YEARS OF PAIN
I was left looking five months’ pregnant and couldn’t have sex after doctors ‘gaslit’ me into thinking I had IBS
The symptoms of Sarah's agonising condition to know and when to get help
A WOMAN says an agonising period condition left her looking 'five months' pregnant and unable to even have sex with her boyfriend.
But she claims doctors 'gas-lit' her into thinking it was irritable bowel syndrome (IBS).
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Sarah Mahon had suffered with heavy periods as a teen but over the last two years began to experience agonising cramps and digestion complaints.
The 29-year-old was 'constantly nauseous and bloated' but claims doctors put it down to IBS and advised her to change her diet.
However, Sarah's flare-ups continued - becoming so excruciating at times she was left unable to walk and bed-bound for hours due to the pain.
Shocking photos show Sarah's stomach looking so bloated it resembled that of a heavily pregnant woman - often for days at a time.
Read more on endometriosis
Sarah, who works as an animator, said she saw seven doctors across two years - five of which believed her symptoms were 'digestive-related'.
I was having daily pain. If I was walking, the nerves would just become aggravated and I'd be in so much pain I just stayed in the house unless I had to
Sarah Mahon
It was only when she went private in February that she was diagnosed with endometriosis after years of agony.
Endometriosis is a disease in which 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.
DAILY AGONY DISMISSED
Sarah, who lives in London, said: "I had asked [doctors] about endometriosis and told them my mother had it but they said it was related to the indigestion issues and just wouldn't test me.
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"I was told it would take a lot of resources for them to test me for something I didn't know I had. I was dismissed over and over about it.
"I didn't know what to do at this point. I was googling my symptoms and everything matched up with endometriosis.
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"I was having daily pain. If I was walking, the nerves would just become aggravated and I'd be in so much pain. I just stayed in the house unless I had to."
Sarah also experienced debilitating fatigue on top of the pain.
It's a cruel irony that the condition can give you a bump and cause fertility issues
Sarah Mahon
"Some mornings I couldn't move my arms and legs because I was so tired - the fatigue was so bad," she said.
"And showering was so hard. Washing my hair was such an effort, I'd be exhausted after and have to have a nap after."
Her symptoms also took a toll on her sex life.
"I stopped having sex with my boyfriend because it wasn't worth the pain. And I was becoming so anxious about the pain during and after.
"My days were just to get up, get through work and try to get through the day. Your whole life is changed completely - it's almost like a disability.
"Every time I had a flare up, my stomach would flare up and I could look like that for up to three days. It's insane bloating and could be triggered by something like a coffee.
"I looked like four or five months pregnant. My stomach was so hard. I would just wear baggy clothes when I went out. My friends all said I look full-on pregnant. It was all inflammation."
'I FEEL LIKE A NEW PERSON'
Exasperated, Sarah booked a private consultation at The Endometriosis Clinic in London where a subsequent scan confirmed she was suffering with the condition.
In April, Sarah underwent an operation costing £7,500 to remove the endometriosis, which was present in her pelvic wall and between the uterus and rectum.
"I was told my body was constantly trying to repair itself and was constantly inflamed," Sarah said.
"My doctor told me I did the surgery just in time before it developed further.
I felt like they didn't believe me about my symptoms. I felt so dismissed about the whole thing. One of the worst parts of this whole experience was the gas-lighting that I received from doctors
Sarah Mahon
"The post-surgery pain was nothing compared to how it's been. The pain has gone completely.
"I have so much more energy now. I feel like a new person.
"The surgery went really well and the doctor told me my ovaries weren't affected and I should be okay when it comes to trying for a baby.
"I'm trying to stay positive about the future.
"It's a cruel irony that the condition can give you a bump and cause fertility issues."
'DON'T GIVE UP'
Now, Sarah is urging others to demand answers from their doctors and 'not give up' on getting a diagnosis.
Sarah said: "I saw seven doctors throughout the whole process and went to A&E twice. Four of the doctors told me I had an IBS and another said I had irritable bowel disease (IBD).
"I felt like they didn't believe me about my symptoms. I felt so dismissed about the whole thing.
What is endometriosis?
WHEN cells similar to the ones in the lining of the womb grow elsewhere in the body, this is called endometriosis.
Each month these cells react in the same way to those in the womb, building up and then breaking down and bleeding.
Unlike the cells in the womb that leave the body as a period, this blood has no way to escape.
Around 1.5 million women and those assigned female at birth are currently living with the condition in the UK.
The classic endometriosis symptoms include:
- Pelvic pain
- Painful periods that interfere with everyday life
- Pain during or after sex
- Painful bowel movements/when having a poo
- Pain when urinating/peeing
- Difficulty getting pregnant
- Fatigue
Period pain can be experienced even if you don't have endometriosis, but if pain during your period is interfering with your everyday life, it may be best to consult your doctor.
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"One of the worst parts of this whole experience was the gas-lighting that I received from doctors.
"I say to other people do not give up. I'm really lucky I caught mine before it caused any more damage.
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"If you can, try and see a specialist straight away and contact people in similar positions."
It comes after research found that four in 10 women have had to visit a medical professional multiple times before receiving an appropriate diagnosis.
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