Living with Acromegaly is a journey filled with ups, downs, and plenty of learning along the way. Whether you’re newly diagnosed or have been managing the condition for years, one simple habit can make a big difference: keeping a health journal.
At Acromegaly NZ, we’re always looking for ways to empower our community. A health journal might sound old-school but it’s a powerful and practical way to stay connected to your body, advocate for your health, and feel more in control of your own destiny.
📘 What Is a Health Journal?
A health journal is simply a notebook (paper or digital) where you record what’s happening with your body, mind, and treatment. This could include:
- Symptoms (e.g. headaches, joint pain, fatigue)
- Medication and injection dates
- Blood test or scan results
- Mood and mental health notes
- Sleep quality tracking
- Questions or discussion points for your specialist or GP
- Diet, exercise, or other lifestyle changes
- Upcoming appointments and outcomes
- Any changes you notice, no matter how small
🧠 Why Keep One?
1. You’re the expert on your body
Tracking your day-to-day experience helps you identify patterns and changes over time. What’s normal for someone else might not be normal for you, and your journal helps highlight those individual details.
2. Appointments become more productive
Let’s face it, specialist appointments can be brief and overwhelming. Having notes means you won’t forget to mention that new symptom or ask about a medication side effect. You can arrive prepared and leave with clarity.
3. It supports mental wellbeing
Journaling can also be therapeutic. Writing down frustrations, fears, or small wins can help ease anxiety and make you feel more in control. Living with a rare condition like Acromegaly can feel isolating so this is one small way to care for your emotional health.
4. It creates a record of your journey
When did that symptom start? Was it before or after your last injection? Your journal becomes a valuable reference, especially when medication doses are being adjusted or when new symptoms appear.
🛠️ Tips to Get Started
- Choose a format that suits you – a notebook, a spreadsheet, or a notes app on your phone – whatever works for you.
- Set a routine – Jot things down daily or even just once a week. Consistency matters more than perfection.
- Use headings or categories – This makes it easier to scan later. For example: Symptoms, Mood, Medications, Notes for Doctor.
- Don’t overthink it – Just write what you notice or feel. Even short notes are helpful!
Your health journal doesn’t have to be perfect – it just has to be yours. It’s a simple tool, but it can offer deep insight, peace of mind, and a greater sense of control over your journey with Acromegaly. Even a few lines a week can help you feel more connected, more prepared, and more empowered. Start where you are, use what you have, and let your journal support you one entry at a time.
Acromegaly NZ 