E93: Endometriosis – Years of Pain, Misdiagnosis and the Fight to Be Heard | Sam Davies & Vicky Taylor
Guest: Sam Davies & Vicky Taylor
Released: 28 October 2026
Themes: Endometriosis symptoms and chronic pain · Delayed diagnosis and medical dismissal · Endometriosis and mental health · Infertility, miscarriage and women's health · Endometriosis awareness, NHS care and patient advocacy
Content warning: This episode contains discussions of suicide, suicidal thoughts, miscarriage, infertility, mental health struggles and substance misuse.
Endometriosis is often dismissed as simply having a painful period. But for those living with the condition, the reality can be far more complicated and devastating.
In this episode of White Fox Talking, we're joined by Sam Davies and Vicky Taylor, two women from Leeds who share their experiences of living with endometriosis, the years spent fighting for a diagnosis, and the physical and emotional toll it has taken on their lives.
Sam spent around 14 years searching for answers, while Vicky's journey lasted more than 25 years. Both experienced severe pain, debilitating symptoms and the frustration of repeatedly being told that what they were experiencing was normal, stress-related or simply in their heads.
We explore what endometriosis actually is, why it can take so long to diagnose, and how the condition affects far more than just the reproductive system. From chronic pain and fatigue to bowel complications, infertility and miscarriage, Sam and Vicky share the realities that are too often overlooked.
But this conversation goes much deeper than physical symptoms.
We discuss the mental health impact of living with a condition that isn't always understood or taken seriously. The isolation, depression, suicidal thoughts and emotional exhaustion that can come from years of being dismissed, alongside the difficult decisions surrounding medication, hormonal treatments and surgery.
We also hear about the lack of specialist support, lengthy NHS waiting lists and the challenges of navigating a healthcare system that both women feel has repeatedly let them down.
Despite everything they've experienced, Sam and Vicky are determined to make a difference. Through their patient-led support community and campaigning work in West Yorkshire, they're helping others find information, support and, perhaps most importantly, the confidence to speak up and be heard.
This is an open, honest and at times difficult conversation about endometriosis, mental health, medical dismissal and the importance of community.
Whether you're living with endometriosis, supporting someone who is, or simply want to understand more, this is a conversation worth hearing.
If this episode resonates with you, please share it. Raising awareness and starting conversations can make a real difference.
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