Michelle

Hello, my name is Michelle, I'm 31 and I'm a support group leader for Forth Valley.

I was finally diagnosed with Endometriosis in 2016 at the age of 23 after many years of suffering intense abdominal pain and being constantly told that it was all in my head. I became a support group leader as I wanted to use my experience of living with Endometriosis to help support other sufferers, to raise awareness and to educate others.  

Carrie

Hi Everyone. I'm Carrie and I am one of the Group Leaders for Endometriosis UK Forth Valley.

My journey with endometriosis starts like many others. It started with "period Pain" and heavy bleeding, then pain when ovulating, then pain most days of the month, then daily pain of varying levels. I learned to somewhat live with the pain, until it got too much. Up to this point and beyond, I was told that this was "Just period pain" or "just part of being a women", but when it started to interfere with my studies as a nurse in university, I knew it was more than "Just bad Periods". It was actually during a University lecture that I discovered endometriosis. 1 page in a slide show, but the description fit me almost to the tea. 

With may back and forths to the GPs, multiple medications, and ultrasounds, and referrals to Gynaecology, i was suspected that I had Endometriosis and I went through Medical menopause for 6 months which did initially help with symptoms. However after stopping the medication due to side effect, I ended up in a really bad flare and admitted to hospital. The next day I was put on the surgery list and 2 months later was scheduled for surgery.

I was diagnosed with Endometriosis in May 2017 at 21 years old. After 2 years, my symptoms returned and my journey of treatment and symptoms, including some new ones, continues to this day. I've been on varies hormones treatments, and currently waiting to be put on the list for a further surgery. 

I became an Endometriosis Support Group Leader in 2022. I am able to use my own experience of endometriosis, through diagnosis, treatments and surgery, to help other members going through similar situations, helping them feel less alone in the world of having Endometriosis. 

Come and join us at Endoemtriosis UK Forth Valley. We are hear for all your questions, chats, and rants about all things Endometriosis. The group is very supportive, and its good to know you are not alone in this journey.