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Wakefield mum shares endometriosis journey to raise awareness
Emma Moggridge, 36, from Grange Moor, is sharing her story to raise awareness of endometriosis and encourage others to seek help if something doesn’t feel right.
Emma first began experiencing symptoms in 2016, but it wasn’t until after the birth of her second child in 2022 that her condition significantly worsened.
“I had symptoms for years, but I only started tracking them properly in a pain diary in 2022 when things became much more severe,” Emma said.
After presenting her symptoms, including recurrent urinary tract infections, to her GP in 2023, Emma was referred to Mid Yorkshire Teaching NHS Trust Gynaecology for further investigations. There, an ultrasound revealed hydronephrosis – swelling of her left kidney. Further tests confirmed that endometriosis had wrapped around her ureter, preventing her kidney from draining properly.
Thanks to swift intervention by specialist teams, Emma has had a ureteric stent in place for the past two years to preserve her kidney function.
Emma describes the impact of endometriosis on her life as “profound”, saying: “Severe pain and fatigue make even day-to-day tasks a challenge. It has affected my ability to care for my young family in the way I want to and limited how active I can be. At times, it feels as though my life has been paused, with my focus shifting from living fully to simply surviving and coping.”
Emma recently underwent complex surgery led by consultant Mr Oboh at Pinderfields Hospital. Emma said: “The care I received from the Mid Yorkshire teams across gynaecology, urology, colorectal, anaesthesia and aftercare was outstanding. The coordination between the teams was so valuable. They all worked together to give the best possible chance of success.”
Although still in the early stages of recovery, Emma says she is already feeling more positive: “I’m feeling stronger and more hopeful than I have in a long time.”
Mr Oboh said: “Emma’s case highlights the importance of early recognition, specialist input and strong multidisciplinary working when managing complex endometriosis. We are proud to work closely with colleagues across specialties to provide coordinated, patient-centred care that delivers the best possible outcomes.”
Emma is now passionate about encouraging others to seek support and said: “Keep a pain diary, understand your symptoms, seek help and don’t give up. You are not alone. Just because we carry it well, doesn’t mean it isn’t heavy. We need to stop normalising women’s pain and advocate for a better future in women’s health.”
Endometriosis is a long-term condition where tissue similar to the lining of the womb grows elsewhere in the body, often causing severe pain and other complications.
People looking for support can find local groups via the charity Endometriosis UK: www.endometriosis-uk.org/get-support.
The charity is currently seeking a volunteer Support Group Leader in Wakefield, as the local group is paused. The role involves a few hours a month supporting others affected by the condition. Full training and expenses are provided.
To find out more or apply, contact: volunteer@endometriosis-uk.org. Alternatively, contact Jo Pursglove, Endometriosis Clinical Nurse Specialist at Pinderfields Hospital, on 07803 440236.