17th May - Two Tests

I returned on the 17th back to the Osprey ward at the Great Western Hospital. They were running tests relating to cortisol (something called a Synacthen test ).

If you really can't be arsed to click the link and read all about it (and I appreciate life is short so why should you) - basically I get jabbed in the arm with something to stimulate cortisol production and then they take samples of blood over time to see if my body it reacting as it should. It takes around 2 hours. Lucky for me, I have a good 3G signal and the department don't care if I surf the web on my phone just as long as the thing is on silent. I sit there reading up about robot building :P

With everything going on over the last few weeks - and the root cause being so unexpected, it's easy to become precious about the condition and become self centred. Yes, I've been exhausted and fatigued for so long now that I can't remember what it feels like to be normal ... and the prolactinoma with it's prospect of visual impairment and leaking spinal fluid sounds very frightening .. but is it THAT bad?

Well ... as I'm sitting there reading about how to wire up Metal Mickey, a lady sits in the chair next to me. She seems friendly and we get chatting. I offer up the fact that I have something growing in my head .. she tells me about the terminal breast cancer she has and the drug she's taking to avert bone tumours. There .. the prolactinoma is quickly put back in its place. It's sobering no?

Other than that, all I can say is that I got two free cups of tea out of it! The test eventually came back with a good result - which would show that I still have some pituitary function and it's not all doom in my bonce.

I collect my perscription for Cabergoline on the way out of the hospital - although I have to wait a couple of days before I can start taking the stuff. I'm sure that's going to be a joy.


19th May - OAP Bone Scan Shocker For Young (ish) Man - Currently Bent Out Of Shape

I got called in to the hospital for a DEXA scan. This is essentially a bone density scan which involved something like a star trek scanner moving up and down my less than he-man body. In my case they scanned my lower spine and my left hip. Why? Because low testosterone over a prolonged period can cause osteoporosis! Let this be a warning for those of you who like to go commando - you need to pull your trousers down for this scan. You may well have low testosterone and your love missile may be missing its ability to deliver a payload - but it's still there - and the old bird operating the scanner may not be pleased to see your bowyers unwrapped!

I'm concerned about this just a little (the scan not the commando bit) and I'll be keen to get the all clear. No results yet.

It's a quick job and before long I'm in the car heading back down the M4 to work.