19/07/2026
Another post that originally started as a personal Facebook post turned into an article I shared on LinkedIn.
However, I found myself once again telling the following, very personal story about pain and other chronic conditions that, unfortunately, so many women navigate - on the daily.
In my case, namingly: Endometrosis, Adenomyosis, Polyendocrine Metabolic Ovarian Syndrome (PMOS) - formerly PCOS: Polycystic O***y Syndrome, adhesions and vast scar tissue with the medical intervention needed over the years to manage the above-listed conditions.
Over the past few years, I’ve become pretty good at juggling life, business, clients, kids, community, and all the moving parts that come with being a woman in business. But there’s one thing I haven’t been able to out organise, out plan, or out strategise, and that’s my health.
After a long stretch (ahem marking in decades unfortunately) of pain, fatigue, symptoms, and pushing through pain like it was just another item on my to do list, my body has given me a very firm performance review, and the feedback was, "Stop doing everything for everyone; it’s now time to rest and recover.”
After long consultations with my pain management medical team, I have made the decision to have a hysterectomy. It’s a big decision, and even though it’s the right one, it comes with a mix of relief, emotion, and a whole lot of unknowns.
I’ve spoken to so many women who’ve walked this road before me, and the one thing they all mentioned was, “I wish someone told me how much rest I’d actually need.” So, I’m listening.
I’ll be offline for (at least) the month of August to recover.
Not “kind of offline.” Not “I’ll just sneak in a few emails.” Not “I’ll rest, but...”
Actually, offline. Resting, healing, and giving my body the time it deserves.
This surgery is a reminder that we don’t have to be superhuman to be valuable. We don't need to endure pain to demonstrate our value. And we don’t have to apologise for taking time to recover. Our health is not an inconvenience; it’s the foundation that lets us show up fully for the people we care about and the work we love.
What this means for August
No emails (although you might get a laugh out of my ‘out-of-office’ message), No DMs, No client work and No content (outside of my monthly coffee posts, random musings and weekly tips, because if you know me – even a little bit – you’ll know that I’ve had that planned well out in advance).
My clients are fully supported with everything they need before I go, and my systems are humming along exactly as they should. I’ll be back in September with fresh energy, hopefully with less daily pain and a healed body with the help of wedge pillows, the magic of peppermint tea and my Mum travelling from Queensland to be my personal nurse (my Mum is beyond wonderful, and I am so grateful for her).
Have I organised the month I have my Mum, almost down to the minute with every little thing that lives rent-free in my head, noted in a shared calendar to help my Mum ‘be me’ whilst I am out of commission? Yes, yes I have.
If you’re a woman who’s been through this or about to, I see you and know that you’re a legend. If you’re heading towards it, you’re stronger than you know. If you’re avoiding getting checked or feel like giving up on getting the answers, consider this your loving, slightly bossy reminder to keep going, keep being your own advocate and do what is right for you and your body.
This surgery is not just physical. It’s emotional and deeply personal, and let’s face it - logistically a nightmare for someone who is the organiser. It’s a chapter that deserves softness, honesty, and community. I may even share more about my experience when I’m on the other side, because if my story helps even one woman feel less alone, then it’s worth telling.
And because I’ve been a chronic pain sufferer for the better part of three decades, I’m going to say this loudly for the people in the back: “We deserve healthcare that doesn’t require us to be superheroes first and patients second”. We deserve doctors who take our pain seriously. We deserve rest without guilt. And we deserve to talk openly about surgeries like this without whispering like it’s a secret.
Therefore, for now, and while I climb down from my soapbox, August is for healing. September is for returning. And today is for choosing myself and this wondrous vessel that has carried me this far and made me a Mum twice over (even when I was told I never would be).
I have no fixed return date in September at this stage until I know what ‘the other side’ looks like, but I am gauging it will be almost on par with my spinal fusion surgery. As such, I will be listening to my body and giving it what it needs. After 45 years on this revolving rock, that is something I have learnt you cannot cheat or take shortcuts with.
Thank you for your kindness, your patience, and your support.
🌼 Kym
