Neil Smith's interview
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How did all start?
I was born with the condition but it was not until my teenage years that I began to realise something was not quite right. I could not smell and had poor hearing but did not link that to my lack of puberty at the time.
Do you already have a diagnosis? How long did it take you to get it?
I was diagnosed at the age of 23. Up to that point I was always dismissed as a "late starter" or "late bloomer"
For what medical specialties have you been treated? What has been the most useful specialty for your?
Endocrinology.
What has been the most useful thing for you so far?
Knowing that I have a recognised condition and being able to communicate with fellow patients.
What have been your biggest difficulties?
Lack of physical development meant physical relationships have been very difficult. Not going through a normal puberty and adolescence has effected me well into my adult life.
How has your social and family environment reacted? Have your social or family relationships changed?
Very socially shy & awkward. Feel more comfortable in my own company or in the company of fellow patients.
What things have you stopped doing?
Having normal physical and emotional relationships with other people
What do you think about the future?
Not really too concerned. The condition does not affect my overall general health.
So far, which years have been the best years in your life? What have you done during them?
The 10 years post diagnosis were probably the best as I kept myself busy with work, sport and started travelling. I kept myself busy and did not think about my condition too much.
What would you like to do if you didn’t have your condition?
Probably have more opportunity to have more satisfactory physical and emotional relationships with other people.
If you had to describe your life in a sentence, what would it be?
Missed opportunities early in life.
Finally, what advice would you give to a person in a similar situation?
Seek diagnosis and treatment as early as possible. Do not allow yourself to get tagged as a "late bloomer" Try not to let the condition hold you back socially and get in contact with fellow patients.
