Corrie star Kate Ford has spoken out about her struggle with severe endometriosis in lockdown.
The actress who plays Weatherfield icon Tracy Barlow says she's been finding it difficult to manage the painful condition without being able to visit her massage therapist.
There are four stages of endometriosis - minimal, mild, moderate and severe
The Salford-born soap star, who has played bad girl Tracy in Coronation Street since 2002, has grade four endometriosis which is the severe stage of the condition, where tissue similar to the lining of the womb starts to grow in other places such as the ovaries and fallopian tubes.
Kate tweeted: "As someone with grade four endometriosis I realise how much I rely on my massage therapy to help with this.
"Due to COVID I’ve not been able to visit my therapist for three months. My body is sore I’ll never take this therapy for granted again xx"
Kate received a flood of supportive comments from followers in response to her tweet.
"Yep. Stage 4 endometriosis too. I understand the pain," said one.
"Endo is horrendous. I’ve been doing online Tai Chi and mindfulness to help with mine," said another.
"Difficult times. Hopefully you get a massage soon."
And another follower told her: "I have stage 4 as well. It's hard dealing with endo and Covid. Take care and I hope you feel better soon."
Endometriosis can cause a range of symptoms including pelvic pain, increased period pain and difficulties in getting pregnant. Treatments for endometriosis include painkillers and hormonal treatments.
The most severe stage of endometriosis involves deep implants on the pelvic lining and ovaries.
Kate, 43, who has a 12-year-old son Otis, previously spoke about her battle after US singer Halsey underwent surgery for the condition.
In 2017 she responded to a news article about the musician’s operations while revealing her own health battle.
She wrote: “I suffer from this it’s not easy.”
