A 24-year-old woman, Lucy Younger, was diagnosed with a brain tumour after her symptoms were dismissed as being typical of a “fresher” lifestyle and excessive drinking. Lucy began experiencing unusual symptoms like zoning out, smelling bacon, and frequent déjà vu before starting university. Despite her symptoms worsening while at university, doctors attributed them to her drinking habits and advised her to slow down. Lucy visited her GP multiple times over the following year but was continuously dismissed and even prescribed antidepressants.
After persistent efforts and further referrals, a CT scan eventually revealed a benign brain tumour. Lucy underwent a craniotomy to remove the tumour. She now aims to raise awareness and encourage others to advocate for themselves in seeking a diagnosis to detect brain tumours early. Lucy’s journey highlights the importance of persisting in seeking medical attention despite initial dismissals.
Lucy initially noticed her symptoms before starting her BA in English at Goldsmiths in September 2018. She experienced déjà vu, visual hallucinations, and various sensory hallucinations like smelling bacon, feeling pins and needles, and tasting metal. Despite cutting back on drinking and trying nights in, her symptoms worsened, leading to headaches and concentration difficulties.
When Lucy sought help from her GP, they attributed her symptoms to anxiety due to the stress of being a university fresher. Despite being prescribed anxiety medication, her symptoms persisted, including zoning out during lectures. Doctors then diagnosed her with depression and panic attacks. Even after following their advice, Lucy’s symptoms continued, with doctors suggesting hormonal issues related to PCOS. Lucy’s condition deteriorated in March 2020, resulting in seizures and other severe symptoms.
After her concerns were initially dismissed, Lucy’s persistence and a pharmacist’s advocacy led to a CT scan, confirming a benign brain tumour. Following surgery, Lucy returned to university in 2021 but now lives with epilepsy and short-term memory loss. She emphasises the importance of self-advocacy in healthcare and catching conditions like brain tumours early for a better prognosis.
Lucy’s story serves as a reminder that individuals should trust their instincts and persist in seeking medical attention if they suspect something is wrong with their health. Her experience sheds light on the challenges faced when symptoms are dismissed and the significance of being proactive in advocating for proper diagnosis and treatment.