1 in 10 women will suffer with a chronic illness called Endometriosis. It’ll take on average 7 years to be diagnosed. Women will struggle with attendance at both school and work, resulting in lower achievements.
The NHS has classed Endometriosis as 1 of the top 20 most painful illnesses to have. On top of that, the secondary illnesses caused by Endometriosis are as debilitating if not more when added to a “endo flare up”.
People suffering with mental health, joint and back pain, are supported by the government.
We too require support, so we can gain financial security, and personal independence.
On a typical “flare up” a woman could be bed bound, crippled by pain. That our basic human rights, are in jeopardy. This would include but not restricted to; unable to cook or feed ourselves, unable to wash or bathe, unable to fully dress ourselves, unable to walk more than 200m or stand up straight for longer than 60sec. Plus the rising cost of medication. On average a monthly cost to an Endometriosis sufferer is £27 per month.
The impact is wider than just physical, it is proven to affect our mental health (not just us feeling down but leading to suicidal thoughts and tendencies) careers, family, our social life, Financial aspects, relationships and fertility.
I have lost countless jobs, as I’m unable to go more than a month without significant time off, due to incapacity, caused by this illness.
Im petitioning to gain disability status to those able to demonstrate the debilitating affect on their lives. Similar to those with joint or back issues. We in the UK fail to recognise unlike the rest of the world, the severity in the stages of Endometriosis. This will allow us to not be discriminated against for having a chronic illness with no cure, providing us with benefits as required, to lead a normal life.
