Woiyee saidieni Njambi Koikai..Woman with endometriosis launches charity to help other sufferers

Piece by: Caren Nyota
Lifestyle

A glamour model whose organs were 'frozen' together has launched a charity to stop youngsters from suffering the same fate.

Former Nuts and Zoo magazine pin-up Carla Cressy wants to warn girls about endometriosis – which nearly killed her last year.

The condition went undiagnosed for 10 years as doctors mistook it for irritable bowel syndrome and the 26-year-old was forced to endure painful six-week periods.

She also suffers from frozen pelvis disease – a severe but rare complication of endometriosis – which means her uterus, bowel, fallopian tubes and ovaries are fused together by scar tissue.

Carla, from Leigh-on-Sea, Essex, says the agonising daily flare-ups, caused by anything from pasta to coffee to fizzy drinks, leave her vomiting uncontrollably and looking nine months pregnant.

Endometriosis – where lining of the womb is found elsewhere outside the uterus – can also lead to infertility, fatigue and bowel and bladder problems.

It has been described as a 'silent epidemic', given that it affects up to one in ten women.

Carla said: 'Endometriosis almost killed me this time last year and has put me through hell ever since.

'It's so severe now that I'm no longer within the four stages that range from mild to severe.

'Despite the pain I am doing all I can to help other women suffering with this crippling condition.

'I can't bear the thought of anyone enduring what I have had to go through, if I can stop one person from experiencing the pain, it's all worth it.'

One of the most severe cases

Carla – who was once voted one of the 100 sexiest women in the country – suffered from the condition from the age of 14 and the late diagnosis has left her with a lifetime of medical challenges.

The illness has even left her a recluse in her own home after she developed severe intolerances to gluten, dairy, pasta and alcohol.

And after enduring three major operations, which left her stomach badly scared, Carla is now set to go under the knife again.

But the brunette, who was forced to give up modelling, has teamed up with top doctors and an MP to start 'Women With Endometriosis' with the aim of educating more people about the illness and to share advice on managing it.

Her brave fight has even been mentioned in the House of Commons with MP Sir David Amess telling fellow politicians she was 'doing everything she can to launch a campaign to make 14 to 18-year-old girls aware of this disease'.

Carla said: 'My organisation will help women take control of their lives whilst living with endometriosis and I have put together a team of experts to provide guidance and advice.

'Despite enduring one of the most severe cases doctors have seen hopefully my experiences can help others.'

Managing her condition brings her daily challenges.

She said: 'I'm trying all sorts of alternative diets to manage my pain without having to destroy my organs from popping pain killers.

'If I can make a change to my life others hopefully can too.'

The daily agony along with her strict dietary regime of avoiding trigger foods turned her life upside down.

She now lives on a diet of grilled chicken and vegetables along with soya milk. And she wants to share her lifestyle tips to others.

A spokesman for the charity said: 'Women With Endometriosis values the health and well being of those suffering.

'We believe time, understanding, guidance and education must be given to women in order to provide an opportunity for those affected to gain control of their potential and put an end to the Endo belly bloat by educating those affected on how a changed diet and lifestyle will allow to regain control and live a more comfortable life.

'We believe if our guide to a healthier lifestyle including booth foods and pain management to avoid prescribed pain relief along with educating those early on to become educated on the signs in order to push for a diagnosis and treatment whilst giving back with the support and donations we receive.

'Don't allow yourself to be trapped in, it is very important to stay strong and the first step is to help yourself so we can help you.'

Source: Daily Mail