Endometriosis Awareness North

Why they need to make a date to come to our coffee morning.

If ever there was a case for better awareness of , it is that of a young woman whose suffering was blamed – on her promiscuity.
Laura spent a decade battling the condition but was told by her doctor that her heavy periods were a result of high sexual activity.
Gabz meanwhile, had those familiar conditions IBS and food intolerance offered up to her explain her pain, bloating and nausea - go to https://inews.co.uk/inews-lifestyle/doctor-blamed-endometriosis-symptoms-promiscuity-3237559
Such attitudes show the need to change and on Saturday 14 September, we will be visiting Norden Bowling Club in Rochdale, to try and enlighten medics and others.
Past events have proved particularly popular with warriors who have felt isolated in their battle against endo until hooking-up with our organisation.
Their stories follow shortly.
In the meantime, learn more about the event by visiting https://endometriosisawarenessnorth.com/upcoming-events

Backing the black

We are joining with our founder Dr Anita Sharma in calling for justice for the Kolkata doctor r***d and murdered earlier this month.
We also support our colleagues in the British Indian Doctors Association in demanding an end to misogyny in healthcare – and trust that all GPs will support their campaign in early September to don a black armband.
For more, please go to https://tinyurl.com/2f5899pc
Image by heblo.

It may not always be an unbridled success…

Living with endometriosis and enjoying a happy marriage isn’t always easy for either party – as our latest diary entry reveals.
Planning holidays, enjoying a social life and even intimacy takes a lot of thought and planning, reveal a very special couple, James and Siobhan Kennett.
We give their post our ringing endorsement!
Read it, at https://endometriosisawarenessnorth.com/endo-diaries

Should you tell your date you have endo?

With one of the contestants on reality dating show Love is Blind pondering when to tell her beau about her endo, our latest blog looks at that very subject.
👨‍❤️‍👨Read more from one of our founders by visiting https://endometriosisawarenessnorth.com/blogs/f/should-you-tell-your-date-you-have-endo
What’s your take on this subject? Should it be first date? Or later on in your romance?

Right on the button on endo belly

The curse of can have another complication – a swollen stomach so painful it causes sufferers to have to think about diet, their job and even going out with friends.
That is our ambassador Siobhan Kennett’s experience, and she pens a hugely personal blog on the subject – which you can find at https://endometriosisawarenessnorth.com/endo-diaries
We echo her plea on endo belly. We also call for more research and quicken diagnosis of endometriosis plus showing a greater understanding of people facing issues around appearance and weight!

Tragedy of TEN GP visits

A new report plots the painful wait most endo warriors endure for a proper diagnosis of .
Over half have to make ten visits to a GP before the condition is confirmed.
And that is partly due to doctors trying to treat individual symptoms – including chronic back pain and menstrual bleeding – instead of seeing them as a holistic sign.
Read our news release, at https://endometriosisawarenessnorth.com/

Track the progress of a TRUE champion.

She shed tears when diagnosed and admits she even experiences symptoms whilst at race meetings.
But that hasn’t stopped sprinter Tiffany Brown from medalling at the after a third-place finish in the 200-metre dash.
Read all about the runner at – https://www.self.com/story/brittany-brown-facts- and please pay special attention to point three “She has endometriosis and is an advocate for other women with the condition.”
Of course, all the headlines will be about how Brown took Bronze but, in our hearts, she is a true champion.
Well done, Tiffany!

Endo and exercise – go figure.

Our screens are seemingly teeming with images of athletes at their peak – performing in the Parisian Olympic games.
But imagine the heartache of trying to compete when you have a debilitating condition such as .
Such an issue confronted Olympic Figure Skating supremo Tara Lipinski – and you can read her story at https://www.dailymail.co.uk/sport/olympics/article-13653143/Tara-Lipinksi-fallopian-tubes-removed-surgery-endometriosis.html
Tara had four miscarriages, wore an abdominal band to ease chronic stomach pain and even had her fallopian tubes removed.
All of which makes her not just Olympian – but Herculean!
There is little or no research on exercise and endo and our group is calling for more funds to go into finding out what might benefit – and what may not.

Nothing poker-faced about pride event

Even the drizzle couldn’t rain on our parade when it came to supporting the borough’s first-ever Pride gathering and Parade.
But while we met with everyone from MPs to drag queens and strutted our stuff to Lady Gaga, we also provided some serious support and advice to endo warriors and their families.
Read a full report of how we helped create, “memorable, magical moments” by visiting our Endo Diaries page - https://endometriosisawarenessnorth.com/endo-diaries

Let’s Labour harder to tackle endo.

With a cabinet full of female campaigners, we believe NOW is the time to encourage Government to do more to tackle .
Quicker referrals to endo specialists, more resources for research and better societal understanding of mental health would be a start.
Read our press release at https://endometriosisawarenessnorth.com/

Walk Tall

A MASSIVE thanks to everyone who came along and supported our Endo Walk and Talk event over the weekend.
No rain this time but set against grey skies our yellow-clad team made quite a splash!
And nothing could dampen their spirits or spoil the beauty of Oldham’s Alexandra Park.
You will be able to read about the event shortly, on our Endo Diaries page - https://endometriosisawarenessnorth.com/endo-diaries

These boots are made for walking…

Have your sturdiest footwear ready for Saturday.
And if they are yellow, so much the better!
Because we take to Alexandra Park in at 10 30am to once again get pounding and raise some money for endo awareness.
We are congregating at the Boat House café to begin a leisurely walk and endo talk around the park to boost research and make life for sufferers that little bit easier.
The last time we met, stories were swapped, encouragement aplenty supplied, and friendships and allegiances secured.
What more could you ask for?
Learn more at https://endometriosisawarenessnorth.com/upcoming-events

Embracing the Rochdale rainbow

Endometriosis doesn’t discriminate – and neither do we.
And our compassion towards the LGBT+Q communities, means we will be at the Rainbow Pride Event on Saturday July 13.
Catch us at the Bright Hall – within Rochdale’s iconic, historic town hall – to talk endo.
In the meantime, read our roving reporter Siobhan Kennett’s take on the event – https://endometriosisawarenessnorth.com/
Like the event, its colourful, proud, pulls no punches and is bright, bright, bright!

Taylor made for more than just the swifties

Our brand-new diarist Siobhan shares how feminist icon Taylor Swift has inspired her to stand up for herself – and challenge with confidence.
And that is sure to be an inspiring message to all endo warriors in their battle to get people to even believe they have the debilitating condition.
Read Siobhan’s superb tract on our Endo Diaries page and be FEARLESS, too!
https://endometriosisawarenessnorth.com/endo-diaries

Manchester united against endo

We are delighted to report that our region’s principal paper has charted both our charity and Siobhan Kennett’s journey – https://tinyurl.com/62mk9mmz
Please take a moment to read and reflect.
The Greater media has helped us so much over the last few months to gain momentum and be a voice for those with .
Thanks to all of you, including today’s headline writers Manchester Evening News

'I was told it was just stress. By the time I got the truth I was housebound' Siobhan Kennett has been in agony since her teens

Conference conquers dangerous inequalities.

From increased cases of diabetes to deaths in childbirth and more cases of COVID, the health of BAME people causes concern.
One significant inequality is , and our diarist Siobhan recently attended a conference in to discuss these issues.
Read her feedback at https://endometriosisawarenessnorth.com/

Let’s make sure we are not polls apart

Our latest blog throws down a General Election gauntlet to you all:
Is the lack of talk around women’s health issues actually down to us?
We can bemoan ignorant or even misogynist beliefs around subjects such as the menopause and endometriosis awareness.
But is it incumbent on us to badger candidates to make these issues matter?
Have a read and let us know - https://endometriosisawarenessnorth.com/blogs/f/with-numbers-like-this-you%E2%80%99d-think-it-would-matter

Meditation – something to think about

Tuesday May 21 is truly a day to take time out for yourself.
Because it has been deemed World Meditation Day and organisers are asking everyone to “pause and reboot.”
There have been a number of suggestions that meditation might be a bit of a natural pain killer, especially in relation to .
So much so, that scholars in the United States are currently evaluating the truth in this claim. We will keep an eye on their findings – see https://link.springer.com/article/10.1007/s00737-023-01381-6 #:~:text=Our%20pilot%20randomized%20clinical%20trial,2022).
Meanwhile, if you haven’t given meditation a try, why not? It will lower your stress levels and potentially make you happier and healthier.

Beware the faux psychotherapist and quack counsellor

Our co-founder Dr Anita Sharma has used to warn people to only visit QUALIFIED counsellors to help with wellbeing – no matter how desperate they feel.
She also expresses her concerns for those with who may have low mood and even dark thoughts. Read more at https://tinyurl.com/2sj72rc6

Honoured to be in such company

This image of inspirational women from the borough makes regular appearances in the Oldham Times newspaper.
As well as being “humbling” for our founder Dr Anita Sharma the picture is a great tribute to all those involved in our who have clearly made such an impact.
Today , tomorrow the world! With thanks to all who have advanced our cause https://endometriosisawarenessnorth.com/

It will set your teeth on edge…

The next heroic warrior to share her story is a dental nurse who waited an agonising EIGHT years for a diagnosis of .
She is far from down in the mouth – but she will be pulling no punches about the need for quicker, more effective treatment.
If you would like to share your story – please do. Raising awareness of this debilitating condition is vital if we are ever going to change things!

We are glad you made a racket.. But we are sorry to hear that star Danielle Collins is retiring due to her .
The Floridian has gone on the record to say that the condition doubled with has made the world number 15 consider her future – see https://tinyurl.com/wakf7dju
With awareness so poor, case studies like these have to hold court.
But again, we are so sad to hear of Danielle’s plight and salute the bravery that took her so far.

'Being a Mom Is One of My Biggest Dreams'- Danielle Collins Lays Bare Raw Emotions After Shock Retirement Decision Earlier this year, Danielle Collins announced a shocking update: retirement. The post 'Being a Mom Is One of My Biggest Dreams'- Danielle Collins Lays Bare Raw Emotions After Shock Retirement Decision appeared first on EssentiallySports.

It shouldn’t stop you having a sporting chance

If you are worried about working out or playing sport whilst living with , check out how an international Rugby player tackled the challenge.
Wales scrum-half Ffion Lewis is one of three elite sportswomen who open-up about their endo to Sky Sports – go to https://tinyurl.com/mpu469z8
In another encouraging piece, Runners World magazine says: “As physical activity (running) has been shown to reduce oestrogen levels and increase levels of anti-inflammatory substances, running is one form of exercise that could, in theory, help to reduce the pain symptoms of endometriosis.”
Whilst we cannot promise your sporting activity will not be affected by the condition, hopefully, these sporting idols will inspire you.

How does endometriosis affect women in sport? Sky Sports spoke to Paralympian Monique Murphy, Wales rugby international Ffion Lewis and sports presenter Anita Jones about how endometriosis affects their lives

That’s Us – on TV

Greater tune into channel 7 on your Freeview at 5 30pm to catch our on the box (Friday 5 April).
Our spokesperson Pete Gibson Media will be outlining what is and how it is blighting the physical and mental health of the one in ten women who have it.
Sadly, these simple messages need to be outlined again as some who treat it and even some who have got it, don’t know enough about endo.
And, as our male voice states, his fellow man particularly needs an education – since they are the brothers, fathers, partners and husbands of warriors.
Our thanks again to our local media for highlighting the topic. Increasing awareness of this debilitating condition, has to be the first step….

Siobhan stresses – school is the place to learn about endo

Girls ought to learn about at high school, or risk being classed as anything from anxious to fake – should they contract the condition.
That is the view of Siobhan, who experienced significant problems in 2019 having constantly had her endo described as stress and a normal part of growing up.
Now 32, the Rochdale based warrior also wants people to understand how drastic surgery will be, even if it’s just exploratory.
“It was the first hospital treatment I had ever had, and it showed up Stage Three Endometriosis with adhesions on my bladder” said Siobhan, “Because they used the word “ultrasound” I expected gel on my stomach and the type of scan they use for pregnancy. It took months to recover – and remember, this was just to diagnose the endometriosis.
There really had to be a better way of finding this than cutting people open.”
As a teen, Siobhan had known, “There was something not right. My periods were never regular, and I had what we call, “spotting.”
In the end she had to resort to private treatment after having her symptoms written off as everything from anaemia to skin problems and depression.
Siobhan admits: “To be fair, I was one of the ignorant when I was younger in that I didn’t know about endo. Even amongst my female friends we never spoke about menstruation.”
Now she believes that the subject should be taught at school and that all genders should be included in the discussion. “It shouldn’t be like it was when I was younger and people were embarrassed” she concluded, “just because it’s not always visible to others, those with endo are suffering with a REAL condition.”

Tears as we bring endo message home to Claire

When a teaching assistant learned an endometriosis event was being staged at her local bowling club, she cried – because she “never believed something like that would come to Norden.”
Claire Warburton (44, pictured) had endured severe abdominal pain, seizures and even a mini stroke because medics struggled to diagnose the condition, which blights the lives of one in ten women of childbearing age.
She also admits to “dark thoughts” and has even had the breast cancer she fought, attributed to medication she took.
And speaking to us, self-confessed “fighter” Claire revealed that until she reached her 40’s, she had never even heard of the condition that had so disrupted her life.
“We are so humbled that Claire has come forward to share her experiences of endometriosis” said Endometriosis Awareness North founder, Dr Anita Sharma, “whilst the long wait for diagnosis, the depression she suffered and the way she was so often disbelieved were familiar, her stroke complications and the fact that she has had treatment in her 40’s was fairly new to us.”
Claire recently had serious surgery to remove the adhesions to organs that are typical of endometriosis. Her symptoms actually began in her teens and at one stage her menstrual bleeding was so severe she used 29 tampons per day. After a final misdiagnosis that her condition was the early stages of the menopause, her treatment came courtesy of one of our other founding members Gaity Ahmad, a Consultant Gynaecologist and Obstetrician with a special interest in pelvic pain and endometriosis.
“All of my life I have heard it just described as a bad period and a normal part of life, but it was my GP Dr Dench and then Ms Ahmad who listened to me,” said Claire. “I was even told that once I had my daughter Katie at 21, my symptoms would get better – and that was a lie! Thank goodness I have had the support of my headteacher and a few others. They have made the difference.”
Held in the presence of Rochdale’s Mayor Councillor Mike Holly, the event gave so-called “Endo Warriors” and their families the opportunity to discuss somehow living through a condition which one described as: “Like cancer. It eats away at your body but because you cannot die of it, nobody wants to know.”
Claire’s mum Yvonne concluded: “Endometriosis has stopped her from doing so much, social events, and just everyday things. It also changed her as a person. This is a real condition and people like Claire should not be ignored and simply told, “we know you are poorly, get on with it.”