Mirfat tells her story of getting diagnosed and finding support within the endometriosis community.
I remember being in Post Op ward and the consultant telling me, I have endometriosis, instead of being in shock or being sad, I smiled, it was a smile of relief that this terrible disease finally has a name, that the pain I had been having for years and the dismissiveness I had been facing for years by a multitude of professionals, finally had a name, that I could go home and tell my family/friends that my pains were not phantom pains neither were my periods ‘normal’.
For me, endometriosis is a debilitating condition. It does not just cause physical pain but also an emotional and mental one. I have endometriosis covering my pelvis, ovaries and bowel and I have been told that the disease could have an impact on my fertility. At times I get upset about the delayed diagnosis and the impact it continues to have on the quality of life and wondering had I been diagnosed sooner rather than have to advocate for myself for nearly 15 years to be taken seriously and be seen by a specialist, would my life be different? A life of ‘ifs and buts’.
Desperate to find out how I could improve the quality of my life, I started searching online, and that is how I came across Endometriosis UK Support Network. I am finally in a place where I can connect with people who ‘get me’. The support of my wonderful endo sisters-who are true warriors - sharing our stories makes me feel like I am in a place where I belong. That’s why the work of organisations like Endometriosis UK are SO important for us all. They work, fight and support everyone relentlessly so we can get heard sooner, treatment is more accessible and make sure no one suffers in silence!
