Woman undergoing Endometriosis diagnosis gives pain relief tips and advice

By Molly Lee and Jess Bourne

The lack of education about Endometriosis can leave women in fear when dealing with the condition, despite the many methods of pain relief, according to sufferer Maddie Forster who is undergoing a diagnosis.

Endometriosis is a chronic pain condition where tissue grows outside of the uterus, affecting the female reproductive system.

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Endometriosis UK, a non-profit organisation, states that: “1 in 10 women and those assigned female of birth of reproductive age in the UK suffer from endometriosis.”

According to The Royal College of Obstetricians and Gynaecologists, a diagnosis of Endometriosis can take an average of 7.5 years.

There are many different types of medications and pain reliefs that are prescribed to help women dealing with the painful periods, whilst waiting for a diagnosis.

Maddie Forster started having symptoms when she was 14 years old and has since found different methods of pain relief.

She said: “Heat bags and hot water bottles are amazing. As well as a lot of Häagen-Dazs. Deep Heat and legal CBD cream are lifesavers.”

Doctors also offer the contraceptive pill as a method of managing the hormonal symptoms of Endometriosis.

After years of living with Endometriosis, Maddie said: “If you are going through the pain, you are going to be fine one day. 

“Pain will be over and better once you are diagnosed. 

“Enduring the pain is a learning curve but you will get through it.”

If you are struggling with symptoms of Endometriosis, you can visit the Endometriosis UK website here for advice, tips and help: https://www.endometriosis-uk.org .

March is Endometriosis Awareness Month where events will be taking place – more information can be found on the website above.

Adam Redfern’s legacy continues with second ‘Run for Redfern’

By Molly Lee

A second ‘Run for Redfern’ in memory of De Montfort University (DMU) graduate and staff member Adam Redfern will be taking place on Sunday (MARCH5) to raise money for charity.

The 5km fundraiser run will begin at 11am in Victoria Park in Leicester and will finish at the Students’ Union (DSU) building on the DMU campus.

All money raised by the run will go towards the Adam Redfern Memorial Fund which was established after Adam’s died following a cardiac arrest.

The fund strives to give students with a passion for media, journalism and sports opportunities to improve their future careers.

Adam was a well-loved member of the DMU community, both as a student, a DSU Executive Officer and later as an employee working for the university’s communications team.

Elgan Hughes, Head of Membership Services at DMU, said: “I had the honour of calling him a friend. Adam had a huge passion for making a positive difference and he always put others and students before himself.”

Family, friends and colleagues of Adam hope that his legacy will carry on through DMU in the years to come, especially with the university’s initiative to become a Heart Safe Campus.

Paul Hindle, Associate Director of Communications at DMU, and a close colleague of Adam, said: “The real success would be that long after I’ve left DMU and all of the people who knew Adam have left DMU, the prizes and the scholarships under his name are still going strong. Certainly, as far as his colleagues go, we will never forget him.”

Since Adam’s passing, DMU has increased publicity about the location of defibrillators on campus and how to use them.

Ian and Christine Redfern, Adam’s parents, said: “The sudden and unexpected nature of his passing left a huge hole in our lives.”

They added: “For obvious reasons, shining a light on cardiac risk in young adults is something very close to our own hearts.”

The fundraiser run and the memorial fund have had huge successes since their establishment and organisers hope to continue Adam’s legacy for future generations of DMU students.

Places for the event can be booked via the DSU website here: https://events.demontfortsu.com/event/run-for-redfern-5k-charity-run/80505  with an entry fee of £5.

Cervical Cancer Awareness Month – students discuss the importance of getting a test

By Molly Lee

A survey has revealed 90,000 women don’t have their smear tests in Leicester.

The city has one of the lowest uptakes in the UK.

January is Cervical Cancer Awareness month which aims to increase the number of women going for tests.

These DMU students have been talking about the importance of screening.

Royal Mail strikes affect online selling due to delivery delays

By Molly Lee