Inspire others by your endometriosis journey
If you have been impacted by endometriosis, be that directly or indirectly we would love you to be apart of Project 514 415. Project 514 415 is an art and literature-based project that gives a voice to all endometriosis sufferers through a collection of photography, art, poems, and short stories. All submissions will be lovingly crafted into a Coffee Table Book, with selected Art & Literature pieces being selected for a touring exhibition and open mic nights, to help raise awareness of the impact and lived experiences of endometriosis suffers.
Benefits of sharing your experiences' of living with endometriosis
There are many benefits of art therapy and documenting your experiences' of living with a chronic health conditions such as endometriosis, by sharing your journey you can:
Raise awareness of endometriosis
Showcase a realistic account of living with endometriosis
Humanise endometriosis
Find meaning & purpose to your past, present and future
Provide a source of expression and identity within the endometriosis community
Process stressful and traumatic events associated with or caused by endometriosis
About Endometriosis
What is Endometriosis
Endometriosis is a medical condition in which tissue similar to the lining of the uterus (endometrium) is found elsewhere in the body. These cells can grow on the surface or infiltrate deep inside organs, nerves, muscles, ligaments etc. Endometriosis has been found on every single organ in the body (including the brain, heart, lungs etc), and can bind organs together. Endometriosis has been listed as one of the top 10 most painful medical conditions. Despite this there is no cure for endometriosis, only management strategies and surgery to reduce / limit the effects of endometriosis.
Effects & Complications of Endometriosis
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​Loss of organs
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Stoma
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Urostomy
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Chronic pain
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Fatigue
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Medical trauma
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Nerve damage
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Nausea / sickness
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Shortness of breath
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Chest pain / tightness
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Infertility
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Ovarian cysts (which can {& do} explode)
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Bloating (Endo belly)
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Burning up
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Frozen pelvis
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Fused organs
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Misdiagnosis
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Medical anxiety
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UTIs
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Depression / low mood
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Blood in stools
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Heavy bleeding
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Painful sex
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Bleeding during / after sex
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Painful ovulation & mensuration
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Pain opening bowels
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Migraines
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Black outs
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Sciatica / nerve pain
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Acute flare up of pain
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Adhesions
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Pneumothorax
Misconceptions of Endometriosis
Endometriosis has many misconceptions both within the medical profession and society which not only delays vital treatment, but can result in outdate and / or inappropriate medical treatment and advice, further prolonging the suffering of endometriosis suffers. The main misconceptions are:
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Endometriosis is just a painful period that can cause infertility.
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Endometriosis only affects menstruating women.
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The pill, coil, or pregnancy will reduce / slow down / reverse /stop the growth of endometriosis.
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A Hysterectomy will cure endometriosis.
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Endometriosis is only found in the womb & ovaries (reproductive organs).
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It is too rare for endometriosis to be found on the bowel / bladder / diaphragm
It is vital that these incorrect misconceptions are abolished, and that both the public and all medical professionals have a factual baseline knowledge of endometriosis.
We hope that Project 514 415 will have a positive impact on everyone who takes part. Be that as a healing process, processing tool, or a reflective experience, depending on what part of your journey you are currently experiencing. We would love Project 514 415 to be as inclusive & diverse as possible, showing the full impact that endometriosis has on suffers lives. From the; Highs to the lows, the miracles to the calamities, and everything in between.
BE BRAVE!
BE CREATIVE!
BE INSPIRED!
BE HEARD!
BE BRAVE!