Story

A message from Olivia -   Pituitary disorders are probably not something you will have come across nor are you likely to that often. When I was diagnosed with Cushings Disease in 2010 I must admit I had never thought of the pituitary gland other than during GCSE Biology lessons and most of that drifted over my head. It was only when I was sitting opposite my doctor, having undergone many, including some rather unpleasant tests, that I was made aware of what serious implications conditions of this small gland can have. I was told in no uncertain terms that I was lucky it had been caught and that it is an incredibly serious illness but, most importantly and to my relief, one that is curable. Cushings Disease is rare and caused by a tumour on the pituitary gland that makes it produce excess ACTH, a steroid. The effects are many, including physical muscle wasting, facial changes and increased blood pressure and also behavioural changes such as high levels of increased anxiety, excess energy, impact on concentration levels and brain function. In time this disease, if left, leads to general degeneration of the body. The cure for me, simply put, has been surgery on the pituitary gland to remove the tumour and then Steroid Replacement Therapy whilst the gland recovers. It goes dormant after the operation and although I had been told it is fatal to have too much, it is also equally as bad to have none. Having had to explain my condition to people it became apparent they often do not understand the implications of such an illness and the long term effects – this is not an insult but a fact about rare diseases. Pituitary illnesses will often require life changes and constant medical support, I for one have to carry an emergency pack with me wherever I go including a hypodermic syringe for ¨just in case¨ situations. Through my own ignorance and having been forced to learn so much so fast I have realised that the wider public could be made more aware of Pituitary conditions. As part of this effort Team 10 have formed in the shape of my now husband of two weeks, my dad, two brothers and brother in law. They have come together and will run the <a href="http://www.trionium.com/leatherhead10k/">Leatherhead 10km</a> in aid of the Pituitary Foundation, who are the only charity in the UK providing information and support to people living with pituitary disorders helping patients, relatives, friends and carers. Based on my own experience I have gained an understanding of the need to promote Pituitary illnesses and hope that, with your support, the Pituitary Foundation can do just that. Any donation of any size, small or large will help raise awareness so please give to this worthwhile cause. Also, I want to say a huge public thank you to Team 10 and also all my family and friends for your constant support and encouragement over the last months.