Last June I had a laparoscopy and was diagnosed with endometriosis, a chronic and debilitating condition where cells similar to the ones in the lining of the womb (uterus) are found elsewhere in the body. It can cause excruciating  pelvic pain, painful periods and ovulation pain, infertility, fatigue and bowel and bladder problems. Endometriosis affects 1 in 10 women, unfortunately I am one of those people. That statistic is as many as diabetes yet very few people have even heard of it. The impact can be felt for life and there is no cure.

This condition has affected me so much mentally and physically through the trauma and pain I have experienced. It has taken away so much enjoyment and happiness from my life since I was 17. Although I was only diagnosed last year, I have had symptoms since 2016 and it has been a very challenging few years. On average it takes people 8 years to get their diagnosis, and the only way to get an accurate diagnosis is through laparoscopic surgery which in itself is not pleasant to go through and something I did not think I’d have to go through at the age of 21. I am proud of myself for everything I have achieved despite the challenges I face on a daily basis.

Having your life change so suddenly and being diagnosed with a chronic, life long condition with so little treatment and no cure is pretty hard to deal with… I still don’t think I have really come to terms with it and each day feels like a continuous battle with my body. Endometriosis needs more awareness, it is extremely painful and ruins lives. Although endometriosis is so hard to live with, it’s shaped me into a much stronger person and for that I am grateful. 

As March is Endometriosis awareness month, I am taking part in the 1 in 10 challenge. I am going to walk 100k steps in March to raise funds for Endometriosis UK. 100k steps a month may be nothing to most people, but for someone who struggles with simple daily tasks such as even getting out of bed due to debilitating pain, this is a huge challenge for me. My fitness has deteriorated a lot since my laparoscopy, making this even more of a challenge. I have not set myself a daily target as some days I am not able to even reach 300 steps, whereas other days I can reach 5,000+. This just shows the unpredictability of this awful condition and how no day is the same.

Your donations will mean that Endometriosis UK can continue to support those affected by Endometriosis through national support groups, information provision and their helpline as well as continue to campaign for change, fairer treatment and eventually a cure. Thank you so much in advance. Love from Serena xxx