During Monday's broadcast of The One Show, Alex Jones and Roman Kemp hosted the first of the programme's 20th anniversary specials. In the studio, they were joined by Sian Clifford and Russell Watson. Before interviews began, Alex shared "good news" about Russell's health.
Russell Watson's Health Journey
Russell Watson, 58, had a brain tumour diagnosis in 2006 after experiencing "terrible headaches" and vision deterioration. Despite successful surgery to remove a benign growth, another tumour appeared the following year.
Alex announced: "Russell many times you've talked about your health struggles on this show and you've been really open, we thank you for that but today you bring good news."
Remarkable Recovery
Russell explained that the tumour at the base of his brain damaged his pituitary gland. Until 2012, it was believed that the pituitary couldn't recover once damaged. However, after struggling to lose weight, he researched and contacted his endocrinologist about a possible steroid dosage issue.
He said: "I went for a test, she rang me up the next day and she said, 'you're not going to believe this, You've started producing your own cortisol', which is a body stress hormone, which is the stuff that keeps you alive."
He has since cut his steroids in half, and after another test, was told he could halve them again. He now takes five milligrams and may eventually not need steroids at all. The steroids had caused weight gain, a "fuzzy headed" feeling, and mood changes.
Russell added: "I'm really pleased about time. It's rare and as I say it wasn't even accepted scientifically up until 2012 I think."
