As a family we will be running between 10-15k per week, increasing as we improve our fitness with the end goal of completing a half Marathon. We are doing this in support of my mum (Jodie) throughout her journey as well as, the 1 in 10 women. 

We decided to challenge ourselves to share my mums story with Endometriosis to as many people as we can to create more awareness of this chronic and debilitating condition. As a family we've seen how endometriosis can impact a person, not only through physical pain but also mentally and we've really felt helpless as we've watched her suffer. My mum has put on such a brave face throughout, despite the worst outcome. We're doing this not only to show her how incredibly proud we are of her but, to show her that we understand and we're going to support her each day to get through her journey.

Any donations will go directly to Endometriosis UK who work to improve the lives of people affected by endometriosis and to decrease the impact it has on those with the condition and their families and friends. The charity are also involved with a number of research projects to help understand this chronic illness that we known so little about. 

Jodie's Story:

I was originally diagnosed in 2005, having been going to the doctors for years with chronic period pain and heavy bleeding. The doctors said assured me ‘it’s just bad period pains or IBS’ They advised me to go on different contraceptives and eat a better diet.

One day my pain was so severe that I collapsed in the toilets at work. Following this, I had scans and was told I had endometriosis and a 10 cm cyst on my left ovary which required surgery. At 26 years old, I was told that I could potentially need a hysterectomy and my chances of having any children were very slim. 2 weeks prior to my surgery date, I fell pregnant with my miracle son Alfie, this was such a shock but also a blessing.

My symptoms eased following the birth of my son. I also started the monthly contraceptive injection. My endometriosis seemed to be manageable for 6 years. In 2012, I started to experience symptoms such as loosing very large blood clots and experiencing pain in my abdomen. I was advised by a clinician to give my body a rest and stop all contraception. The pain was manageable but, I knew something wasn’t right. In 2014, I had further scans and was diagnosed with a polyp on my womb. I was left to manage my condition.

I met my Husband Phil and after 4 years together, we made the decision to try for a baby. I wasn’t getting any younger and Phil had no children of his own. From then, the pain each month started to increase, sex became painful. I started to suffer with severe abdominal pain 1 week prior and 2 weeks following my monthly cycle.

In September 2020, the pain was excruciating to the point that I couldn’t walk. I visit my doctor and was referred for further scans that returned normal. My mental health was dreadful; I was physically drained and tired. I was taking strong pain killers all day every day to manage the pain.

I was referred to a consultant and added to a waiting list for surgery to investigate my endometriosis. In the meantime, I was suffering with pain in my abdomen, lower back and the tops of my legs. I was struggling with pain my bladder and losing full control of my bladder as well as, painful bowel movements. My monthly cycle become really heavy. One occasion my pain was so severe, I was taken to hospital by ambulance. Despite my pain, there was nothing they could do, I was sent home and was told a Gynaecologist would be in contact in due course.

After 7 months of waiting, I had my surgery on the 15th February 2021. I’ve been advised that my endometriosis is that severe it’s matted and glued together along with my womb, bladder and bowel. The surgeon felt out of their depth and was unable to treat my situation as it was so severe.

I am now waiting to start weekly injections to stop my ovaries working in decrease the inflammation. I will be placed on HRT treatment, this is to try and reduce and stop the progression of the endometriosis. In 6 months’ time, I will need an MRI scan and surgery under a surgeon that also specialises in bladders and bowels. I will have my womb removed and repairs to the damage of my bladder and bowel. But, is this treatment does not work I have to face the fact that I may need to have these both removed.

I'm sharing my story to reach out to others and open up about the impact this chronic illness has not only physically but mentally. Lot’s more needs to be done for quicker diagnosis and treatments. 1 in 10 Women suffer with this illness.

Jodie x