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Irish Examiner
7 days ago
- Health
- Irish Examiner
Kerry mother: Doctor told my daughter that endometriosis ‘was all in her head'
The mother of a Kerry teenager diagnosed with endometriosis in Romania after treatment at four hospitals in Munster and Spain over three years has called for urgent expansion of services. The condition is estimated to affect a tenth of girls and women globally. It is known as the missed disease as worldwide it can take up to 10 years to diagnose. There is no cure or prevention but symptoms can be eased with treatment. Lorraine Fitzgerald said: 'Endometriosis is being spoken about a lot recently in Ireland, but that talk needs to be followed with action. 'The day we went to Romania my daughter was one of three Irish women that day, just that day, in the clinic.' Kaysey O'Connor, aged 16, has struggled with stomach cramps, vomiting, back pain and heavy blood loss during periods since she was 13. She has been diagnosed with ovarian cysts, kidney stones, ovulation pain and more after MRI scans, ultrasounds and x-rays. At one point 'a female doctor had told her it was all in her head', Lorraine said. She was not eating, not sleeping and I was worried about her mental health. She was not going to school. She was treated first at University Hospital Kerry. They later drove from Killarney to Cork University Hospital and Cork University Maternity Hospital. By late 2023 Lorraine was concerned about endometriosis and asking about it as other conditions were ruled out. This is a familiar situation globally. An editorial on endometriosis in UK medical journal The Lancet last October warned: 'Diagnosis is essential to receiving treatment but receiving it takes too long.' Endometriosis is when tissue similar to the lining of the womb starts to grow in other places. It can be in the ovaries, the lining of the stomach and fallopian tubes and more. Kaysey's diagnosis In December 2023, Kaysey was operated on for an inflamed appendix at CUH. Lorraine was told endometriosis was not seen. 'The pain definitely wasn't as bad after,' Lorraine said. 'She wasn't vomiting anymore so I do believe her appendix was part of the problem at the time.' Kaysey was also advised in CUMH to start the contraceptive pill. This is often prescribed for menstrual problems. It can also be part of endometriosis treatment. Then with support from their GP who Lorraine praised, she applied for the EU Treatment Abroad Scheme. The HSE reimburse approved medical costs, but not travel or accommodation. The Fitzgeralds funded it with a credit union loan. Lorraine, a school SNA, turned down work to travel while her husband juggled work with caring for their youngest daughter. However, the doctor they saw in Spain said Kaysey was too young to have endometriosis. They applied again and in June went to a specialist clinic in Romania. Here doctors, after an MRI, identified endometriosis in two places. They prescribed a new painkiller but cautioned definitive diagnosis requires laparoscopy surgery. 'It's madness that we had to leave the country twice to try and get a diagnosis,' Lorraine said. She described Dáil discussions this week as 'very disheartening'. Treatment The HSE could not comment on Kaysey's case but said care of teenagers who may have endometriosis starts with GPs. This can include painkillers and the pill. A spokeswoman said: 'This empirical approach is recommended as first-line treatment regardless of age.' Girls can be referred to a general gynaecological service or a paediatric and adolescent gynaecology service under Children's Health Ireland. She also said laparoscopy offers definitive diagnosis and girls should be counselled about risks first. After-care can be given by any HSE service for girls or women who have healthcare abroad, she confirmed. New clinical guidelines were published in June to link in with a new national endometriosis service currently rolling out. National Framework These will support a National Framework making a pathway of care. However, the framework was expected last year, and advocates have raised serious concerns about delays. The HSE said discussions with GPs – through the Irish Medical Organisation – are ongoing. It is understood this started just weeks ago as the final stage in the process. The spokeswoman said 'a key priority' is raising awareness of symptoms and promoting the guidelines to healthcare workers. A public awareness campaign and new patient information resources are expected shortly. 'Endometriosis is a difficult condition to diagnose and treat because of the variation of presentations, impacting the physical and mental wellbeing of patients at varying levels,' she said. 'The time to diagnose endometriosis also varies by patient due to its varying and often ambiguous symptoms.' CUH, CUMH and UHK hospitals are part of HSE Southwest. They said newly referred patients are seen at the new CUMH Supra-regional Endometriosis Centre within 12 weeks. They acknowledged staffing vacancies, saying recruitment is complex because of the specialised skill set needed. 'In the interim, patient care plans are being prioritised and managed by the extended CUMH inter-disciplinary team to ensure continuity of care and to minimise delays,' a spokeswoman said.
Irish Examiner
18-07-2025
- Health
- Irish Examiner
'It's madness': Kerry teen had to trek through three countries to get her endometriosis diagnosed
'It's madness that we had to leave the country twice to try and get a diagnosis." That is according to the mother of a teenage girl whose endometriosis was not diagnosed for three years by doctors in Cork, Kerry, and even Spain before finally she was told by a clinic in Romania what was causing her to have crippling stomach cramps, vomiting, and back pain. 'Endometriosis is being spoken about a lot recently in Ireland, but that talk needs to be followed with action." said Lorraine Fitzgerald. Kaysey O'Connor is 16 now, but since she was around 13 she was blighted by the symptoms of endometriosis. Endometriosis — 'the missed disease' During that time, she was told she had cysts, kidney stones, and ovulation pain and more after MRI scans, ultrasounds, and X-rays. The condition is estimated to affect one in 10 girls and women globally. It is known as 'the missed disease' as worldwide it can take up to 10 years to diagnose. There is no cure, but symptoms can be eased with treatment. Kaysey has been seen in University Hospital Kerry, Cork University Hospital, Cork University Maternity Hospital, and a Spanish hospital also. However, until she was seen in a Romanian private specialist clinic, she did not have a name for what was wrong with her. Lorraine said: The day we went to Romania my daughter was one of three Irish women that day, just that day, in the clinic. She described Dáil discussions this week on endometriosis care as 'very disheartening'. The HSE could not comment on Kaysey's case directly but a spokesperson said: 'The HSE acknowledges that endometriosis care in Ireland has historically been challenging. For this reason, the management of endometriosis has been established as a key priority for the HSE, with significant progress achieved in recent years.' This includes a network of clinics including in Cork, although the HSE also acknowledged recruitment challenges for these clinics. They said other developments being worked on now include a national awareness campaign for the public and better resources for patients.
Irish Independent
06-06-2025
- Health
- Irish Independent
Kerry hopsital used blankets to fix leaky pipe in ward with immunocompromised children
It was also revealed at the HSE Regional Health Forum that the executive owns 14 vacant properties across the county Today at 00:00 University Hospital Kerry used blankets to wrap around a faulty pipe, in an attempt to prevent a leak that caused damp and mould issues on a ward which held immunocompromised children. Issues at the Cashel Ward in UHK, where blankets were used to wrap around a leak in a pipe which had been causing mould issues in several rooms in the ward, were labelled as 'wholly unacceptable' at a meeting of the Southwest Regional Health Forum this week.
Irish Daily Mirror
26-05-2025
- Sport
- Irish Daily Mirror
Funeral details announced for Leaving Cert student who died in swimming tragedy
A 'kind, gentle and fun-loving' Leaving Cert student who died following a swimming accident in Co Kerry last weekend will be laid to rest on Wednesday. Luke Silles, a sixth-year student at CBS The Green in Tralee, was injured during a day out with friends at Fenit Pier on Saturday, May 17. The 18-year-old was rushed in a critical condition to University Hospital Kerry, where he sadly passed away on Friday surrounded by his family. Young Luke is survived by his loving parents, Tony and Paula, his siblings, Oran and Aimee, as well as a huge circle of friends and extended family. Luke's heartbroken family have confirmed his funeral details in a notice shared on The teenager will repose at his home in Curraghleha East from 4pm to 8pm on Tuesday evening, with his funeral cortège due to arrive to St Brendan's Church in Clogher at 10.30am on Wednesday ahead of his Requiem Mass at 11am. Luke's family have asked for donations in lieu of flowers to be made to the Fenit RNLI. "Tony, Paula, Oran, Aimee and the extended Silles and Harris families are deeply grateful for all the love, support, and kindness shown to them during this difficult time," a message shared on states. Tributes continued to be paid to the popular teenager, who was preparing to sit his Leaving Certificate exams next month. Luke was a talented sportsman who lined out for Tralee Dynamos Football Club, representing the club at all age levels with pride and distinction. In a message shared online, one of Luke's former coaches paid tribute to the talented footballer, whose death "has left a massive void in our club". "Sincere condolences to Tony, Paula, Oran and Aimee. It was an absolute pleasure and honour to know and coach Luke for 8 years with Tralee Dynamos," Luke coach said. "He made the number '5' his jersey from the early academy stage - no one else could go near it! His talent for the game matched his likeable character and his passing has left a massive void in our club. He was a great friend to his teammates, including my son Shayne. Thoughts and prayers with the Silles family, may you find strength through this very difficult time. May Luke rest in peace." Another mourner said: "My heartfelt sympathy to Paula, Tony, Oran, Aimee and the extended Silles and Harris families on the devastating loss of your much loved Luke. I am heartbroken for you all. "Luke was a kind, gentle and fun-loving lad who has left an everlasting mark on those privileged to have known him. I hope you find strength and comfort in the love that surrounds you and in the knowledge that Luke rests in the loving arms of his grandparents in heaven. "Please know that my thoughts and prayers are with you all during this unimaginable time of sorrow. Ar dheis Dé go raibh a anam dílis. Sleep peacefully Luke." While a third person added: "Dear Tony, Paula, Oran and Aimee. Our deepest condolences to you and all the extended family on the heartbreaking loss of your beloved Luke. "He was a loyal friend to the boys and it was a true reflection of the love and values you nurtured in him. May you find comfort in the legacy of his kindness, strength, and light he leaves behind. "You are all in our thoughts and prayers during this unimaginable time. We have lovely memories of Luke."
Sunday World
25-05-2025
- Sunday World
‘I used to think Ireland was safe,' says US tourist (81) violently robbed in Kerry
Andrea Bartlett gave a lengthy victim impact statement during the sentencing hearing of Lithuanian man Tomas Starodubcevas Andrea Bartlett and her husband Bill celebrating their 54th wedding anniversary at Kitty O'Se's in Killarney, shortly before they were attacked on the way to their B&B. An American tourist, who came to Ireland on a long-planned trip to celebrate her 54th wedding anniversary, has revealed the extent of her injuries and the ordeal she suffered when she was thrown to the ground and robbed while in Kerry. Andrea Bartlett (81) gave a lengthy victim impact statement via video link from the US this week during the sentencing hearing of Lithuanian man Tomas Starodubcevas (24) who is charged with robbery arising out of the incident at Port Road, Killarney, on April 22, 2024. Judge Ronan Munro, sitting at Tralee Circuit Criminal Court, said he would like to commiserate with Ms Bartlett as her long-planned trip was 'ruined'. She told the court she would like to see the defendant, and the camera was adjusted to allow this. Judge Munro said he was sitting in the dock with his hand 'hanging in shame' as he should be. Ms Bartlett told the court she was 'viciously attacked" on Port Road. "He threw me to the ground on my left side causing a head injury, and ripped my purse off my right arm causing my humerus [upper right arm] to break in two. I heard the arm break before I hit the ground as it made a loud cracking sound like a branch snapping off a tree. It was so loud I imagine the thief heard it too.' She said the only question she has had in her mind since then, is 'how could one human being do this to another?'. She told the court the trip had originally been planned to celebrate the couple's 50th wedding anniversary, but had been postponed due to Covid. They had also hoped to look up family ancestors while in Ireland, including Sneem, Tahilla and Kenmare in Co Kerry. However, their trip had to be cut short after the ordeal. On the night of the incident, they had just eaten dinner at a local restaurant where they had a special celebration organised by the B&B owners to mark their anniversary. She said they were on their way home when the criminal 'brutally attacked'. Gardaí and the emergency services arrived at the scene and Ms Bartlett was transported to University Hospital Kerry. She said when she woke up the next morning, the pain was 'excruciating'. 'Every time I moved I could feel the bones scraping against each other,' she said. Andrea Bartlett and her husband Bill celebrating their 54th wedding anniversary at Kitty O'Se's in Killarney, shortly before they were attacked on the way to their B&B. News in 90 Seconds - May 25th 2025 She said such was the movement of the broken bones that it made her feel dizzy and nauseous, and that she also vomited periodically during the first day of her injury, which may have been a result of her head injury. Ms Bartlett flew home to the US on April 25, three days after the incident occurred, and has endured a 'long and painful recovery' since then. 'I spent two-and-a-half months sitting on my couch day and night. I could not lie down to sleep as it caused too much pain. If I didn't move, I could manage the pain.' Standing up, walking and travelling in a car also caused her pain. Her husband had to look after her all the time, and she also had to get home help as she could not do anything for herself. The head injury she suffered also caused difficulties, particularly with her balance, and this remains an issue making it difficult to walk. She is still undergoing physical therapy. Ms Bartlett said her injuries have left her with several side effects. My injuries have seriously impacted the quality of life for both my husband and me She said the attack meant she missed out on many things, including planning to see the towns in Kerry where her ancestors came from. 'My injuries have seriously impacted the quality of life for both my husband and me. We have not been able to visit with family and friends or socialise with them.' She said she can no longer undertake the activities she enjoyed like playing bridge, gardening and playing bocce. She has also suffered a significant financial loss as a result of her injuries. Ms Bartlett said she 'used to think Ireland was a safe place'. 'I am hoping this was an anomaly but, in the future, I plan to be more observant whether I am travelling in Ireland or the US.' Tomas Starodubcevas of Tudor Lodge, Woodlawn Road, Killarney, was charged with robbing Mrs Bartlett of €325 on April 22. Listowel District Court, where Starodubcevas was initially charged Barrister Katie O'Connell, representing Starodubcevas, said her client offered his most sincere apology to Ms Bartlett. "He is truly ashamed, it has haunted him,' she said. Ms O'Connell said the defendant had been taking drugs at the time. He owed money and was 'desperate'. 'It may be of little comfort, but it's important you know he is very sorry.' Ms Bartlett said she was very curious to know why he had done it. Judge Munro said one of the things he had to consider in sentencing is whether Starodubcevas would re-offend. The court heard he is currently in jail, after he arrived to court late the previous day, so he is no longer on the streets. He adjourned the case to July 8 for sentencing to allow a probation report to be carried out, and said Mr Starodubcevas will remain in jail while he is being assessed.
