A local woman with endometriosis is aiming to complete nine open water swims this month, reflecting the average nine years it takes to get a diagnosis in the UK.
Poppy Taylor, a PhD student, started the challenge just six weeks after having surgery for endometriosis.
Endometriosis is a whole-body inflammatory condition in which cells similar to those lining the womb grow elsewhere. Symptoms can include heavy, painful periods, pelvic pain, bladder and bowel issues, fertility issues and fatigue. There is currently no cure.
Poppy said, “I first saw a GP about my symptoms at 19 and, as these got worse, I spent years going back and forth but with no answers. At one point I was misdiagnosed with IBS and essentially told I was making it up. It wasn’t until I was 26 when a scan for another health issue found endometriomas (ovarian cysts caused by endometriosis) that I was eventually put on the path for surgery.
“In March this year, nine years after first going to a GP, I had my operation. I was diagnosed with deep infiltrating endometriosis, a severe form of the condition, and a multidisciplinary team at a specialist centre spent four hours removing diseased tissue. I may need more surgery in the future but for now I’m focusing on recovery and feel grateful for everyone who has supported me, including staff at Frome Medical Practice, who have been amazing.”
Poppy has benefitted from support from Endometriosis UK and now wants to give something back by completing her fundraiser for the charity. She said, “Their support groups and free nurse helpline have helped me understand my symptoms and feel less alone. Now that I’ve just passed six weeks since my operation, I feel ready to channel my experience into something positive and fundraise for a cause that helps so many people.”
There are 1.5 million people living with endometriosis in the UK, making it as common as asthma or diabetes, yet it is poorly understood. Poppy said, “The symptoms can be debilitating and patients often endure years of pain, gaslighting and dismissal before getting help, as I know too well. I feel hopeful things are improving as awareness grows, but barriers remain and waiting lists are long, which is why the work of Endometriosis UK is so important.”
You can follow updates and donate here: www.justgiving.com/page/poppy-endo-swim
