10/03/2026
My name is Stacey. I’m 40 years old, and for years I believed my extremely painful periods were just “normal.” But the pain kept getting worse.
Every month I experienced severe stomach cramps that radiated down my legs and heavy bleeding. Even going to the toilet was unbearable, the pain was so intense that tears would run down my face. I couldn’t stand up straight and spent hours curled up with hot water bottles just to cope.
In 2015, I married my husband and we were excited to start a family. After two and a half years of trying, we were referred for IVF. During a scan, doctors found a blood-filled cyst on my o***y and my treatment had to be paused.
Eight months later I had surgery. What doctors found was shocking - stage 4 endometriosis that had spread across my reproductive organs, bowel, appendix and abdominal wall.
After surgery, I was finally able to continue IVF. Our first cycle failed, but in 2019 we tried again. After years of hoping, I finally saw a positive pregnancy test.
In November 2019, we welcomed our beautiful daughter, Eve.
Sadly, my symptoms returned a few years later. The pain became so severe I had to stay close to a toilet because I couldn’t control my bladder or bowels when it struck. At times, the pain felt worse than childbirth.
In November 2024, I had a second surgery where my bowel had to be separated from my uterus. I was also diagnosed with adenomyosis.
Right now, I’m doing well with a Mirena coil, but if it stops working my only option may be a hysterectomy.
I always dreamed of having two children. Because of endometriosis, I’ve only been able to have one.
But I am incredibly grateful for my daughter. Without surgery and IVF, she wouldn’t be here.
Endometriosis took a lot from me, but it will never take away how thankful I am to be Eve’s mum. 💛
Find out more: https://orlo.uk/37w6n
