Amber's Story
This is Amber's Story.
I first noticed symptoms of endometriosis when I was a teenager. The pain during my periods was excruciating and far beyond what I had been told was “normal.” Over time, the symptoms grew worse, affecting not only my physical health but also my emotional well-being and daily life.
Despite the severity of my symptoms, it took me several years to seek medical attention. At first, I was dismissed or told that painful periods were "just part of being a woman". It was only when the symptoms began to interfere significantly with my ability to work, study, and maintain relationships that I pushed for answers.
Even after seeking medical attention, it took a staggering 10 years to finally receive a diagnosis. The journey was exhausting and often felt like an uphill battle. I went through countless doctors’ appointments, inconclusive tests, and misdiagnoses. I was often made to feel like the pain was “in my head,” which made an already isolating experience even more difficult.
When I was finally diagnosed with endometriosis, I also found out I had adenomyosis. I felt a mix of relief and frustration—relief that I finally had an explanation for everything I had endured, but frustration at how long it had taken and how much I had suffered in the meantime.
My experiences with medical practitioners have been varied. While some have been empathetic and supportive, others lacked understanding or dismissed my symptoms. This inconsistency highlighted how little awareness and education about endometriosis exists, even among healthcare professionals.
I discovered Endometriosis UK while searching for resources and support online. The organisation has been a lifeline, providing information, community, and advocacy that have helped me feel less alone in my journey. Their work has given me the tools to advocate for myself and connect with others who truly understand what it’s like to live with endometriosis.
Endometriosis at Work: Kate's Story
"Having lived with endometriosis for 20 years, I have certainly had some negative experiences with people being dismissive of my condition and the impact on my health and overall wellbeing, even within the medical profession. Although I have had a few amazing colleagues who have been supportive in the past, there have also been certain employers and colleagues who weren’t very understanding or flexible when it came to me managing my symptoms. But then I joined Support Staffordshire in May 2024 and soon realised what a supportive organisation it was. I mentioned my condition in my interview and instead of worrying about how my condition would affect my ability to carry out the job, my managers were keen to learn more about it.
When I started the role, I was asked how I could be supported to manage my condition at work. I’ve been given the option to work flexibly; working from home if I’m having a flare up and being able to change my hours to attend appointments.
People also are very caring and supportive if I have bad days, asking what they can do to help me. This has led to me feeling more comfortable to be honest about my condition with my colleagues and allowed me to manage my time and workload more effectively.
I feel like I am now able to reach my potential and be productive at work. It’s made a massive difference to my life and taken the stress away from worrying about managing my condition at work. I'm delighted that Support Staffordshire has made the formal commitment to be an Endometriosis Friendly Employer, building on the support it had already provided me - and I'm looking forward to making a difference myself as the organisation's first Endometriosis Champion."
Thank you Kate for sharing your story and to Support Staffordshire for pledging their commitment to creating a supportive working environment for employees with endometriosis.
Managing endometriosis in the workplace can be a challenge, but with the right support, employees like Kate can thrive.
To find out more about the Endometriosis Friendly Employer Scheme and how your workplace can get involved, please click here.