Daniel reflects on the journey he and his wife Rebecca have shared on her journey to a diagnosis of endometriosis and navigating the condition together.
"Just short of a couple of months after we got married, my wife Rebecca began experiencing some sudden, unusual pains. Little did we know that this would spark the unfolding of a rapid, painfully severe decline in her health, well-being and quality of life.
It took immense amounts of time and energy, doing our research and advocating for ourselves to finally identify with doctors and specialists that one of the root causes of Rebecca’s constant pain is endometriosis.
Along the way, we have learned from the stories and experiences of many that this is the plight of over 1.5 million in the UK alone who are living with this condition and how on average it takes eight years for a diagnosis. On top of this, many, and in particular, women of colour are having to fight this condition and many others against the backdrop of the ongoing legacies of health and social injustice.
As challenging as the years have been we continue to hold on to hope. Supporting a partner with endometriosis can be mentally and emotionally taxing and it’s often difficult to know how to be, or what is best. Working out how out how to take time for yourself in small and sometimes bigger ways is key to replenishing your mental and emotional capacity and resources to be there for your loved one in the best way you can. Be kind to yourself and remember that this is a long term very unpredictable condition that both of you will be coming to terms with."
Thank you Daniel for sharing your story.
In our past webinar 'Supporting someone with endometriosis', Endometriosis UK volunteer Rebecca and Clinical Nurse Specialist Claudia share advice and insight for those supporting a loved one with the condition. Watch here.
