I started experiencing bowel spasms that appeared unrelated to my cycle, and was diagnosed with Irritable Bowel Syndrome (IBS). Over the next 10 years I put all my symptoms and health problems down to the IBS and became extremely frustrated at not being able to successfully manage my condition. I tried every alternative therapy and herb out there to get a grip on it, but it just felt like the IBS was getting a tighter grip on me.

In December 2007 I was rushed to hospital with relentless pain that had made me feel extremely unwell. After ruling out Bowel Disease, the doctors told me I was probably looking at a condition called Endometriosis. This was the first time Endometriosis had ever been mentioned to me.

The financial and emotional support from my family, especially my Mum has been incredible. She immediately researched local Gynaecologists who specialised in Endometriosis and in January I had a consultation with my surgeon. In February I had a laparoscopy that diagnosed I had severe stage four Endometriosis and in March I had 70% of the Endometriosis removed. Unfortunately the 30% that is left has enveloped my ileac artery and penetrated my bowel.

The operative procedure to remove the rest sounds incredibly risky, so we have agreed with my consultant to monitor my symptoms over the next few months before considering major surgery. But now we know I have this disease, what can we do now? After my diagnoses there seemed to be little continued support for us, and an overwhelming volume of information. When you start to learn about Endometriosis and ways of managing the symptoms, opinions vary and it has been a somewhat confusing learning curve.

I joined Endometriosis UK and was recently contacted through them by a couple that were restarting the Southampton support group. My Mum and I went along and are so grateful we did. As well as meeting other women and their partners/families, we had the opportunity to hear a talk from a local Gynaecologist who runs an Endometriosis clinic. I learnt so much more about the nature of Endometriosis and treatment options during that evening and the support group gave us a relaxed and informal atmosphere where we all felt comfortable enough to ask questions. Group Leaders Paul and Ann Keeping had a warm, welcoming energy and an infectious dedication to making a difference. So much so that I am now involved as the Public Relations Officer for the group and we are already coming up with ideas and events to raise money and attention to help more sufferers. My Mum has even offered to do a sponsored parachute jump – so watch this space!

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