Falmouth woman calls for support for people suffering from endometriosis
Kathryn Davidson has had six surgeries in seven years to deal with the condition
Last updated 4th Apr 2024
A woman from Falmouth who's had six surgeries in seven years, to deal with endometriosis, is raising awareness about the condition which many describe as 'debilitating'.
Kathryn Davidson, from Falmouth, went to the hospital with symptoms in 2010 and got her first surgery for the condition in 2017.
"It needs to be looked at as quite a serious condition"
She told us: "It's been a very long and difficult 14 years. I was told back in 2010 I probably had endometriosis. It took a further six years to be referred for treatment then I had another year to get surgery.
"Ever since then, I feel like I've either been recovering from surgery or waiting for surgery, and there's still things that are unresolved still."
According to the World Health Organisation, endometriosis is a disease where tissue similar to the lining of the uterus grows outside the uterus. It can cause severe pain in the pelvis and make it harder to get pregnant, alongside many other symptoms. It currently has no cure.
Kathryn said it's much more than that. She described one of the other issues for treatment is waiting times, telling us that a friend had just spent £8000 on surgery and £4000 previously to get treatment faster.
She added: "I do think there's a lot more that needs to be done in terms of our pathway to treatment and diagnosis. There's not one support group in Cornwall, if I wanted to go to a support group I'd have to go to Devon which isn't possible because my health is so poor.
"The myth around it just being a bad period or a painful period could be quite damaging. My surgery was described as life saving. It needs to be looked at as quite a serious condition, potentially."
The conversation comes a year after she was invited to Downing Street to share her story.
Kathryn Davidson was invited to Downing Street alongside MP for Truro and Falmouth, Cherilyn Mackrory.
"We did some fundraising together. Last year, Cherilyn put me forward for a nomination as someone who has championed a health condition. I met with people who work for local health charities and it was an amazing experience."
When asked about what her message would be to anyone else suffering with endometriosis, Kathryn said: "My advice would be to keep advocating yourself. If you're being dismissed by a GP or consultant, see a different GP or consultant.
"There are groups on Facebook you can join to get advice for them. Don't give up and get the treatment and support that you need."