My name is Risa and I have Acromegaly.
It was October of 2018, as I nervously awaited the results of my brain MRI. I remember utter disbelief washing over me as my Endocrinologist informed me that I had a large tumour on my Pituitary Gland and furthermore, it was causing a rare disease with a name I couldn’t even pronounce.
Seven years earlier, I began noticing changes in my body and overall health. I was an extremely active endurance athlete; Ironman races, long distance cycling, CrossFit and anything outdoors were my fun. But I soon started experiencing extreme weight gain, an inability to recover after workouts, changes in eating habits, severe headaches, to name only a few. I discussed these and the other symptoms with my Primary Care Physician time and time again, pleading for some insight and hoping for solutions. I didn’t feel heard, it was as if the doctor didn’t believe me.
In 2018, I was at my wit’s end, and after three attempts of requesting (the final request was more like a demand) a brain MRI, the tumour was discovered. My symptoms had advanced so much by that point, that it became difficult for me to leave my home. Along with this diagnosis came some relief and validation, I finally had an explanation for all the symptoms I was experiencing for so many years. It wasn’t in my head. I wasn’t making it up. I wasn’t crazy! Then it hit me, in that very moment I knew going forward I must use my voice, speak up, and trust that I know myself better than anyone! I became my own advocate and an advocate for others. Doctors don’t always like me now; I am very vocal about my needs and desire to discuss all options.
I spent the year of 2019 recovering from brain surgery, enduring six weeks of radiation treatments, and making excessive trips to the doctor’s office for testing and lab work which continues to this day. I have been left with complications from surgery and I am still working with my Endocrinologist to get my hormone levels under control and find a medication that works for me. This can take a toll on my body, mind, and spirit and requires grace through my process of letting go of my old self.
Looking ahead, my life looks different. I am no longer the person I used to be and have grieved for her. My future is uncertain. My healing continues through the work I do personally and in my Gestalt practice. In my efforts to move forward, I am doing what I can to spread awareness around rare Pituitary diseases/disorders.
I built my strength and confidence back up and rode my bike the 1,845 miles (2969.26 km) from Canada to Mexico down the Pacific Coast (USA) and went on to write an award-winning and 5-star awarded memoir about my bike ride, diagnosis, and personal life upheaval. I have been interviewed on over 30 podcasts to date and give inspirational talks on resilience. My next journey in May 2024 will be along the Camino de Santiago in Spain. Most importantly however, I have become a better human, I have more gratitude and I am creating the best life I possibly can…a life unleashed.
You can find me at www.risaaugust.com