Claire Ford
Clairey Fairy's page
Fundraising for Endometriosis UK
Story
Dearest Friends,
Anyone that knows me well know that I suffer from endometriosis and I have been struggling with this intolerable disease for nearly 4 years, well, that is when the pain started, the tissue growth would have started before this time. I was diagnosed with this awful disease back in May 2007 after having a laparoscopy/operation, although I pretty much already knew it was this through researching my symptoms, and my past medical history. I have also suffered from Polycystic Ovary Syndrome (PCOS) from a young age, which is another disorder of the reproductive system, both of these diseases have been linked to one another.
Endometriosis is a little known condition that can cause severe pain, wreck relationships, destroy careers and contribute to infertility.
Endometriosis:
Endometriosis:
- Affects 2 million women in the UK
- Takes 11 years on average to identify and diagnose
- Costs UK businesses £2.8 billion per annum in lost working time
One in 10 of your female employees, clients or customers could be affected by endometriosis. Due to a lack of awareness, 43% of women affected are afraid to tell their employers in case it affects their job prospects*.
Endometriosis UK is the leading UK charity working to improve the lives of those affected. We represent a large, and as yet untapped, potential female market. We can help you reduce the impact of endometriosis on your business and support your staff.
* Pain and quality of life survey 2005
Taken from www.endometriosis-uk.org website.
Well, you may well know that I'm not one to easily conform to conventional ways of treatment. It's all very well taking medicine/having treatment to numb out/reduce the symptoms but this is not getting to the root of the problem! So I have spent time researching this disease and I have found out from other researchers that the hormone oestrogen boosts endometrium tissue growth. Certain foods can boost your oestrogen levels such as alcohol, caffeine, chocolate and soya (not fair ; )!) so by eliminating them out of your diet/cutting down you can reduce the symptoms of endometriosis. Other foods such as processed foods, wheat and dairy can also aggravate the disease. Stress can lower your immune system and also make the disease worse.
To put some pressure on myself I have started a 28 day 'endo diet' to hopefully help eliminate my symptoms (mainly the excruciating pain and helplessness!) and to raise awareness and money for www.endometriosis-uk.org I will finish 3rd March in time for Endometriosis Awareness Week which is March 8th - 14th, organised by the above charity. Of course, it won't end there but it's a start of a lifestyle change in order to fight this disease. I am 4 days into the detox and will love the support of family and friends to keep me going, as it's for a MUCH worth while cause! Please sponsor me so that I can keep flying and help other sufferers in despair! ; (
Also PLEASE try and find the time to read the below information because even if you do not sponsor me you may be or know of a woman suffering from this intolerable disease. Endometriosis is not an infection. Endometriosis is not contagious. Endometriosis is not cancer. There is still no known cure for endometriosis.
What is Endometriosis? (some info taken from www.endometriosis.co.uk)
Endometriosis is a puzzling disease affecting women during their reproductive years. It is the second most common gynaecological disorder. Some women have no symptoms whilst others may suffer debilitating pain even with mild disease.
Endometriosis occurs when the womb lining (endometrium) is found growing in the wrong place, on other organs outside the uterus. This tissue responds to the hormone cycle and sheds blood every month with a period. In endometriosis patients this blood has nowhere to escape and remains in the abdominal cavity where it may cause inflammation and pain. This gives rise to scar tissue and adhesions. It can even be found growing in the eyes and nose!
Endometriosis occurs when the womb lining (endometrium) is found growing in the wrong place, on other organs outside the uterus. This tissue responds to the hormone cycle and sheds blood every month with a period. In endometriosis patients this blood has nowhere to escape and remains in the abdominal cavity where it may cause inflammation and pain. This gives rise to scar tissue and adhesions. It can even be found growing in the eyes and nose!
Symptoms
The most common symptoms sufferers report are:
Excruciating Pain
Painful Periods
Painful Ovulation
Infertility
Symptoms often reported include:
Pain at other times
Heavy or irregular bleeding
Bowel involvement
Digestion problems
Swollen abdomen
Pain at urination
Low energy levels
Constant tiredness
Insomnia
Depression
Mood swings
P.M.S.
Back pain
Muscle aches and pains
To find out more please visit the above websites.
Thank you very much for your time...and remember KNOWLEDGE IS POWER!
Cheers, Clairey Fairy...doing it for the ladies! XXX
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