What makes you different from other creators?

Good question. I'm sure you follow a lot of women's health advocates. We're all here in this space for the common goals of increasing awareness of women's health issues, and trying to improve women's healthcare in general. Let's face it, the massive NHS waiting lists are a joke.

We're all different through our lived experiences with endometriosis, fibroids, adenomyosis, and other health conditions.

These are my own lived experiences so far:

I'm from an Afro-caribbean/Chinese background.

At a young age:

I was put on the pill at a young age because my periods were so severe that I was bleeding through my clothes (white PE shorts anyone?), I was in severe pain, and I was throwing up.

Fertility journey:

We spent 2 years trying to conceive naturally (and failing), while my periods continued to get worse.

My GP eventually (and reluctantly) referred me to a private gynaecologist. This is where my journey with endometriosis and fibroids started.

My first laparoscopy revealed endometriosis and fibroids.

I was then placed on Clomid, and this made my period pain so much worse.

My husband and I were eventually referred for IVF (ICSI - Intracytoplasmic Sperm Injection). Our first round was free via the NHS.

The side effects from the IVF medications exacerbated my endometriosis and fibroid pain.

Unfortunately, our first round failed.

My egg quality reduced so we ended up on a waiting list for an egg donor.

We did a further 3 rounds with a private clinic that also failed.

I'd had 10 surgeries so far including laparoscopies, and a myomectomy.

I had been diagnosed with Stage 4 endometriosis, 10 fibroids, adenomyosis, and menorrhagia (heavy bleeding).

Ending our fertility journey:

We had planned to do a 5th round of IVF with another clinic.

Again, we were placed on the waiting list for an egg donor.

Scans revealed my remaining fallopian tube was leaking fluid into my uterus (not good for a pregnancy).

Further scans revealed that my uterine lining was so thin from all the scar tissue and surgeries, that it may not be able to sustain a pregnancy.

I completed a mock cycle with extensive Oestrogen (I was very sick) that did manage to thicken my uterine lining.

However, the physical pain I was in and my mental health contributed to my husband and I ending our fertility journey. We both agreed that it had taken it's toll on both of us. It was the hardest decision we've made.

At work:

I'm an experienced Business Analyst.

I found out the hard way that my workplace had a sickness absence policy that didn't include chronic health conditions. This made it extremely hard for me to manage my period pain, and keep on top of my work.

I had to leave my job because the physical pain of my periods, and the stress from being in disciplinary meetings was too much.

Hysterectomy:

I had my 11th surgery, a total hysterectomy last year.

I had my uterus and ovaries removed.

I went straight into medical menopause, so I'm currently trying to manage the symptoms with HRT.

Caring for a loved one:

My mum was diagnosed with Lewy Body Dementia. Unfortunately, the symptoms are similar to Parkinson's disease.

Mum has no mobility (she is bed bound), struggles to communicate, and struggles to eat as she finds swallowing hard.

A sad story, not a sad life:

We are still navigating being childless.

I still get triggered by pregnancy announcements but I am trying my hardest to move on, and find positivity.

For example, I recently completed a Menstrual Health Practitioner course, and hope that I can use this to support others.

I am a cheerleader for a lot of other creators.

I hope that I can support you through my own lived experiences too.