Emma Barnett: Broadcaster reveals she had a hysterectomy after making film about endometriosis – BBC News
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Emma Barnett reveals she ‘had the hysterectomy I never wanted to have’
Image source: BBC/Raw Media Productions
Image caption: Barnett said it was "totally surreal" to be in hospital on the night her documentary was broadcast.
By Paul Glynn and Ian Youngs, Culture reporters
BBC presenter Emma Barnett has revealed she underwent a hysterectomy and surgery for endometriosis days before a documentary she made about the condition aired.
Barnett, 41, returned to Radio 4’s Today programme on Wednesday, explaining her recent absence due to hospitalization: "I was in hospital ‘in a case of life imitating work’."
She continued:
"I made a programme on endometriosis on BBC Two and ended up being in hospital for endometriosis. So yes, I’ve been recuperating… from surgery for endometriosis and a hysterectomy to boot."
Barnett’s announcement followed the publication of her blog about the "hysterectomy I never wanted to have," [external link].
She described feeling "totally surreal" being in hospital on the night her documentary broadcast in June, only managing to watch the final 10 minutes.
"Some 48 hours before the documentary aired – I had undergone a near-5 hour surgery… but this was not the road I had envisioned for myself."
Barnett’s condition was initially suspected to be adenomyosis, which can also be treated by hysterectomy. Early recovery signs indicate her pain may have been alleviated, she noted.
Endometriosis is a condition where cells similar to those in the womb grow outside it, causing "bone-grinding, life-altering pain," as Barnett described it. Affecting one in 10 women, there is no known cure.
Hysterectomy alongside endometriosis removal can reduce recurrence risk, according to Endometriosis UK [external link].
