I have the exact same condition which was diagnosed by a dentist. I was admitted into hospital to have a tooth removed and the dentist (surgeon) asked me when I came round whether I'd heard of acromegaly before. I said that I'd never had but he suggested I went for a blood test to check for growth hormone excess. After eventually persueding my GP I needed to do this (he did ask what the hell does a dentist know about it!!) I went for the test. It was down to the fact that the gaps between my teeth were larger and then later other factors came out as per Mr Gurrieri, 'doughy' hands, growth to hands (had to have my wedding ring cut off) & feet, etc.
I went for the operation last March and am currently on a trial with a particular drug which I inject every day to reduce the growth hormone reading. This seems to be successful so far and after the years trial I await to see what future medication I will continue to take.
But thanks once again to my dentist this condition was found.

Paul Blowers, Southend-on-Sea, England

What a lucky man to have had this spotted, so many people with Acromegaly, suffer for years and years, with all kinds of different diagnosis's and for them, there will be lasting problems, I wish somebody would make a TV programme about it, and slot it in at 9pm. There is a saying about Pit problems, its not that rare, its just that it is rarely diagnosed.

Jan, UK,

Twelve years or so ago, my seven-year old nephew was taken to his GP by his mother for an unrelated matter when the locum, a recent migrant from India, standing in for their usual doctor noticed he was dragging his right foot as he walked into the surgery and suggested he be seen by an oncologist without delay. The specialist, after a series of tests, diagnosed a brain tumour in the lad. Sadly, it was a particularly virulent type and he subsequently died, but not before he had twelve months' 'quality time' with his parents before suddenly deteriorating. I often wonder if his own GP would have spotted his condition had he, instead of the locum, been taking his surgery that day?

Colin Cumner, Adelaide, , South Australia