08/03/2026
I didn’t get diagnosed with endometriosis because a doctor spotted it.
I got diagnosed because I made the doctor send me to a specialist.
In the early stages of getting diagnosed, I was in agony, on the floor unable to move,
I was tired, I couldn't function at work or at home,
I felt horrendous and in complete agony,
The waiting time for a laproscopy on the NHS was approximately 8-12months,
Your just filled to the brim on pain killers and medication, from codeine to pregablin to both, amitriptyline and of course my mental health took a massive toll, so then theres the sertraline,
I finally got expedited, so I had my laproscopy privately through the NHS,
I got told that 90% of the time, the surgeon wouldn't find anything,
I didnt care as I new something was wrong,
Normally the surgeon wouldn't of gone as high up, (i got told) but luckily he did, he found that i had deep infiltrating endometriosis affecting the peritoneum overlying the left ureter,
Even though it was removed, unfortunately I felt no better,
I tried tablets which caused my face and neck to have a severe reaction,
I tried Zoladex (an injections to switch everything off, similar to a hysterectomy with out surgery), but of course i had an insanely bad reaction to that,
In the end it was a total hysterectomy with bilateral salpingo-oophorectomy, which meant everything was removed,
Unfortunately I do still suffer and I have countless referrals to figure out what's going on,
I constantly feel bad each day when my lovely customers are waiting and being so patient for me, but I refuse to let go of something that was creating through such an horrendous time and from nothing,
Its already took so much from me and I will NOT let it get the best!
Don't let anyone tell you, that a period should be painful, it should be discomfort at the most,
March is Endometriosis Awareness Month.
Endometriosis affects 1 in 10 women, yet the average time to diagnosis is still 7–10 years.
More people are being diagnosed today, not because it suddenly appeared, but because women are finally talking about it, sharing their experiences, documentaries and short films are raising awareness, and campaigners are even asking questions about it in Parliament.
For years women have been told:
“It’s just bad cramps.”
“Heavy periods are normal.”
“You’re overreacting.”
But endometriosis is not just about periods.
It can affect organs, fertility, mental health, energy levels, careers and quality of life.
If something doesn’t feel right with your body, please speak to your doctor and push for answers.
Because no one should have to spend years fighting to be believed.
And if you are one of the 1 in 10 living with endometriosis…
You are not alone.
If you’ve been through this, how long did it take for you to be diagnosed?
