I do this so other sufferers, can see there's hope, and that there are ways and means of both living with, and overcoming its detrimental effects! I suffer a rare and debilitating condition called Empty Sella Syndrome; however, it was never really apparent to anyone, lest we'd never even heard of it! I had a number of various health issues that had constantly hindered me over the course of my latt
er teens and into my early twenties. However, things came to ahead in a serious way after my 21st birthday, when, unbeknown to me, I had suffered a major brain trauma; my condition and well-being continually deteriorated through the end of 2011 and by 2012 I had become desperately ill. After consulting a diagnostic physician, who performed numerous and exhaustive tests, scans and other diagnostic studies on me, after which I was eventually diagnosed with an illness called 'Empty Sella Syndrome''. http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Empty_sella_syndrome
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Pituitary_apoplexy
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Hypopituitarism
Generally my health and levels of strength and fitness fluctuated extensively over the years. At times I'd taken up boxing training, as well as being a regular gym user and augmenting my various programs with assistance from personal trainers. At other times I found myself recovering and undergoing rehabilitation programs as a result of injuries and surgeries, throughout which I experienced pronounced losses in overall physical conditioning. During these instances, I never thought much of it beyond the injuries themselves, throughout my life I realised I had issues like asthma, joint hyper-mobility, poor muscular endurance and a poorly functioning body clock, as well as the fluctuating weight. However it never crossed my mind that there might have been something more sinister and systematic; nor for a second had I considered the possibility I had suffered brain trauma, that was responsible for destroying my body's capacity to produce most hormones, which precipitated continual atrophy/catabolism (breakdown of muscle, joint and connective tissue). Likewise, when I heard the diagnosis and my doctor used the term 'Empty Sella Syndrome'; I hadn't the fainted idea of what he was talking about, I had never heard of it! In one sense the diagnosis provided me with tranquillity, knowing that all of my prior struggles actually came down to something dreadful that was undermining me from within. Inversely however, I became embittered when I considered the consequences of this illness, and what it had gradually taken from my life over time. ESS has deprived me of a great deal, the physiological consequences notwithstanding, various aspects of life, including career, finances, education, travel, relationships and so on, all fell into tatters because of what I'd endured; and even now, I feel tremendously burdened by it. That said, I possess an unshakable conviction that this a worthy cause to advocate; and that it is my purpose to relentlessly represent it. Pituitary illnesses are not well known or understood within the wider community; and given my experiences, I would hate to think that others are living with such a terrible affliction. If awareness and knowledge of this can be enhanced in the community then it could only be for the better. ESS is a dreadful thing to suffer; and unless very meticulous and thorough diagnosis is performed, it is a strong likelihood that it would remain undetected, and thus untreated in sufferers. Secondly, what I perceived to be a lack of well-being and fitness on my part, was actually due to being unknowingly sick. Having been sick in such a manner, it has only emphasised the significance of nutrition and exercise, coupled with the vital importance of attitude and state-of-mind. It's a case of both adding life to one's years, and years to one's life; this can only be achieved by taking care of, and treating one's self in the best way possible, through healthy habits, good eating, proper training and exercise. I would also like to demonstrate (especially to men) that it's indeed okay to talk about such issues, and it is in fact healthy for people to digest their own feelings, as is also articulating one's emotions to others. Internalising problems is never a wise thing to do; developing emotional depth and vocabulary establishes both a better relationship with one's self and others. Finally, I am absolutely resolute in my determination to overcome, if not the syndrome itself, at least the worst effects of it; for me, I owe it to myself, the ones I love and those who have so kindly, and ably helped me though all that has come my way. With regret, during my times of distress and despair (in what I would call, a personal deluge), I have unfortunately, seen others who where once close to drift away over the course of time. It's my duty to do all I can and give my all to overcome ESS so that I may lead the best and healthiest life possible. I will remain steadfast in doing whatever it takes to prevail, I'm unwavering in the face of whatever difficulty may come my way and I will unflinchingly endure what I must. I cannot do it without discipline, dedication, fortitude, hard work, and perseverance on my part.
