Pituitary News, Issue 10 - Winter 1999.

One member's account of her contact with an Endocrine Nurse, particularly concerning support whilst undergoing Growth hormone replacement therapy.

I first met Maggie Carson early one Friday morning towards the end of May this year. She was after my blood and, over the first few hours, managed to extract quite a lot of it! It was all in a good cause, of course, as I had agreed to take part in a Growth Hormone Replacement Trial at the University of Edinburgh's Department of Medicine.

Since then, I have had quite a lot to do with Maggie. She has visited my home to demonstrate how to use the Genotropin Pen and to bring supplies of growth hormone cartridges, needles and a sharps bin. She has been at the end of a phone, at home and at work, when I have needed advice or more supplies. She has popped growth hormone cartridges, in a cool bag with an ice pack, through my letter box, and she has sent me supplies of needles and a new sharps bin when my medical practice was unable to prescribe them.

All in all, as my first-line professional, she has gone out of her way not only to ensure that I was able to use the growth hormone confidently and competently, but was also prepared to give me the necessary practical back-up.

After four months or so on growth hormone therapy, I returned to give Maggie more of my blood so that the effects of growth hormone could be assessed and my part in the trial completed. Fortunately, Maggie has not closed the door on me entirely, she has assured me that I can still contact her if I need to - and I very probably will!