Mr. Joe Bumstead

The teens and twenties workshop was attended by a small, but very motivated group. The workshop offered the opportunity for the group to share experiences, past and present. The key topics discussed included:

• Having a pituitary condition at such a young age:
  • How group members coped with 'feeling' different to their peers
  • The difficulty in trying to 'fit in'
• Fatigue was a major factor with a majority of the group, the need to have a sleep in the afternoon. This led to lack of concentration when tired and the embarrassment surrounding this feeling, especially at school/college/university. Trying to explain to peers the reasoning behind it, and of course, being able to 'keep up the pace' when socialising in the evening.
• Excessive perspiration was an important issue to almost all of the group. Some explained how they always carry a spare set of clothing in a backpack, others who showered in excess of two to three times a day.
• Exams were discussed, in particular the fact that if extra help was needed at university eight months notice had to be given.

The highlight of the conference for this group, however, was the Art Session which was facilitated by the Pituitary Foundation's talented artist, Pat McBride, who later said:

"I was very encouraged to find eight of our younger members who wanted to participate in this session. With the emphasis on 'no art skills needed', I wanted the workshop to be fun and casual - so we could break down a few barriers - which indeed did happen. The members paired off to draw each other's portrait, using a variety of art materials. Initially, there were a few cries of 'I can't draw' and some hesitation. Once we had a quick look at how various artists put together very differing portraits - and identified there isn't a right way to draw a person, just to put down on paper what the individual saw - fears were pushed to one side and a wonderful array of portraits developed. Interestingly, any physical evidence of pituitary conditions became secondary or invisible in their drawings.

Our workshop only lasted around 40 minutes, but everyone felt included and satisfied, not to mention very (and rightly) proud of their results."

The success of the Art Session was evident throughout the teens and twenties workshop. A sense of ‘belonging’ and feeling comfortable in each other’s company, and of course, echoes that it would like to be repeated.

The group were asked to think about how they would like to move on as a group. What they wanted from the Pituitary Foundation? What is their vision for the future?

With such a small motivated group, I have no doubt there will be no shortage of ideas!! It was agreed they would give some thought to this and inform the Foundation when decisions were reached.

The Pituitary Foundation has a Teens and Twenties Group and if you wish to sign up, you will get a newsletter and the opportunity to participate in an e-buddies group. Membership is free, so if you would like to become involved, please email helpline@pituitary.org.uk with the subject header ‘Teens and Twenties Group’.