Ex-Coronation Street star Sacha Parkinson felt ‘period pains every day for three years’ during secret health battle with endometriosis
25-year-old Sacha underwent surgery in April 2017 in a bid to counter the effects of the lifelong condition
SACHA Parkinson has spoken out about her secret health battle with endometriosis which left her feeling "excruciating period pains."
The former Coronation Street star took to social media to educate fans on the condition and revealed how she had surgery last year to counter its effects.
The actress - best known for her role as Sian Powers in Corrie between 2009 and 2011 - has been praised by fans for her candid discussion.
Sharing a picture of herself in hospital, she used the caption: "In April of last year I had surgery to remove endo cysts from inside both of my ovaries... My surgery, though small in comparison to others, changed my life massively."
Sacha, 25, continued: "I had excruciating period pains growing up, often resulting in me taking days off school. I had constant lower back pain and for the last 3 years, a constant dull ache that felt like I had period pains every single day.
"My anxiety was through the roof, I was always fatigued, I found I was irritable for no reason and it hurt to have intercourse. Yeah, I said it, SEX! Which come on, really f***ing sucks!"
Sacha went on to explain how the condition affected her relationship at the time.
She explained: "I wondered if it was all in my mind and I'm certain my partner at the time thought so too, until I was diagnosed.
"After surgery and the recovery process, I felt like a completely new person!"
Sadly, Sacha has noticed a return of the symptoms and fears her cysts have returned.
She told her fans: "Unfortunately I have been experiencing similar pains and changes in my body as of late. Flare ups, changes in my energy again and pains in my ovaries.
"I was always made aware that my cysts would most likely return but I didn't think it would be quite so soon. I've got my fingers and toes crossed that they haven't!"
Sacha went on to urge her followers to educate themselves on the lifelong condition and to spread awareness so that others can get an early diagnosis and combat the effects.
Her fans flocked to heap praise and thank her for bravely sharing her story.
One commented: "Definitely an invisible condition.. fair play to you for speaking out about it and raising awareness!"
Another put: "Just read your story... thank you so much for sharing! I had my laparoscopy in January and still recovering! We NEED more awareness on this awful condition."
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Sacha starred as Sian Powers on Coronation Street between 2009 and 2011. She made headlines when her character became romantically invovled with longtime fan-favourite Sophie Webster, played by Brooke Vincent.
Since leaving the cobbles, Sacha has gone on to star in a number of gripping TV dramas.
She landed the role of Connie Hawkins in ITV period drama Mr Selfridge and appeared in four episodes of E4 hit My Mad Fat Diary.
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