Listening to Caithness and Sutherland women talk about endometriosis was a real eye-opener for Rhoda Grant
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North politician Rhoda Grant has revealed that listening to women from the far north describe what it is like to live with endometriosis in a rural area has opened her eyes to the seriousness of the issue.
The Highlands and Islands Labour MSP met members of the Caithness and Sutherland Endometriosis Support Group virtually and heard of their concerns about a lack of services to treat the chronic and often debilitating condition.
It can cause painful or heavy periods and may also lead to infertility, fatigue and bowel and bladder problems.
Members told Mrs Grant that healthcare access locally for endometriosis is “hit or miss” and that they have been informed by professionals to “learn to live with the symptoms”.
This has led to women being on strong pain medication for years, she was told – either because they give up seeking medical help or are faced with lengthy waits for appointments and treatment. Some have sought private treatment at great cost.
Most of the women began feeling symptoms when they were teenagers but they all agreed that they did not get a diagnosis until several years later.
“My eyes were truly opened to the scale of the situation and I feel like something needs to be done," Mrs Grant said. "Endometriosis is a real and debilitating condition and it needs to be treated as such.
“I am going to raise this issue with NHS Highland along with individuals’ private concerns. Additionally, I would encourage anyone who believes that they suffer from this condition to join this welcoming Facebook group.”
Kirsteen Campbell, who runs the Facebook group, said: “I am so grateful to Rhoda for taking the time to meet with myself and some of the members from the Caithness and Sutherland Endometriosis Support Group. It was so important for the ladies to feel listened to.
"Sadly the endo community often feels unheard, unbelieved and deeply frustrated with huge delays in diagnosis and waiting times for consultations and treatments. We need to see improvements for us and for future generations.
“Living with endometriosis can be incredibly hard, physically and emotionally. Most sufferers will tell you that they don't remember what it was like to be pain-free, often living with severe pain and other symptoms from childhood onwards.
"Support is vital and that is why I became an Endometriosis UK group leader. The group formed in January and now has 60 members.
"The group is open to people with suspected or confirmed endometriosis. You can find us on Facebook under the Endometriosis UK Caithness and Sutherland support group."
Endometriosis 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.
Endometriosis can affect all women and girls of childbearing age, regardless of race or ethnicity. The impact can also be felt for life.
One in 10 women of reproductive age in the UK is believed to suffer from endometriosis. The cause is unknown and there is no definite cure.
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