I have suffered with debilitating periods since I was about 16. They were always extremely heavy, and most days I couldn’t stand straight. It felt like my insides were being ripped apart and locked in a vice all at the same time, and at times the pain was like a lightening bolt running through my abdomen. GPs requested ultrasounds back then, nothing showed up and was promptly told everything was fine and over the years I was put on many different pills to “help”. And I managed, not because the problem got any less but because that’s what I was told to do. And a part of me believed I was being weak for feeling the way I did. Everyone must feel the same right?! I kept going because what other choice was there? Until 2015 when I saw a specialist because my cycle was completely erratic and the pain was becoming excruciating. A test revealed possible mild endometriosis so an investigatory laparoscopy was ordered. 30 mins after being put to sleep I was awake again and told the endometriosis was so severe she couldn’t do anything and referred me to Oxford. Consultant saw me, listened to my history and ordered an MRI. 3 days after that consultant reviewed the report I was in surgery for stage 4 endometriosis as I had a nodule blocking my ureter resulting in a severely dilated and minimally functioning right kidney. It wasn’t in my head. I had a reason for feeling the way I did.

Following that surgery I had a successful round of IVf resulting in my miracle baby girl and I know how blessed I am to have her. 6 months after she was born I was back under a different consultant as the pain was back with a vengeance and my cycles were back to being erratic. I had my 2nd surgery in 2019 after an ultrasound revealed endometriomas on both ovaries. When I saw the consultant in the recovery room he could not believe how bad it was, confirming again it was stage 4, and now on top my uterus was sticking to my bowel. The same organs were being freed up again

There was little relief from that surgery and I then spent 2 very long years on gnrh medications and hrt tablets as I was thrown into medical menopause. This did absolutely nothing for my pain. Fast forward to 2022 when I had the Mirena coil fitted instead. Again, like the pill and the gnrh before, this did nothing for my symptoms. Another mri in July 2023, which showed slight readhesion of my bowel to my uterus my consultant offered a more radical surgery. So on 5th April 2024 I had a total hysterectomy with bilateral salpingo-oopherectomy. And when I came round from another 4hr surgery I was told it was much worse than my mri suggested. My bowel had to be dissected from my uterus and moved back to where it should be and the organs causing so much pain were removed. My ovaries were full of cysts, my tubes completely blocked and uterus was bulky and damaged.

But now for the first time in a very long time, I have very little to no pain. I can stand up straight and not feel like my insides are being ripped apart and crushed all at the same time. Endometriosis will return, my consultant has no doubt. But for now I get to live in the moment, and not be weighed down by my body failing me.

That’s why I am doing this walk, to help and support other woman out there going through the same emotional rollercoaster

Endometriosis UK's recent report found that it now takes an average of over 8 years to receive a diagnosis in the UK - that is far too long! I'm taking part in Walk for Endo this Summer to help raise awareness and vital funds to support the 1in10 on their journey with endometriosis and take steps towards a time with quicker diagnosis and access to appropriate care.