Emma Jenkinson's story

Since the nineties I suffered with troublesome and painful periods. Female members of my family also experienced similar issues, so I was always told: “that’s just the way it is!”

Over time I had other issues, including painful sexual intercourse, which began to affect my sex drive and self esteem. I also suffered from acne and had very poor self image. I comfort ate and gained weight, reaching size 18, which on my 5’4 frame wasn’t good.

I eventually decided I wanted to get fitter and try to lose a little weight. I managed to shed nearly three stone through sensible eating and exercise. In September 2003 I completed the 5km Flora Women’s Challenge in Hyde Park. I really enjoyed the challenge and it helped to distract me from the pain.

"I hope my story can

inspire other women

with endometriosis

and help them to believe

anything is possible!"

I had months of increasing pain, sleepless nights, spending over half of the month with a hot water bottle permanently on my back and abdomen, I must have spent hundreds on heat pads! My business suffered due to my inability to concentrate as did many aspects of my life.

I decided to see a different doctor to see if she could help. I was referred to a gynecologist who suspected endometriosis. It was decided that I should have a laparoscopy to confirm this and to treat any endometriosis that might be found during the procedure. It would be a day procedure and whist apprehensive; I was excited that this could be an end to my troubles.

However, the day after my operation, I found out that the endometriosis was far too extensive to treat via laparoscopy. I was gutted! The endometriosis had stuck my bowel, bladder and ovary to the ligaments and my left ovary was enlarged. I was to have a laparotomy; major surgery.

I had my left ovary and fallopian tube removed, and work to separate the bowel, bladder and other organs. Several weeks of recovery followed but I was happy that finally I would be pain free.

I was optimistic as my first period after the surgery was the least uncomfortable I’d ever had. But weeks later, my pain returned. I was so distressed; surely I hadn’t been through all of that for nothing? Maybe it was a one off? But the following month, I had pain for two-three weeks, as well as sleeplessness and an inability to concentrate. I had to go back to the consultant, this wasn’t right.

My consultant didn’t want to consider a hysterectomy as I was only 29, and had no children of my own (I have two step-sons). We decided to put my body into a menopausal state using a drug called Zoladex. It was an implant placed into my abdomen once each month, and though painful, the results were amazing!

Periods stopped, no more pain! The only side effects were localized tenderness immediately after the implant, nausea for a couple of days and the menopausal ‘hot flushes’. Compared to my pain, this was a new lease of life!

I began to get my health back and lost a little more weight through my new exercise regime. I slimmed down to a size 12-14 and for the first time, had some self esteem!

This treatment gave me a quality of life I’d never experienced and whilst not a permanent cure, it gave me an opportunity to make the decision that a hysterectomy was the way forward; it was just a case of my consultant agreeing to the procedure…

In spring 2007, my consultant agreed that a hysterectomy would be the right treatment. I spent the next few months working hard to get fit. I felt the fitter I was before surgery, the better my recovery would be.

As soon as I was able after the operation, I started to go for walks. Over time, I got back to my normal fitness routine.

Throughout 2007, I worked on my fitness; a highlight of the year was visiting my two stepsons who now live in Australia, and having the opportunity to snorkel with them in the Great Barrier Reef!

I decided to increase my training and set out to complete new physical challenges that I could have previously never considered. I decided to set a goal of completing a half marathon, and I completed my first 10 km run event, followed by a 10 mile run event. My friend had become an Ironman, which seemed like the ultimate challenge - a triathlon comprising of a 2.4 mile swim, 112 mile bike ride and a 26.2 mile marathon run all in one day! I asked if there were beginner’s triathlons and sure enough there were! So I took an opportunity to participate in the opening event of the season; a duathlon (three mile run, six mile bike ride, three mile run,) which I proudly completed in one hour 24 minutes! I had a taste for this, it was incredible! My next event was a Triathlon; this was a 400m swim, 15.5 mile bike ride followed by a four mile run. This was the best challenge I had ever completed! I finished in one hour 54 minutes and felt amazing!

The half marathon came in May 2009. It was a very hot, sunny day. I ran the whole 13.1 miles to cross the finish in two hours 22minutes; a very proud moment. Another triathlon followed, this time 500m swim in open sea, 11 miles on the bike and three miles running.

 I can’t believe how far I have come; I feel that not only have I achieved these health and physical goals, I feel that I built up my self esteem and confidence, conquered my endometriosis and I am ready for even bigger challenges.

My next event is a longer distance triathlon at the end of July, 1500m open water swim, 40km bike ride and 10km run. And in June 2010 I will take on my greatest challenge of all; to complete the Ironman Triathlon!

I hope that my story can inspire other women living with endometriosis and help them to believe that anything is possible!

Check out Emma’s training diary

Sponsor Emma for the Ironman Triathlon