Your Stories: Aleisha

Looking back there are so many things I wish I knew at the start of my endometriosis journey. I started suffering from pain when my periods began at the age of 12. The pain was immediate and kept progressing. For years my GPs kept saying it was normal and to just take panadol.

When I was 16 I started suffering from severe pain and vomiting every month as well as nose bleeds. I started full-time work at 18. My pain went from one week a month to being almost continuous. I had a laparoscopy that year where the Drs told me I didn't have endometriosis. This then progressed to seeing other specialists and pain specialists but no one had an answer for my pain.

When I was 20 I saw an excision specialist and was diagnosed. Unfortunately, my pain has never been able to be controlled and have since had multiple surgeries for treatment. Last year I had my 9th laparoscopy with a well known excision specialist. He listened and cared. This made such a difference to my recovery. I've been classed as a complex case who has recurring endometriosis. I know that in a years time I will be seeing him again. My support network has been my biggest blessing.

For anyone suffering from endo please know you are not alone. We all feel that way at some point but reaching out can make it more bearable. Peace to my fellow endo warriors.

Follow Aleisha on Instagram @Endogirl_life