Indigenous influencer speaks out about 'debilitating pelvic pain': 'No relief'

Larissa Crawford is determined to break the stigma.

Earlier this week, the Métis influencer took to Instagram to share an update with her 32,000 followers about her crippling pelvic pain.

In the post, the disability and anti-racism advocate shared a video of her in a hospital receiving treatment for pelvic inflammatory disease. She filmed herself getting emotional about her pain and showed fans the inside of the medical facility.

On the screen, the 27-year-old typed a paragraph to explain to fans "what nine out of 10 pelvic pain with no relief feels like" for her: "A serrated knife being dragged along the inside of the uterus. Ovaries are being squeezed to the cusp of bursting. Reliving my most traumatic sexual harm every time I have to give my full medical history. Guilt of not being able to parent, work. Grief for what’s happening to my body."

The Calgary, Alta.-native also explained that due to the stigma surrounding "debilitating pelvic pain," women dealing with the condition often don't speak out.

"Hold space for us to name it, and ask what we need for accommodations," she added to encourage her followers to receive the care and support they deserve.

In the caption, the influencer revealed more details about her condition and her "daily baseline pain."

"I have chronic pelvic inflammatory disease and pelvic floor dysfunction...," she explained. "My daily baseline pain is five to six out of 10, with irregular flares at eight out of 10 pain. This has been my regular for four years now."

Crawford went on to remind her followers to advocate for their health and find support.

"...Believe women and people with uteruses when we say we’re experiencing pelvic pain, and appreciate how debilitating this can be...Because of stigma and other barriers, we often don’t share about the pain we experience until it becomes too debilitating to ignore," she wrote.

"...Hold space for us to name this pain and how it affects our capacities, and ask what we need for accommodations. This can sometimes look like asking, 'what can I/we do to make this space/relationship more accessible to you?'" Crawford suggested.

In the comments, fans were quick to support the influencer and wish her better days ahead.

"Thank you for sharing your experience with us! I’m so sorry that you are forced to deal with this, and I definitely know that your words will help so many people who are navigating similar situations," commented a follower.

"Keep advocating for yourself. Sending hugs," shared someone else.

"The medical gaslighting that happens to women, especially women of colour is absolutely horrific. I am sending you so much love and hugs. I am so so sorry you’re dealing with this," wrote someone else.

"Thank you for showing what this experience is like. I’m so sorry you're enduring it it. Sending so much love," added another.

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