Caithness and Sutherland Support Group

Hi. I am Kirsteen, I am 40 and I was diagnosed with endometriosis in July 2001. I have struggled since my periods began when I was 13, school was a nightmare, I didn't do great at all and missed so much.  I would have about a week in bed every month.  The bleeding was horrendous, and the pain was excruciating.  I was put on the pill at 15 and given ponstan for pain, this made college a bit more manageable.  I gave up my job in 2001 as things were so bad, I could not get my pain under control.  I had my daughter in 2002.  I struggled on and off over the next couple of years, fell pregnant again in 2005 but sadly miscarried.  Then had my son in 2006.  After I had him the pain got so much worse.  I had no quality of life and was missing out on my baby.  I had a hysterectomy in 2007, I am not going to say it has been pain free but not having periods to deal with made life so much easier for me.  I was doing well up until 2019 when I had my gallbladder removed.  I have just had a laparoscopy and again had endometriosis removed from my pelvic wall area and left ovary and a lot of adhesions removed.  My husband has always been my rock.   My kids are now 18 & 14.  I love my job, I work for a self-management project and had promotion back in August, something I never thought would happen for me.  All this time I had no support, so I want to offer support to others.  It is so rewarding to help others.