I am taking part in March in March to help raise money in aid of endometriosis research a debilitating condition that currently affects an estimated 1 in 10 women. I am one of those women. After many years of suffering I received a diagnosis in 2017 following surgery. In 2019 endometriosis took over my life, having a massive impact on my day to day living due to bladder issues and chronic daily pain. Four operations later, I have lost count of the many visits to G.P’s, Nurses, Consultants, hospital stays and so on to try and make things a little better. I am extremely grateful to all who have helped me including The EXPPECT team.

Endometriosis occurs when tissue similar to the lining of the uterus is found elsewhere - most commonly in the abdomen, on the ovaries, bladder and bowel.This misplaced tissue behaves like the lining of the uterus, bleeding every month and creating local inflammation. 

It is associated with chronic pain, heavy bleeding, and infertility, and can impact on mental, and social wellbeing.

There is currently no known cure for women with pelvic pain and endometriosis, and there is an urgent unmet need for better treatments.

The Excellence in Pelvic Pain and Endometriosis Care and Treatment (EXPPECT) team at Edinburgh aims to provide high quality, evidence-based and patient-centred management of pelvic pain. 

To some this isn’t very much but for me it is massive based on my life at the moment, being able to walk this over the month of March will allow me to be guided by my body how far I walk each day. I am sure I will be joined by family and friends some days so watch for the pictures. 

Endometriosis has taught me not take anything for granted. It’s a huge slap in the face when your health gets in the way of the most basic tasks in life. I never knew it could be so difficult to put one foot in front of the other at times.