We’re back with another instalment into The Endo Project!

First, thank you to everyone who has shown interest and who has participated 🙂 We’ll be slowly winding down on photoshoots but written submissions are still open. I’d love to collect as much as possible – if you’re interested in participating or know anyone that would be, visit THE ENDO PROJECT to get started with the process. Questions can be sent via email to info@infojackiehallphoto.com

Today we’re featuring Lila and her experience with Endometriosis. Here is what she had to say:

“I went to my family doctor at 15 with extreme pain and bleeding. She told me “ it was just a period” and put me on birth control which only made it worse. My mom had to actually fight for me to get seen by a gynaecologist. Once I was finally referred they did many ultrasounds where they could see cysts on my ovaries. After about a year of fighting to be heard I was diagnosed with endometriosis and given a pill.

As a teenager I was not able to attend sleepovers or plan things too far in advanced because I never knew when I was going to have an Endo flare up. I spent countless days in bed due to the pain. I would miss school because I woke up already exhausted. Just getting out of bed feels like a struggle some days.

I took me just over 3 years to be diagnosed, which is extremely short compared to others I know with Endometriosis! For those struggling as well I’d say fight for yourself! Push to get answers and don’t let anyone tell you it’s in your head or” it’s just a period”!

Endometriosis is physically painful but also mentally draining. I wish more people didn’t look at Endo as a “bad period,” we have pain 365 days a year! It’s not just 1 week out of the month…”

Thanks so much Lila!