Man reveals two brain tumour symptoms everyone should know

A person who put his tiredness all the way down to lengthy Covid was instructed he truly had a mind tumour that had been rising for 10 years.

Grant Churnin-Ritchie, 42, repeatedly visited his GP after a bout of Covid in July 2021 left him with fixed tiredness and a tingling in his proper arm.

For a number of months, he was instructed it was lengthy Covid, however Grant was satisfied it was extra critical.

After blood exams, an ECG and an MRI scan, it was revealed he had a pituitary tumour.

Such a tumour impacts the pituitary gland, a pea-sized organ within the mind which controls development and improvement.

Grant, a Microsoft specialist from Horsforth, Leeds, West Yorkshire, stated: “I saved going to my GP who stated I had lengthy Covid. This went on for a number of months, however I actually didn’t really feel nicely in myself and felt it was one thing extra critical.

“I used to be so drained and I used to be experiencing a tingling sensation in my arms.

“I had blood exams and an ECG at Seacroft Hospital in Leeds, which revealed an irregular heartbeat.”

Grant was additionally instructed he had adrenal insufficiency – by which the adrenal gland doesn’t make sufficient hormones – and hypothyroidism – an under-active thyroid gland.

These are each signs of a pituitary tumour.

The daddy-of-three stated: “An endocrinologist at St James’ College Hospital stated it may very well be brought on by Covid or a pituitary tumour.

“An MRI scan confirmed it was a mind tumour which had in all probability been rising for 10 years.”

Grant waited 11 months for his operation earlier than the tumour was eliminated on January 16 2023.

He stated: “Quickly after, I began to really feel quite a bit higher. Eradicating the tumour allowed a number of the adrenal gland to begin functioning once more.

“Despite the fact that I now should take remedy, I can lead a standard life.

“Despite the fact that surgeons eliminated the tumour, there’s a 20 per cent likelihood of it rising again.

“I’ve an MRI scan in July so I ought to know extra then.”

Grant raised £2,500 after operating Leeds Half Marathon for Mind Tumour Analysis on Might 14 together with his spouse, Hannah, 40.

He stated: “With the ability to run the half marathon with my spouse Hannah was nice, and I’m glad to have the ability to increase consciousness of mind tumours.

“As a result of I solely had two months to coach for the race, I discovered it very exhausting to finish. Fortunately, I had my great household and mates cheering me on which received me via it.

“I needed to offer one thing again, and this was my means of claiming thanks to the medical groups and Mind Tumour Analysis for what they do for individuals with this illness.”

Matthew Value, group improvement supervisor at Mind Tumour Analysis stated: “We’re actually grateful to Grant for taking up the Leeds Half Marathon because it’s solely with the help of individuals like him that we’re capable of progress our analysis into mind tumours and enhance the end result for sufferers like him who’re compelled to battle this terrible illness.”

SWNS