Carrie was diagnosed at the age of 21, four years after noticing symptoms of endometriosis. She was living with consistent pain until she was finally admitted to hospital during a flare episode. After this, she was diagnosed and had surgery to remove her endometriosis, leading to more manageable pain flares and reduction in medications. Unfortunately, over the last few years her symptoms and pain have been fluctuating resulting in things such as nausea, brain fog, IBS type symptoms, painful examinations, weight gain from medications, cramping and, most noticeably, fatigue. She has lost count of the different treatments she has had over the years to try and combat her endometriosis.

Endometriosis has affected every aspect of Carrie’s life. Some of these include losing friends who don’t understand, having to cancel plans, body image and clothing, focusing at school and university, and simply trusting her own body.

“Endometriosis is an ongoing journey. It doesn’t end at diagnosis or treatment. It is constantly evolving and changing. It can be difficult to accept that this is the new normal, particularly when symptoms return, or new ones arise. The fear of is this the new norm or is this just for the now is terrifying.  

This project could reveal answers that many of us have had for years, which could make way for new possible ways of diagnosing, treating and hopefully potentially finding a cure for endometriosis in the future.”