A Rare Diagnosis That Changed Everything
2.5 years ago, I was unexpectedly hospitalised. Disoriented, frightened, and unable to see clearly, I had just been diagnosed with pituitary apoplexy—a rare and serious condition involving sudden bleeding or loss of blood supply to the pituitary gland.
The pituitary gland, often called the “master gland,” controls hormones that influence nearly every organ system in the body. When it fails suddenly, the effects can be life-altering.
To put it into context:
👉 Only 6 in every 100,000 people are affected.
👉 Among those with pituitary tumours requiring surgery, the rate ranges from 0.6% to 10%.
👉 For someone like me—no tumour, no prior symptoms—the odds are even lower.
But statistics don’t prepare you for the fear. For the two weeks I spent in hospital, I was overwhelmed. Every day brought new scans, new unknowns, and a new level of emotional exhaustion.
The Event That Brought It Full Circle
Recently, I travelled to Leicester to attend an event hosted by The Pituitary Foundation, a national UK charity supporting those with pituitary conditions. This one was personal.
During the event, I spoke with Professor Miles Levy, a Consultant Endocrinologist at the University Hospitals of Leicester. I asked a question that had been on my mind for years: Are consultants trained to support patients’ mental health?
He answered honestly: “Yes—but they often know they can’t offer the support patients truly need.”
That moment stayed with me because even as a health and wellbeing consultant—someone trained in resilience and self-care—I struggled. And I knew that many others wouldn’t have the knowledge or access to the tools I had.
Survival Isn’t a Fluke—It’s a Mindset
Most people won’t face pituitary apoplexy. But so many will face health uncertainty—a wait for surgery, a scary test result, a difficult recovery.
So if you or someone you care about is in that place right now, I want to share three powerful tools that helped me survive some of the darkest days of my life:
1. Gratitude, Even in Darkness
When my daughter picked me up from the hospital and drove me back to Derbyshire, I could barely see. But I clung to something to be grateful for—every day—a kind nurse, a warm blanket, a moment of calm. It helped shift my brain from panic mode and reminded me that not everything was broken.
2. Meditation and Mindfulness
My diagnosis triggered concerns about possible multiple sclerosis. I could’ve easily gone down the Google rabbit hole. But I kept returning to one question: What do I know now? I used breathwork and meditation to ground myself in the present, because the fear of “what if” is almost always worse than reality.
3. A Positive Mental Attitude
This wasn’t just positive thinking—it was a lifeline. Inspired by Viktor Frankl’s Man’s Search for Meaning, I repeated a mantra to myself daily: “I will see again. My sight will return.” I had no guarantees—but I had hope. And that mattered more than any medical textbook.
The Right Support, At the Right Time
I was incredibly fortunate. My care started at The National Hospital for Neurology and Neurosurgery, and continues under Sheffield Teaching Hospitals, leaders in early detection and innovation. I’ve even participated in a new cortisol test helping diagnose adrenal insufficiency faster—just one of the many ways research is evolving to better serve rare condition patients like me.
The Pituitary Foundation’s support has been invaluable. Their mission is to help people live well now and in the future.
You Don’t Need a Rare Diagnosis to Struggle
You don’t need to be one of six in 100,000 to feel overwhelmed by illness. You matter whether it’s a cancelled surgery, a long NHS waiting list, or an undiagnosed condition. Your experience is valid.
And sometimes, it’s not about fixing everything. It’s about surviving today. These tools—gratitude, mindfulness, mindset—aren’t quick fixes. But they’re real. And they work.
P.S.
Life can change in a heartbeat. My story is proof. Self-care isn’t a luxury—it’s a survival strategy. Prioritise your mental health. Speak kindly to yourself. Don’t spiral into the unknown—stay grounded in what you do know. And never forget: even in uncertainty, you have the power to choose how you respond.
Mike Lawrence: Your Guide to Health & Wellbeing
I’m Mike Lawrence, a passionate advocate for mental health and wellbeing. After overcoming significant health challenges, including brain surgery, I’ve dedicated myself to a journey of self-improvement and helping others thrive. From heart-pounding skydives for charity to soul-enriching travels in Thailand, my experiences have shaped my approach to holistic health.
I love sharing the lessons I’ve learned from these adventures and the powerful audiobooks I devour. Let’s explore the paths to better mental and physical health together. Embrace life’s adventures with enthusiasm and resilience, and remember—you’re never alone on this journey!
Feel free to email me at hello@mikelawrence.co.uk or connect with me on LinkedIn. For more in-depth insights and inspiring stories, read my latest blogs here. Together, let’s create a healthier, happier future!
