Endo support group

A local support group for women with endometriosis has started meeting regularly at The Store in Ventnor.

Organised by Sharnee Taylor, the Endo Support Group is providing support and an outlet for anyone with endometriosis, possible endometriosis or chronic pelvic pain.

"It's just a chance for us to have a friendly chat, share and support each other," she said.

If you have the debilitating disease or know someone who has and would like to learn more about it, the group is the place for you.

Sharnee is well aware of the impact of endometriosis.

She was in her teens when endometriosis first hit, although she did not know what the problem was at the time.

"I remember I was working at A Maze 'N Things lying on the ground screaming in pain and my boss said he'd call an ambulance," she recalls.

The pain got progressively worse - to the point she would regularly black out, not be able to talk or eat, and even collapse - until her first exploratory surgery at 23, which diagnosed her with endometriosis.

While the diagnosis gave her relief, there was - and still remains - no solution to the disease, and for more than a decade Sharnee was on a rollercoaster of pills, painkillers and surgery, with morphine patches providing a semblance of relief.

It was after one surgery that Sharnee was able to fall pregnant, with a surgeon later telling her she was one of the few lucky ones, but adding she would be unable to have another child.

Sharnee's motivation for the group is to help other sufferers, saying "it is such a debilitating illness that can be very isolating".

The group's next meeting is on Saturday April 18 from 10am - 12pm at The Store in Ventnor.

"Anyone is welcome," Sharnee said.

For more information, email her at contact@sharntay.com