Alli’s Story
I got my period quite early, aged 11.
At first, the pain was manageable with pain killers and a hot water bottle.
During senior school, my periods were worse and I missed school regularly as I would have severe cramps and diarrhoea and would sometimes vomit. By the time I got to university, my pain was more severe.
I would also experience bloating, pain when urinating, and painful intercourse.
I attended 11 different doctors and was told by 10 of them I had IBS (Irritable Bowel Syndrome) and 1 even said I had 'ghost pains'. I tried to manage with Colpermin (used to treat IBS) and pain killers when needed. Obviously, this didn't work and my pain escalated further.
I was beginning to experience anxiety and depression which meant I would avoid social gatherings and would sleep a lot (I would do this anyway but now it was up to 16 hours). My anxiety levels continued to increase and I had severe panic attacks, during which I genuinely thought I was losing my mind. According to research, up to 80% of endo sufferers have some level of anxiety or depression.
“Within minutes of taking my medical history, she scanned my abdomen and said she was sure I had endometriosis”
In 2007 I got married to a wonderfully kind and patient man. By the time we got our first house, it was 2009 and we were ready to start trying for a baby. 2 years passed by without a pregnancy. His test results came back normal so I decided to look into any fertility issues I may have. I was referred to a gynaecologist named Dr. Nikki Kroon. Within minutes of taking my medical history, she scanned my abdomen and said she was sure I had endometriosis. This was confirmed via a laparoscopy procedure.
I had never heard the term 'endometriosis' before but was delighted when it was confirmed. It meant I was not 'going nuts' and there was actually something that could be done to ease my symptoms.
The laparoscopy was performed in 2011 and on Christmas eve that year I discovered I was pregnant. It was the happiest I have ever been. It is difficult not to get emotional writing this as I honestly don't know what would have happened if I had not met Dr. Kroon.
I am happy to report that after another laparoscopy, I conceived a second time and now have 2 beautiful girls.
The future is much brighter since meeting Dr. Kroon. I know I will always have endo and am due to have my 5th surgery this winter. The surgery is no longer a worry for me as I trust her 100% and know she understands this condition. That has been crucial for my 'recovery' as I am finally listened to and understood. I still experience a lot of pain and discomfort but I discovered a method called EFT (Emotional Freedom Technique) which has helped me enormously with managing my symptoms. I decided to become a certified teacher last year and aim to do this full time.
I wish there was more research to find a cure and that it was recognised as a disability by our governments. The pain can be so incapacitating that working is literally impossible (I was working 9-5 in a sales role for 10 years and would miss days each month with my pain). If it was recognised as a disability we would have financial support as well as understanding and support from our employers.
I am so happy to have this community where we can share, connect, and support each other.
