A popular cast member from BBC’s The Traitors has opened up about a painful condition she has just been diagnosed with. Elen soon became a favourite among viewers after becoming a Faithful.
However, away from the show, the 24-year-old who hails from Cardiff, revealed she has endometriosis – an incurable and painful condition.. She has uploaded numerous videos to her TikTok account, urging people to see their GP if they have similar symptoms.
Endometriosis UK says: “Endometriosis occurs when cells similar to the ones in the lining of the womb (uterus) are found elsewhere in the body. These cells can grow and change in response to hormones in the menstrual cycle, this can cause inflammation, pain and scar tissue.”
Elen before leaving The Traitors
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Image:
BBC)
Uploading a series of photos of signs that you may have endometriosis, she says that there are 13 signs and symptoms you should keep an eye out for. These include:
- heavy periods
- painful periods
- severe cramps
- bloating
- back pain
- pain during intercourse
- medication isn’t helping
- bladder pain
- bowel pain
- acne
- infertility
- fainting
- leg pain
Revealing she has stage four, she said: “If you’ve experienced these symptoms and had an ultrasound or an MRI and the scans came out clear, keep pushing for a laparoscopy.”
The only definitive way to diagnose endometriosis is by a laparoscopy. This is an operation where a camera (a laparoscope) is inserted into the pelvis via a small cut near the navel. The surgeon uses this to look for signs of endometriosis and to treat and remove any lesions.
The Traitors fans are glad to see the TV show – and Claudia – back on their screens
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Image:
BBC)
Elen then revealed that her scans showed nothing. “I have stage 4 endometriosis” she said adding: “and all my scans came out clear.” Noting that 1 in 10 women have this common and painful condition, she urged: “Don’t let a GP make you believe these symptoms are normal.”
Experts at Endometriosis UK back this up by stating: “Endometriosis symptoms can vary from person to person. They can also vary depending on where the endometriosis is in your body.
“You may have tests and scans to look for other conditions or take a closer look at affected parts of your body such as the bladder or bowel. Endometriosis does not show up on all scans.”
Urging people not to give up even if they have a clear scan – or scans – like Elen, they warn: “You can still have endometriosis and have a negative scan result.”
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Common endometriosis symptoms
The main symptoms of endometriosis are
- Pelvic pain outside of your period
- Bloating
- Painful periods that interfere with your day-to-day life
- Pain during or after sex
- Pain when urinating
- Fatigue
- Painful bowel movements
- Difficulty getting pregnant