'Every month my symptoms get worse'

Call for improved endometriosis care

- Angus MCINTYRE

Amy Parker, 28, had to wait almost half her life to be diagnosed

An Avonmouth woman has spoken out about her nightmare of suffering from endometriosis for more than a decade without being diagnosed, and her frustration over the lack of care she has received for her condition.

Amy Parker, 28, first started struggling with severe abdominal pain when she turned 14. She was only diagnosed earlier this year, despite repeatedly telling doctors about her symptoms.

"They wouldn't listen to a word I said and kept putting it down to period issues," Ms Parker said.

"I was diagnosed this year after an almost 14-year wait to be diagnosed... my symptoms only get worse each month."

Ms Parker had surgery earlier this year, but she said that had been largely ineffective and she had yet to receive any followup care.