Dorset Endometriosis Society ²⁰⁰⁹

How we came about –

Dorset Endometriosis Society (DES) came about through the motivation of a fellow Endometriosis patient, Elise, and is currently in its infancy. Having had the illness from a young age and been through numerous operations and treatments it became apparent there was a lack of support in a certain area. Elise found although the medical profession can be empathetic they are unable to be sympathetic to Endometriosis. The awareness of Endometriosis slowly grows and the development of surgical and drug treatment excels. This in essence inspired DES. The idea of the Dorset Endometriosis Society is to provide emotional support to those who have it, create further awareness and get people together in a positive environment to support each other. Elise found over time she had millions of questions she wanted answered and the medical profession could only answer some of them.

Women having the illness can truly support each other as no one quite understands what it is like to have the illness other than a patient or indeed those closest to them. In this day and age we have web sites and on line communities which support and help a vast amount of women in many valuable ways. Elise found these sites helpful but found talking to fellow patients and specialists face to face far more beneficial. The Dorset Endometriosis Society is an addition to those benefits already available.

The Dorset Endometriosis Society has the support and works in conjunction with a team of experts running from Poole General Hospital where the Dorset Endometriosis Centre has just been set up. The aim of the society is to provide as much information about Endometriosis through various channels.

• Web based information regularly updated
• Regular meetings within Dorset, featuring guest speakers from the specialist field including Q&A sessions.
• Supporting the promotion of awareness of Endometriosis and contribution to nationwide support networks.
• Recommended reading and availability of reading material.
• Direct contact with Dorset Endometriosis Society.
• Various future developments such as alternative therapy page etc.
• The Dorset Endometriosis Society is a non profit organisation.