Airing Pain 42: Endometriosis and Support Groups

Learning to manage endometriosis and how support groups can help

This programme was funded by the Big Lottery Fund’s Awards For All programme in Northern Ireland.

Paul Evans visits an endometriosis support group in Belfast, and interviews founder Anna Jaminson and guest speaker gynaecologist Dr David Hunter.

Dr Hunter discusses the research about how endometriosis develops and people living with the condition describe their experience in depth, including the impact upon personal relationships with family and friends. Members of the support group talk of their immense relief at finding people with similar stories to share.

We hear about the difficulties in diagnosing endometriosis – often mistaken for other conditions such as Irritable Bowel Syndrome – but also about some recent improvements to its diagnosis and management and the crucial role of sympathetic healthcare professionals.

We also learn more about surgical treatments and their likely prognoses, including hysterectomy, and we hear about the physical, psychological and emotional impact of such surgery.

Issues covered in this programme include: Endometriosis, peer support, support groups, family, friends, relationships, hysterectomy, women’s pain, pelvic pain, vagina, bowels, adenomyosis, uterus, womb, nausea, vomiting, sneezing, coughing, diaphragm, periods, menstruation and IBS.

Contributors:

• Dr David Hunter, gynaecologist
• Anna Jaminson, founder of Belfast endometriosis support group
• Linda Harris, group member
• Nuala Campbell, group member
• Robin Atchison, group member
• Louise, group member.