Northern Ireland Support Group

Meet the Support Group Leader(s)

Caroline

Hi i am Caroline, I live in Belfast, I was diagnosed with endometriosis in 2008 when I had my first laparoscopy. I had turned 26, but it was way before that in my early teens that I would suffer from really heavy periods and excruciating pain. I would end up every so often in A&E where they would try figure out what was wrong with me, I have seen different gynae doctors over the years. After I had my first laparoscopy, I tried different medication, which helped for a while but then I had my symptoms back. I had my second laparoscopy two years later and again I took different medications. By my early thirties I got worse and by 34 I had a total hysterectomy. For the past year my symptoms have been recurring and I am waiting for an MRI, and appointment in gynae. I really wanted to volunteer with Endometriosis UK and the Northern Ireland support group because I want to give support to others who are suffering and to know they are not alone. I want to create a safe environment where we are able to chat freely about our endometriosis and be able to help each other, or if its just to listen that is okay too! I cant wait to meet everyone!

Hayley

Hi, I'm Hayley! I'm 27 and live near Lisburn with my husband and 3 dachshunds, Arnold, Bailie and Cooper. I was diagnosed with rectovaginal endometriosis in October 2020 - slap bang in the middle of Covid and lockdowns! I have had a second surgery since which really helped but it never eliminates what we go through and I'm noticing familiar patterns returning again. I know how hard getting a diagnosis is, and how much you need to keep fighting and advocating for yourself and I really want to be a part of helping people get the answers they need.

Northern Ireland needs big change when it comes to endometriosis, with both increasing knowledge throughout the public and healthcare providers and also improving and changing the care we receive to get us to our diagnosis faster. Together as a group we can push for that change and I look forward to getting to meet you all, to give and receive support and make a difference for all of us!

About the support group:

Caroline and Hayley both joined as Endometriosis UK support group leaders in January 2022. They are thrilled to be getting a group up and running to support women all across Northern Ireland. We have a Facebook group, Endo Warriors NI which can be found below and we post regular updates on our Facebook page also. We look forward to providing support and awareness for all in NI and making a real difference.

General Session Information:

We run both online and face-to-face sessions.
With the online sessions on the last Tuesday of every month @ 7pm (with rare exceptions) and face-to-face details will be released soon.