Endometriosis. The disease Emma Watkins, Wiggles sheds light on.

Beloved performer Emma Watkins of the Wiggles (she’s the one in the yellow skivvy) has been forced to bow out of the group’s upcoming Australia-wide tour due to upcoming surgery for endometriosis.

The 28-year-old released a video statement on Facebook explaining her decision, reports the ABC.

Emma

To our Wiggly friends and fans, Following medical advice, Emma will unfortunately not be able to perform at Dreamworld on April 17th and at our shows in South Australia from April 21st – 30th and the NSW and Canberra shows from May 12th – 20th as she will be admitted to hospital on April 17th to have an operation to manage the symptoms of chronic endometriosis*. Emma has said: “I’m so sorry that I won’t be able to perform in QLD, SA, NSW and ACT in the upcoming Wiggle, Wiggle, Wiggle shows. I have been in a lot of pain for the past couple of years and on advice from my specialist, a difficult decision has been made for me to be urgently admitted to hospital to have an operation to manage the pain that endometriosis has brought on. A friend of mine wilI be dressing up just like me so you can still enjoy the 'Emma' experience in the show. Sing and dance along with your favourite bowitful songs and don't forget to bring your favourite bow and dress up in yellow! Lachy, Anthony and Simon Wiggle will all still be there at the show along with our friends Dorothy the Dinosaur, Henry the Octopus, Wags the Dog and Captain Feathersword. I would like to send my love to all the other women experiencing symptoms of endometriosis, it is such a debilitating and painful disease and I urge anyone suffering with the symptoms of endometriosis to put your health first and get a diagnosis so that you are in the best position to manage this crippling disease.” Whilst Emma recovers, the shows in the remainder of April and in May will be going ahead to avoid disappointing fans that have purchased tickets. Playing the role of Emma and donning the yellow skivvy will be two of Emma’s friends, who are gifted singers and dancers just like Emma. Emma and The Wiggles thank you all for your support and understanding. *What is Endometriosis? Endometriosis is a common disease in which the tissue that is similar to the lining of the womb grows outside it in other parts of the body.10% of women suffer with endometriosis at some point in their life with the disease often starting in teenagers. Symptoms are variable and this may contribute to the 7 to 10 year delay in diagnosis. Common symptoms include pelvic pain that puts life on hold around or during a woman’s period. It can damage fertility. Whilst endometriosis most often affects the reproductive organs it is frequently found in the bowel and bladder and has been found in muscle, joints, the lungs and the brain.Courtesy of Endometriosis Australia – https://www.endometriosisaustralia.org

Posted by The Wiggles on Thursday, April 12, 2018

“I would like to send my love to all the other women experiencing symptoms of endometriosis,” she adds. “It’ is such a debilitating and painful disease and I urge anyone suffering with symptoms of endometriosis to put your health first and get a diagnosis so that you are in the best position to manage this crippling disease.”- Emma Watson, Wiggles

What is endometriosis and some of its symptoms?

Endometriosis (pronounced en- doh – mee – tree – oh – sis) is the name given to the condition where cells like the ones in the lining of the womb (uterus) are found elsewhere in the body.

Each month these cells react in the same way to those in the womb, building up and then breaking down and bleeding. Unlike the cells in the womb that leave the body as a period, this blood has no way to escape.

It is a chronic and debilitating condition that causes painful or heavy periods. Around 1.5 million women in the UK are currently living with the condition. Endometriosis can affect all women and girls of a childbearing age, regardless of race or ethnicity.

Every month a woman’s body goes through hormonal changes. Hormones are naturally released which cause the lining of the womb to increase in preparation for a fertilized egg. If pregnancy does not occur, this lining will break down and bleed – this is then released from the body as a mainly heavy period.

Laura Furiosi, Founder of Rashoodz, Endometriosis Australia Ambassador shares her journey with Endometriosis and how Modibodi supports her unpredictable bleeding every day.

Modibodi Customers tell us that Modibodi gives them confidence and assurance when they need it most:

As someone with Endometriosis, these are an absolute lifesaver. I love them! Can wear them for my first, and last few days of my period (on their own) without any issues!- Renee, Modibodi Customer

I’ve never been pregnant but due to Endometriosis I do bloat up significantly each month and can’t tolerate regular elastic around my abdomen at these times. These sit perfectly and are also a great back up/peace of mind- Monita, Modibodi Customer

With any luck, 2018 will be the year endometriosis finally gets the attention it deserves. In recent months, a string of high-profile women, from actress Lena Dunham to Olympic swimmer Emily Seebohm to Watkins, have spoken publicly about their experience with the disease, and in March 2018, the Australian government allocated $2.5-million to endometriosis research.

Get protected with Modibodi’s Heavy range here

References for Endometriosis Facts and Figures