Katie Penfold's story

Following an appendectomy in December 2008, I was still getting a lot of pain in my right-hand side around my pelvis. I was taken back into hospital a day after being discharged where it was discovered that a collection of fluid had built up around my pelvis. I was also told I had an ovarian cyst. The fluid was drained and I went home to recover.

Two weeks later I was still getting the pain in my right-hand side. I went to a gynaecologist through the NHS, and was told in 2-3 months I could have a laparoscopy to investigate what the pain was. However, they said they wouldn't be surprised if the pain went and if it did I should call and cancel the appointment. It felt a bit like they didn't quite believe the pain I was getting. The consultant also asked if I wanted to have children. Having just got engaged I told him it was definitely something I wanted to do. He failed to elaborate further and I was a bit bemused.

"Why have people

only ever heard

of endo because

someone they know

has it?"

When he left the room I asked the registrar why I'd been asked that question, he said that the only way of knowing if these 'things' have effected your chances of having children is by trying to conceive. Needless to say this panicked me. I couldn't bear the thought if having to wait three months to find out why I was in so much pain. Fortunately I discovered that I was covered by private healthcare through my job. I called on the Tuesday and by the following Monday I was having the laparoscopy. This is when I discovered I have endometriosis.

I had never heard of it. Funny thing is, now I have it everyone seems to know someone who has it and they're all experts!

The pain isn't like period pain. It's sharper and more uncomfortable, it actually makes me wince. Curling up in a ball doesn't help! I was in pain at work and someone said 'Take paracetamol, it works for me when I have period pain'. I could have punched them. It's nothing like period pain! That, I could live with!

The first thing the consultant said to me after the laparoscopy was that I should have a baby. I know that endometriosis can affect some women's fertility and I feel petrified now that it may affect mine. This isn't a reason to have a baby but I feel like I should bring my plans for children forward. It would break my heart to never have a child. Since finding out it is all I can think about. I have discussed it with my fiancé and I will probably come off the pill later this year. I don't want to put pressure on us so we will not be actively 'trying' for a baby we will just stop not trying!
 
I have missed a lot of work this year. I was off sick from 12th December until I went back after Christmas on January 3rd, but I was only in the office for three days before the pain started again. I was then off sick until 2nd February, then I returned to work for eight days before going into hospital and having another two weeks off to recover from a laparoscopy. I consider myself to be lucky in many respects. However, I also can't help but be consumed with worry about what my future will be like. I feel like it isn't taken seriously enough. Why have people only ever heard of it because someone they know has it? It should be more widely documented. Knowledge is power and I feel powerless.