Amanda Gillies has revealed her personal struggle with endometriosis, saying the Government's proposal to improve the diagnostic tools for the condition is "a step in the right direction".
The AM Show host says she began experiencing symptoms 12 years ago but was constantly overlooked by health professionals.
Endometriosis is an inflammatory disorder where tissue similar to endometrium (the lining of the uterus) grows outside the womb.
It can cause pain so severe that people vomit or pass out. Other symptoms include bloating, bowel problems and bladder problems.
It wasn't until she was at work shooting a live cross when she realised something was seriously wrong.
"I was in excruciating pain and I ended up in Accident and Emergency," Gillies told The Project on Monday.
After doctors initially thought it was appendicitis, Gillies says she was referred to a specialist who recommended surgery.
"They cut me open and found out I had stage three endometriosis - I was riddled with it," she said.
Stage three endometriosis means tissue has begun to spread to the pelvic organs and other structures.
"They cut it out; I've had a surgery a second time. But it is painful," she said.
Gillies says she has known other women with symptoms so severe they become difficult to manage.
"A friend used to leave the bathroom door open because she would be in so much pain she would pass out so her father then her partner would have to carry her out."
Her reveal comes as the Government announces it will launch a "best practice guide" for endometriosis treatment.
The guide aims to improve the diagnosis and management of endometriosis by recognising it earlier, empowering primary health care practitioners to diagnose the condition and improving equity of access for sufferers.
Gillies says while the guide is a step in the right direction, it doesn't fix the situation.
"I think it's really vague which disappoints me - I hope it makes a difference but it's up to us to remind doctors, it's not up on the wall, there's no extra funding," she said.
"Then again anything is a better step in the right direction I guess."
