs_, to support fellow entrepreneurs living with endometriosis.
Ceri emphasized the challenges faced by self-employed individuals managing health conditions like endometriosis without sick pay benefits. Liverpool Women’s Hospital has been contacted for additional comments.