My transformative journey beyond physical pain

By Nasra Nassor Omar

My name is Nasra Nassor Omar, a 32-year-old medical doctor specialising in aviation medicine.

My role includes certifying aviators such as pilots, cabin crew, air traffic controllers, and engineers. Additionally, as a certified American Heart Association instructor, I train cabin crew in basic life support, first aid, and aviation medicine, ensuring they are thoroughly equipped to perform their flying duties through comprehensive training and medical assessments.

I earned a Bachelor of Medicine and Bachelor of Surgery degree in Tanzania in 2016 and completed my postgraduate studies in Egypt in 2020. I am currently running my private practice, Aerospace Medical and Training Centre, located near the airport, mainly focusing on aviation medical-related issues and training in basic emergency care for aviators and non-aviators.

I am also a politician, serving as the Deputy Secretary for Foreign Affairs in the ACT Wazalendo Secretariat and the Shadow Minister for Foreign Affairs and East African Cooperation.

My life took a significant turn in 2020 when I was diagnosed with endometriosis, systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE), and diabetes.

Endometriosis is a disease in which tissue similar to the lining of the uterus grows outside the uterus. It can cause severe pain in the pelvis and make it harder to get pregnant. The disease can start during a person's first menstrual period and last until menopause.

Systemic lupus erythematosus is an autoimmune disease where the immune system of the body mistakenly attacks healthy tissue. It can affect the skin, joints, kidneys, brain, and other organs.

These diagnoses felt like a heavy shroud descending upon my life. However, the relationship with pain began much earlier. Since my first menstrual period 19 years ago, pain has been a constant, unwelcome companion.

Despite my medical training, I denied the possibility of endometriosis until I was cut open for a myomectomy, a surgical removal of fibroids, in June 2020. The revelation was both shocking and relieving; it provided answers but also cemented the reality that severe pain would be a part of my life.

During my medical studies, we focused primarily on common illnesses, often joking about the rarity of conditions like endometriosis in tropical countries. We believed it would seldom be encountered in our practice.

I was shocked when I later realised that three of my closest friends had endometriosis. They endured painful menstruation for years, often dismissing it as merely painful periods without realising the underlying condition.

They say that misfortunes never come singly. In 2020, just two days after undergoing surgery that revealed I had endometriosis, I lost my job at a clinic in Ilala. The diagnosis and job loss left me homebound, battling depression and pain.

During this difficult period, I discovered a newfound passion for crocheting, knitting, and painting, skills I taught myself through YouTube. These activities provided a much-needed escape from my pain and uncertainty.

Pain beyond the menstrual cycle

Endometriosis pain is relentless. No matter where I was in my inconsistent menstrual cycle, the pain was constant, accompanied by weight gain, bloating, back pain, and bouts of nausea and vomiting.

Each day felt like a battle, and I had to adapt my life around this persistent, often excruciating pain. I developed a coffee-drinking routine that, while not a cure, offered brief moments of relief. My mother tried every herbal tea she could think of to soothe my pain, but when it hit its peak, nothing could ease it.

The daily struggle became routine; it became a part of me that I had to learn to live with, even though it constantly tested my limits. There were days I had to leave workshops early, reduce training days, and avoid training altogether during my menstruation. My quality of sleep was poor because the pain at night forced me to have a mug of coffee every morning to stay alert and focused.

Painful menstruation often disrupted my consulting work. I had to take pain medication and drink coffee before meeting clients. The severe bleeding was another challenge. I had to change more than four fully soaked pads during the day and wear dark-coloured clothes to avoid embarrassing stains when sitting for long periods.

Despite the unbearable pain, I managed to suppress it in front of others, especially at work. I didn’t want people to worry or see my vulnerabilities. My coping mechanisms became both a shield and a prison. Apart from hiding my pain and emotions, I pushed myself to complete my tasks and appear strong in front of others.

This facade allowed me to function but also isolated me further in my struggle. I never sought mental health support, viewing it as a sign of weakness. This constant battle to appear strong took a significant psychological toll, trapping me in a cycle of silent suffering.

Balancing my roles as a doctor, teacher, artist, and politician was a delicate dance. Engaging in my clinical practice, teaching, creating art, and fulfilling political tasks helped distract me from the pain, but it also built an immense amount of stress within me.

The facade I maintained was one of strength and capability, yet underneath, I was constantly battling. The stress and pain intertwined, creating a complex web that was difficult to untangle.

The recent major surgery was a pivotal moment in my journey. It took place on June 28, 2024, at Muhimbili Hospital in Mloganzila. Initially, my doctor expected a relatively short procedure. However, it turned into a gruelling two-hour surgery.

He had to carefully dissect endometrial tissues that had created a web-like structure, entwining my urinary bladder, three fibroids, my uterus, right ovary, right fallopian tube, omentum, and the right part of my anterior abdominal wall.

This intricate web formed a dome-like structure that needed to be meticulously cut away to free my urinary bladder, uterus, and ovary and to remove my right fallopian tube.

This surgery was more than a medical procedure; it was a stark reminder of the silent battle I had been fighting and the profound impact it had on my life. It forced me to confront the reality of my limitations, which are masking pain, my inability to disclose my suffering, and acting stronger while I suffered in silence.

Embracing vulnerabilities

As I navigated the healing process, I came to the profound realisation that pain is more than just a physical sensation. It is a gateway to self-awareness, personal growth, and a renewed appreciation for the complexities of the human experience. Embracing my vulnerabilities has been a crucial part of this journey.

Acknowledging that I need help and that I am not invincible has been both humbling and empowering. It has allowed me to forge deeper connections with those around me, to seek and accept support, and to create a more nurturing environment for myself.

In my role as a doctor, my experiences with chronic illness have given me a new perspective. I now understand the profound impact that empathy and emotional support can have on a patient’s journey.

My struggles have made me more attuned to the emotional and psychological aspects of healing, and I am better equipped to offer holistic care that addresses both the physical and emotional needs of my patients. This has transformed me into a more compassionate and effective healthcare provider.

The act of creating, whether through drawing, writing, crocheting, or knitting, has been a form of therapy as a way to process and express my emotions. These creative outlets have allowed me to transform my pain into something beautiful and meaningful.

Each piece of art, each written word, is a reflection of my journey, a testament to my resilience and determination. The process of creation has provided a sense of purpose and a way to channel my energy positively.

My experiences with pain and illness have deepened my commitment to advocating for healthcare reform and mental health support. I understand firsthand the challenges faced by those living with chronic illnesses and the importance of accessible, compassionate care.

My journey has fueled my passion for creating policies that prioritise the well-being of individuals and communities, ensuring that everyone has the support they need to thrive. My advocacy is now deeply personal, rooted in my own experiences and the desire to make a meaningful impact by sharing my story, writing my quick guidebook for pain relief, both physical and mental, and advocating through different channels.

A renewed sense of purpose

The healing journey is ongoing, filled with both challenges and triumphs. Some days are harder than others, and setbacks can be discouraging. However, I have learned to celebrate the small victories and to recognise the progress I have made, no matter how incremental.

Each step forward, each moment of resilience, is a testament to my strength and determination. The path to healing is not linear, but each twist and turn offers valuable lessons.

Throughout this journey, I have been blessed with a supportive network of family, friends, and colleagues. Their unwavering support has been a lifeline, providing me with the encouragement and love I need to keep going.

Their support reminds me that I am not alone in this journey and that I have a community of people who care about me and are there to help me every step of the way.

This support has been instrumental in my healing process, offering both practical assistance and emotional solace. My story is a reminder that pain, while challenging, can also be a powerful teacher. It has taught me to be kinder to myself, to prioritise my well-being, and to seek and accept support.

It has shown me the importance of empathy, both towards myself and others, and the transformative power of self-awareness and personal growth. These lessons have reshaped my approach to life, allowing me to navigate challenges with a renewed sense of purpose and resilience.

As I continue on my path to recovery, I will carry these lessons with me. I will embrace the journey, with all its ups and downs, and allow it to shape me into a stronger, more compassionate, and more resilient person.

My story is one of hope, resilience, and the power of the human spirit to overcome adversity and emerge stronger on the other side. Pain is not just a physical sensation; it is a profound force that can guide us towards a deeper understanding of ourselves and the world around us.

In sharing my story, I hope to inspire others who are facing their own struggles. I want them to know that they are not alone, that there is hope, and that every step forward, no matter how small, is a victory.

Healing is a journey, and it is okay to take it one step at a time. By embracing our vulnerabilities and seeking support, we can navigate the challenges and emerge stronger on the other side.

As I anticipate a transformative journey, I am filled with a sense of hope and determination. I am committed to continuing my journey of healing, to embracing the lessons pain has taught me, and to using my experiences to make a positive impact in the world.