Emily

I was officially diagnosed with Endometriosis in January 2020 following a 2nd laparoscopy with an Endometriosis Specialist. My inital laparscopy in 2012 had found 'nothing'. I had worsening symptoms since I was 13 and was frequently in and out of hospital with unexplained symptoms growing up. I thought I was weak for not being able to cope with it all. I was told heavy bleeding and severe period pain (even withdrawal bleeds on the pill) were normal and because others in my family were the same (ironically some were undiagnosed with endo at this point) I assumed it was normal. I was also told that bleeding for 11 months was normal and in 2019 everything snowballed and led me to becoming diagnosed, my symptoms and experiences validated and me being felt like I was listened too. I also have polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS), pelvic floor dysfunction and endometriosis associated chornic pelvic pain. I have since had a further laparscopy in November 2022 as my endometriosis had grown back.

Finding support and others who understood what I was feeling, thinking, worrying about helped lift a huge weight off my shoulders. It has made the experience a little less scary and less lonely. Hearing others experiences has helped me try things that I may not have considered before to try and alleviate my symptoms.

Kia