My story starts in 2020. I had headaches, dizziness, was constantly tired and generally rubbish. I had an MRI and they found a tumour; I had a pituitary macroadenoma. The very thought of a tumour was alarming and it was in Covid times, therefore I wasn’t able to see anyone for support. A month previous, I found out I was pregnant and as you can imagine, I was filled with dread and so many questions.
I was told by my employer that due to my illness they could not carry on my employment- another whack in the face! My whole life as I knew it was uncertain. I was scared and felt alone. I also suffer from depression and anxiety and this was through the roof. I tried to maintain a positive mentality for my twelve year old daughter; it was hard.
I was told that I needed surgery however, due to the pregnancy, this could not happen until after I gave birth. I was also told that it was a rarity to get pregnant whilst having this diagnosis. As such, a case study has been written. I had regular scans and, towards the end of the pregnancy, the tumour was getting larger. Apparently this can happen due to the pregnancy hormones. The symptoms were getting worse and my sight was deteriorating. The surgeon said they could not wait any longer and I was booked in to have a caesarian section five weeks early. I was informed that I would be unable to breast feed as this would also increase the tumour. I felt a failure. I wanted to give birth to my son naturally and feed him. My mental health was crashing.
I was informed that I would be unable to feed him as this would also increase the tumour. I felt a failure. I wanted to give birth to my son naturally and feed him.
Within two weeks of giving birth to my son, I was in a special neurological hospital having the tumour resected. I could not have asked for better treatment and reassurance. Due to Covid, I was unable to see my partner or children. I came out of hospital six days later and it was a long recovery because of the caesarean, brain surgery and depression.
I have not worked since. I am still constantly tired. If I have a productive day, the next day I am wiped out. This would make it hard going into a job as I couldn’t be reliable. This upsets me, as I am skilled and proficient as a financial trader and market manager.
Life is not the same. I have no sense of smell or taste, however if I ask myself how grateful am I? The answer is easy. I look at my children, I breathe in the cold air, watch the birds flying, I am beyond thankful I am here.
