Former Corrie actress Sacha Parkinson reveals she's battling a painful illness

She's posted a candid message on social media

Author: Alex RossPublished 27th Feb 2018

Former Coronation Street actress Sacha Parkinson has revealed to her fans she's suffering from a painful illness called Endometriosis.

Sacha, who played the role of Sian Powers in the popular ITV soap, took to her Instagram page to tell fans she's suffered from the illness all her life.

Sharing a candid photo of herself from her hospital bed, Sacha revealed she's undergone surgery to remove endo cysts from her ovaries.

She wrote, 'Hey! 🙋🏼 Ever heard of endometriosis?! Well March is Endometriosis awareness month so here's my story! (Re: photos) In April of last year I had surgery to remove endo cysts from both of my ovaries, that had taken up the entire space! Along with endo spots from around my womb. My surgery, though small in comparison to others, changed my life massively.' sic

The actress, who left the soap in 2011, then revealed some private details about the illness, admitting she's had severe back pain, dull aches and 'excruciating period pains'.

She then added, 'After surgery and the recovery process, I felt like a completely new person! You don't realise at the time how much the constant aches and feeling drained can strip elements of your personality.

'Unfortunately I have been experiencing similar pains and changes in my body as of late. Flare ups, changes in my energy again and pains in my ovaries. I was always made aware that my cysts would most likely return but I didn't think It would be quite so soon. I've got my fingers and toes crossed that they haven't!' sic

The 25-year-old went on to reveal she's suffered from Endometriosis since she was a child, with her mum having to have a hysterectomy at the age of just 24.

She added, 'I have been familiar with Endometriosis since being a child. Sadly my beautiful, amazing momma had to have a hysterectomy at just 24 YEARS OF AGE!! Can you believe that?! Fortunately she already had me! (Though she may say unfortunately 🙈) My mum had no choice but to have surgery as it had been undiagnosed for years and her condition became too severe. I'm saddened every day for her but THIS IS WHY WE NEED TO SPREAD THE WORD! IT'S AN INVISIBLE CONDITION BUT IT IS VERY MUCH A REAL ONE!' sic

Sacha then urged people to try and make the condition more known to people, writing, '1 in 10 women suffer with Endometriosis. You may have it and not even know! Go educate yourself and spread your knowledge! Listen to your body! Help others listen to theirs! And help create a wider awareness 💛'.

The actress also appeared on today's episode of Lorraine where she joined Dr Hilary Jones to chat about the condition.

Admitting she's collapsed from the pain before, Lorraine Kelly praised the 25-year-old for bravely speaking out about the condition.

According to the NHS, Endometriosis is a 'common condition where tissue that behaves like the lining of the womb (endometrium) is found in other parts of the body. It can appear in many different places, including the ovaries, fallopian tubes, inside the tummy, and in or around the bladder or bowel.'

Sacha first joined Coronation Street back in 2009 and made history on the soap when her character was involved in the soap's first lesbian relationship with Sophie Webster (Brooke Vincent).

After two years on the show, Sacha made the decision to leave in 2011, revealing she wanted to focus on 'other projects'.

She has since appeared on Casualty, The Mill and E4 show My Mad Fat Diary.

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Former Corrie actress Sacha Parkinson reveals she's battling a painful illness
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