Lauren treated for ‘too severe’ endometriosis at Birmingham Women’s Hospital
Lauren, from Burton, was diagnosed with stage four endometriosis and Adenomyosis 11 years ago and has since had multiple surgeries and different treatments.
Since being first diagnosed, Lauren had three different surgeries at a local hospital, before she was advised to seek specialist treatment and self-referred to Birmingham Women’s Hospital.
She commented: “Before being referred to Birmingham Women’s Hospital, I felt so lost, confused and alone.
“ A general Gynecologist said that my endometriosis was too severe to treat after my third surgery, and I didn’t know what was going to happen or where to turn.
“Thankfully, my wonderful Nan found this clinic and it changed my life to have this level of expert care.
“The team are amazing, and I’ve had amazing treatment at the Women’s Hospital so far.”
Since being referred, she has had a further three surgeries, and over the last 11 years has had five courses of artificial menopause to help manage her symptoms.
Lauren said: “The artificial menopause is certainly not a cure and comes with its own risks, which I experienced.
“With increased intercranial hypertension, hot flushes, and bone density issues , it's really not a solution although may help for a short period of time.
“Endometriosis can be such a hidden illness, even if you seem OK on the outside , the pain we deal with daily is utterly awful. I feel it is so important to raise awareness and knowledge of what it’s like.”
Since being diagnosed, Lauren struggled a lot with managing her pain and symptoms and found it difficult to be able to work.
Lauren had not been employed for six years, but lately, she’s been able to find a flexible job and has returned to work.
She commented: “I was so excited to get back to work. After losing three jobs due to endometriosis, I lost faith in my ability to work and that no one would want to employ me knowing my chronic condition.
“I recently found a job working at a local GP practice, and they’ve been so understanding, kind and accommodating with my symptoms, and one of the managers has endometriosis herself so knows exactly what it feels like on the days when it’s really bad .
“I feel so lucky to now be working as a valuable member of the NHS.”
Lauren was originally told it might be hard for her to have children, but thanks to the surgery, she has since been able to have a little boy, Oskar, who is now five years old.
She said: “I was told like many women I'd struggle to have children. I had discussed IVF with my surgeon, and me and my partner Nathan were preparing to start the referrals and process.
“Thankfully, six weeks after my first surgery with Mr Afifi, I fell pregnant with my little boy without needing IVF.
"No words can describe how much Oskar means to me, and he’s certainly the light of my life and I’m so thankful to everyone at the Women’s Hospital, the endometriosis team and my loving family they’ve all supported me in more ways than I could ever have imagined.”