Latest news with #chronicpain
Daily Mail
5 hours ago
- Health
- Daily Mail
X Factor star reveals 'devastating' diagnosis after years of suffering physical pain and mental anguish as famous friends rush to offer support
X Factor star Ella Henderson has revealed she's been diagnosed with endometriosis, which she claimed was both 'devastating' yet 'validating' after finally discovering the route of her chronic pain. The songstress, 29, who found fame on the show in 2012, took to her Instagram on Wednesday as she bravely opened up about the mental toll the condition had also taken and left fearing she was making up her symptoms. Endometriosis occurs when cells in the lining of the uterus are found elsewhere in the body. Symptoms include pain, heavy periods and fatigue, as well as a higher risk of infertility, and bowel and bladder problems. In a clip the Ghost hitmaker said: 'The last few years have been a bit of a rollercoaster to say the least, behind the scenes and I've really really been struggling,' 'With not only stomach bloating and physical pain and mental health, because at one point I thought all this pain was in y head and I wasn't really believed'. Later writing in a statement: 'After years of struggling with confusing and challenging health problems including stomach bloating, bowel pain and heavy periods. 'Plus countless GP appointments leading to scans, tests and the feeling that maybe the pain was all in my head, I was officially diagnosed with Endometriosis in January this year. Ella continued: 'The revelation came after a laparoscopy, which found severe endometriosis behind my uterus and scar tissue affecting my bladder and bowel. 'For those who are unfamiliar with this condition (just like I was only months ago) - endometriosis occurs when cells similar to the ones in the lining of the womb are found elsewhere in the body'. "The diagnosis was a difficult one to swallow but on the other hand it feels validating and empowering. It meant I wasn't imagining things after all, and 1 could finally find a way forward and take control of my body'. 'My long journey to an endometriosis diagnosis is not unique. It takes on average up to 9 years in the UK, which for many like me, can put an immense mental and physical toll on you. "Living in chronic pain, not being believed, and constant misdiagnosis led to periods of depression, isolation and anxiety. If health practitioners had recognised my endometriosis symptoms sooner, I might all that have been spared'. "Although it took a long time (like many women out there) to finally get a definitive diagnosis, it has allowed me to receive appropriate and life-changing support. "Which, in my case, was surgery, that so far helped to significantly reduce my symptoms. Unfortunately, there is no actual cure for endometriosis,' Later writing in a statement: 'After years of struggling with confusing and challenging health problems including stomach bloating, bowel pain and heavy periods' 'So ongoing management will likely be part of my life, whether that's through lifestyle changes, pain management, or other treatments'. Ella's fans and famous friends alike were quick to rush to the comment and offer her their support. TV's Gabby Roslin shared a slew of love heart emojis while broadcaster Miranda Burns said: 'Worst club with the best members. thank you for sharing Ella. Sending lots of love'. Following her appearance on the X Factor, where she became the eighth contestant eliminated, Ella has gone on to release hit single Ghost, Glow and Yours. WHAT IS ENDOMETRIOSIS? Endometriosis occurs when cells in the lining of the uterus are found elsewhere in the body. Each month, these cells react in the same way as those in the uterus; building up, breaking down and bleeding. Yet, the blood has no way to escape the body. Symptoms include pain, heavy periods and fatigue, as well as a higher risk of infertility, and bowel and bladder problems. Its cause is unknown but may be genetic, related to problems with the immune system or exposure to chemicals. Treatment focuses on pain relief and improving quality of life, which may include surgery or hormone treatment.
Yahoo
11 hours ago
- Health
- Yahoo
The silent struggle: endometriosis patient prepares for life-changing surgery
At just 36-years-old, a mother of four is preparing to undergo a hysterectomy to alleviate the painful effects of endometriosis costing her over £20,000. The inflammatory disease affects 1.5 million women across the United Kingdom and for many it is a silent battle. 'I have always suffered from bad periods my whole life, my first period was when I was 12 and my daddy had to collect me from school,' Melanie Clarke told this newspaper. 'I had been crying on the bathroom floor at a pantomime. That was my first memory of a period.' Endometriosis is a condition that produces tissue resembling the lining of the uterus (womb) to grow outside its walls. Endometriosis has impacted Melanie's daily life with symptoms which include constant, debilitating pelvic and abdominal pain, vomiting, nerve-related pain, painful bowel and bladder symptoms and extreme fatigue among others. "This disease is chronic, it grows in your organs, it causes adhesion, it causes pain but there is no cure," Melanie explained. Since 2020, Melanie has undergone three surgeries aimed at improving her quality of life, along with frequent visits to A&E for pain management and week-long stays at SWAH. (Image: John McVitty) Just five weeks before her wedding to Ryan Clarke, in early February she received a surgery to remove adhesions. 'Five weeks before my wedding I had laparoscopic surgery a surgery to remove adhesions and what they said was superficial endometriosis,' Melanie explained. 'Two weeks later I got steroid injections into my hips, between the surgery and I was using a walking stick because the pain was still there.' After her wedding, Melanie and Ryan enjoyed their honeymoon in early April, though some days were overshadowed by pain. However, it wasn't until she returned home to Enniskillen that the nightmare truly began. 'Ten weeks after that initial surgery, I took this pain on my right-hand side when I was on my way to work, and I rang my GP and I said 'Listen I'm in absolute agony.'' Melanie continued: 'I didn't think it was endo related because I had just had my surgery, and that left me in hospital for nine nights, I was under pain management. 'I was discharged with endometriosis and chronic pelvic pain and vomiting, I have been consistently vomiting for three months," she said. After receiving care in A&E on April 28 Melanie returned home with chronic pain, vomiting, and fatigue due to inflammatory disease. She now relies on a walking aid to move most days. Melanie has a dedicated support system of family and friends, including her husband Ryan who has been a steady presence during her illness. Along with her young daughters Caitlin, Lilija , Alexis and Sofija who have been by her side every step of the way. 'I do have a great pain management team in Omagh, and they are fantastic, every five to six months I get steroid injections into my hips,' she told this newspaper. Melanie wanted to highlight the dedicated care provided by the NHS nurses, she said: 'I went home as sick as I was going in, but I just want to iterate that I got excellent care. However, due to the severity of the pain Mrs. Clarke has experienced, and continues to experience, coupled with the long NHS waiting times, she has had to go private for her next surgery. 'I decided to go private after I seen Nadia's [Stenson] post,' she explained. Read More: Living with endometriosis: Fermanagh woman shares her courageous story The specialist surgeon Dr. Marcello Ceccaroni had provided Nadia with a life-changing surgery, through the Endometriosis Surgical Specialist International (EESI) in Italy. This surgery was to help with Nadia's physical and mental health. Any time Melanie has had scans for her inflammatory disease they have come back clear, however she was still suffering. Due to endometriosis being difficult to recognise or identify, as symptoms can vary from person to person, affecting different parts of the body. According to Endometriosis UK the disease 'does not show up on all scans. You can still have endometriosis and have a negative scan result.' However, a recent private MRI test result have confirmed that Melanie has endometriosis and adenomyosis. During a Zoom consultation with Dr. Ceccaroni from Italy, he recommended a modified radical hysterectomy with bilateral salpingectomy, scheduled for September. (Image: John McVitty) Melanie being sick. This means the uterus and both fallopian tubes will be removed, while the ovaries will be preserved. This will allow Melanie's natural hormone function to remain, so she will not have to rely on hormone replacement therapy. The procedure will also include removal of pelvic adhesions and aims to eradication of any endometriosis lesions that may still be present. The travel, accommodation, surgery and hospital care in Italy will cost the Clarke family £20,300. If you are interested in following Melanie's story or donating check out: Melanie has been documenting her journey with endometriosis on Facebook, sharing raw accounts of her lived experience with the disease, counting down until her surgery. As endometriosis is often an invisible disease, Melanie highlighted how it can impact family life and children when a parent is ill. 'You hear so much of people talking about endometriosis and adenomyosis were it causes infertility, and you can't have children but they don't talk about the impact its having on children," she explained. A women's health support group focused on endometriosis is being established by women from Fermanagh, aiming to provide those affected by this chronic condition with a space to share health challenges and discuss the impact on families. While many people suffering from other debilitating illnesses have access to support services for both patients and their families, there are fewer resources available for women with endometriosis in Fermanagh. "For this condition, there is no support for your family, and there is no plan. There needs to be a centre where these women can go and have support or their families. "For women who are suffering [with endometriosis] for years is going to have an effect on the children," she added. Advocating for health can be difficult, but Melanie stresses: 'Don't give up, you know your body better than anyone else. 'If you are getting clear scans or x-rays and your being told you can't have endometriosis, go to the next person [medical professional] and get answers. 'Cramps during your period is normal but debilitating pain is not, and you need to be heard, don't be afraid to speak up.'
The Independent
a day ago
- Health
- The Independent
The endometriosis symptoms women should look out for
British singer and songwriter Ella Henderson announced she received an official diagnosis of endometriosis in January, describing it as a validating and empowering experience after years of struggling with physical pain and mental health. Endometriosis is a chronic inflammatory condition affecting one in 10 women and those assigned female at birth in the UK, where tissue similar to the uterine lining grows outside the uterus, often leading to significant pain. Key symptoms include painful periods, painful intercourse, bowel issues, and can also involve chest pain during menstruation, difficulty conceiving, and ovarian cysts. Diagnosis can be challenging as the condition may not always show on standard imaging, with experts advising individuals to consult their GP and keep a detailed symptom diary if they suspect they have the condition. Treatment options for endometriosis vary from hormonal therapies, such as the combined pill or progesterone-only pill, to surgical procedures like laparoscopy, which can both diagnose and excise the affected tissue.
The Sun
a day ago
- Health
- The Sun
X Factor star reveals she's been diagnosed with debilitating condition and had surgery after years of pain
X FACTOR favourite has revealed she secretly underwent surgery after being diagnosed with a painful health condition that left her suffering for years. The singer, who rose to fame on the hit ITV talent show, bravely opened up about her hidden health battle - telling fans she was left in 'chronic pain' before finally getting answers from doctors. 5 Ella Henderson, who shot to fame on The X Factor in 2012, has been diagnosed with endometriosis - a condition that affects 1 in 10 women and can cause intense pelvic pain, fatigue, and fertility issues. The 29-year-old revealed she kept her agony private for years before finally undergoing secret surgery to manage the condition. Taking to Instagram, she told fans: "After years of struggling with confusing and challenging health problems including stomach bloating, bowel pain and heavy periods, plus countless GP appointments leading to scans, tests and the feeling that maybe the pain was all in my head, I was officially diagnosed with Endometriosis in January this year. "The revelation came after a laparoscopy, which found severe endometriosis behind my uterus and scar tissue affecting my bladder and bowel. "For those who are unfamiliar with this condition (just like I was only months ago) - endometriosis occurs when cells similar to the ones in the lining of the womb are found elsewhere in the body. "The diagnosis was a difficult one to swallow but on the other hand it feels validating and empowering. It meant I wasn't imagining things after all, and 1 could finally find a way forward and take control of my body. "My long journey to an endometriosis diagnosis is not unique. It takes on average up to 9 years in the UK, which for many like me, can put an immense mental and physical toll on you. "Living in chronic pain, not being believed, and constant misdiagnosis led to periods of depression, isolation and anxiety. If health practitioners had recognised my endometriosis symptoms sooner, I might all that have been spared. "Although it took a long time (like many women out there) to finally get a definitive diagnosis, it has allowed me to receive appropriate and life-changing support. Which, in my case, was surgery, that so far helped to significantly reduce my symptoms. "Unfortunately, there is no actual cure for endometriosis, So ongoing management will likely be part of my life, whether that's through lifestyle changes, pain management, or other treatments. More research is still needed to understand the condition and ultimately find a cure. "Having now officially become among the one in 10 women in the UK with endometriosis, l am so aware of how many aspects of my life were significantly being impacted. "As a teenager, I remember there were times I missed school due to severe period pain and fatigue. And more recently, I've needed time off work due to health issues which I've found difficult to explain. "I love my job and feel so lucky and grateful to be able to do what I do, so the thought of cancelling shows is something l've battled with. "I often pushed through intense pain just to maintain appearances, not wanting to be judged or let anyone down including myself. "So why am I telling you all this? Put imply, I don't want future generations of women to go through what I did. I know that my situation isn't unique, and too many women unnecessarily suffer with undiagnosed endometriosis for far too long. "That's why I am partnering with the charity Endometriosis UK. I want to raise awareness of this condition and campaign for real change. "My hope is to be a voice for those still searching for answers and show those living with endometriosis that they're not alone. "Endometriosis UK is working to reduce the shockingly long diagnosis time, calling on Governments across the UK to ensure menstrual wellbeing education is implemented in all schools as well as improving education and awareness of endometriosis for all healthcare practitioners, including GPs, pharmacists and A&E doctors. "Without this education, those with the disease will continue to face challenges in getting a diagnosis and accessing the right care at the right time. "As part of their mission to reduce diagnosis times, Endometriosis UK has an endometriosis symptoms checker. In just 60 seconds you can find out if your symptoms could be a sign of the condition, and if they are, then an automated personalised letter is created with your symptoms to give to your GP. "And whether you have a diagnosis or not, the charity's experienced nurse-led support helpline team is ready to provide expert information and guidance. "Those are two really fantastic resources that I would definitely have benefited from when I was on my diagnosis journey & l wish I'd known about them sooner! "My ultimate goal here, like Endometriosis UK, is that want anyone living with this condition to feel a sense of empowerment and be enabled to take back control of their lives by knowing what is actually going on with their bodies. "I believe it is so important that we begin to have more open conversations about menstrual health and endometriosis. "Spreading awareness and knowledge by having wider discussions on the matter is key. The only way we can feel more comfortable and in control is by sharing our own experiences. "For me, I have found a lot of healing and comfort within talking more openly about my own personal journey. Even if me using my platform can help even just one other person - it's worth it! E xx" Many thanked the Ghost hitmaker for speaking out, with one writing: "Thank you so much for sharing your story, it helps so much!" Dozens more hailed her as an 'inspiration,' with fans sharing their own stories in solidarity. Another added: "Welcome to the Endo Warrior crew 💛 I'm so happy you found Answers. When I first got diagnosed I felt defeated but also happy they found a reason for my pain." A third penned: "Thank you for highlighting the fight we have as women to be heard and taken seriously about the pain that we go through on a monthly basis. Keep fighting & raising awareness." 5 5 5
SBS Australia
3 days ago
- Health
- SBS Australia
Chronic pain sufferers feel dismissed by healthcare professionals
Chronic pain sufferers feel dismissed by healthcare professionals Published 21 July 2025, 8:12 am Around four million Australians of all ages suffer from chronic pain. Many say they feel unheard and invisible in the healthcare system. Experts are calling for national investment in the space, including a holistic care approach to deal with often complicated causes.
