Health problems can occur even in the most celebrated individuals. One of the most famous and unforgettable wrestlers, Andre the Giant, suffered from acromegaly. This medical condition emanates from excessive growth hormone secretion by the anterior pituitary. Andre's quality of life could have been better had he not suffered from this condition. While several factors, such as lifestyle choices, contributed to his condition, it was primarily caused by his own decisions and refusal of treatment when it was available to him. Likely, his habit of taking alcohol excessively worsened his condition and took a toll on his body, thus resulting in his untimely death.
Andre the Giant's late diagnosis and
inadequate treatment for acromegaly was partially due to his background. In his
childhood, growing up in France, there was not enough medical knowledge on such
diseases as acromegaly; hence, early intervention opportunities were missed.
The knowledge gap and unavailability of health facilities play a significant
role in situations whereby people like Andre could go unnoticed and untreated
until their symptoms grow worse later in life. In addition, Andre put his wrestling
career ahead of seeking medical attention despite having had an opportunity to
do so; Andre the Giant's experience with acromegaly highlights some of the
challenges that people suffering from rare diseases encounter, especially at
the beginning stages of medical awareness, plus unavailable therapeutic
options.
Due to acromegaly, Andre's internal
conflicts could not have differed more from his commanding presence in the
wrestling scene. He suffered from chronic pain resulting from this condition
and used alcohol to cope with the pain. Understandably, he wished to alleviate
the ongoing suffering from his disease, but drinking alcohol as a means of
coping might have added to the complication and sped up his death. This further
exacerbated matters for him since he was not interested in conventional medical
treatments or medications to deal with his condition adequately. It is a
reminder of how hard it can be living with an ailment permanently, thus leading
people to go beyond any limit just for comfort.
Andre died of congestive heart failure
(CHF), a complication from his untreated acromegaly. Cardiac disease affects
almost a third of patients who have acromegaly, and this doubles the risk of
death due to its complications. In people with acromegaly, the heart muscles'
thickening is widespread due to excessive growth hormone production over many
years. This results in an inefficient pumping action by the heart muscle. With
time, this can cause fluid to back up into the lungs and surrounding tissues.
If left uncontrolled, it may culminate in congestive heart failure and
subsequent mortality.
Management of acromegaly has improved with
newer medications and medical advancements in surgery, radiotherapy, and
hormone therapy, unlike during Andre's time when options were not as available.
The case of Andre the Giant is a vivid example of how limited medical treatment,
and the complexities of untreated diseases can negatively influence health and
life expectancy. This unfortunate reality highlights why regular research into
medicine, as well as discovering new methods and treatments for illnesses like
acromegaly, should be ongoing. It also shows how people should prioritize their
health regardless of any difficulties that may come their way, especially
severe and possibly life-threatening ones.
Acromegaly
and Heart Failure - PubMed (nih.gov)
Diagnosis
and Treatment of Acromegaly: An Update - Mayo Clinic Proceedings
https://www.wrestlinginc.com/1032105/the-tragic-life-of-andre-the-giant/
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