I've looked at pictures taken after I had the normal IGF-1 three years ago, current pictures and pictures from five years ago, and I do look different. It's subtle, but the general appearance of my face has changed. My nose doesn't necessarily look alot bigger, but seems more prominent. My eyes look much smaller and I tend to look a little angry now, even when I'm not. I remember one morning (before I'd ever even heard the term acromegaly), looking at my face while I did my makeup and thinking "what's happened, I just don't look as pretty as I used to". I remember too being surprised when I saw pictures of myself. Just didn't look right. It's so subtle though... My fingers are thicker than they used to be, but not at the tips. They're wider and the "knuckle" digit looks big. My hands hurt a lot, feel stiff and weak. The "fat part" by the thumb is sore and sometimes hurts too much to hold a book open to read. My feet are definitely changing too. The shoes that I could wear a month ago (although they were a little snug) are now very uncomfortable. I can get them on, but I wouldn't be able to actually wear them for more than a few minutes. My big fear is not so much having acromegaly, but having it and not being treated. The specialist I saw was so adamant that since my hands didn't look "big and fleshy", and I didn't "look acromegalic" that I couldn't possibly have it. But for crying out loud, my IGF-1 was normal 3 years ago, and it's doubtful it started the day after the normal test. I just hope he can help resolve this on Oct. 18th. My husband and I have decided that if he blows me off again, we're going to Mayo for a second opinion? Anyone been to Mayo and have an opinion? Thanks!
Lee |
