TRC is raising awareness for Endometriosis UK
Join us in supporting Endometriosis UK as our chosen charity this quarter at TRC. Our team is dedicated to making a positive impact, and this cause holds a special place in our hearts. One of our own, Robyn, has bravely faced the challenges of endometriosis, inspiring us to rally behind this important cause.
By contributing to our fundraising efforts, you are helping raise awareness, support research, and provide valuable resources for those affected by this often-overlooked condition.
Together, let’s make a difference and show our solidarity with Robyn and countless others impacted by endometriosis. Donate today and be a part of the change we wish to see in the world.
Endometriosis (pronounced en- doh – mee – tree – oh – sis) is the name given to the condition where cells similar to the ones in the lining of the womb (uterus) are found elsewhere in the body.
Each month these cells react in the same way to those in the womb, building up and then breaking down and bleeding. Unlike the cells in the womb that leave the body as a period, this blood has no way to escape.
In the UK, around 1.5 million women and those assigned female at birth are currently living with the condition, regardless of race or ethnicity. Endometriosis can affect you from puberty to menopause, although the impact may be felt for life.
During the menstrual cycle, the body goes through hormonal changes each month. Hormones are naturally released which cause the lining of the womb to increase in preparation for a fertilized egg. If pregnancy does not occur, this lining will break down and bleed – this is then released from the body as a period.
In endometriosis, cells similar to the ones in the lining of the womb grow elsewhere in the body. These cells react to the menstrual cycle each month and also bleed. However, there is no way for this blood to leave the body. This can cause inflammation, pain and the formation of scar tissue.
Endometriosis can have a significant impact on a person’s life in a number of ways, including:
Chronic pain
Fatigue/lack of energy
Depression/isolation
Problems with a couple’s sex life/relationships
An inability to conceive
Difficulty in fulfilling work and social commitments
However, with the right endometriosis treatment, many of these issues can be addressed, and the symptoms of endometriosis made more manageable.
It’s important to remember that:
Endometriosis is not an infection
Endometriosis is not contagious
Endometriosis is not cancer
1) What is Endometriosis?
Endometriosis (pronounced en- doh – mee – tree – oh – sis) is the name given to the condition where cells similar to the ones in the lining of the womb (uterus) are found elsewhere in the body.
Each month these cells react in the same way to those in the womb, building up and then breaking down and bleeding. Unlike the cells in the womb that leave the body as a period, this blood has no way to escape.
In the UK, around 1.5 million women and those assigned female at birth are currently living with the condition, regardless of race or ethnicity. Endometriosis can affect you from puberty to menopause, although the impact may be felt for life. – Definition from Endometriosis UK
2) Can you share your personal journey with endometriosis and how it has impacted your daily life?
My personal journey with Endometriosis has been a long one, from initially visiting doctors and discussing symptoms when I was just 17, up to finally getting a diagnosis and surgery at 22. I know so many people can wait so much longer to be listened to, so I am thankful it didn’t go on for even longer!
Personally, I found it difficult, speaking to doctors that don’t believe the pain you are in can make you feel very alone & cause you constantly gaslight yourself into thinking you’re being dramatic or just have a low pain tolerance. Day to day, there were times when I wouldn’t be able to get out of bed the pain was so bad, to the point that I would feel anxious when arranging plans in the fear that I would have to postpone due to the pain I felt. Alongside this it would affect my ability to work, meaning no matter what I did, sick days/days when I wouldn’t be able to get into the office were inevitable.
I hated not being able to work, I was trying to set up my career & felt there was an invisible barrier between me & doing my job, I was just thankful I had a supportive employer that understood my struggles.
3) In what ways has TRC provided support during your experience with endometriosis?
As I have worked for TRC for a total of almost 4 years, they have seen the majority of my struggles. I think the main thing they did was make the workplace a safe space, where I felt comfortable confiding in management with my struggles. Ash & Luke the directors never questioned my sickness & always empathised with me. It can be daunting approaching male management with such a personal and what can feel embarrassing topic, but I was met with nothing but support.
They would allow me to work from home on the days I didn’t feel well, and take things at my own pace. they always trusted me & knew I would do what I could, no pressure was ever put on me to work through my symptoms.
4) What advice would you give to an employer on how to support someone going through a diagnosis or suspected endometriosis?
I would say, ensure there is a safe space for someone to discuss their health with, as I said it can be difficult to speak to people about the issue especially without having a formal diagnosis (which can take years to receive).
Endo can affect everyone differently, and the severity can differ on a monthly basis. Talk about the support you can provide & what the employee feels they need. Be understanding when it comes to having extra sick days & doctors appointments and try to raise awareness internally. The subject is quite taboo, so if you can get people talking about it, it can help people feel comfortable to confide in you as an employer.
5) What advice would you give to someone that suspects they have endometriosis?
I would say don’t stop fighting for a diagnosis & referral, it can feel endless, but it is NOT NORMAL to be in extreme pain every month. Yes period pain is inevitable, but if it affects your life on a monthly basis to the point you cannot complete your daily activities – this is a huge red flag.
Surgery is the only way to diagnose endo at this stage, and of course this isn’t a pleasant thing to go through, but trust me when I say my life has changed since I had mine. It has been over a year now & it has been life changing for me.
My three main points would be: Don’t give up, don’t lose hope & don’t be afraid of the surgery!
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