Lead singer of details her struggle with endometriosis

By Andrea Busche

Heidi Pack, the frontwoman for the country band Whiskey Trail, has been at home on the stage since she was a toddler and loves to perform.

But her struggle with endometriosis has been difficult to navigate. For years, Pack has experienced ongoing pelvic pain, along with plenty of other unpleasant symptoms, which often land her in the hospital. She explained her pain as “100 times stronger than a menstrual cramp.” On numerous occasions, though, she has performed — with a smile, no less — through the pain.

Pack is open and honest about her battle, and wants to share her story to help other women. Endometriosis is a very common condition but often quite difficult to diagnose. Pack shared that endometriosis affects 1 in 10 women, usually takes 7-10 years to reach a diagnosis, and an astonishing 68% of sufferers are misdiagnosed. About 80% of those with the condition struggle to complete daily tasks. Infertility is another common symptom, affecting about 50% of sufferers.

“I hope that, with my honesty, I can be relatable to other women,” she said. “I want them to know there is someone else out there dealing with this condition.”

Early signs of talent

Pack was born and raised in West Duluth, the daughter of two pastors, Mike Pack and Becky Hedblom. She has two younger siblings. From an early age, Pack showed an early inclination toward music.

“I have always loved to be on stage and sing,” she said. “My first performance was at church when I was 3 or 4. Afterwards, my mom said that that wasn’t a normal performance for a 3- or 4-year-old — I was very cool, calm and collected.”

While in middle school, Pack participated in the Junior American Idol singing competition held at the Mall of America. She continued progressing and ultimately won. Her prize included tickets to “American Idol Live,” and a suite at Radio Disney. While she was highly inspired by the TV show “American Idol,” she never tried out.

The band

Pack auditioned and landed a spot with a local band when she was 21. She remained with them for two years.

Later, she became a founding member of a country band Whiskey Trail, which was formed in 2017. Pack is the lead vocalist and sometimes plays a little guitar. Being a band member is Pack’s full-time job.

Other band members include Jim Holbeck and Jason Soderlund on electric guitar, Joshua Maynard on bass, Ryan Holte on acoustic guitar, and Garrett Ness on drums. The band performs a combination of cover tunes along with their original pieces.

Whiskey Trail has performed on the local bar circuit, including Powerhouse Bar, Beacon Sports Bar & Grill and Grandma’s Saloon & Grill. But there also have been performances at Bayfront Country Jam; Amsoil Arena, where they opened for well-known country band Alabama; and the Chester Creek Concert Series.

Additionally, Whiskey Trail was a regional winner at the 2018 Taste of Country’s Hometown Riser Contest (also taking fourth place nationally), and was in the running for 2018’s Best New Artist in the Midwest through the Country Music Organization. Their first record,

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Heidi Pack is the frontwoman for the country band Whiskey Trail, along with band members Jim Holbeck, Jason Soderlund, Joshua Maynard, Ryan Holte and Garrett Ness.

“Nashville,” was released in 2018, and another full record is in the works.

Off time

When she isn’t working on new music or performing, Pack enjoys cooking and spending time with friends and family — usually playing games or visiting local breweries.

She shares her life with her boyfriend, Cory Swanson, and their dog, Bubba, a black Lab. The couple live in south Superior on a 320-acre farm complete with cows and hay that is sold to local farmers.

Endometriosis

In 2016, after experiencing stabbing pains in her pelvis and symptoms resembling a urinary tract infection, Pack was diagnosed with endometriosis. According to the Mayo Clinic’s website, endometriosis is an “often painful disorder in which tissue similar to the tissue that normally lines the inside of your uterus — the endometrium — grows outside your uterus. Endometriosis most commonly involves your ovaries, fallopian tubes and the tissue lining your pelvis. Rarely, endometrial-like tissue may be found beyond the area where pelvic organs are located.”

For Pack, a firm diagnosis only came about as the result of exploratory surgery. She later had a second surgery to “laser off parts of the endo,” but the surgeon couldn’t get it all. As a result, she continues to suffer with excruciating pain, headaches, vomiting and many sleepless nights. Sadly, Pack has also experienced a miscarriage, which she believes is related to her endometriosis.

There is no cure for endometriosis. Doctors often recommend birth control pills as treatment, but that didn’t work for Pack. Pregnancy can sometimes offer nine months of relief. Having a hysterectomy can help, but Pack may want to have children in the future.

Recommendations

Pack has learned a few tips along the way, however, that she’d like to share with fellow sufferers.

“I discovered a Facebook page, Minnesota Endometriosis Nook, which has been helpful,” she said. “I also found a specialist in Minneapolis who is very understanding and supportive.

“I would also recommend starting a journal, and writing down your symptoms and their duration. Write down what you eat, too — there is an ‘endo diet’ to try. A dietician can help.

“Lastly, be adamant with your doctor. If they aren’t proactive, look for a new one.”

Pack manages her pain with heating pads and hot showers, and plans to start physical therapy soon to help relieve the associated muscle tension. Doctors have been reluctant to prescribe pain medication for her, so she often has to visit the emergency room to find relief.

Tenacity

Despite her struggles, Pack pushes through and performs through the pain. She shared that, on numerous occasions, she’s had to use the band’s set breaks to escape to the bathroom to vomit. But she’s only had to back out of a gig once — while she was in the emergency room. The band continued on without her.

She shared a bit about what it’s like to suffer with an invisible illness.

“I just want to remind people that you never know what someone’s going through,” she said. “Just because they look good and healthy on the outside, doesn’t mean their body isn’t attacking them.”

Along with the pursuit of her musical career, Pack’s future goals include finding ways to help others.

“It’s sad that women’s health isn’t looked at in a more serious way,” she said. “I really want to be a voice for women, and I hope that someday I can be an even bigger resource.” D

Editor’s note: Heidi Pack is open to connecting with other women dealing with endometriosis. To contact her, please send her a message on the Whiskey Trail Facebook page.

Andrea Busche is a Duluth freelance writer.