My story starts way back in 1972 when I awoke one morning with a headache to end all headaches. Three days later I was rushed into hospital with suspected meningitis but doctors decided it must have been meningism instead, a diagnosis which wasn’t revised until 1982 as a pituitary apoplexy.
I spent those ten ‘lost’ years struggling to understand why I never felt in the best of health until a diagnosis of hypopituitarism was finally made. Once I began taking hormone replacement my health gradually improved although not without set-backs, including getting my dose of hydrocortisone right and the terrifying experience of having an adrenal crisis.
Then in the early 1990’s other things started to happen, possibly or probably as a result of those ten years when my body had not been receiving adequate amounts of vital hormones. From that time to the present day I describe not only the difficulties that living with hypopituitarism presents, but my complex experiences in dealing with my bone health.
Despite the challenges faced and the coping mechanisms I needed to use, I consider myself so fortunate to have received excellent care from both medical and holistic professionals and for the love and support of family and friends, which meant that none of my problems have been insurmountable.
I wanted to write this book for those who have hypopituitarism or any other pituitary condition – or indeed anyone who would be interested in my story. I hope it will provide encouragement and enable those who read it to remain positive!
I am happy to say that all proceeds from the sale of my book will go to the Pituitary Foundation as a thank you for all the work they do.
Please go to the Amazon website here to purchase either a hard copy or a Kindle version.