A number of questions as I start this game

June 13, 2012

I recently switched from a HTN specialist to a nephrologist because the HTN

specialists advice was lifelong medication because the spiro " works so well for

you " . I guess it should, shouldn't it?

I also was unhappy that he ordered a ct scan without contrast only, despite the

literature and advice from NIH that with and without contrast is preferable to

be able to differentiate aldo tumors from fatty deposits. I did not keep that

appt, and am waiting to see the nephrologist at University of Chicago before

going further with testing. Should I stop the high K diet and any K supplements

prior to testing?

Now, from what I'm reading on this thread, I am newly concerned with the news

that if I am found to have a tumor and have an adrenalectomy, I potentially have

a future of further tumors on the other adrenal and then more medication. Can

anyone offer an educated opinion as to why this is so? Does anyone have any

information from academia or research indicating why the tumors form in the

first place? Would I not be better off with my HTN's advice the, and keep both

adrenals, albeit with tumors potentially, and on lifelong meds? This is a worst

case scenario question, as I don't know yet what will be found from the CT scan.

If I could please ask for responses to be in full sentences without

abbreviations, as I have diminished capacity due to PTSD and I don't always

understand what everyone is talking about here. Dr. Grim, I especially find your

responses difficult to understand as you communicate in a sort of short hand

many times. Don't get me wrong, I am grateful to find this group and be able to

" talk " to you all! I'm just struggling.

a

Hypertension since 2005 or earlier

Initially on Bet blocker and aldactizide

Diagnosed with hypokalemia 3/2011

25 mg Spiro

BP on Spiro ranges from 111/96 to 128/98

Thrive Diet (I have many allergies to grains, so DASH was not preferable)

Type II diabetic

192 lbs, 5'9 "

Awaiting diagnosis at U of C in July

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