Endometriosis can cause unrelenting pain that affects every aspect of a person's life. In Scotland, the average waiting time between the onset of symptoms and eventual diagnosis is eight and a half years. Now, thanks to National Lottery funding announced today (THURS 4 NOV) Endometriosis UK will be able to provide additional support and information to thousands of Scots living with the condition before and after diagnosis.
Brittnee Leysen from endometriosis UK
The organisation is one of 179 groups across Scotland sharing in 5,752,948 from The National Lottery Community Fund. A full list of all the projects receiving funding today (THURSDAY 4 NOVEMBER) is attached.
Twenty-eight-year-old Brittnee Leysen from Glasgow knows only too well the, physical, emotional, and psychological effects of living with endometriosis. An Endometriosis UK volunteer, she will use her lived experience to provide support and advice to new volunteers who will establish additional support groups and deliver remote services.
Brittnee Leysen yesterday said:
About a decade ago I began to get severe pain every other month, not just tied always to my cycle. There was a period of time where I was in and out of hospital every other month in severe pain and had re-occurring endometriosis cysts.
I was finally diagnosed in June 2018 after my second surgical procedure. In August 2020 I had surgery at the Endometriosis Centre in Glasgow as there was growth around my womb, ovaries, and bladder. The good news was that they were able to detach an ovary and save it, but it made me really begin to think about my fertility, so I took the opportunity of freezing my eggs.
I started volunteering for Endometriosis UK's helpline earlier this year. I really like being able to listen to people and give them the tools and information, so they know where to start.
There's a lot to be done in the diagnosis and treatment of endometriosis but, in the meantime, people need something to help them get through life, day-to-day. The increased support that will now be available will play a huge part in helping people across Scotland to manage this chronic condition.
Click here for the full press release