A bit of a mouthful

We are into the second week of March and therefore almost halfway through NEAM. There has been so much support already this year it's been quite overwhelming.


Our "March" is being held this coming Thursday the 13th in Dublin City Centre and although it's the first time I will be holding this type of event I very much hope that it's the beginning of a new chapter for Endometriosis Awareness in Ireland.

I have been asked, as I'm sure many of you have, over the years to define, explain or otherwise sum up in the easiest term imaginable what exactly Endo is. Well, earlier today one of my Endo Sister's happened to share this on her social media page and if you can manage to memorise this one then it's as good an explanation as any I've come across. (I do enjoy the use of the term "malfunction" however. Brings to mind a robot or appliance or some sort but that could just be my humour)

As promised I will be back with more detailed posts well in a few hours actually because technically it's today already. I hope you all had a pain-free weekend and an even better week.

As always if you would like to get in touch either leave a comment here, check out our Facebook page or e-mail here at belladonnaheather@gmail.com

I have 176 million Sisters

I always find that March can drum up a lot of thoughts and questions about Endometriosis that I sometimes may have on the back burner. I've been thinking lately of eighteen year old me and how at the time I fully believed in modern medicine and my Doctor's plan that I would be "symptom free" by age twenty five. It was such a lovely idea at the time and I wanted so much to believe in it that I know for me personally it's why I committed to every single surgery and treatment without much thought to the long term effects it would have on me both physically and mentally.

To a certain extent I was prepared by my Mum for the strong possibility I had Endo as I was displaying similar symptoms to those she hasd. Plus with my Aunt also having been diagnosed and we're almost sure my Grandmother (currently in the process of having her medical notes released to us) had Endo also there us a very strong genetic link's in my family.

I was extremely lucky to have the full support of my Mum when I was diagnosed but when there were days I felt that I was putting too much on her I turned to my Endo Sister's. These are women from all walks of life, age and severity. They are supportive women who you can freely talk to via forums or social media sites.
We will talk about Endo, something good, bad, funny or sad that's happening in our lives and they are an extension of your support network.

It's always easier to communicate with someone who is or has gone through what you are or might be going through. I have always felt accepted by my Endo Sister's and they rally around you when you're having a bad day.

Most of these wonderful, beautiful souls I will never meet. But they should know that each one has touched my life and for that I am grateful. In a time where we are still trying to get people to understand what Endometriosis is I feel blessed to not only have my extremely supportive family but also these women who do feel more like sister's than strangers. Because we share a bond. One that cannot be broken. One that was forged for us. One that I am very appreciative of.

I found this picture on Google(below) and thought it was very apt for young girls/women who are just coming to terms with their diagnosis. It's not all doom and gloom and you always have your Endo Sister's to talk to. Stay strong.

Happy International Women's Day

Happy International Women's day to all of my female friends, home and away, new and old.

It's strange in a way to think that in this day and age with all of the technology at our disposal that we do not yet have a clear way of detecting Endometriosis early on.

Millions of Women are suffering in silence with this illness. Well, this year that's going to change. This year we will speak up, our voices will be heard and we will end the silence.

What is more disturbing however is how a lot of women are still treated as second class citizens. Whether it's in the workplace, society or through an outdated viewpoint. There is no need for this inequality and if only for one moment today, please think about it.

I will be back with longer posts, it's just been a crazy week. We'll done to the EAI today for holding their March Event for endometriosis awareness. As always, much live to my Endo Sister's. Stay strong. Xxxx

They're finally here!

It's Friday! Which, this week can only mean one thing. The charity t-shirts are ready. I may have had to ask for directions from an elderly man and phone the printers twice but with some help from Google maps and finally some common sense I found the land of t-shirt printing.

I can now finally reveal this year's charity t-shirts for Endometriosis Awareness and our Million Women March for Endometriosis designed by none other than the very talented, Irish artist Kevin Hansard. (You'll. Find a link to his site above)

Monies raised from the sale of these shirts will be going to the Endometriosis Association of Ireland. Sizes are M or L and at €15 a shirt what better way to show your support.