The Traitors contestant Elen Wyn has opened up about a devastating condition that has spread across her organs.
Elen, 25, rose to fame on this year’s series of the show during which she was banished in episode two. But while she may have been eliminated early on in the competition, Elen has been busy post-show and has used her increased platform to help draw attention to a subject that is very close to her heart.
In an emotional TikTok video, the TV personality described how she’d finally received an endometriosis diagnosis after a decade of searching for answers. In the clip, Elen looked downbeat as the words on screen read: “My brain after finding out I have stage 4 endometriosis and it’s spread to my bowel, bladder, kidney, ovaries and fallopian tubes after spending 10 years asking for help.”
In response to the clip, fans filled the comments section with messages of support while some also shared similar stories. “I had stage four. It was even in my lungs. Had surgery, hysterectomy and I’m fine. No kids though, obviously,” wrote one. “Girl we got you. Stage 4 on my bowel, just had a hysterectomy,” another added.
Having amassed more than 54,000 followers on TikTok since appearing on the iconic BBC show, Elen has used her platform to raise awareness of endometriosis. In doing so, she has shone a further light on her own experience.
“This year I was diagnosed with stage 4 endometriosis,” she said in another video. “There is not a cure for his condition however I have found a way around managing it to the best of my ability. I’ve educated myself – I didn’t know much about women’s bodies or the menstrual cycle before this year.”
It’s estimated that endometriosis affects 176 million people in the world. In the UK specifically, one in 10 women of reproductive age are believed to have the condition, with other celebrities including Molly-Mae Hague, Judi Love and Leah Williamson all speaking about how they’ve been affected.
Endometriosis is when cells similar to the lining of the uterus grow in different parts of the body. As a result, it can cause symptoms such as severe period pain, heavy periods, fatigue and pain during or after intercourse.
However, as in Elen’s case, endometriosis can affect organs such as the bowel and bladder. In rare instances, endometriosis isn’t always just located in the pelvic cavity. The British Society For Gynaecological Endoscopy and the Royal College Of Obstetricians And Gynaecologists states that up to 12% of people with pelvic endometriosis may have it elsewhere in the body too, such as in their chest.
As symptoms of endometriosis can be similar to other conditions, getting a diagnosis can sometimes take a long time. Despite this, if you believe you have endometriosis, it’s important that you see medical help.
When it comes to getting a diagnosis, a laparoscopy is the only conclusive way to diagnose the condition. This procedure is where a camera is inserted into the pelvis, allowing surgeons to have a look for signs of endometriosis in the pelvis.
At present there is no cure for the condition, though treatment can be used to help cope with symptoms. In some cases, you may be offered surgery.
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