Chloe Jamieson has suffered with endometriosis for 13 years. It caused excruciating pain which saw her admitted to hospital and suffer bouts of depression.
As part of Endometriosis Awareness month, the 27-year-old is baking cupcakes to raise awareness and funds for Endometriosis New Zealand.
She shared her experience with reporter Dellwyn Moylan.
Chloe Jamieson knew things didn’t feel right when she first started her period.
She was in excruciating pain, and it limited her movement. Her doctor wanted to put her on birth control medication.
‘‘I ended up in hospital for a week and underwent a series of tests. I had hot flushes, I was vomiting and felt like I was going to pass out.’’
She was sent home as they could not find a cause. She never saw a gynecologist.
‘‘I can remember that part vividly as I remember thinking, ‘I’m literally in tears because of the pain, I’m throwing up and sweating excessively but there is nothing wrong with me?’’’
Endometriosis occurs when tissue similar to the lining of the uterus is found in places outside the uterus. Symptoms can include significant period pain, bowel issues and infertility.
It rarely ever shows up on scans or bloods, CT scans will only show if there are cysts or polyps not endometriosis. There is no cure.
Endometriosis affects about one in 10 women, girls and those assigned female at birth.
‘‘It was so frustrating as I kept going in and out of hospital and visits to the doctor. I was told ‘it’s in your head’ or ‘it’s just a period’, she said.
‘‘I became very depressed and suicidal because of it also, as it was stopping me from living a normal life.’’
In June 2019 she moved to Auckland.
Following a second hospital admission an appointment was made to see a gynecologist. Shortly after this Jamieson saw a surgeon to discuss a laparoscopy.
It took place in February 2020 and detected a small amount of endometriosis.
Its discovery led to a referral to pain management specialists, but they could only work online with Jamieson as it was during Covid 19 lockdown.
Jamieson moved back to Ashburton after lockdown.
Medication helped but became less affective as her condition worsened and was now in another spot.
‘‘The pain felt like someone was constantly pushing on my left ovary from the inside.’’
More visits to the doctor and hospital followed. Its resulted in further pain management.
‘‘I was also told I should go on the private health system because they should be able to help me, which felt like I was just thrown to the side.’’
Jamieson presently lives on a dairy farm in Clandeboye and this helped her with her mental wellbeing.
She is back to a good place and is feeling better these days.
‘‘Some days are better than others but I’m in a really good environment that’s made life a bit more stress free,’’ Jamieson said.
To raise funds and awareness of endometriosis Jamieson is making cupcakes.
They are for the 120 Challenge, organised by Endometriosis New Zealand for Endometriosis Awareness Month.
It encourages people to take on a 120 challenge to support the 120,000 people living with endometriosis.
She said she loves to bake and share her baking with others.
They can be ordered online by the dozen at 120-challenge.raiselysite.com/chloe-jamieson
‘‘I’m making batches of 12 and so far have baked three batches. There is chocolate, red velvet, vanilla or banana chocolate chip flavours to choose from,’’ she said. Jamieson’s favourite ones are the banana chocolate chip ones.
– Anyone wanting to order a dozen cupcakes can email Chloe Jamieson at [email protected] or to donate to her fundraiser go to 120-challenge.raiselysite.com/ chloe-jamieson. Cupcakes can be delivered to Ashburton.
