Louise

I had been suffering with ‘bad periods’ since I first started them at the age of 11. I’d miss out going to sleep overs or to discos because I wouldn’t be able to move from the pain. Not ideal when I was a teenager! Somehow I just muddled through dealing with the pain for weeks on end but in 2017 things got a lot worse for me. I decided to speak to my GP and sadly I was battling for answers as to what was wrong with me for years! In 2020 I discovered the Lincoln Support Group and thanks to the members I was able to get the referrals I needed in order to finally get a diagnosis and treatment plan sorted. Finally in 2023 I got my diagnosis. 
 

I continued to come to support meetings because I felt so strongly that it shouldn’t be this hard to get the treatment we all deserve. I also love the social element of our meetings and have made some wonderful friends over the years that I’m so thankful for. I decided I wanted to become a co-group leader with Jody so I couldn’t help anyone that was in the same situation I was for years. I know how upsetting it is not knowing who to speak with or how to get referred. Or sometimes it’s just nice to be in a room of people who know exactly how you feel without needing to say anything at all. 

Jody

Hi - I am Jody and lead the Lincoln Support Group. 

My story is like many others - I started to struggle as soon as my periods started. However, I thought it was normal and that maybe I had a low pain threshold. I was placed on the the birth control pill that for a number of years allowed me to lead a relatively normal life. In my twenties I stopped taking the pill and the pain returned, again I still thought it was normal! My boyfriend at the time said he thought I should see the doctor - it was the first time I had ever even heard the word endometriosis. I had a laparoscopy and it was confirmed - I was overjoyed, it had a name and I assumed it was something that would be easily cured. However, little by little the reality sunk in that this was a disease that was not going away and was going to impact so many aspects of my life. 

When I first met others with endometriosis it felt great - people who I didn't have to explain everything to, conversation flowed and through adversity grew life long friendships. I wanted to allow others with endometriosis to make these connections, so I started the Lincoln Endometriosis UK Support Group. 

We meet monthly and everyone is welcome! 

I look forward to meeting you soon.