Basingstoke Support Group
About this group
Welcome to Basingstoke Support Group, we hope you will find the support you need on your endo journey. Your Volunteer Support Group Leaders are Kat Andrews, Emily Brown and Vicky Tutty. We are here to facilitate the group, we aren’t medical professionals, but between us we have suffered from the condition for over 50 years! So hopefully if we don’t have the answers, we will certainly be able to point you in the right direction! As a group we have a private Facebook page to share information and support each other, we also meet regularly for both formal and informal meetings. Watch out for information by email and on Facebook for updates on our next meeting. We look forward to meeting you soon.
General Session Information
Regular informal and formal meetings throughout the yearUpcoming Support Group Sessions
- -Support Group Meeting - topic/presenter tbc shortlyPlace: The Ark Conference Centre, Basingstoke Hospital, Dinwoodie Drive, Basingstoke RG24 9NNTopic: General support
- -Support Group Meeting - topic/presenter tbc shortlyPlace: The Ark Conference Centre, Basingstoke Hospital, Dinwoodie Drive, Basingstoke RG24 9NNTopic: General support
Meet the Support Group Leader(s)
Emily
I was diagnosed with endometriosis in July 2014 after suddenly suffering with severe pelvic pain. Looking back, I probably first experienced symptoms of endometriosis in my early 20s when I went to my GP with painful periods. I didn't really know much about the illness when I received a diagnosis. I met up with some women I met online and from there the support group was formed. It was great to be able to share experiences with women who truly understood. I went on to have surgery and hormone treatment, before going through IVF which resulted in the birth of my little boy in 2016. I am dedicated to raising awareness of endometriosis through my work as a freelance journalist. |
Kat
My Endo journey so far - After decades of battling with Endo, first trying to get a diagnosis (eventually diagnosed in 2004), then surgery after surgery and facing endless more, also being diagnosed with Adenomyosis, plus the prospect of living in constant daily pain with a whole concoction of pain meds and chronic fatigue, I was determined to take charge of my condition. In 2014 I decided to try a complementary, holistic and alternative approach to manage my condition. Although I do still get setbacks, with minimal medication now and a complete change in my diet and exercise regime, I have managed to avoid recurrent surgeries. Since 2017, and for several years I have completed annual double marathons and 100km treks to raise funds for Endometriosis UK! In so doing, I hope to have helped raise awareness for this awful condition and also to show my fellow sufferers to never give up hope. When we started the support group, I was surprised that there were so many other ladies who were going through the same problems as I was. I hope we can support you in sharing experiences and knowledge to help make your Endo journey a little more manageable! |
Vicky
My endo journey so far – I have experienced symptoms since 2007 including painful periods and pelvic pain. After seeing multiple GPs and trying different treatments to manage my symptoms, I was diagnosed with endometriosis by laparoscopy in January 2022. I am currently on the waiting list for excision surgery and manage my symptoms with pain medication and non-hormonal treatments. I was aware of the support group and wanted to be part of it. It can be isolating both getting the diagnosis or living with endometriosis, it is great to have a space to share experiences. |
