Demi W's Story

Advocate For Your Body

After years of doctors telling me “it’s just a painful period” and “it’s just unlucky” I finally got diagnosed with endometriosis at 20 years old after having excruciatingly painful periods since I was 11. My mum and my friends would simply get a mild cramp when they had there period, so why was I always curled up in pain, vomiting and physically unable to move? Endometriosis doesn’t discriminate and so often girls are misdiagnosed with “just a painful period”. My biggest advice is to keep pushing for answers, you know your own body and you are your biggest advocate for it. In 2013 I was in a severe bout of pain and instead of investigating for endometriosis they removed my appendix.

I have had numerous blood tests, ultrasounds both internal and external however the only accurate way to diagnose endometriosis is through a laparoscopy. This surgery aids in both accurately diagnosing endo and removing some of the scar tissue associated with endometriosis and for me, has temporarily relieved the severity of period symptoms.

I have now had 4 laparoscopies in total and have finally found an amazing gynaecologist who listens to me, supports me and most importantly does not dismiss my concerns about my body and instead helps to ease and resolve them. Find a doctor who is listening to you and not dismissive of your consents, and do not listen to people when they tell you it is “only” a painful period as it is so much more.

Whilst nothing completely alleviates my pain, things that I find ease it include: a hot bath with Epsom salts, magnesium creams, heat packs!, massages, and lying in a foetal position. Anything that applies some sort of pressure to my lower abdomen helps me in slightly easing the severity! Whatever your endometriosis journey is, know that you are not alone and help does exist out there so keep pushing for answers!