My name is Jenn and this is my story…
My son was born in 2014. I was 28, healthy and working full time as a Physiotherapist. I was encouraged to use the local midwife-led unit as I was assessed to be low risk.
My son was 9 lb. 1 oz when he was born, and he was 8 days overdue. 24 hours into labour, his heart rate dropped, and I needed to deliver him quickly. I sustained a 3rd degree tear and was losing a lot of blood. I was taken by ambulance to the maternity emergency department 40 minutes away. My blood pressure dropped to 70/40 and I was rushed into theatre for surgery. I received two blood transfusions the next day. I didn’t produce any breast milk and I had peripheral blurred vision. Unfortunately, these early signs of post-partum pituitary damage were missed.
I was discharged home when my son was 5 days old. I was still not producing any breast milk and was becoming unsteady on my feet. My blurred vision was increasing, and I started having vomiting and diarrhoea. I saw my General Practitioner, who referred me to Ophthalmology. The next day, when my baby was 13 days old, I awoke in the later stages of adrenal crisis. I often think how lucky I am to have woken up that morning. I was rushed into hospital and had a seizure. I was admitted to critical care and sedated. Initially, it was thought I had a pituitary adenoma, because a CT scan had showed an enlarged pituitary. Later, an MRI scan showed my pituitary was clear.
I went home two weeks later, after missing all that time with my baby. I was taking hydrocortisone and levothyroxine, with a plan to test for other hormone deficiencies. I was so weak and struggled to hold my son. I couldn’t understand what had happened to me or why. There was very little support or information around maternal pituitary conditions. I was told I would be the only woman in the UK with this, so I felt isolated. Sadly, because of my traumatic experience and hormone deficiencies, I developed depression and post-traumatic stress disorder. I was diagnosed with Sheehan’s Syndrome 9 months later. I started a long process of recovery and then of becoming an expert patient. Later, my MRI showed an empty sella, with just a thin rim of pituitary tissue left.
Now, 8 years on, I’m much better and I now understand so much more about my condition. My hormones are well replaced, and I use a cortisol pump for glucocorticoid replacement, which has made such a difference. I also have a Labrador called Joy, who I have had since a puppy. She is accredited as a Medical Alert Assistance Dog and helps me manage adrenal insufficiency. I’m enjoying spending time with my husband and son; we are an active family and have many adventures outdoors. I’m proud to be working with Claire on Maternal Pituitary Support and know we can make a real difference to mothers and their families.