When Marsha McCarty-Coombs received her diagnosis of Conn’s Syndrome at the age of 39, medical professionals advised her to “get her affairs in order,” predicting she might have less than a year to live. Now, at 59, she has defied all medical expectations.
“I’m incredibly happy and thankful to be here,” shared Marsha, who hails from Bristol but currently resides in London.
Conn’s Syndrome, or primary aldosteronism, is a disorder characterized by elevated blood pressure due to the overproduction of the hormone aldosterone by the adrenal glands.
In an effort to give back to her hometown of Bristol, Marsha has started an affordable jewelry business aimed at fundraising for local charities.
Her health journey began in 2005 when she collapsed in her London home and had to be hospitalized.
Despite a prolonged six-month stay at Park Royal Hospital, doctors could not determine what was causing her illness.
“They advised me to prepare for the worst because they didn’t think I would see 40,” Marsha remembered.
Rather than resigning herself to this fate, she chose to organize a family reunion and a celebration for her 40th birthday, resolved to live life to the fullest.
After undergoing a series of tests and medical consultations, she was finally diagnosed with Conn’s Syndrome.
According to the Cleveland Clinic, 5% to 10% of adults with hypertension have this condition, which is more commonly diagnosed in women.
Symptoms can include low potassium levels, high blood pressure, headaches, muscle cramps, and excessive thirst.
However, many people, including Marsha, often overlook these symptoms.
“When I was diagnosed, I wasn’t aware of the symptoms. I just assumed I was experiencing early menopause,” she recounted.
The condition resulted in serious complications, including severe bleeding that necessitated a hysterectomy.
Marsha has also been diagnosed with Cushing’s Syndrome, another hormonal imbalance resulting from excessive cortisol levels.
This condition has caused the emergence of benign tumors, including two in her brain and another on her vocal gland.
Due to the potential for spreading, doctors have chosen not to remove the vocal gland tumor.
Despite her ongoing health issues, Marsha strives to maintain a positive outlook.
She launched an affordable jewelry line called Queens of Jewellery to assist low-income families and raise funds for various charities across the West of England.
Her items are priced between 50p and £25 to ensure they are accessible to everyone.
“As a single mother, I understand the challenge of choosing between buying a loaf of bread or treating yourself. I wanted to create something affordable for all,” she explained.
Her initiative has benefited organizations like Missing Link, a Bristol-based group focused on domestic abuse.
Marsha acknowledged that managing her health has been difficult, but she has successfully reduced her medication from 32 tablets a day to just eight, with guidance from a pharmacist.
“I visit the hospital every six months for tests, and each year my consultant reminds me that I shouldn’t still be here,” she said.
Despite having lost her hair, mobility, and battling arthritis, Marsha remains composed.
“I’ve learned to cope with pain, and I’m just so thankful to be alive,” she expressed.
She credited her family and husband for being a continuous source of support, standing firmly by her side without overly coddling her.
