Endo-what? Endometriosis is the name given to the condition where cells like the ones in the lining of the womb (uterus) are found elsewhere in the body. Each month these cells react in the same way to those in the womb, building up and then breaking down and bleeding. Unlike the cells in the womb that leave the body as a period, this blood has no way to escape. 

It is a CHRONIC condition and there is NO CURE

The average time it takes to receive a diagnosis is 7 YEARS

Endometriosis can affect all women and girls of a childbearing age, regardless of race or ethnicity

1.5 MILLION women in the UK, 176 MILLION worldwide, 1in10 women

Symptoms include: 

• severe pain
  
• fatigue/lack of energy
• depression/isolation
• pain during/after sex
• infertility or difficulty in trying to conceive
• difficulties in maintaining work/social commitments
  

If this sounds familiar or you are worried you may have these symptoms, please - go and speak to your GP about it. Don't wait.

To read more about this condition, visit Endometriosis UK's website: https://www.endometriosis-uk.org/understanding-endometriosis

In March, we wear yellow

March is Endometriosis Awareness Month. I have already started fundraising and 100% will be donated to Endometriosis UK. I will also be attending this year’s Endo March in London.

When people make their donation, I am offering them the chance to order a handmade ENDO Awareness bracelet. This is an optional extra and a ‘Thank You for your support’ gift,  your little bit of yellow, ready for March!*

The idea is that the bracelet will be seen on the wearer and will spark the “What’s that for?” questions and hopefully spread knowledge and awareness of Endometriosis. 

*Details of how to order a bracelet are at the bottom of this page* 

Who am I?

In 2014, after several trips to the hospital, a ton of sick absences from work and struggling to make it down the aisle at my wedding, I was finally scheduled for surgery. I was diagnosed with Stage IV Endometriosis on my 24^th birthday (2015) following a laparoscopy. I then tried oral contraceptives and a Depo Provera injection, before being referred to a second specialist who advised monthly Zoladex injections. In the Spring of 2016, I stopped the injections so I could try and conceive. My periods returned to normal soon after and I was rushed to hospital where a scan revealed a cyst.

The following month, September, I had a surgery to treat the endometriosis and remove the cyst. However, it was found that there was more than just the 1 cyst- I had cysts and stage IV endometriosis around my bowel, uterus, ovaries, appendix, diaphragm and further.

My bowel is fused to my uterus and the active endometriosis on my diaphragm still remains untreated. In December, I was scheduled for another surgery to have one of my ovaries removed. This was because a cyst (which was successfully removed in September) had been tested in the lab and found borderline Ovarian Cancer/tumour cells. My doctors stated it was too big a risk to leave the ovary which it had developed from.

On 16^th January 2017, it will be 2 years since my official diagnosis. Endometriosis has cost me 3 jobs, my independence and 1 ovary; it has affected every part of my life. This condition has given me 12 surgical scars, emotional insecurity and anxiety. But! It has also shown me that I am a strong person and that I will endure, even after the hardest times. It has helped me to appreciate the little things in life. I am thankful everyday, that I am able to keep going.

Endometriosis is resilient and will continue to grow. But, women with
Endometriosis are just as resilient and will continue to fight for a life not
ruled or restricted by pain. 

Chronic Writer Blog

I have written about my experience before and after diagnosis, on my blog and I am also part of a large online community of people living with chronic illness. My blog can be found here: www.chronicwriter.net

IMPORTANT INFORMATION: 

• To request 1 bracelet, please donate £2* 
  *£2 per bracelet & this will include P&P for UK 
  
  
• Once your donation has gone through, tick the box alongside “I'm happy to be contacted by ". 
• JustGiving can then share your contact details with me and I can send your bracelet via post.
• If you wish to donate more than £2, please do so & state if you wish to order more than 1 bracelet when we contact you. 

• If you do not wish to order a bracelet, any donation amount is appreciated, leave the tick-box empty.

(minimum donation amount is £2, set by Justgiving.com)

Your bracelet should reach you within 7 days.

Thank you so much for taking the time to read this & Thank you for your kind donation xx