My life as an RVN with endometriosis 

Sallie Thompson RVN shares her experience of being diagnosed with endometriosis during the COVID-19 pandemic. She discusses the impact of chronic illness on a physical role, the practical adjustments that support her at work, and her concerns about how a potential hysterectomy could affect her career and finances.

Diagnosis and initial impact

I was diagnosed with endometriosis during covid, following an emergency operation due to a burst ovarian cyst. I was unaware of what had happened at the time and was informed during recovery. From this surgery, I needed a large amount of time off work. On my return, I was asked if I would be okay to work in a surgery with just me and a vet. As it was still Covid lockdown, and our workload had decreased, I felt this could be manageable.  

Receiving support from management 

Once diagnosed with a chronic illness, I informed my line managers that I may need more time off work or be placed on medication that could impact me in a range of areas. 

Being able to be honest about how my condition impacts me allows me to ask for help when needed.

My director was very supportive and explained that they would help me in any way possible. Ever since I first informed them of my diagnosis, their ongoing support has been hugely important for me. Being able to be honest about how my condition impacts me allows me to ask for help when needed. My honesty is also useful for my director, as by being open they can better understand how, at times, my condition impacts my life. 

Treatment and adjustments

I was recently placed in a chemical menopause to see if this would help slow the progression of my condition - a step forward to having a hysterectomy. At times, I've found it hard to remember things. Again, I made my management aware of this, and they have helped me to manage it. I’ve also had to learn how to delegate my tasks at times - a skill I’m not very good at! 

The treatment has also made it difficult for me to control my body temperature. I am usually too hot, so my company has installed an air conditioning unit into my consult room, where I spend most of my day. This has been a huge help.

Our corporate practice only offered health insurance for veterinary surgeons, not veterinary nurses.

Chronic illness and HR

At the time of my diagnosis, our corporate practice only offered health insurance for veterinary surgeons, not veterinary nurses. This has since changed, but this means my endometriosis is now recognised as a pre-existing condition. While I understand why this is, I still find it very frustrating.  

Due to needing a lot of time off work - firstly for my ovarian cyst surgery and then further surgery for my endometriosis - my absence triggers were placed in the very high category. This obviously caused me concern, but my manager reassured me that the company is aware of why it’s high and are taking my condition into account.  

Challenges of living and working with a chronic illness 

My biggest issue having a chronic condition and working as a veterinary nurse is losing money when off sick for a long period of time. In these instances, I only receive statutory sick pay (SSP), which has had a really negative impact on my life. My job is so physical that I need to be at full fitness to be able to do it, which is challenging with my condition.  

Due to an increase in RVN consults, among other things, my company decided to create a new animal care assistant role. This has helped me in a variety of ways as we now have another pair of hands to support where needed. It has helped reduce my workload and enables me to focus primarily on consulting - a less physical aspect of my role.  

Concerns for the future 

I’m currently on the waiting list for a hysterectomy, which I’m worried about for a range of reasons. Workwise, I’m apprehensive about the length of time off I'll need post-op and how this will affect my role. For example, while I will be able to attend any online work meetings via Teams, in-person meetings will be more challenging.  

I’m also concerned about my financial situation and am currently trying to save money to enable me to pay my bills while on SSP. I’ve thought about other, less physical career paths that I could potentially take as an RVN, such as a medical rep, but haven’t found a suitable role yet. I may need to look at online work during my recovery.  

Key takeaways 

• It would be useful to have some veterinary nurse-specific endometriosis help and advice - I haven’t found anything as of yet. 
• My company’s wellness resources on their intranet have been helpful at times. If you’re going through something similar, make sure you take a look at the support your company can offer you. 
• I’m part of a local endometriosis support group which is of great help – having a group of people to go to who are going through the same thing as you can be really useful. 
• My advice to others is to speak out throughout the whole journey, keep reviewing their situation, and be honest and clear about how you are feeling and how you think your team can help you. 

Further information

If you would like support or information about endometriosis, the following charities offer information and advice:

• Endometriosis UK - offers support, advice and resources for those affected.
• The Endometriosis Foundation - focuses on research initiatives and education.