I’ve suffered – and now I want to help

Aug 23 2007 by Paul Loraine, The Journal

A WOMAN who was left infertile by a gynaecological condition has resurrected a support group for fellow North-East sufferers.

Claire Hollywell, of Backworth, near Whitley Bay, lost a promising career, her marriage and the chance to conceive as a result of endometriosis, a condition which can cause infertility.

Having initially set up Endo North East in 2003, it dissolved after she went through a particularly turbulent year, coming to terms with having both ovaries removed in separate operations.

A total of 11 operations took their toll and, by her own admission, 31-year-old Ms Hollywell was not capable of helping others in her position.

But now, she is set to breathe new life into the project, with a view to giving women the chance to “laugh about it rather than let it get them down.”

She said: “I want to get the meetings up and running again. I had to stop doing it because after the operations I withdrew into myself as I was dealing with the psychological effects of not being able to have my own children.

“I couldn’t provide them with any support. The group was dormant and I felt it was time to get it going again.

“There’s nothing to do with endometriosis that I haven’t been through and I want to share that with people. Together, it is easier to laugh or have a joke about things that can be embarrassing for some women to talk about.”

One of the most common causes of infertility and pelvic pain in women, endometriosis involves tissue similar to the lining of the uterus growing elsewhere in the body.

Ms Hollywell has suffered from severe backache, tiredness and painful periods since she was 20, when she had to return from a top retail job in London to be cared for by her family.

She married husband Mick shortly after being diagnosed five years ago, but their relationship ended in 2005 after the pressures caused by her condition proved too much.

She said: “The pain is horrific. I collapse with it from time to time and I have to cancel appointments regularly because it’s so unpredictable.

“It’s a strain on your relationships and your work. I couldn’t keep up with the pace of retail jobs. I would love to work in something more laid back.

“The support group is very helpful because it’s quite personal. People don’t like to talk about it, especially things like the effects on your sex life.”

Anyone who wants more information should e-mail Claire on c.hollywell@hotmail.co.uk or ring 07873 590697.