Singer Ella Henderson has been diagnosed with endometriosis after years of struggling with unexplained pain and symptoms, and has spoken out about the condition
Ella Henderson has opened up about a health battle she’s been suffering with, describing the diagnosis as both “devastating” and “validating” following years of inexplicable agony. The 29-year-old former X Factor star took to Instagram to share her ordeal with endometriosis, discussing the emotional and physical strain caused by a condition that made her question her own experiences – a diagnosis she shares with Molly-Mae Hague.
The NHS characterises endometriosis as “a condition where tissue similar to the lining of the womb grows outside of it, most commonly in the pelvis, around the ovaries, fallopian tubes, and lining of the pelvis. This misplaced tissue can cause inflammation, pain, and potentially fertility issue.”
In a heartfelt video, the Ghost hitmaker confessed: “The last few years have been a bit of a rollercoaster to say the least, behind the scenes and I’ve really really been struggling… with not only stomach bloating and physical pain and mental health, because at one point I thought all this pain was in my head and I wasn’t really believed.”
She recounted enduring numerous medical appointments and persistent symptoms before finally being diagnosed in January: “After years of struggling with confusing and challenging health problems including stomach bloating, bowel pain and heavy periods.
“Plus countless GP appointments leading to scans, tests and the feeling that maybe the pain was all in my head, I was officially diagnosed with Endometriosis in January this year,” reports the Mirror.
A laparoscopy procedure uncovered severe endometriosis and scarring behind her uterus, which also impacted her bladder and bowel functions.
Ella went on: “For those who are unfamiliar with this condition (just like I was only months ago) – endometriosis occurs when cells similar to the ones in the lining of the womb are found elsewhere in the body.”
Although receiving the diagnosis proved challenging, Henderson experienced relief in finally understanding what had been causing her pain: “The diagnosis was a difficult one to swallow but on the other hand it feels validating and empowering. It meant I wasn’t imagining things after all, and I could finally find a way forward and take control of my body.”
She also drew attention to the wider problem, emphasising how lengthy the wait for answers can be for many sufferers: “My long journey to an endometriosis diagnosis is not unique. It takes on average up to 9 years in the UK, which for many like me, can put an immense mental and physical toll on you.”
Ella opened up about the mental health consequences: “Living in chronic pain, not being believed, and constant misdiagnosis led to periods of depression, isolation and anxiety. If health practitioners had recognised my endometriosis symptoms sooner, all that might have been spared.”
Surgery has already brought considerable improvement to her symptoms. Nevertheless, she stressed that managing the condition is not the same as curing it, and her treatment will continue indefinitely.
“Although it took a long time (like many women out there) to finally get a definitive diagnosis, it has allowed me to receive appropriate and life-changing support.
“Which, in my case, was surgery, that so far helped to significantly reduce my symptoms. Unfortunately, there is no actual cure for endometriosis,” she added, “so ongoing management will likely be part of my life, whether that’s through lifestyle changes, pain management, or other treatments.”
Ella’s revelation prompted a wave of support from fans and celebrities, who commended her as “brave” for opening up about her diagnosis.
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Source: Celebrities - dailystar.co.uk
