Emma Watkins has revealed she was almost forced to cancel a show while on tour with The Wiggles because she was in severe pain.
The 34-year-old children's entertainer has previously spoken about her debilitating battle with endometriosis and has now opened up about how it has affected her career.
Endometriosis occurs when cells in the lining of the uterus are found elsewhere in the body. Symptoms include pain, heavy menstrual bleeding and fatigue.
Emma has been open about her struggles with the disorder, recalling that she was once unable to get up from the floor before a Wiggles show in Adelaide because of the pain.
She said she was in agony just five minutes before she was due to take the stage and thought she might have to cancel a show for the first time in her career.
Emma Watkins (pictured in June 2020) has revealed that she was almost forced to cancel a show while on tour with The Wiggles because she was in severe pain
The former Yellow Wiggle told news.com.au: “I remember looking at the clock, the show was at 10am and I think it was 9.55am and I couldn't get myself off the floor.”
She continued: “It's like my body knows that if I do a show, it's going to be okay, that there may be a disaster, and that's okay, but that was the only time I it definitely was.” [not]. Horizontal in the locker room, complete, just so much pain.'
However, Emma bravely managed to start the show just ten minutes behind schedule and admitted she had “got used to” enduring the pain.
She explained: “I guess I was so used to just pushing through and then the show came and it was good. As soon as the show ends you think, 'Okay, I have to sit down,' but that was really bad, I remember it being terrible at the time.”
Emma has previously spoken about being diagnosed with endometriosis ten years late and believing her debilitating period pain was “normal”.
Emma has been open about her struggles with endometriosis, recalling once being unable to get up from the floor before a Wiggles show in Adelaide because of the pain
Speaking on Channel Seven's House of Wellness in September 2022, she said: “I wasn't aware of that for a long time.”
“I was touring the world and was so busy. “I didn’t understand the pain until it was far too late.”
“As women, you are unaware of the pain you are experiencing,” she continued. “During high school I was really unwell and in terrible pain, but now I know that wasn't the case.
“I got to the point where I was bleeding every day for quite a long time. “At one point I was like, ‘Hmmm, that’s not true,’ and I basically figured it out.”
Emma admitted she “didn't know” whether she could have a child despite her struggles with endometriosis, which can also affect fertility.
Emma first joined The Wiggles in 2010, but parted ways with the iconic children's performance group in October 2021 to pursue her career in new directions
She told the Daily Telegraph she was “pretty realistic” about her chances after her long battle with the disease, saying: “If it happens that would be amazing, if it doesn't that's fine too.”
Emma first joined The Wiggles in 2010, but parted ways with the iconic children's performance group in October 2021 to pursue her career in new directions.
The entertainer has since created a new character, Emma Memma, who uses sign language to communicate.
Emma previously told how she hopes her alter ego will inspire children to learn Auslan – the form of sign language most commonly used in Australia's deaf community.
What is Endometriosis?
Endometriosis occurs when cells from the lining of the uterus are found elsewhere in the body.
Each month, these cells respond in the same way as the cells in the uterus; Build-up, breakdown and bleeding. However, the blood has no way to leave the body.
Symptoms include pain, heavy menstrual bleeding and fatigue, as well as an increased risk of infertility and bowel and bladder problems.
The cause is unknown but may be genetic and related to immune system problems or exposure to chemicals.
Treatment focuses on relieving pain and improving quality of life, which may include surgery or hormone treatment.
Source: Endometriosis UK