Growth Hormone Replacement...

Introduction
My growth stopped when my pituitary gland (and tumour) was removed when I was 11 years old. At the time I was 5ft 6.5 inches tall, so although not exactly short, I was neither at my true potential height either...I remember my paedatrician/endocrinologist at the time telling me that with future treatment I could reach any height I wished...so I told him that I would like to be 6ft tall...sounded good at the time anyway...my endo smiled back... ;-)

Late Teens
When I was about 18 years old, I was prescribed Human Growth Hormone (HGH), as well as the other meds I took on a daily basis. I administered this, in injection form, several times a week. And it worked. Slowly but surely my height increased to 5ft 9 inches over a period of several years. It really was an incredible feeling to be growing again. This time I was very conscious of it, and appreciative too. I had been aware for far too long that my growth had stopped at such an early stage, and it was difficult having once been the tallest amongst my contempories to see them eventually outgrow me.

Unfortunately, after a few years of the treatment, I received a phone call from a concerned medic, informing me that several patients had contracted CJD and died as a result of taking infected Human Growth Hormone. My heart sank. The treatment came to an abrupt end. I never reached 6ft.

Mid Thirties
Having got used to the fact I would never reach my ideal height, and trying to put to the very back of my mind the dreaded CJD, my local hospital contacted me with the chance (!) of participating in a trial of a new synthetic version of Growth Hormone (GH). I really felt I had nothing to lose this time, and was reassured that the new version posed no threat compared to the human derivative.

Growth Hormone Trial
So I embarked on a 12 month trial of synthetic GH. I was told that for the first 6 months half of the candidates involved in the trial would be taking a placebo, while the rest would be taking the real thing. I underwent a number of tests thoughout the trial including monitoring of weight, body fat percentage, various blood tests as well as tests to reveal the elasticity of key arteries.

Apparently the trial proved to be a success and I was subsequently prescribed the new GH as an addition to my daily cocktail of medication.

GH Administration
Since the trial I continue to take GH each night in the form of an injection. The dosage is intended to mimic that of a typical adult who has reached optimum height, as opposed to an individual who is still growing. The injection is relatively painless.

The Outcome?
The first side effect I noticed when on the trial was that the muscles in the front lower leg (ie. by the 'shins') began to ache severely after walking only a short distance. I remember soon after starting the trial I went to London for a week on a course. I walked from my hotel to the course centre each morning which was only about a 10 minute walk. However, because of the pain in my legs I had to stop several times on the way to stretch my legs until the pain subsided. The pain was like a severe cramp. I notified my local hospital who were monitoring my condition and my dosage was reduced. The pain never returned.

The main benefit of taking GH is that it has given me more 'get up and go' and a little more energy. Since taking GH, I have learnt to play the guitar (still learning!) and do quite a bit of gardening too. The effect is suble at times but worth the while. If I forget to take the hormone for a few days I feel the difference - I feel less inclined to get jobs done, and feel a little 'low' in myself too.

So all in all, I'm glad to be taking GH as an adult. The dosage is small, the injection quick and easy to administer, and the side effects are positive.