York woman shares story of endometriosis to encourage others to get support
New research suggests many people sitting on a health condition
New research reveals that over a third of Yorkshire adults are living with health concerns they feel should be addressed by professionals but remain unchecked.
The study, from Benenden Health, which surveyed 2,000 adults, shows that 36% of people in Yorkshire have health issues that go unaddressed, a figure higher than the national average of 32%. Common concerns include digestive problems, persistent tiredness, sleep issues, and mental health challenges.
Despite potential risks, many residents feel accustomed to living with these issues, with 71% expressing fears of the concerns worsening over time.
Importance of seeking professional advice
One such story is that of 24-year-old, Cara from York, who struggled with crippling period pains for years thinking something else might be going on, but reluctant at first to check. When she did seek advice, with the added concern of long-term issues like fertility on her mind, Cara encountered struggles in being taken seriously and getting to clear answers with her GP, before switching tack and seeking help via a private specialist, which led her to being diagnosed with endometriosis.
“It was something I had learned to live with, which wasn’t easy and was impacting lots of other areas of my life, particularly my ability to concentrate at work. At first, I didn’t take any action as I thought I might be overreacting, but it continued to worry me in the background, and I ended up in lots of pain each month. I was also concerned about what the long-term impact would be.
“When I finally did start to search for help and answers, it initially felt like a very frustrating process with a lot of back and forth and being told what I was experiencing was “normal”. Then finally when I saw a supportive GP who seemed to really listen, the next step involved a potential 54 week wait to see an NHS specialist. This wasn’t something I felt I could do, so I explored other options in order to get examined, diagnosed, and subsequently treated, a lot faster.
“After this, it felt like a weight had lifted and I wasn’t in the dark anymore. I’m now in much less pain, and while endometriosis is a chronic illness and I’ll never be completely symptom free, I know how to manage it and what to ask for to help me. This knowledge and peace of mind is important, and I’m hoping to start a family soon. My advice to others would be not to sit on things – taking action brings with it great relief and a plan to help you move forward, whatever the diagnosis.”