A fight against Lupus & Endometriosis
Francesca Brito, from the Tees RC Intermediate Squad tells her story of how rowing has helped her deal with two lifelong chronic conditions of Lupus and Endometriosis.
She is keen to publicize her journey so that others may benefit.
Francesca (right) with Kristi (Head of the Development Squad)
In May 2020, I was diagnosed with lupus, and a year later, I was given a second diagnosis of endometriosis.
Lupus is an autoimmune disease in which the immune system mistakenly attacks healthy parts of the body. For me, this meant painful joints, digestive issues, hair loss, rashes, headaches, and complications with my kidneys and liver. Endometriosis, causes tissue which is similar to the lining of the womb to grow elsewhere in the body. This has brought with it severe inflammation, intense bloating, pain during intimacy or using the toilet, IBS-like symptoms, and fertility challenges.
Living with two chronic, incurable, and highly inflammatory conditions has deeply affected not just my health, but also my relationships, confidence, and mental wellbeing. Over the years, I’ve undergone multiple surgeries (including the removal of parts of my bowel) experienced medical menopause, and tried countless medications. Nothing seemed to help. Some treatments even made things worse, causing weight gain, worsening my bowel symptoms, increasing my pain, and triggering a mental health spiral that left me feeling hopeless and overwhelmed.
In an attempt to regain control, I started running but the pain made it difficult to stick with. Then last year, my family encouraged me to try something new, rowing. I took a chance and joined Tees Rowing Club and it turned out to be one of the best decisions I’ve ever made.
From the start, Tees welcomed me with open arms. The supportive community, from Kristi to the amazing “Teesers” ladies, made me feel like I belonged. In just a year, I’ve gone from a complete beginner to preparing for my first regatta, something I never imagined would be possible.
I live with stage 4 endometriosis yet I’m able to do more now, since joining Tees Rowing Club, than I ever could when my condition wasn’t as advanced or severe. That’s how transformational this journey has been.
Rowing has changed my life in more ways than I can count. It gave me the motivation to build healthier habits. I now row three times a week, run five days a week, and follow an anti-inflammatory diet that truly nourishes my body. My mental health has improved dramatically, my pain has reduced, and for the first time since my diagnosis, my latest test results show that my condition is stable.
At 35, I finally feel better and stronger than I did in my 20s. And I owe so much of that to the resilience rowing helped me rediscover and the community that continues to lift me up.