This is Beth’s Story
My experience with endometriosis I believe started in my late teens when I first became aware of symptoms such as pelvic pain and heavy and irregular periods. As the symptoms grew worse over the next few years, I decided to get help from my GP where I was diagnosed with IBS and given a different pill to ‘deal’ with my periods. For a period of 9 years I went back and forth my GP where I was always prescribed other medications to treat IBS with no other conditions being considered. My symptoms became more and more severe, I was in agony most days, started to have issues with my bladder and bowels and just felt really poorly everyday.
I remember researching things on google myself to try and get some answers because I knew I was unwell and came across endometriosis. When I mentioned this to my GP, it was dismissed straight away due to me not having heavy periods, even though I had already been put on a different pill years prior to deal with heavy bleeding. I was made to feel as though it was all in my head.
I eventually received a diagnosis of endometriosis and adenomyosis after paying to go private where I had my first laparoscopic procedure. I was diagnosed with deep infiltrating endometriosis and the inside of my body was described as being ‘in a right mess’. Despite surgery and other ongoing interventions to manage the conditions, I found this has given me very little relief.
I have and continue to suffer greatly as a result of these conditions. I currently work but am constantly relying on painkillers or having a hot water bottle strapped to my stomach at my desk most days just to function. I still try to be as active as I possibly can, however this comes with its own challenges. After any type of exercise, I bloat severely and end up in excruciating pain leaving me feeling really depressed. If I then choose not to exercise due to the fear of causing a flare up, this impacts on my mental health so I feel completely helpless on what to do for the best. I have had to miss out on numerous social events which has a lasting impact on my mental health and well-being. On particularly bad days, the pain is so severe I struggle to get about properly and will stay in bed or on the sofa pretty much all day without moving.
I hope that medical professionals will finally be able to offer some treatment to give me the freedom to enjoy my life again without the issues that endometriosis cause on a daily basis.
My friends and family are very supportive but I often feel as though people will never fully understand the impact, since the condition is hidden from the outside. I feel sometimes people may think I am being over-dramatic or to sensitive when I’m saying how much pain I’m in, or lazy when I physically don’t have the energy to get up and do anything. It can be really lonely.
My interactions with medical professionals has been inconsistent throughout my diagnosis journey. I've come across some really sympathetic and helpful professionals who have listened and reassured me that I was not completely mad and imagining this as I had been made to feel for many years.
I first came across Endometriosis UK when desperately searching for answers and feel like they have played a huge part in me being able to finally get a diagnosis. The resources, help and information they have available, has been invaluable in helping me though this and allowing me to continuing learning about this lifelong condition I have to help me try and manage it as best as I can.
I hope my story helps others people who may be in a similar position feel less alone, and encourages anyone who is still struggling for a diagnosis to really listen to your body and don’t allow yourself to be fobbed off.
