Yahoo News 'I was told it was just stress. By the time I got the truth I was housebound'
A woman whose painful condition left her unable to leave her home has spoken about her ordeal. Siobhan Kennett spent years feeling “shattered and in despair” until she finally received a diagnosis for endometriosis.
The 32-year-old had been suffering from near constant agony since she was a teenager, the pain seeing her unemployed and isolated. She spent years having her painful symptoms ignored or dismissed until she finally got answers by paying for a private healthcare assessment.
The incurable condition, where tissue similar to the lining of the womb grows in other places such as the ovaries and fallopian tubes, affects one in ten women and can be extremely painful and debilitating. Despite her diagnosis, Siobhan continued to suffer until she discovered Greater Manchester charity Endometriosis Awareness North when they publicised a sponsored walk.
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Reaching out to the charity, Siobhan, a former Metrolink ticket inspector, was able to receive the mental health support she so desperately needed. Siobhan now says connecting with the charity, which was co-created by Oldham GP Dr Anita Sharma, was one of the best things she ever did for herself.
“I guess you can say it was a brave step turning up at a walk where I didn’t know anybody, but it rates as one of the best days of my life,” Siobhan said.
“Receiving such a warm welcome and being able to get involved in telling my story in the hope it will help others is what gets me up in the morning.”
Sadly, like many others suffering from endometriosis, Siobhan saw her symptoms ignored or dismissed, resulting in years of unnecessary pain.
“My periods were never regular, and I had what we call spotting,” she added. “I needed help, and it was only through my partner James funding private hospital treatment that I discovered I had stage three endometriosis and adhesions to major organs.”
Siobhan also endured a skin condition which doctors previously put down to stress. Combined with her physical pain, this caused Siobhan to rarely leave her home. She also suffered from adhesions to the bladder, which can reduce the capacity and proper emptying of the bladder and cause pain and frequency.
Dr Anita Sharma said: “It is alarming how many women with endometriosis experience dark thoughts.
“Not being believed and the unremitting pain, leave positive people like Siobhan shattered and in despair. We have to offer them hope and find the will to diagnose quicker and properly fund research into this horrendous condition.”
Siobhan now aims to create a private group where ‘endo warriors’ can swap their experiences and recognise they are not alone.
She is also keen to share endometriosis awareness to all genders, mindful of the life-changing support she received from her partner James.
“For all that my life has been difficult, particularly during this last couple of years, Endometriosis Awareness North has given me purpose, my partner has shown me true compassion and my community has shown me someone out there cares,” she added. “Now it’s up to me to give something back – I cannot wait to get started.”
Siobhan says she is now backing a sponsored stroll called Walk and Talk Endo in Alexandra Park, Oldham, on Saturday, July 6.
