This July I'll be walking over 13,000 steps a day for #walkforendo.

Why am I walking 13,000 steps? I was 13 when I had an emergency appointment for suspected appendicitis, only to be dismissed as "just a bad period". Over the years I have had many appointments where I received a similar response. When I came off the pill in my early 30s my symptoms took a turn for the worse, but it still took another 7 years of pushing for answers to finally get an adenomyosis diagnosis aged 39 and then a further 3 years for an endometriosis diagnosis. 

My treatment options are limited and it has been an emotional time accepting this, especially as I experience significant symptoms including pain most days.  I'm learning to be kinder to myself and have now accepted that powering through isn't always the solution 🙃

I'm walking to raise money for Endometriosis UK and help to raise awareness of endometriosis. It takes an average of 8 years to receive a diagnosis and there is no definite cure. We need quicker diagnosis, better treatment and management options, and for people to stop being told "it's just a bad period"!

Thank you for taking the time to read my story and donating to support the work of Endometriosis UK. 

For more information about endometriosis please check out Endometriosis UK where there is lots of useful information, help and support.