A nurse in Lincoln has told of how a painful condition has meant she has had to make the heartbreaking decision to give up on her dream of being a mum.

Helen Chaplin, who lives in North Hykeham, had always harboured hopes of having children but things changed in January in January 2016 when she was diagnosed with endometriosis.

The condition, which only affects women, involves tissue similar to the womb growing in other areas.

In the 39-year-old’s case it can often leave her in a lot of pain and has even meant she has had to have a kidney removed.

While there is surgery to remove the tissue, it can grow back meaning that there is no cure.

“I had heard of it as I am a nurse myself but I didn’t fully understand what it was,” she said.

“I certainly didn’t think it would cause a few of the things that it has.

“It was a shock. I have no family history of it. There is no genetics so there wasn’t any more risk I would have it than anyone else.”

Helen Chaplin (left) with her sister at the YellowBelly Ball March 2018
Helen Chaplin (left) with her sister at the YellowBelly Ball March 2018

The condition can be helped through surgery to remove the tissue but for some women like Miss Chaplin it can grow back and effect other organs.

 “I have lost a kidney to it is which is rare but it can happen. It is chronic, it is not curable so it won’t go away. It is with you for life,” said the neonatal nurse.

“It is not a nice condition to have and I have missed a lot of work. I have had a lot of days on painkillers and hormone treatment but it keeps growing back.

“In the last three years, I have had three lots of surgery, but it keeps coming back.

And for Miss Chaplin giving up on the hope of having a family of her own was a difficult thing to do.

“It has affected my fertility, which has meant I have been unsuccessful in my quest to be a mum. It is something I have accepted and learnt to live with,” she said.

“It is a big thing to deal with. I don’t want to be in a situation here I have a new born that I can’t look after because I am in severe pain.

“Sometimes the pain is so severe I can be housebound. I have a dog and others have to walk her for me.

“Granted it is only one week of the month but for that is a significant proportion of time of not being able to do the things I want to do.

“It is not as bad as one, two, three months ago but it has affected me both emotionally and physically.”

What is Endometriosis?

Endometriosis is a condition where tissue similar to the lining of the womb starts to grow in other places, such as the ovaries and fallopian tubes.

Endometriosis can affect women of any age, but it's most common in women in their 30s and 40s.

It's a long-term condition that can have a significant impact on your life, but there are treatments that can help.

The main symptoms of endometriosis are:

  • pain in your lower tummy or back (pelvic pain) – usually worse during your period
  • period pain that stops you doing your normal activities
  • pain during or after sex
  • pain when peeing or pooing during your period
  • feeling sick, constipation, diarrhoea, or blood in your pee during your period
  • difficulty getting pregnant

Treatments include:

Endometriosis can be a difficult condition to deal with, both physically and emotionally.

As well as support from your doctor, you may find it helpful to contact a support group, such as Endometriosis UK, for information and advice.

In addition to detailed information about endometriosis, Endometriosis UK has a directory of local support groups, a helpline on 0808 808 2227, and an online community for women affected by the condition.

All info courtesy of NHS

One big coping mechanism that has provided Miss Chaplin with the support she has needed is the charity, Endometriosis UK.

The charity has given her information about her condition as well as putting her in touch with a support group of people going through a similar situation.

In a bid to give something back to the charity and help fund research into the condition, Miss Chaplin is swimming 26 miles – the length of a marathon – during March, Endometriosis awareness month.

Speaking about her charity plans, which she is doing at Lincoln Yarborough, she said: “I am aiming to do between 1-2 miles a day by March 31.

“I want to raise awareness for the charity as it is not very well funded and not very well supported.

“It is not deemed a very attractive condition, but it does affect one in 10 women in the UK.”

To get behind Miss Chaplin’s charity plan and donate, click here

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