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Ipswich woman warns new endometriosis 'wonder drug' is 'selling people a dream'

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A 30-year-old Ipswich woman has criticised the recent approval of a "groundbreaking" endometriosis treatment, claiming it's merely a repackaged version of existing therapies.

Why it matters: Over 1.5 million women in the UK suffer with endometriosis, with most waiting between five and eight years for diagnosis, according to Amy Peckham-Driver, who shares her own decade-long battle with the disease.

Amy Peckham-Driver pictured in 2021 after surgery to remove stage four endometriosis
Amy Peckham-Driver pictured in 2021 after surgery to remove stage four endometriosisAmy Peckham-Driver

The big picture: The newly approved drug Relugolix is being touted as revolutionary for endometriosis treatment in England, but Peckham-Driver calls it a "sticking-plaster stopgap" that only masks symptoms rather than eliminating the disease.

How it works: Relugolix functions by "essentially shutting down the ovaries and placing women into a chemical menopause," she explains, noting the pill includes "add back" hormonal therapy to offset some menopause-related side effects.

What they're saying: According to Peckham-Driver, the drug "comes with a nasty list of potential side effects" including kidney and liver damage, migraines, hot flushes, abnormal vaginal bleeding, hair loss, mood issues, suicidal ideation, and loss of bone density.

"It looked like a bomb had gone off in her pelvis," she quotes her surgeon saying after her private surgery at age 27, describing her as "one of the worst cases he'd seen in his thirty-year career."

Amy Peckham-Driver has spoken openly about her struggles with endometriosis and says that people should be 'cautious' before considering the new treatment
Amy Peckham-Driver has spoken openly about her struggles with endometriosis and says that people should be 'cautious' before considering the new treatmentAmy Peckham-Driver

For context: Endometriosis tissue creates its own estrogen supply, meaning it can fuel itself even if ovarian activity has been suppressed, which is why hormonal treatments often fail.

By the numbers: Amy waited until she was 27 for an official diagnosis despite symptoms starting in "early high school," representing the lengthy diagnostic journey many endometriosis patients face.

The bottom line: "Promoting Relugolix as a miracle drug when, at best, it's only going to mask symptoms, is deceitful and irresponsible, and endometriosis patients deserve better," she concluded.

What's next: Amy will be sharing more about her experience at Suffolk's first ever women's health conference, "Let's Talk Women's Health," at The Hold in Ipswich on Saturday, 22 March 2025.

Let's Talk Women's Health

A day of interactive workshops, expert-led seminars and empowering discussions about all things women's health.

  • Health & Wellness
  • 22 March
  • 09:00-17:00
Let's Talk Women's Health event in Ipswich
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Suffolk Libraries CEO requests county council 'listen to reason' as takeover decision looms

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With over 22,000 petition signatures opposing the plan, the library charity makes its final appeal before today's cabinet meeting.

Why it matters: Hours before Suffolk County Council's cabinet meets to decide on taking the library service back in-house, Suffolk Libraries is highlighting what it claims Suffolk residents will lose under council management.

The big picture: The charity has run Suffolk's libraries for 12 and a half years and claims the takeover would jeopardise nearly £2.5m in annual financial benefits and numerous innovative services.

Bruce Leeke, CEO of Suffolk Libraries, and the County Library in Ipswich
Bruce Leeke, CEO of Suffolk Libraries, and the County Library in IpswichOliver Rouane-WilliamsIpswich.co.uk

By the numbers: Suffolk Libraries says its charity status delivers substantial financial advantages:

  • £690,000 contributed by Friends' groups for furniture, equipment and refurbishments

  • £150,000 yearly from running prison libraries

  • £500,000 in rates relief due to charity status

  • Nearly £100,000 raised annually through fundraising

  • Almost £1m yearly in grant funding only available to charitable organisations

What they're saying: "We urge Suffolk County Council to listen to reason, to stand by its stated mission 'to make a positive difference for Suffolk', and 'striving to improve, and securing the best possible services'," said Bruce Leeke, CEO of Suffolk Libraries.

He pleaded: "Ensure the people of Suffolk continue to benefit from the outstanding library service which has been heralded as the benchmark for excellence within the industry. Please don't make such an important decision based on flawed figures which so many Suffolk residents are clearly opposed to."

Beyond the money: Suffolk Libraries warns that several services may not continue under council control:

  • Arts Council funded programmes

  • Health and wellbeing projects such as Menopause & Me and Moving Minds

  • Community-led initiatives including Men Can Talk and LGBTQIA+ groups

  • The Be Kind to a Kid Christmas toy appeal that donated over 6,000 toys to families in need

The volunteer factor: In 2023-24, over 1,200 volunteers provided 35,500 volunteering hours to the service. The charity says many volunteers "have already stated that they will not continue if the library service is run by the county council."

For context: Suffolk Libraries has achieved numerous industry innovations, including:

  • First library service with a dedicated wellbeing team

  • One of the first to offer libraries as warm spaces during the cost-of-living crisis

  • First to loan eReader devices to customers

  • First to develop its own self-service technology, saving around £100,000

The bottom line: With growing opposition from local residents, MPs, backbench councillors and other key stakeholders, Suffolk Libraries is making a final appeal for the county council to "return to the negotiating table" before the cabinet makes its decision.

Attwells staff outside their Ipswich office

An award-winning local law firm

Rated as "Excellent" on Review Solicitors with an impressive 4.8/5 on Feefo.

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