Oldham family share struggles with forgotten illness

An Oldham family who has endured a gruelling decade of watching the decimation of their daughter’s health, joined dignitaries, decision-makers, and doctors, in closing the world’s most potent campaign on endometriosis.

Endometriosis Awareness Month has seen TV news broadcasts, major events and even the presentation of a BAFTA for a film - finally raising the profile of a painful pelvic condition harming one-in-ten women. 

The Ormrod family from Chadderton – whose daughter Courtney inspired the creation of the charity Endometriosis Awareness North – stunned guests with their tale of having to give up work to maintain her physical and mental health. 
 

“The family experienced nothing but belittling rejection in their quest to get an endometriosis diagnosis from the day she first saw a doctor and was told she was too young to have the condition” said Dr Anita Sharma, founder of Endometriosis Awareness North.  

“We have all been moved by her story of not being able to enter teaching and experiencing blackouts, but it was critical that the effect of the condition on families was also heard.  

“From the endless ignorance of everyone around them to the inexcusable lack of care from some doctors and the sheer cost of attending endless medical appointments, this has been an enormous strain. And that’s without the obvious emotional impact of wondering will my daughter ever be well?” 
 

Events like the one held in nearby Norden (March 28) has offered the Ormrods hope. Leading medics – including Dr Gaity Ahmed, Obstetrician and Gynaecologist at the Royal Oldham Hospital – expressed their desire to reduce waiting times and explained new robotics surgery designed to treat endo.  

MP Elsie Blundell recently spoke in the House of Parliament on endo, and Rochdale Mayor Cllr Janet Elmsley reiterated her support. 
 

Two so-called “endo warriors” Laura and Jennie followed in Courtney’s footsteps and took to the stage to share their experiences. 
 

A former GP in South Chadderton, Dr Sharma has watched her small charity – formed with the support of her Patient Participation Group at the Eaves Lane surgery – often become a lone voice on endometriosis.  

“We have been responsible for helping families with free webinar advice on fertility and pain and offered them a network, so that they do not feel alone” said Dr Sharma.  

“With the support of Courtney and other Oldham endo warriors, we have also voiced real concerns about the mental health of sufferers, misogyny within healthcare towards the condition, stigma in South Asian communities and now the impact it has on the loved ones of these brave women.” 
She concluded: “Yes, I am encouraged by the response to Endometriosis Awareness Month and thank everyone in Oldham who has done their bit. But there is still so much to do, and we will not rest until endometriosis is treated seriously and women’s pain radically reduced.”       
For more on Endometriosis Awareness North, go to https://endometriosisawarenessnorth.com/