News summary produced by Claude AI
Daneka Etchells began experiencing unusually heavy periods and severe pain at age 12, but repeated visits to her doctor yielded no effective solutions despite being prescribed oral contraceptives. Over the subsequent years, her condition deteriorated significantly without proper medical intervention or diagnosis. She eventually learned she had endometriosis, a condition affecting one in 10 women, but by the time doctors identified it—after 17 years in her case—the disease had progressed extensively across nerves and ligaments connected to her legs, causing permanent nerve damage.
Etchells describes her experience as “medical gaslighting,” a term referring to healthcare professionals who dismiss or invalidate patient concerns, leading individuals to doubt their own pain and symptoms. A breakthrough came when she consulted a female general practitioner who prescribed medication and referred her to a gynaecologist. The extended diagnostic delay took a significant toll on her quality of life, eventually forcing her to take six months away from her acting career after performing at Shakespeare’s Globe. Unable to obtain timely treatment through the National Health Service, she pursued private excision surgery to remove endometriosis lesions, funding the procedure through personal savings, loans, and crowdfunding.
Although surgery provided some relief, Etchells continues to experience constant pain and relies on mobility aids for movement. She now performs in a new stage adaptation of The Secret Garden, a disabled-led production that explores themes of medical gaslighting and patient advocacy. Playwright Tom Wentworth, who also identifies as disabled and has experienced similar dismissal by healthcare providers, created this version to teach young audiences about recognizing medical gaslighting and advocating for themselves. Unlike the original ending in which the disabled character is miraculously cured, Wentworth’s adaptation shows Colin without a cure but equipped with language to advocate for his needs.
Healthwatch England reports that experiences similar to Etchells’ and Wentworth’s occur frequently, particularly among young people, women, and LGBTQ individuals seeking healthcare. The organisation notes that conditions such as attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder and endometriosis are commonly associated with delayed diagnosis. The NHS recently introduced Martha’s Law, permitting patients and their families to request rapid reviews if conditions deteriorate. The Department of Health and Social Care has acknowledged medical gaslighting as a barrier to care in its Women’s Health Strategy and Quality Strategy, emphasizing the importance of listening to and respecting all patients, including those with disabilities.