Undiagnosed Endometriosis: A Mother’s Warning After Losing Her Daughter

Undiagnosed endometriosis can change everything. In this deeply moving episode of EndoTV, Diana Falzone speaks with endometriosis advocate Georgia Craig about her daughter Courtney, who was an endometriosis patient, an occupational therapist, a marathon finisher, a beloved daughter, sister, friend, and partner. Georgia shares Courtney’s story with love, grief, and purpose. Courtney was living a full life in Denver, building a career she loved, surrounded by friends, planning her future, and carrying a mantra that defined her determination: “I can do hard things.” But behind that full life was what Georgia calls the hidden enemy of undiagnosed endometriosis. Courtney experienced severe abdominal pain, inflammation, malaise, and symptoms that were not connected to endometriosis in time. Georgia shares how Courtney sought care, went to the emergency room, saw an OB-GYN, and repeatedly felt that nobody seemed concerned about her stomach pain. During what was expected to be a routine ovarian cystectomy, doctors discovered advanced endometriosis and frozen pelvis. Georgia shares that Courtney suffered a surgical complication involving her iliac vein and did not survive. Together, Diana and Georgia discuss: Courtney’s life, compassion, career, and love for adventure The hidden danger of undiagnosed endometriosis Severe abdominal pain and symptoms that should not be dismissed Why endometriosis must be understood as more than period pain Frozen pelvis, organ involvement, and advanced disease The importance of early diagnosis and proper surgical training Why patients need doctors to consider endometriosis sooner The emotional toll on families searching for answers The need for better education, diagnosis, treatment, and standards of care Georgia’s advocacy through Team Courtney Running for Courtney with Team EndoStrong Turning grief into action to help end endometriosis Georgia also shares how Courtney inspired others, including her sister Casey and close friends, to run the New York City Marathon with Team EndoStrong in her honor. Through Team Courtney, Georgia continues to raise awareness and funds for EndoFound with the motto: doing the things Courtney loved to end endo. Support Team Courtney here: https://give.endofound.org/fundraiser... This episode is a reminder that endometriosis is pervasive, serious, and too often missed. Patients deserve to be heard. Symptoms deserve to be investigated. And Courtney’s light continues through the work being done in her name. Guest: Georgia Craig In honor of: Courtney Host: Diana Falzone Presented by: EndoFound & EndoTV