- Pheochromocytoma
- Interviews
Eme lou's interview
How did all start?
8 years ago I had my first diagnosis which led to a operation to remove one of my adrenal glands it was found by accident due to me having pain in my neck my blood pressure was checked and found to be realy high was in and out of hospital with it till a gp didsome tests because I was to young to be having these problems I have now recently been diagnosed a second one due to adrenalin being twice the limit it should be so awaiting a ct scan
Do you already have a diagnosis? How long did it take you to get it?
Yes my one 8 years ago diagnosis took about a month this time it's taken a lot longer as gp thought it was all caused by anxiety untill I mentiond my previous history so she ran tests just to be shore
For what medical specialties have you been treated? What has been the most useful specialty for your?
Removal of adrenal gland helped the most
What has been the most useful thing for you so far?
Understanding doctors
What have been your biggest difficulties?
Everything being put down to anxiety when it Wasent as most GPS didn't feel I could get it again due to there lack of understanding of the condition symptoms have been a massive struggle as well as being diagnoses a second time as I know what to expect and my surgery last time was difficult
How has your social and family environment reacted? Have your social or family relationships changed?
My partner is struggling as he knows how I'll I got last time he's scared for me as is the.rest of my family
What things have you stopped doing?
Long walks
What do you think about the future?
Hope I have one
So far, which years have been the best years in your life? What have you done during them?
Life before developing the first tumor was much better I enjoyed life did lots of things and enjoyed myself since the first one I have never felt the same and lack interest in things
What would you like to do if you didn’t have your condition?
Live symptom free and feel better to enjoy things with my children instead of being tierd and not wanting to do things
If you had to describe your life in a sentence, what would it be?
My life appears to be full of constant struggles I just want to be symptom free and be happy and enjoy the time with my kids and husband
Finally, what advice would you give to a person in a similar situation?
Stay strong and get through things best you can it's OK to have a melt down at times just don't stay there
