'You are not alone with endometriosis pain'
BBC"I am on the highest dose, it eases my pain. I take it two to four times a day," Christiana Hansen explains, showing the array of medications used daily to help her deal with her endometriosis.
The 49-year-old from Chatham was diagnosed with the condition in 2023, five years after she first had symptoms.
"It is like a stabbing pain, a very very heavy stabbing pain," she says. "I cry all the time, I'm not going to hide that. Sometimes I get so upset and I shut myself up and I cry."
The government says it is "determined" to change that many are waiting so long for an endometriosis diagnosis.
Hansen has started a campaign through her health awareness organisation HEDUCA for a wellbeing hub in Medway, specifically for women's and girls' reproductive conditions.
Endometriosis affects one in 10 women and is where cells similar to those in the lining of the womb grow in other parts of the body. It can affect organs like the bladder and bowel.
Hansen says she felt dismissed when she went to see the GP, being told it was "a woman issue" and "normal".
"The thing is no, the pain is not normal. Pain is not normal," she says.
"I just want to send a message out there to all women and girls, that they are not alone. We are with them."
Jessica Lewis, 25, was diagnosed with endometriosis two years ago. She first started experiencing symptoms when she was 14 years old.
"It is just excruciating. There have been times that I have literally collapsed on my way home from work because I am in agony," Lewis, from Broadstairs, said.
"It affects every single thing I do day to day, the plans I make.
"It is just really sad because I feel like a lot of the things I used to really look forward to I would now dread."
She says according to her NHS notes she went to the doctor 22 times before eventually getting her diagnosis following surgery in 2024.
"I would love for there to be actual change within the NHS in terms of how medical professionals are trained. I would love to see more funding for it," she added.
Hansen wants a local wellbeing hub to include a safe space for sharing experiences as well as a fitness centre.
Like Lewis, she also wants to see more funding going to the diagnosis and treatment of endometriosis.
She is supported by her local MP for Chatham and Aylesford, Tristan Osborne.
"We have wellbeing hubs already – I think having one dedicated to women's and girls' issues is not only sensible, it is also appropriate," Osbourne said.
He added that he would be working with Medway and with Tonbridge and Malling councils to try and get similar provision there.
'Dismissed too often'
A spokesperson for NHS Kent and Medway said: "We recognise the difficulty some women go through, and we are sorry some people are waiting longer than expected for a diagnosis.
"Our women's health hubs in Kent and Medway offer support, advice and treatment for women's health, based on an individual's needs."
A Department of Health and Social Care spokesperson said it was "unacceptable" that so many women were waiting so long for a diagnosis, with their experiences and symptoms "dismissed far too often".
"This government is determined to change that," they added.
The renewed Women's Health Strategy would ensure gynaecology waiting lists fall and would expand the number of surgical hubs, "so women continue to get diagnosed and treated sooner", they added.
"Endometriosis will also be prioritised through NHS Online - a new online hospital service giving patients access to expert care from home."
Symptoms to watch out for:
- severe period pain that stops you doing normal activities
- heavy periods
- extreme tiredness
- pain in the lower abdomen, back and pelvic area
- pain when urinating or pooing
- pain during or after sex
- pain or bleeding in other areas including the chest
- difficulties getting pregnant
- low mood
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