Why telling your story can be good for you

By Dr Sue Jackson

*AS SEEN IN PITUITARY LIFE*

Esther Florence Talk

Esther Florence shares her story

Steve's story - Volunteers' week

I was diagnosed with acromegaly in 1987 and had transsphenoidal surgery in early 1988. This was followed by a six-week course of radiotherapy in 1992. I could not find much information about my condition – the internet did not exist and The Foundation had not been formed. I had to accept what I was told by the doctors relating to my condition and treatment.

Ann's story - Volunteers' week

"I became a volunteer with the Pituitary Foundation 2 years ago when they were looking for Helpline Operators for the Support Helpline.  It came at just the right for me. The Foundation had been a huge support to me for the previous 10 years while dealing with my own pituitary condition, Acromegaly..."  

Sarah's story - Volunteers' week

A pea sized problem...volunteering 

"When discharged from hospital I had no idea that The Pituitary Foundation existed. I was in a bubble of bewilderment. Ecstatic to be going home after almost a month in hospital. Nervous not to have medical professionals around me but looking forward to my own bed. In the following weeks and months there was a lot of rebuilding of my physical and emotional health to do and I hadn’t realised the enormity of it..."

Annie's story - Volunteers' week

"After having had constant headaches and other symptoms for about 20 plus years, I was finally diagnosed with Acromegaly at St Bartholomew’s Hospital in London on the 24^th December 1993 - Not the best Christmas present I have ever had...."

Dominika's story - Volunteers' week

"My name is Dominika Butler; I am a scientist and like many of you – a pituitary patient. My volunteering journey started in July 2015 when I contacted Rosa at The Pituitary Foundation and asked if I could be of assistance, but let me start from the beginning…"

Indi's story - Volunteers' week

"My name is Indi Banerjee, I am a specialist in children’s growth and hormones. I have always been fascinated by how hormones work and have such a great impact on peoples’ lives. I carried my interest through my training period in children’s medicine and I am now a paediatric endocrinologist in a busy hospital...."

Phil's story - Volunteers' week

"I was diagnosed with a macro pituitary adenoma in October 1996.  I had surgery to remove this, and gamma knife radiosurgery in 2002 when the tumour started to return - touch wood, that has been successful..." 

Celebrating Volunteers' Week 2019

Across the UK this week is Volunteers’ Week from 1st – 7th June, which is an annual celebration highlighting the contribution volunteers make!