Renowned radio co-host fights back against rare disease

(BPT) – Head to work. Hit the golf course for a few hours. Help with homework after school. Have dinner. Catch up on emails and unwind with a little TV before bed. Renowned morning radio show co-host Froggy’s daily routine may seem typical, but what many may not realize is Froggy battles a rare, life-long hormonal disorder called acromegaly.

Acromegaly is caused by a non-cancerous tumor on the pituitary gland at the base of the brain. The pituitary tumor produces too much growth hormone (GH), which in turn triggers an overproduction of another hormone, insulin-like growth factor-1 (IGF-1). Left uncontrolled, acromegaly can significantly affect one’s physical appearance and emotional health, and lead to serious health issues like heart disease.

Like Froggy, many with acromegaly live with the disease for years before getting a diagnosis and struggle with daily management, which can lead to depression, anxiety and feelings of isolation. Determined not to be defined by his disease, Froggy shares how he took control of acromegaly and encourages others living with the disease to do the same.

‘Acromegaly changed every aspect of my life. Before I was diagnosed I was living with a lot of symptoms that really decreased my quality of life. I also struggled emotionally with the changes that were taking place in my body and felt like I had lost control,’ says Froggy. ‘After years of feeling like my life was being dictated by my acromegaly, I decided it was time to take action, and with a strong management plan, I have been able to take back control.’

Following his diagnosis, Froggy had multiple surgeries – one to remove a portion of the tumor, one to have a portion of his colon removed due to pre-cancerous polyps and one to repair his jaw (which had grown so much he had difficulty speaking and eating). Froggy now takes medication and works with his doctor to regularly monitor his hormone levels. With his current treatment plan, his hormone levels have returned to his recommended range and he’s been able to do the things that he enjoys.

Like many patients with acromegaly, Froggy struggled emotionally because of the disease, suffering from depression and social anxiety which impacted his relationships. He went to see a therapist to help cope with his emotions, and through this process, learned he had the power to make a change. Froggy now tries to focus on the positive aspects of his life, and to enjoy the activities he loves doing to avoid being bogged down with the constant worries of acromegaly.

‘A huge pillar of support for me has been my wife, Lisa, who helps to keep me on track with my treatment and is always there for me when I’m feeling out of sorts from the emotional rollercoaster that is life with acromegaly,’ says Froggy. ‘Having the constant support of my friends and family gives me the hope I need every day to battle this life-long disease.’

Froggy now encourages others living with acromegaly to be proactive in managing their disease. This can be done by working closely with their endocrinologists, keeping a close eye on their hormone levels, following their treatment plan and looking out for certain symptoms, like headaches, fatigue and excessive sweating, as they can be a sign recurrence.

‘One of the first places I found information about acromegaly was on acromegalyinfo.com, which helped me realize that I wasn’t alone and gave me the information I needed to push for a diagnosis and discuss my treatment plan with my endocrinologist,” says Froggy. “I want others with acromegaly to know they too can empower themselves and take control by learning about the disease, being proactive in their care, staying positive and seeking a strong support system.’