Climbing Back to Life: How Specialized Care Changed One Woman’s Endometriosis Journey

3/27/2026

JOHNSON, Ark. (March 27, 2026) — Mataya Duncan, 24, says her life has significantly improved after receiving specialized care for endometriosis in Northwest Arkansas, following a challenging and painful health journey.

Endometriosis affects an estimated 1 in 10 women of reproductive age, yet many experience symptoms for years before receiving a diagnosis.

Originally from Little Rock, Duncan moved to Northwest Arkansas to attend the University of Arkansas for graduate school. In the summer of 2024, she began experiencing severe symptoms that quickly escalated.

“I was in so much pain. I was not able to get out of bed most days,” Duncan said.

On Mother’s Day 2024, Duncan went to the emergency room believing she had appendicitis. Imaging instead revealed a large endometrioma, a type of cyst that forms when endometriosis tissue grows on the ovaries. This discovery marked the beginning of her diagnosis and treatment journey.

Duncan first sought care from Dr. Serena Pierson, an OB-GYN at Willow Creek Women’s Clinic, where she underwent her initial endometriosis surgery in November 2024. While her initial surgery addressed the ovarian cyst, Duncan continued to experience symptoms. This is a common challenge with endometriosis, which can involve additional tissue growth, scar formation and nerve-related pain requiring more specialized treatment.

Dr. Pierson later referred her to colleague Dr. Lisa Waterman, a gynecologic surgeon at Willow Creek Women’s Clinic, who specializes in advanced, minimally invasive surgical techniques for treating endometriosis.

Before receiving additional treatment, Duncan said her symptoms had significantly impacted her daily life.

“I used to be an avid climber, and I stopped climbing during that time. My quality of life went downhill,” she said.

After evaluating her condition, Dr. Waterman recommended a second surgery after determining that hormonal treatments and birth control were not effectively managing Duncan’s symptoms. The procedure used a minimally invasive, robot-assisted approach to remove the ovarian cyst while preserving surrounding nerves and tissue, as well as releasing scar tissue that had formed. Duncan’s initial surgery had also been performed robotically to remove the cyst and treat endometriosis lesions.

“Recovery after surgery was pretty painful, but then I started to feel a lot better,” Duncan said.

Duncan noted that her condition extended beyond endometriosis alone. She experienced chronic pain related to prolonged muscle tension, as well as nerve and muscle damage.

Despite the challenges, Duncan considers herself fortunate.

“I was one of the lucky ones,” she said. “I got a diagnosis pretty quickly.”

Endometriosis is often underdiagnosed, with many women experiencing symptoms for years before receiving a formal diagnosis and appropriate treatment.

Following her surgery, Duncan completed a series of weekly injections to help her identify and manage pain sources as part of her recovery plan. She has since transitioned to routine annual checkups.

“It’s going to be so much nicer to go back to a regular basis versus constantly going,” she said.

Now, after her second surgery and continued care, Duncan said her condition is much more manageable.

“It’s so much better, a night and day difference,” she said. “I’ll forever struggle with some pain. That’s just the nature of the beast, but it’s so much better and more manageable now.”

Duncan also praised the accessibility and attentiveness of her care team.

“Anytime I have a problem, I just call Dr. Waterman and I get an appointment quickly. She is really good at getting me in, listening to me, and helping me find relief,” Duncan said.

As part of her ongoing care, Duncan was referred to pelvic floor physical therapy and a dietitian, both of which she said were helpful in her recovery.

Duncan has also returned to one of her favorite activities.

“I’m finally climbing again,” she said.

Reflecting on her experience, Duncan emphasized the importance of being heard in health care settings.

"I know in the health care industry a lot of women are not heard. Dr. Waterman does a great job of listening,” she said. “I encourage other women to keep pushing if you feel like your diagnosis is wrong, and make sure you find somebody that you feel hears you and sees what you’re going through.”

To learn more about endometriosis care or to schedule an appointment, visit NW-Physicians.com.

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