"Like so many others, my diagnosis of endometriosis took such a long time, around seven years after I started having symptoms.
My “day job” as a full time athlete requires me to be in good health, to look after myself and be able to push myself physically and mentally, six days a week.
Having spent over 12 years as an international swimmer, I moved to paracanoe in late 2016, which coincided with the start of my symptoms.
As many other sufferers will know, on the bad days the pain is completely debilitating and I wasn’t well enough to get to training, never mind complete the sessions. On good days, I could just about manage thanks to the medical support team we are lucky enough to work with.
I finally got my diagnosis in January 2021, just 8 months away from the Tokyo Paralympic Games, my Games as a paracanoeist. Having been trying to find an answer to the symptoms for years, to have surgery so close to the competition was really worrying - but essential.
When I got my diagnosis I reached out to other athletes who had shared their experience and they were so kind in supporting me, sharing advice post-surgery, how to manage symptoms. Having supporters who really understood what I was going through after years of uncertainty was amazing - and I won my first Paralympic gold medal in September.
I think, like many women, getting the diagnosis gives you the power to make fully informed decisions, and that the days when I need to, I can give myself grace and be okay with not training, and not worry what my competitors may or may not be doing.
I was really keen to be that person for others who are also suffering. It was incredible how many people reached out when I put it on social media, with similar stories and how I pushed to get my diagnosis. It took a lot of persistence to get the diagnosis and I wanted to let others know, that it was worth it.
The online community is a beautiful thing, where we can come together collectively with our own experiences and use them for the greater good.
The best tool that I had in my belt before diagnosis was the fact that I tracked my menstrual cycle and it gave me this wealth of knowledge and evidence when I then went to a medical professional.
My biggest piece of advice in terms of seeking a diagnosis is to be persistent, advocate for yourself as often as you need to, and don't take no for an answer if you believe something's wrong."
Thank you Charlotte for sharing your story this Endometriosis Action Month.
