'My life in the West Midlands with Endometriosis - a life-changing severe and debilitating disease that I want to raise awareness about'

I'm, 26 from Birmingham in the West Midlands.  I will never become tired of raising awareness about Endometriosis - it is such a life-changing, whole body, severe and debilitating disease. It took roughly 13 years for a diagnosis! Yes, that's right. My symptoms came along pretty much just after I started my first period when I was 10 years old. Flashforward to now and Endometriosis has changed my life! I've had 2 surgeries in the space of one year and am currently awaiting my third surgery. I have been diagnosed with Severe Stage 4 diffuse Endometriosis, almost everywhere - along with Adenomyosis.

I experience debilitating pain daily, as many of us do. 1 in 7 now would you believe?! I have a trolley of essentials next to my bed as well as pharmacy bag that I carry with me on the days I do manage to go out. I have a walking stick for the severe days and depend on morphine and nappies, whilst having my sick bowl attached to my mouth. I have 1 "okay" week every month and that is all. Endometriosis is not just a bad period. I have had to give up employment for now, have insomnia and crippling anxiety due to my diagnosis and the agonising pain. Some days I look 6+ months pregnant due to extreme Endo Belly. The cruel twisted joke that makes me look pregnant but when in actual fact, it's going to be hard for me to conceive!) I was told I had IBS for over 11 years! I suffer with Toasted Tummy Syndrome from using heat to mask the pain. My stomach is scarred and blistered but I need the ease.

My life has changed completely since being diagnosed with Endometriosis. As there is no cure, all we can do is learn to live with it - and why not do that whilst spreading awareness?