Episode 24 - Cas

In Episode 27 of AcroTales, we meet Paula — born and bred in Durham, UK, now calling Toronto, Canada home.Paula's story is one of remarkable coincidences and profound life challenges, met with an inspiring stoicism and quiet positivity. A seasoned Ironman competitor, she has also faced her greatest challenge yet: sharing her journey with the world through her memoir, The Brain Tumour That Saved Me.In this engaging episode, we explore Paula's road to diagnosis, the management and treatment of her acromegaly, and the perspective that living with a rare condition has given her.

In this episode of AcroTales, we meet Matt from New York in the USA.Diagnosed with Acromegaly in 2022, Matt takes us beyond the physical symptoms and into territory many patients face but few openly discuss: the devastating impact on mental health and the relentless weight of anxiety.Matt strips away the usual cautious language and speaks with raw honesty about struggles that too often remain hidden in the shadows of chronic illness. It's a powerful reminder that healing isn't just physical.

In Episode 25 of AcroTales we meet Sam, who is from Lincolnshire in the UK. Sam's story is one that shows how quickly pituitary conditions can develop and the sharp impact they have on our health. Within two years Sam has discovered a range of pituitary issues, not helped by the battle he has had to face with the healthcare system to get the tests and support he needs. Combine that with a job where literally millions of pounds are at stake should 'brain fog' kick in, and you have a truly fascinating AcroTale.

In September 2025, around 30 UK patients (and their families) met in London for a UK Patient Engagement Day.I set up the first UK Acromegaly Meetup in 2017 and we did them again in 2018 and 2019. Then COVID hit and we hadn't done one since. Thanks to The Pituitary Foundation and Camurus, we had the resources and support to develop a patient engagment day. And what a day it was. As always, the focus is on those living with acromegaly to have a chance to meet each other, share experiences and learn. We had medical specialists too, who offered great insight into current developments in diagnosis. During the day I grabbed my microphone and grabbed (not literally) a few attendees for their stories and their thoughts on the day. 

In Episode 24 of AcroTales we meet Cas from Nevada in the USA.  Cas's story really demonstrates the challenges faced when undergoing the 'diagnostic odyssey' in a search for answers. After experiencing a range of symptoms, Cas was finally diagnosed in 2019 - just before the COVID pandemic swept the globe. Yet Cas's resilience, positivity and humble nature means she has not let this condition define her.

In Episode 23 of AcroTales we meet Jeremie from the Philippines. Jeremie's story is one of challenges, resilience and hope. Diagnosed with a tumour at just 19 years old - and right in the middle of Covid - he explains his journey to diagnosis, the treatments he received and how - through strength and adversity - he is taking ownership of his condition and is now a leading advocate for Acromegaly in the Philippines.

In this episode of AcroTales we hear from Chrissy who lives in the Cotswolds in the UK. Chrissy is 44 and was diagnosed in 2013.Everyone's AcroTales is unique and comes with surprises, but there's no doubt that Chrissy's tale is one of the most jaw-dropping stories out there. Listen to the incredible way she received her diagnosis and how she has embraced life since treatment. 

In Episode 21 of AcroTales we meet Natalie who is based in Buckinghamshire in the UK. Natalie's story is rather different in that she has elevate IGF-1, a micro adenoma yet her Oral Glucose Tolerance Test (OGTT) is in range - and therefore has not yet received an official diagnosis. So what's it like living with the symptoms of a condition yet not knowing whether you actually have that condition or not? Natalie outlines this unique situation whilst considering what the present - and future - holds.

In Episode 20 of AcroTales we speak to Thomas from Switzerland. Thomas was diagnosed only a few months go and recently had surgery, so this is clearly very new and raw for him. He talks about the symptoms, diagnosis, his girlfriends desire to know everything about Acromegaly and how his approach was not quite the same. 

In Episode 19 of AcroTales we speak to Roz from Essex in the UK. Roz was diagnosed in 2005 after a succession of symptoms that had been present since her teens. Roz's journey has not been easy and had her third round of surgery only six weeks ago! (March 2024). However, Roz faces her Acro-challenge with a great sense of humour and is now a Volunteer Ambassador for The Pituitary Foundation, proving that every cloud has a silver lining. We also discuss how vital it is to have a competent Endocrinologist and touch upon the current state of the NHS.