Re: Newbie would like some information

[Guest guest]

Hello Debbie,

I'm not a doctor but am a recovering patient.

I live in Scotland and the usual way these tests are done in the UK is that

you are admitted into a specialist hospital unit the day before the tests.

Before you sit up (after whatever sleep you managed to get - no chance of

an early morning pee), you need to have been lying flat for around 2 hours,

the first sample is drawn then you have to get up and walk around for 2

hours, no sitting down (and it is agony when your K levels are really low

and you have no muscle strength - I collapsed twice whilst walking the

hospital corridors) then they take the second sample. My tests took around

4 weeks and 6 weeks to be returned from the labs in Leeds which is the

central testing point for these tests in the UK.

In the UK this certainly wouldn't be done from a Drs surgery as what you

have been doing before each test needs to be monitored - and the test is

only done in a few centres in the UK so that makes it expensive and a waste

of resources if not done correctly.

Hope this helps.

Helen

Original Message:

-----------------

From: Debbie W debbie284@...

Date: Thu, 18 Sep 2003 10:39:58 -0500

hyperaldosteronism

Subject: Newbie would like some information

Dear Hyperaldosterone Group,

Recently my doctor ran a renin and an aldosterone blood test on me. On the

results it said the ranges were different for upright and supine. Can

anyone give me the full instruction for this test, including what the

patient is to do prior to the testing, how long prior to testing is the

patient suppose to be in either of these positions?

Thank you,

Debbie

_________________________________________________________________

Send and receive larger attachments with Hotmail Extra Storage.

http://join.msn.com/?PAGE=features/es

[Guest guest]

Hello Debbie,

I'm not a doctor but am a recovering patient.

I live in Scotland and the usual way these tests are done in the UK is that

you are admitted into a specialist hospital unit the day before the tests.

Before you sit up (after whatever sleep you managed to get - no chance of

an early morning pee), you need to have been lying flat for around 2 hours,

the first sample is drawn then you have to get up and walk around for 2

hours, no sitting down (and it is agony when your K levels are really low

and you have no muscle strength - I collapsed twice whilst walking the

hospital corridors) then they take the second sample. My tests took around

4 weeks and 6 weeks to be returned from the labs in Leeds which is the

central testing point for these tests in the UK.

In the UK this certainly wouldn't be done from a Drs surgery as what you

have been doing before each test needs to be monitored - and the test is

only done in a few centres in the UK so that makes it expensive and a waste

of resources if not done correctly.

Hope this helps.

Helen

Original Message:

-----------------

From: Debbie W debbie284@...

Date: Thu, 18 Sep 2003 10:39:58 -0500

hyperaldosteronism

Subject: Newbie would like some information

Dear Hyperaldosterone Group,

Recently my doctor ran a renin and an aldosterone blood test on me. On the

results it said the ranges were different for upright and supine. Can

anyone give me the full instruction for this test, including what the

patient is to do prior to the testing, how long prior to testing is the

patient suppose to be in either of these positions?

Thank you,

Debbie

_________________________________________________________________

Send and receive larger attachments with Hotmail Extra Storage.

http://join.msn.com/?PAGE=features/es

[Guest guest]

Dear Helen,

Thank you for that information. Unfortunately, my tests were not run even

close to that. I walked into the lab, they drew blood and that was that.

Debbie

_________________________________________________________________

Send and receive larger attachments with Hotmail Extra Storage.

http://join.msn.com/?PAGE=features/es

[Guest guest]

Dear Helen,

Thank you for that information. Unfortunately, my tests were not run even

close to that. I walked into the lab, they drew blood and that was that.

Debbie

_________________________________________________________________

Send and receive larger attachments with Hotmail Extra Storage.

http://join.msn.com/?PAGE=features/es

[Guest guest]

I assume your tests were done a few years ago. The reference to the supine and standing on the lab report refers to being supine overnight and then standing for 2-4 hours(usually). But each lab must set its own standards so ask the lab and Dr what is the time they use.

When I first got into the PA business we would put pts in the hospital for 14 days-7 high salt, 7 low salt. Then we cut it down to 4, then to 2 and now all of the diagnostic tests can be done as an outpatient.

We first do a plasma aldosterone and plasma renin and calculate the ratio of aldo to renin. If this is high further testing is needed and may include a 24 hr urine for aldosterone and an overnight dexamethasone suppression test to rule out GRA. The Rx with Spironolactone and if this dose not control BP and K then do MRI and then adrenal vein cath. To measure aldo and cortisol. I always do this with ACTH stimulation before and during the adrenal vein cath. They if the aldo is coming from only one side that is removed by surgery. With the new noninvasive surgery the last pt went home in two days.

In a message dated 9/19/03 7:42:09 AM, Helen@... writes:

Hello Debbie,

I'm not a doctor but am a recovering patient.

I live in Scotland and the usual way these tests are done in the UK is that

you are admitted into a specialist hospital unit the day before the tests.

Before you sit up (after whatever sleep you managed to get - no chance of

an early morning pee), you need to have been lying flat for around 2 hours,

the first sample is drawn then you have to get up and walk around for 2

hours, no sitting down (and it is agony when your K levels are really low

and you have no muscle strength - I collapsed twice whilst walking the

hospital corridors) then they take the second sample. My tests took around

4 weeks and 6 weeks to be returned from the labs in Leeds which is the

central testing point for these tests in the UK.

In the UK this certainly wouldn't be done from a Drs surgery as what you

have been doing before each test needs to be monitored - and the test is

only done in a few centres in the UK so that makes it expensive and a waste

of resources if not done correctly.

Hope this helps.

Helen

Original Message:

-----------------

From: Debbie W debbie284@...

Date: Thu, 18 Sep 2003 10:39:58 -0500

hyperaldosteronism

Subject: Newbie would like some information

Dear Hyperaldosterone Group,

Recently my doctor ran a renin and an aldosterone blood test on me.  On the

results it said the ranges were different for upright and supine.  Can

anyone give me the full instruction for this test, including what the

patient is to do prior to the testing, how long prior to testing is the

patient suppose to be in either of these positions?

Thank you,

Debbie

_________________________________________________________________

Send and receive larger attachments with Hotmail Extra Storage.  

http://join.msn.com/?PAGE=features/es

[Guest guest]

In a message dated 9/19/03 5:56:50 PM, debbie284@... writes:

These tests were done a few months ago.  I asked for an explanation

of the tests results and basically told that they were

inconclusive.  I was also taking quite a bit of potassium at the

time, would that interfer with the results?  The doctor gave me

Spironolactone to try, but I couldn't tolerate it either.

Taking K won't affect tests. Did you try lower dose of spiro? Have you had prob lems with low K on diuretics.

Do you DASH? If not it may help a lot if you have PA.

May your pressure be low!

CE Grim, BS (Chem/Math), MS (Biochem), MD.

Professor of Medicine and Epidemiology

Board Certified in Internal Medicine, Geriatrics and Hypertension

Published over 230 research papers, chapters and reviews in the area of high blood pressure: epidemiology, history, endocrinology, genetics and physiology.

[Guest guest]

In a message dated 9/19/03 8:24:17 PM, debbie284@... writes:

I am sorry I am not familiar with what PA stands for.

Primary Aldosteronism a curable cause of hypertension a la this site.

How much trouble have you had with low blood K. This is a classic sign of PA of course.

May your pressure be low!

CE Grim, BS (Chem/Math), MS (Biochem), MD.

Professor of Medicine and Epidemiology

Board Certified in Internal Medicine, Geriatrics and Hypertension

Published over 230 research papers, chapters and reviews in the area of high blood pressure: epidemiology, history, endocrinology, genetics and physiology.

[Guest guest]

In a message dated 9/19/03 8:24:17 PM, debbie284@... writes:

I am sorry I am not familiar with what PA stands for.

Primary Aldosteronism a curable cause of hypertension a la this site.

How much trouble have you had with low blood K. This is a classic sign of PA of course.

May your pressure be low!

CE Grim, BS (Chem/Math), MS (Biochem), MD.

Professor of Medicine and Epidemiology

Board Certified in Internal Medicine, Geriatrics and Hypertension

Published over 230 research papers, chapters and reviews in the area of high blood pressure: epidemiology, history, endocrinology, genetics and physiology.

[Guest guest]

These tests were done a few months ago. I asked for an explanation

of the tests results and basically told that they were

inconclusive. I was also taking quite a bit of potassium at the

time, would that interfer with the results? The doctor gave me

Spironolactone to try, but I couldn't tolerate it either.

Debbie

> I assume your tests were done a few years ago. The reference

to the

> supine and standing on the lab report refers to being supine

overnight and then

> standing for 2-4 hours(usually). But each lab must set its own

standards so

> ask the lab and Dr what is the time they use.

>

> When I first got into the PA business we would put pts in the

hospital for 14

> days-7 high salt, 7 low salt. Then we cut it down to 4, then to

2 and now

> all of the diagnostic tests can be done as an outpatient.

>

> We first do a plasma aldosterone and plasma renin and calculate

the ratio of

> aldo to renin. If this is high further testing is needed and may

include a

> 24 hr urine for aldosterone and an overnight dexamethasone

suppression test

> to rule out GRA. The Rx with Spironolactone and if this dose not

control BP

> and K then do MRI and then adrenal vein cath. To measure aldo and

cortisol. I

> always do this with ACTH stimulation before and during the adrenal

vein cath.

> They if the aldo is coming from only one side that is removed by

surgery.

> With the new noninvasive surgery the last pt went home in two

days.

>

>

> In a message dated 9/19/03 7:42:09 AM, Helen@C...

> writes:

>

>

> >

> > Hello Debbie,

> >

> > I'm not a doctor but am a recovering patient.

> >

> > I live in Scotland and the usual way these tests are done in the

UK is that

> > you are admitted into a specialist hospital unit the day before

the tests.

> > Before you sit up (after whatever sleep you managed to get - no

chance of

> > an early morning pee), you need to have been lying flat for

around 2 hours,

> > the first sample is drawn then you have to get up and walk

around for 2

> > hours, no sitting down (and it is agony when your K levels are

really low

> > and you have no muscle strength - I collapsed twice whilst

walking the

> > hospital corridors) then they take the second sample. My tests

took around

> > 4 weeks and 6 weeks to be returned from the labs in Leeds which

is the

> > central testing point for these tests in the UK.

> >

> > In the UK this certainly wouldn't be done from a Drs surgery as

what you

> > have been doing before each test needs to be monitored - and the

test is

> > only done in a few centres in the UK so that makes it expensive

and a waste

> > of resources if not done correctly.

> >

> > Hope this helps.

> >

> > Helen

> >

> >

> > Original Message:

> > -----------------

> > From: Debbie W debbie284@h...

> > Date: Thu, 18 Sep 2003 10:39:58 -0500

> > hyperaldosteronism

> > Subject: Newbie would like some information

> >

> >

> > Dear Hyperaldosterone Group,

> >

> > Recently my doctor ran a renin and an aldosterone blood test on

me.  On the

> > results it said the ranges were different for upright and

supine.  Can

> > anyone give me the full instruction for this test, including

what the

> > patient is to do prior to the testing, how long prior to testing

is the

> > patient suppose to be in either of these positions?

> >

> > Thank you,

> >

> > Debbie

> >

> > _________________________________________________________________

> > Send and receive larger attachments with Hotmail Extra Storage.  

> > http://join.msn.com/?PAGE=features/es

> >

> >

> >

> >

[Guest guest]

Actually my potassium levels are not low. I have a lot of horrible

muscle spasms and weakness. Potassium also seems to help with my

fatigue.

I have difficulty taking every diuretic and hypertension medication

I have tried except Toprol XL, and I can barely tolerate 25

mg./day. In fact I have to split the pill in half and take half

twice a day.

I am sorry I am not familiar with what PA stands for.

Thank you for your help,

Debbie

>

> In a message dated 9/19/03 5:56:50 PM, debbie284@h... writes:

>

>

> > These tests were done a few months ago.  I asked for an

explanation

> > of the tests results and basically told that they were

> > inconclusive.  I was also taking quite a bit of potassium at the

> > time, would that interfer with the results?  The doctor gave me

> > Spironolactone to try, but I couldn't tolerate it either.

> >

> Taking K won't affect tests. Did you try lower dose of spiro?

Have you

> had prob lems with low K on diuretics.

>

> Do you DASH? If not it may help a lot if you have PA.

>

>

>

>

> May your pressure be low!

>

> CE Grim, BS (Chem/Math), MS (Biochem), MD.

> Professor of Medicine and Epidemiology

> Board Certified in Internal Medicine, Geriatrics and Hypertension

> Published over 230 research papers, chapters and reviews in the

area of high

> blood pressure: epidemiology, history, endocrinology, genetics and

physiology.

[Guest guest]

I have never been able to take a diuretic long enough to have my potassium

levels checked. The diuretics work for a couple of days, then they quit and

cause horrible side effects. I was given 25 mg of Spironolactone and told

to take 1/2 a tablet twice a day. I have even tried a smaller dose than

that, and still cannot tolerate it. The same is true for bp meds. I do not

DASH. In fact, when I lower my salt intake I really feel horrible.

Debbie

>From: lowerbp2@...

>Reply-hyperaldosteronism

>hyperaldosteronism

>Subject: Re: Re: Newbie would like some information

>Date: Fri, 19 Sep 2003 19:39:52 EDT

>

>

>In a message dated 9/19/03 5:56:50 PM, debbie284@... writes:

>

>

> > These tests were done a few months ago.  I asked for an explanation

> > of the tests results and basically told that they were

> > inconclusive.  I was also taking quite a bit of potassium at the

> > time, would that interfer with the results?  The doctor gave me

> > Spironolactone to try, but I couldn't tolerate it either.

> >

>Taking K won't affect tests. Did you try lower dose of spiro? Have you

>had prob lems with low K on diuretics.

>

>Do you DASH? If not it may help a lot if you have PA.

>

>

>

>

>May your pressure be low!

>

>CE Grim, BS (Chem/Math), MS (Biochem), MD.

>Professor of Medicine and Epidemiology

>Board Certified in Internal Medicine, Geriatrics and Hypertension

>Published over 230 research papers, chapters and reviews in the area of

>high

>blood pressure: epidemiology, history, endocrinology, genetics and

>physiology.

>

_________________________________________________________________

Get 10MB of e-mail storage! Sign up for Hotmail Extra Storage.

http://join.msn.com/?PAGE=features/es

[Guest guest]

what probs do you have with iti also talk it and have some probs but cant

tell what it is

thanks mark

Re: Re: Newbie would like some information

> >Date: Fri, 19 Sep 2003 19:39:52 EDT

> >

> >

> >In a message dated 9/19/03 5:56:50 PM, debbie284@... writes:

> >

> >

> > > These tests were done a few months ago. I asked for an explanation

> > > of the tests results and basically told that they were

> > > inconclusive. I was also taking quite a bit of potassium at the

> > > time, would that interfer with the results? The doctor gave me

> > > Spironolactone to try, but I couldn't tolerate it either.

> > >

> >Taking K won't affect tests. Did you try lower dose of spiro? Have

you

> >had prob lems with low K on diuretics.

> >

> >Do you DASH? If not it may help a lot if you have PA.

> >

> >

> >

> >

> >May your pressure be low!

> >

> >CE Grim, BS (Chem/Math), MS (Biochem), MD.

> >Professor of Medicine and Epidemiology

> >Board Certified in Internal Medicine, Geriatrics and Hypertension

> >Published over 230 research papers, chapters and reviews in the area of

> >high

> >blood pressure: epidemiology, history, endocrinology, genetics and

> >physiology.

> >

>

> _________________________________________________________________

> Get 10MB of e-mail storage! Sign up for Hotmail Extra Storage.

> http://join.msn.com/?PAGE=features/es

>

>

>

>

[Guest guest]

They all make me very weak and sickly within a few days, to the point I

cannot get out of bed. The diuretic work a little the first couple of days,

then stop. Some of the other symptoms: headaches, very swollen (my husband

says if someone stuck me with a pin I would pop,) very tired, increased back

pain, severe depression, increased sweating, nausea, irritated and neck and

shoulder pain. Shortly after stopping the medication, I would get better.

I would then try taking it again and the symptoms would return.

Debbie

>From: " DODGE HOUSE " <anxioushouse@...>

>Reply-hyperaldosteronism

><hyperaldosteronism >

>Subject: Re: Re: Newbie would like some information

>Date: Sat, 20 Sep 2003 12:24:03 -0400

>

>what probs do you have with iti also talk it and have some probs but cant

>tell what it is

>

>thanks mark

> Re: Re: Newbie would like some

>information

> > >Date: Fri, 19 Sep 2003 19:39:52 EDT

> > >

> > >

> > >In a message dated 9/19/03 5:56:50 PM, debbie284@... writes:

> > >

> > >

> > > > These tests were done a few months ago. I asked for an explanation

> > > > of the tests results and basically told that they were

> > > > inconclusive. I was also taking quite a bit of potassium at the

> > > > time, would that interfer with the results? The doctor gave me

> > > > Spironolactone to try, but I couldn't tolerate it either.

> > > >

> > >Taking K won't affect tests. Did you try lower dose of spiro? Have

>you

> > >had prob lems with low K on diuretics.

> > >

> > >Do you DASH? If not it may help a lot if you have PA.

> > >

> > >

> > >

> > >

> > >May your pressure be low!

> > >

> > >CE Grim, BS (Chem/Math), MS (Biochem), MD.

> > >Professor of Medicine and Epidemiology

> > >Board Certified in Internal Medicine, Geriatrics and Hypertension

> > >Published over 230 research papers, chapters and reviews in the area of

> > >high

> > >blood pressure: epidemiology, history, endocrinology, genetics and

> > >physiology.

> > >

> >

> > _________________________________________________________________

> > Get 10MB of e-mail storage! Sign up for Hotmail Extra Storage.

> > http://join.msn.com/?PAGE=features/es

> >

> >

> >

> >

[Guest guest]

In a message dated 9/20/03 8:58:26 AM, debbie284@... writes:

I have never been able to take a diuretic long enough to have my potassium

levels checked.   The diuretics work for a couple of days, then they quit and

cause horrible side effects.   I was given 25 mg of Spironolactone and told

to take 1/2 a tablet twice a day.  I have even tried a smaller dose than

that, and still cannot tolerate it.  The same is true for bp meds.  I do not

DASH.  In fact, when I lower my salt intake I really feel horrible.

Debbie

What you need to do it so find a level of sodium intake that you can tolerate that helps your BP.

How do you feel bad on diuretics? and on the low sodium?

May your pressure be low!

CE Grim, BS (Chem/Math), MS (Biochem), MD.

Professor of Medicine and Epidemiology

Board Certified in Internal Medicine, Geriatrics and Hypertension

Published over 230 research papers, chapters and reviews in the area of high blood pressure: epidemiology, history, endocrinology, genetics and physiology.

[Guest guest]

In a message dated 9/20/03 11:37:48 AM, debbie284@... writes:

They all make me very weak and sickly within a few days, to the point I

cannot get out of bed.  The diuretic work a little the first couple of days,

then stop.  Some of the other symptoms: headaches, very swollen (my husband

says if someone stuck me with a pin I would pop,) very tired, increased back

pain, severe depression, increased sweating, nausea, irritated and neck and

shoulder pain.  Shortly after stopping the medication, I would get better. 

I would then try taking it again and the symptoms would return.

This most likely thing is your Kis dropping low. Have you ben tested for primary alodsteronism? and what were the results. Again the DASH is not only low sodium but high K which should help. Recommend you do the 14 day DASH challange and see what happens.

May your pressure be low!

CE Grim, BS (Chem/Math), MS (Biochem), MD.

Professor of Medicine and Epidemiology

Board Certified in Internal Medicine, Geriatrics and Hypertension

Published over 230 research papers, chapters and reviews in the area of high blood pressure: epidemiology, history, endocrinology, genetics and physiology.

[Guest guest]

I have had a Aldosterone, serum done. the result was 9 ng/dL and the ranges

were:

8-10 AM Upright: 3 - 35 ng/dL Supine: 2 - 9 ng/dL

Since I had just had an MRA prior to this blood test, I had been laying down

for about 30 minutes. But I did get up to walk to the lab for the test at 8

AM. So I am not sure which result you would go by.

I also had a Renin, direct run on the same day and the result for that was

10 micro u/ml.

So I guess Primary Aldosteronism is ruled out. Would hydrocortisone

interfere with this test?

I am going to try another nephrologist since the last one had no answers for

me.

Thanks for the help.

Debbie

>From: lowerbp2@...

>Reply-hyperaldosteronism

>hyperaldosteronism

>Subject: Re: Re: Newbie would like some information

>Date: Sun, 21 Sep 2003 17:40:24 EDT

>

>

>In a message dated 9/20/03 11:37:48 AM, debbie284@... writes:

>

>

> > They all make me very weak and sickly within a few days, to the point I

> > cannot get out of bed.  The diuretic work a little the first couple of

>days,

> > then stop.  Some of the other symptoms: headaches, very swollen (my

>husband

> > says if someone stuck me with a pin I would pop,) very tired, increased

>back

> > pain, severe depression, increased sweating, nausea, irritated and neck

>and

> > shoulder pain.  Shortly after stopping the medication, I would get

>better. 

> > I would then try taking it again and the symptoms would return.

> >

>

>This most likely thing is your Kis dropping low. Have you ben tested for

>primary alodsteronism? and what were the results. Again the DASH is not

>only

>low sodium but high K which should help. Recommend you do the 14 day DASH

>challange and see what happens.

>

>

>

>

>May your pressure be low!

>

>CE Grim, BS (Chem/Math), MS (Biochem), MD.

>Professor of Medicine and Epidemiology

>Board Certified in Internal Medicine, Geriatrics and Hypertension

>Published over 230 research papers, chapters and reviews in the area of

>high

>blood pressure: epidemiology, history, endocrinology, genetics and

>physiology.

>

_________________________________________________________________

High-speed Internet access as low as $29.95/month (depending on the local

service providers in your area). Click here. https://broadband.msn.com

[Guest guest]

My tests were done 10 months ago in the UK.

I was in hospital a full week following surgery (laproscopic) and had to go

home by ambulance. The district nurse came in every day for 6 weeks and I

was not allowed to leave the house during that time.

Helen

Original Message:

-----------------

From: lowerbp2@...

Date: Fri, 19 Sep 2003 17:04:27 EDT

hyperaldosteronism

Subject: Re: Newbie would like some information

I assume your tests were done a few years ago. The reference to the

supine and standing on the lab report refers to being supine overnight and

then

standing for 2-4 hours(usually). But each lab must set its own standards

so

ask the lab and Dr what is the time they use.

When I first got into the PA business we would put pts in the hospital for

14

days-7 high salt, 7 low salt. Then we cut it down to 4, then to 2 and now

all of the diagnostic tests can be done as an outpatient.

We first do a plasma aldosterone and plasma renin and calculate the ratio

of

aldo to renin. If this is high further testing is needed and may include

a

24 hr urine for aldosterone and an overnight dexamethasone suppression

test

to rule out GRA. The Rx with Spironolactone and if this dose not control

BP

and K then do MRI and then adrenal vein cath. To measure aldo and cortisol.

I

always do this with ACTH stimulation before and during the adrenal vein

cath.

They if the aldo is coming from only one side that is removed by surgery.

With the new noninvasive surgery the last pt went home in two days.

In a message dated 9/19/03 7:42:09 AM, Helen@...

writes:

>

> Hello Debbie,

>

> I'm not a doctor but am a recovering patient.

>

> I live in Scotland and the usual way these tests are done in the UK is

that

> you are admitted into a specialist hospital unit the day before the tests.

> Before you sit up (after whatever sleep you managed to get - no chance of

> an early morning pee), you need to have been lying flat for around 2

hours,

> the first sample is drawn then you have to get up and walk around for 2

> hours, no sitting down (and it is agony when your K levels are really low

> and you have no muscle strength - I collapsed twice whilst walking the

> hospital corridors) then they take the second sample. My tests took around

> 4 weeks and 6 weeks to be returned from the labs in Leeds which is the

> central testing point for these tests in the UK.

>

> In the UK this certainly wouldn't be done from a Drs surgery as what you

> have been doing before each test needs to be monitored - and the test is

> only done in a few centres in the UK so that makes it expensive and a

waste

> of resources if not done correctly.

>

> Hope this helps.

>

> Helen

>

>

> Original Message:

> -----------------

> From: Debbie W debbie284@...

> Date: Thu, 18 Sep 2003 10:39:58 -0500

> hyperaldosteronism

> Subject: Newbie would like some information

>

>

> Dear Hyperaldosterone Group,

>

> Recently my doctor ran a renin and an aldosterone blood test on me.  On

the

> results it said the ranges were different for upright and supine.  Can

> anyone give me the full instruction for this test, including what the

> patient is to do prior to the testing, how long prior to testing is the

> patient suppose to be in either of these positions?

>

> Thank you,

>

> Debbie

>

> _________________________________________________________________

> Send and receive larger attachments with Hotmail Extra Storage.  

> http://join.msn.com/?PAGE=features/es

>

>

>

>

[Guest guest]

In a message dated 9/22/03 3:34:19 AM, Helen@... writes:

y tests were done 10 months ago in the UK.

I was in hospital a full week following surgery (laproscopic) and had to go

home by ambulance. The district nurse came in every day for 6 weeks and I

was not allowed to leave the house during that time.

Helen

Most laps are out in a day or two unless they take both adrenals.

May your pressure be low!

CE Grim, BS (Chem/Math), MS (Biochem), MD.

Professor of Medicine and Epidemiology

Board Certified in Internal Medicine, Geriatrics and Hypertension

Published over 230 research papers, chapters and reviews in the area of high blood pressure: epidemiology, history, endocrinology, genetics and physiology.

[Guest guest]

In a message dated 9/21/03 8:51:08 PM, debbie284@... writes:

I have had a Aldosterone, serum done.  the result was 9 ng/dL and the ranges

were:

      8-10 AM    Upright: 3 - 35 ng/dL    Supine:  2 - 9 ng/dL

Since I had just had an MRA prior to this blood test, I had been laying down

for about 30 minutes.  But I did get up to walk to the lab for the test at 8

AM.  So I am not sure which result you would go by.

I also had a Renin, direct run on the same day and the result for that was

10 micro u/ml.

Need to know what is normal for the renin.

May your pressure be low!

CE Grim, BS (Chem/Math), MS (Biochem), MD.

Professor of Medicine and Epidemiology

Board Certified in Internal Medicine, Geriatrics and Hypertension

Published over 230 research papers, chapters and reviews in the area of high blood pressure: epidemiology, history, endocrinology, genetics and physiology.

[Guest guest]

If you had GRA then the hydrocortisone may have lowered the Aldo into the normal range and increased the renin. How much were you on and for how long.

In a message dated 9/21/03 8:51:08 PM, debbie284@... writes:

I have had a Aldosterone, serum done.  the result was 9 ng/dL and the ranges

were:

      8-10 AM    Upright: 3 - 35 ng/dL    Supine:  2 - 9 ng/dL

Since I had just had an MRA prior to this blood test, I had been laying down

for about 30 minutes.  But I did get up to walk to the lab for the test at 8

AM.  So I am not sure which result you would go by.

I also had a Renin, direct run on the same day and the result for that was

10 micro u/ml.

So I guess Primary Aldosteronism is ruled out.  Would hydrocortisone

interfere with this test?

I am going to try another nephrologist since the last one had no answers for

me.

Thanks for the help.

Debbie

>From: lowerbp2@...

>Reply-hyperaldosteronism

>hyperaldosteronism

>Subject: Re: Re: Newbie would like some information

>Date: Sun, 21 Sep 2003 17:40:24 EDT

>

>

>In a message dated 9/20/03 11:37:48 AM, debbie284@... writes:

>

>

> > They all make me very weak and sickly within a few days, to the point I

> > cannot get out of bed.  The diuretic work a little the first couple of

>days,

> > then stop.  Some of the other symptoms: headaches, very swollen (my

>husband

> > says if someone stuck me with a pin I would pop,) very tired, increased

>back

> > pain, severe depression, increased sweating, nausea, irritated and neck

>and

> > shoulder pain.  Shortly after stopping the medication, I would get

>better. 

> > I would then try taking it again and the symptoms would return.

> >

>

>This most likely thing is your Kis dropping low.   Have you ben tested for

>primary alodsteronism? and what were the results.   Again the DASH is not

>only

>low sodium but high K which should help. Recommend you do the 14 day DASH

>challange and see what happens.

>

>

>

>

>May your pressure be low!

>

>CE Grim, BS (Chem/Math), MS (Biochem), MD.

>Professor of Medicine and Epidemiology

>Board Certified in Internal Medicine, Geriatrics and Hypertension

>Published over 230 research papers, chapters and reviews in the area of

>high

>blood pressure: epidemiology, history, endocrinology, genetics and

>physiology.

>

_________________________________________________________________

High-speed Internet access as low as $29.95/month (depending on the local

service providers in your area). Click here.   https://broadband.msn.com

[Guest guest]

In a message dated 9/22/03 3:34:41 PM, tn_weldys@... writes:

Debbie,

Have you had a cortisol run?  Do you have a orangish-tan?  What were

you taking hydrocortisone for?  W.

> I was on 30 mg./day, (20 mg./am and 10 mg./pm). for 7 to 8 months

at the

> time of the testing.  My new endocrinologist has been removing me

slowly

> from all of the hydrocortisone and is going to retest to see if I

even need

> it anymore.  How long should one be completely off of

hydrocortisone prior

> to testing for aldosterone and renin?

>

> Thanks,

>

> Debbie

This is a normal replacement amount and you should be off of it for at least a month before retesting. Why was it being given?

May your pressure be low!

CE Grim, BS (Chem/Math), MS (Biochem), MD.

Professor of Medicine and Epidemiology

Board Certified in Internal Medicine, Geriatrics and Hypertension

Published over 230 research papers, chapters and reviews in the area of high blood pressure: epidemiology, history, endocrinology, genetics and physiology.

[Guest guest]

Yes this is exactly what is needed. The 10 value would seem to exclude PA unless you were on meds and I think you said you were on hydrocortisone. If you had GRA this may have returned your tests to normal.

May your pressure be low!

CE Grim, BS (Chem/Math), MS (Biochem), MD.

Professor of Medicine and Epidemiology

Board Certified in Internal Medicine, Geriatrics and Hypertension

Published over 230 research papers, chapters and reviews in the area of high blood pressure: epidemiology, history, endocrinology, genetics and physiology.

[Guest guest]

In a message dated 9/22/03 5:34:05 PM, debbie284@... writes:

Yes I have had my cortisol levels run just a few months ago while on

hydrocortisone and they were low.  However my new endo is taking me

off of the hydrocortisone and is going to test to see if I still

need it.  No I do not have an orangish-tan.  However, my knuckles

and elbows are dark, my scars are dark and I do have spots of

hyperpigmentation.

Debbie   

Then they must think you have 's disease or syndrome. Taking cortisol does not always return blood levels to normal.

I dont recall if you have had both adrenals removed?

May your pressure be low!

CE Grim, BS (Chem/Math), MS (Biochem), MD.

Professor of Medicine and Epidemiology

Board Certified in Internal Medicine, Geriatrics and Hypertension

Published over 230 research papers, chapters and reviews in the area of high blood pressure: epidemiology, history, endocrinology, genetics and physiology.

[Guest guest]

In a message dated 9/22/03 5:27:20 PM, debbie284@... writes:

I was given the hydrocortisone because sometimes my blood pressure

would drop when I stood up.  Also I had just had pituitary surgery

about 11 months earlier and was still experiencing extreme fatigue.

The fatigue has never gone away, in fact in some ways it is worse.

Debbie 

Ah now it is becoming clearer. They are worried if you still make ACTH from the pituitary. What was the pituitary problem?

May your pressure be low!

CE Grim, BS (Chem/Math), MS (Biochem), MD.

Professor of Medicine and Epidemiology

Board Certified in Internal Medicine, Geriatrics and Hypertension

Published over 230 research papers, chapters and reviews in the area of high blood pressure: epidemiology, history, endocrinology, genetics and physiology.

[Guest guest]

In a message dated 9/22/03 4:53:15 PM, debbie284@... writes:

Yes, I was on hydrocortisone at the time of testing.   I am sorry but

I do not know what GRA is.  How long would I have to stop the

hydrocortisone prior to re-testing?

Thank you for the information.

GRA is glucocorticoid Remedial Aldosteronism and inherited cause of HTN that can be controlled by giving glucocorticoid (hydrocortisone)

May your pressure be low!

CE Grim, BS (Chem/Math), MS (Biochem), MD.

Professor of Medicine and Epidemiology

Board Certified in Internal Medicine, Geriatrics and Hypertension

Published over 230 research papers, chapters and reviews in the area of high blood pressure: epidemiology, history, endocrinology, genetics and physiology.