A mum has told of her shock after her 'dizziness' turned out to be a symptom of a brain tumour.
Sue Hitchmough, 48, spent almost a year blaming her health issues on "overdoing it at the gym" after suffering from minor hearing loss and lightheaded spells before being diagnosed with low-grade acoustic neuroma, reports Coventry Live.
Initially told that she was likely suffering from an ear infection, Sue took a course of antibiotics prescribed to her but found her condition was not improving.
She was diagnosed in September 2021, with surgeons removing a 3.5cm tumour the following February
Sue, a managing director, from Burleson, Hampshire, told the newspaper: “I used to wake up during the night with the sensation of a tablet stuck in my throat. I found myself making excuses for everything my body was feeling.
"I’d think that perhaps I was overdoing it at the gym and not eating enough. My life changed as soon as I heard the words ‘brain tumour’."
Sue now needs a lifelong shunt in her brain to drain excess fluid caused by the tumour, and has been left completely deaf in one ear, unable to cry out of her right eye and without taste on one side of her mouth.
The mum, who received further surgery to tie up the tube from the shunt last month, is now hoping to use her experience to raise awareness of the little known disease.
She has set up an Instagram account to document her journey and connect with other people who have low-grade acoustic neuroma.
Sue, who regularly posts information about her surgeries and health updates, said: "I lost my aunt to the disease when I was a young teenager, she was 40. I wondered if it could be hereditary, and if so, were my children at risk?
"When I asked, the consultant advised they didn’t know what caused them. It was just ‘one of those things. I did my own research into brain tumours and was alarmed with how little is known about the disease.”
Sue has also volunteered to take part in a charity firewalk for Brain Tumour Research, and will walk across the 800-degree coals for the vital charity at The Horton Inn in Wimbourne on March 9.
Mel Tiley, community development manager at Brain Tumour Research, said: “We’re grateful to Sue for sharing her story with us. It reminds us that brain tumours are indiscriminate - they can affect anyone at any age.
“We have firewalks taking place all over the country and are delighted to bring this event to people who want to join the #FightingForce to help find a cure for this disease. We wish Sue and all the participants the best of luck in what promises to be a once-in-a-lifetime experience.”
