Re: 40y F, Post Robotic Assisted Laproscopic Adrenalectomy, 12.15.10

[Guest guest]

Juli,Thanks for sharing your adrenalectomy experience. Many of us are contemplating the procedure and it is encouraging to hear your story..............RodTo: hyperaldosteronism Sent: Mon, December 20, 2010 6:10:36 PMSubject: 40y F, Post Robotic Assisted Laproscopic Adrenalectomy, 12.15.10

On December 15, 2010 I had a Robotic Assisted Laproscopic Adrenalectomy performed by Dr. Link at Mercy Hospital in Oklahoma City. First let me say, I would HIGHLY recommend Dr. Link and the staff at Mercy Hospital. Per Dr. Link, the procedure went very well and said I had the "perfect anatomy" for this. It was funny to see the excitement in his eyes when he talked about it. He said prep for the procedure took 50 minutes and the procedure itself took 50 minutes. My surgery was at 7am on December 15 and I left the hospital the next day around 10am. The only requirements I had to meet to be discharged, per the doctor, were 1) my pain had to be reasonably controlled with oral meds and 2) had to be able to drink without throwing up. I had some nausea during my hospital stay but realized after a few doses of Toradol, that's what was causing the nausea. Dr. Link said that's a very strange side

effect. Why start being normal now??I have 6 small (1/2-1 1/2 inch)incisions on the right front side of my abdomen closed by staples. The pain was not terrible but I have a high pain tolerance, thank you Lord! I get my staples out on December 23. I had a BMP done on Friday, December 17 and another one today (Dec 20). I should note they kept me on all my meds for the time being (100 meq/day Effervescent K, Spiro/HCTZ 25/25 daily, Spiro, 75mg/daily). My K has hovered between 3.6-4.0 for the last several months. I never got a higher K reading than 4.1. My K was 4.2 on 12/17 and 4.8 on 12/20! On top of that my sodium is down (hovered around 141) to 136. My calcium was the only thing low on my 12/17 lab. It was 8.4 but it quickly went back to normal for me on the 12/20 lab, 9.5. My BUN,creatinine, glucose, chloride, GFR, etc were all perfect for me. And as an added bonus,

my blood pressure was LOW today...which means it's regulating itself. I'll keep everyone updated. Just wanted to share my experience so far.Juli------------------------------------

[Guest guest]

Suggest discussing stopping spiro, K and HCTZ with your team. Not needed if the got it.Be sure to send us a copy of the patholoy report.And keep a copy for you and your family.How many has his team done now?CE Grim MDOn December 15, 2010 I had a Robotic Assisted Laproscopic Adrenalectomy performed by Dr. Link at Mercy Hospital in Oklahoma City. First let me say, I would HIGHLY recommend Dr. Link and the staff at Mercy Hospital. Per Dr. Link, the procedure went very well and said I had the "perfect anatomy" for this. It was funny to see the excitement in his eyes when he talked about it. He said prep for the procedure took 50 minutes and the procedure itself took 50 minutes. My surgery was at 7am on December 15 and I left the hospital the next day around 10am. The only requirements I had to meet to be discharged, per the doctor, were 1) my pain had to be reasonably controlled with oral meds and 2) had to be able to drink without throwing up. I had some nausea during my hospital stay but realized after a few doses of Toradol, that's what was causing the nausea. Dr. Link said that's a very strange side effect. Why start being normal now??I have 6 small (1/2-1 1/2 inch)incisions on the right front side of my abdomen closed by staples. The pain was not terrible but I have a high pain tolerance, thank you Lord! I get my staples out on December 23. I had a BMP done on Friday, December 17 and another one today (Dec 20). I should note they kept me on all my meds for the time being (100 meq/day Effervescent K, Spiro/HCTZ 25/25 daily, Spiro, 75mg/daily). My K has hovered between 3.6-4.0 for the last several months. I never got a higher K reading than 4.1. My K was 4.2 on 12/17 and 4.8 on 12/20! On top of that my sodium is down (hovered around 141) to 136. My calcium was the only thing low on my 12/17 lab. It was 8.4 but it quickly went back to normal for me on the 12/20 lab, 9.5. My BUN,creatinine, glucose, chloride, GFR, etc were all perfect for me. And as an added bonus, my blood pressure was LOW today...which means it's regulating itself. I'll keep everyone updated. Just wanted to share my experience so far.Juli

[Guest guest]

One thing I've learned through my experience with all this is I keep copies of ALL my records. You would be surprised what doctors can overlook when they look at your labs so often. I'm planning on calling my doc today to discuss taking me off all my meds. I'll let you know how that goes.

And Dr. Link has done over 500 robotic assisted Laproscopic surgeries. We researched the daylights out of him before I went for my first appt.

Thanks Dr. Grim!

Juli

To: hyperaldosteronism Cc: Clarence Grim Sent: Tue, December 21, 2010 12:32:39 AMSubject: Re: 40y F, Post Robotic Assisted Laproscopic Adrenalectomy, 12.15.10

Suggest discussing stopping spiro, K and HCTZ with your team. Not needed if the got it.

Be sure to send us a copy of the patholoy report.

And keep a copy for you and your family.

How many has his team done now?

CE Grim MD

On December 15, 2010 I had a Robotic Assisted Laproscopic Adrenalectomy performed by Dr. Link at Mercy Hospital in Oklahoma City. First let me say, I would HIGHLY recommend Dr. Link and the staff at Mercy Hospital. Per Dr. Link, the procedure went very well and said I had the "perfect anatomy" for this. It was funny to see the excitement in his eyes when he talked about it. He said prep for the procedure took 50 minutes and the procedure itself took 50 minutes. My surgery was at 7am on December 15 and I left the hospital the next day around 10am. The only requirements I had to meet to be discharged, per the doctor, were 1) my pain had to be reasonably controlled with oral meds and 2) had to be able to drink without throwing up. I had some nausea during my hospital stay but realized after a few doses of Toradol, that's what was causing the nausea. Dr. Link said that's a very strange side

effect. Why start being normal now??I have 6 small (1/2-1 1/2 inch)incisions on the right front side of my abdomen closed by staples. The pain was not terrible but I have a high pain tolerance, thank you Lord! I get my staples out on December 23. I had a BMP done on Friday, December 17 and another one today (Dec 20). I should note they kept me on all my meds for the time being (100 meq/day Effervescent K, Spiro/HCTZ 25/25 daily, Spiro, 75mg/daily). My K has hovered between 3.6-4.0 for the last several months. I never got a higher K reading than 4.1. My K was 4.2 on 12/17 and 4.8 on 12/20! On top of that my sodium is down (hovered around 141) to 136. My calcium was the only thing low on my 12/17 lab. It was 8.4 but it quickly went back to normal for me on the 12/20 lab, 9.5. My BUN,creatinine, glucose, chloride, GFR, etc were all perfect for me. And as an added bonus, my blood pressure was LOW today...which means it's regulating itself. I'll keep everyone updated. Just wanted to share my experience so far.Juli

[Guest guest]

How many adrenalectomies ?Tiped sad Send form miiPhone ;-)May your pressure be low!CE Grim MDSpecializing in DifficultHypertension

One thing I've learned through my experience with all this is I keep copies of ALL my records. You would be surprised what doctors can overlook when they look at your labs so often. I'm planning on calling my doc today to discuss taking me off all my meds. I'll let you know how that goes.

And Dr. Link has done over 500 robotic assisted Laproscopic surgeries. We researched the daylights out of him before I went for my first appt.

Thanks Dr. Grim!

Juli

To: hyperaldosteronism Cc: Clarence Grim Sent: Tue, December 21, 2010 12:32:39 AMSubject: Re: 40y F, Post Robotic Assisted Laproscopic Adrenalectomy, 12.15.10

Suggest discussing stopping spiro, K and HCTZ with your team. Not needed if the got it.

Be sure to send us a copy of the patholoy report.

And keep a copy for you and your family.

How many has his team done now?

CE Grim MD

On December 15, 2010 I had a Robotic Assisted Laproscopic Adrenalectomy performed by Dr. Link at Mercy Hospital in Oklahoma City. First let me say, I would HIGHLY recommend Dr. Link and the staff at Mercy Hospital. Per Dr. Link, the procedure went very well and said I had the "perfect anatomy" for this. It was funny to see the excitement in his eyes when he talked about it. He said prep for the procedure took 50 minutes and the procedure itself took 50 minutes. My surgery was at 7am on December 15 and I left the hospital the next day around 10am. The only requirements I had to meet to be discharged, per the doctor, were 1) my pain had to be reasonably controlled with oral meds and 2) had to be able to drink without throwing up. I had some nausea during my hospital stay but realized after a few doses of Toradol, that's what was causing the nausea. Dr. Link said that's a very strange side

effect. Why start being normal now??I have 6 small (1/2-1 1/2 inch)incisions on the right front side of my abdomen closed by staples. The pain was not terrible but I have a high pain tolerance, thank you Lord! I get my staples out on December 23. I had a BMP done on Friday, December 17 and another one today (Dec 20). I should note they kept me on all my meds for the time being (100 meq/day Effervescent K, Spiro/HCTZ 25/25 daily, Spiro, 75mg/daily). My K has hovered between 3.6-4.0 for the last several months. I never got a higher K reading than 4.1. My K was 4.2 on 12/17 and 4.8 on 12/20! On top of that my sodium is down (hovered around 141) to 136. My calcium was the only thing low on my 12/17 lab. It was 8.4 but it quickly went back to normal for me on the 12/20 lab, 9.5. My BUN,creatinine, glucose, chloride, GFR, etc were all perfect for me. And as an added bonus, my blood pressure was LOW today...which means it's regulating itself. I'll keep everyone updated. Just wanted to share my experience so far.Juli

[Guest guest]

I'm not sure specifically about adrenalectomies but I have a follow up appt on December 23. I'll try to remember to ask.

To: "hyperaldosteronism " <hyperaldosteronism >Sent: Tue, December 21, 2010 3:56:36 PMSubject: Re: 40y F, Post Robotic Assisted Laproscopic Adrenalectomy, 12.15.10

How many adrenalectomies ?Tiped sad Send form mi iPhone ;-)

May your pressure be low!

CE Grim MD

Specializing in Difficult

Hypertension

One thing I've learned through my experience with all this is I keep copies of ALL my records. You would be surprised what doctors can overlook when they look at your labs so often. I'm planning on calling my doc today to discuss taking me off all my meds. I'll let you know how that goes.

And Dr. Link has done over 500 robotic assisted Laproscopic surgeries. We researched the daylights out of him before I went for my first appt.

Thanks Dr. Grim!

Juli

To: hyperaldosteronism Cc: Clarence Grim Sent: Tue, December 21, 2010 12:32:39 AMSubject: Re: 40y F, Post Robotic Assisted Laproscopic Adrenalectomy,

12.15.10

Suggest discussing stopping spiro, K and HCTZ with your team. Not needed if the got it.

Be sure to send us a copy of the patholoy report.

And keep a copy for you and your family.

How many has his team done now?

CE Grim MD

On December 15, 2010 I had a Robotic Assisted Laproscopic Adrenalectomy performed by Dr. Link at Mercy Hospital in Oklahoma City. First let me say, I would HIGHLY recommend Dr. Link and the staff at Mercy Hospital. Per Dr. Link, the procedure went very well and said I had the "perfect anatomy" for this. It was funny to see the excitement in his eyes when he talked about it. He said prep for the procedure took 50 minutes and the procedure itself took 50 minutes. My surgery was at 7am on December 15 and I left the hospital the next day around 10am. The only requirements I had to meet to be discharged, per the doctor, were 1) my pain had to be reasonably controlled with oral meds and 2) had to be able to drink without throwing up. I had some nausea during my hospital stay but realized after a few doses of Toradol, that's what was causing the nausea. Dr. Link said that's a very strange side

effect. Why start being normal now??I have 6 small (1/2-1 1/2 inch)incisions on the right front side of my abdomen closed by staples. The pain was not terrible but I have a high pain tolerance, thank you Lord! I get my staples out on December 23. I had a BMP done on Friday, December 17 and another one today (Dec 20). I should note they kept me on all my meds for the time being (100 meq/day Effervescent K, Spiro/HCTZ 25/25 daily, Spiro, 75mg/daily). My K has hovered between 3.6-4.0 for the last several months. I never got a higher K reading than 4.1. My K was 4.2 on 12/17 and 4.8 on 12/20! On top of that my sodium is down (hovered around 141) to 136. My calcium was the only thing low on my 12/17 lab. It was 8.4 but it quickly went back to normal for me on the 12/20 lab, 9.5. My BUN,creatinine, glucose, chloride, GFR, etc were all perfect for me. And as an added bonus, my blood pressure was LOW today...which means it's regulating itself. I'll keep everyone updated. Just wanted to share my experience so far.Juli

[Guest guest]

Good and u want to know how many have been "cured" at 1,5 and 10 years. The adrenals were put in a very hard placeTo get to. Prob for good reason. Tiped sad Send form miiPhone ;-)May your pressure be low!CE Grim MDSpecializing in DifficultHypertension

I'm not sure specifically about adrenalectomies but I have a follow up appt on December 23. I'll try to remember to ask.

To: "hyperaldosteronism " <hyperaldosteronism >Sent: Tue, December 21, 2010 3:56:36 PMSubject: Re: 40y F, Post Robotic Assisted Laproscopic Adrenalectomy, 12.15.10

How many adrenalectomies ?Tiped sad Send form mi iPhone ;-)

May your pressure be low!

CE Grim MD

Specializing in Difficult

Hypertension

One thing I've learned through my experience with all this is I keep copies of ALL my records. You would be surprised what doctors can overlook when they look at your labs so often. I'm planning on calling my doc today to discuss taking me off all my meds. I'll let you know how that goes.

And Dr. Link has done over 500 robotic assisted Laproscopic surgeries. We researched the daylights out of him before I went for my first appt.

Thanks Dr. Grim!

Juli

To: hyperaldosteronism Cc: Clarence Grim Sent: Tue, December 21, 2010 12:32:39 AMSubject: Re: 40y F, Post Robotic Assisted Laproscopic Adrenalectomy,

12.15.10

Suggest discussing stopping spiro, K and HCTZ with your team. Not needed if the got it.

Be sure to send us a copy of the patholoy report.

And keep a copy for you and your family.

How many has his team done now?

CE Grim MD

On December 15, 2010 I had a Robotic Assisted Laproscopic Adrenalectomy performed by Dr. Link at Mercy Hospital in Oklahoma City. First let me say, I would HIGHLY recommend Dr. Link and the staff at Mercy Hospital. Per Dr. Link, the procedure went very well and said I had the "perfect anatomy" for this. It was funny to see the excitement in his eyes when he talked about it. He said prep for the procedure took 50 minutes and the procedure itself took 50 minutes. My surgery was at 7am on December 15 and I left the hospital the next day around 10am. The only requirements I had to meet to be discharged, per the doctor, were 1) my pain had to be reasonably controlled with oral meds and 2) had to be able to drink without throwing up. I had some nausea during my hospital stay but realized after a few doses of Toradol, that's what was causing the nausea. Dr. Link said that's a very strange side

effect. Why start being normal now??I have 6 small (1/2-1 1/2 inch)incisions on the right front side of my abdomen closed by staples. The pain was not terrible but I have a high pain tolerance, thank you Lord! I get my staples out on December 23. I had a BMP done on Friday, December 17 and another one today (Dec 20). I should note they kept me on all my meds for the time being (100 meq/day Effervescent K, Spiro/HCTZ 25/25 daily, Spiro, 75mg/daily). My K has hovered between 3.6-4.0 for the last several months. I never got a higher K reading than 4.1. My K was 4.2 on 12/17 and 4.8 on 12/20! On top of that my sodium is down (hovered around 141) to 136. My calcium was the only thing low on my 12/17 lab. It was 8.4 but it quickly went back to normal for me on the 12/20 lab, 9.5. My BUN,creatinine, glucose, chloride, GFR, etc were all perfect for me. And as an added bonus, my blood pressure was LOW today...which means it's regulating itself. I'll keep everyone updated. Just wanted to share my experience so far.Juli

[Guest guest]

I didn't get this e-mail before my doctor visit but I did find out he has only performed 7 Adrenalectomies. However, he has performed over 80 partial Nephrectomies robotically.

I got my staples taken out today and per Dr. Link all is looking good. I'm feeling better every day. Still on all my meds but I have a call in to my Nephrologist to see about cutting my dosages in half if she is not ready to DC them completely. I got my pathology report today. The adrenal gland they removed measured 6.7 x 3.5 x 1.8 cm and the adenoma measured 1.7 cm in diameter.

As far as lab goes, since my surgery, I'm having a BMP drawn 2x/wk. Here are the results 11/1/10 prior to surgery and after 12/15 surgery:

12/23/10 12/20/10 12/17/10 11/01/10

Sodium 136 136 139 141

Potassium 4.4 4.8 4.2 3.9

Chloride 98 98 102 101

CO2 29.0 26.0 28.0 30.0Anion Gap 15.6 15.2 15.8 16.1

Glucose 98 97 86 89

BUN 13 8 8 6L

Creatinine .89 .94 .88 1.07

Female eGFR >60 >60 >60 >60L

BUN/Cr Ratio 15 9 9 6

Calcium 9.6 9.5 8.4L 9.2

To: "hyperaldosteronism " <hyperaldosteronism >Sent: Tue, December 21, 2010 9:16:42 PMSubject: Re: 40y F, Post Robotic Assisted Laproscopic Adrenalectomy, 12.15.10

Good and u want to know how many have been "cured" at 1,5 and 10 years. The adrenals were put in a very hard place

To get to. Prob for good reason.

Tiped sad Send form mi iPhone ;-)

May your pressure be low!

CE Grim MD

Specializing in Difficult

Hypertension

I'm not sure specifically about adrenalectomies but I have a follow up appt on December 23. I'll try to remember to ask.

To: "hyperaldosteronism " <hyperaldosteronism >Sent: Tue, December 21, 2010 3:56:36 PMSubject: Re: 40y F, Post Robotic Assisted Laproscopic Adrenalectomy, 12.15.10

How many adrenalectomies ?Tiped sad Send form mi iPhone ;-)

May your pressure be low!

CE Grim MD

Specializing in Difficult

Hypertension

One thing I've learned through my experience with all this is I keep copies of ALL my records. You would be surprised what doctors can overlook when they look at your labs so often. I'm planning on calling my doc today to discuss taking me off all my meds. I'll let you know how that goes.

And Dr. Link has done over 500 robotic assisted Laproscopic surgeries. We researched the daylights out of him before I went for my first appt.

Thanks Dr. Grim!

Juli

To: hyperaldosteronism Cc: Clarence Grim Sent: Tue, December 21, 2010 12:32:39 AMSubject: Re: 40y F, Post Robotic Assisted Laproscopic Adrenalectomy, 12.15.10

Suggest discussing stopping spiro, K and HCTZ with your team. Not needed if the got it.

Be sure to send us a copy of the patholoy report.

And keep a copy for you and your family.

How many has his team done now?

CE Grim MD

On December 15, 2010 I had a Robotic Assisted Laproscopic Adrenalectomy performed by Dr. Link at Mercy Hospital in Oklahoma City. First let me say, I would HIGHLY recommend Dr. Link and the staff at Mercy Hospital. Per Dr. Link, the procedure went very well and said I had the "perfect anatomy" for this. It was funny to see the excitement in his eyes when he talked about it. He said prep for the procedure took 50 minutes and the procedure itself took 50 minutes. My surgery was at 7am on December 15 and I left the hospital the next day around 10am. The only requirements I had to meet to be discharged, per the doctor, were 1) my pain had to be reasonably controlled with oral meds and 2) had to be able to drink without throwing up. I had some nausea during my hospital stay but realized after a few doses of Toradol, that's what was causing the nausea. Dr. Link said that's a very strange side

effect. Why start being normal now??I have 6 small (1/2-1 1/2 inch)incisions on the right front side of my abdomen closed by staples. The pain was not terrible but I have a high pain tolerance, thank you Lord! I get my staples out on December 23. I had a BMP done on Friday, December 17 and another one today (Dec 20). I should note they kept me on all my meds for the time being (100 meq/day Effervescent K, Spiro/HCTZ 25/25 daily, Spiro, 75mg/daily). My K has hovered between 3.6-4.0 for the last several months. I never got a higher K reading than 4.1. My K was 4.2 on 12/17 and 4.8 on 12/20! On top of that my sodium is down (hovered around 141) to 136. My calcium was the only thing low on my 12/17 lab. It was 8.4 but it quickly went back to normal for me on the 12/20 lab, 9.5. My BUN,creatinine, glucose, chloride, GFR, etc were all perfect for me. And as an added bonus, my blood pressure was LOW today...which means it's regulating itself. I'll keep everyone updated. Just wanted to share my experience so far.Juli

[Guest guest]

What you want to know is what did the rest of the adrenal gland look like? Many pathologists have not seem many Conn's and are blinded by the big tumor. You may want an independent reader with lots of experience looking at the gland.I think your surgery is on the adrenal not on the Kidney.CE Grim MDI didn't get this e-mail before my doctor visit but I did find out he has only performed 7 Adrenalectomies. However, he has performed over 80 partial Nephrectomies robotically. I got my staples taken out today and per Dr. Link all is looking good. I'm feeling better every day. Still on all my meds but I have a call in to my Nephrologist to see about cutting my dosages in half if she is not ready to DC them completely. I got my pathology report today. The adrenal gland they removed measured 6.7 x 3.5 x 1.8 cm and the adenoma measured 1.7 cm in diameter. As far as lab goes, since my surgery, I'm having a BMP drawn 2x/wk. Here are the results 11/1/10 prior to surgery and after 12/15 surgery: 12/23/10 12/20/10 12/17/10 11/01/10 Sodium 136 136 139 141Potassium 4.4 4.8 4.2 3.9Chloride 98 98 102 101CO2 29.0 26.0 28.0 30.0Anion Gap 15.6 15.2 15.8 16.1Glucose 98 97 86 89 BUN 13 8 8 6LCreatinine .89 .94 .88 1.07Female eGFR >60 >60 >60 >60LBUN/Cr Ratio 15 9 9 6Calcium 9.6 9.5 8.4L 9.2What you like to see is a striking increase in K but depends on what meds your were on at the time of the surgery.CE Grim MDTo: "hyperaldosteronism " <hyperaldosteronism >Sent: Tue, December 21, 2010 9:16:42 PMSubject: Re: 40y F, Post Robotic Assisted Laproscopic Adrenalectomy, 12.15.10 Good and u want to know how many have been "cured" at 1,5 and 10 years. The adrenals were put in a very hard placeTo get to. Prob for good reason. Tiped sad Send form miiPhone ;-)May your pressure be low!CE Grim MDSpecializing in DifficultHypertension I'm not sure specifically about adrenalectomies but I have a follow up appt on December 23. I'll try to remember to ask. To: "hyperaldosteronism " <hyperaldosteronism >Sent: Tue, December 21, 2010 3:56:36 PMSubject: Re: 40y F, Post Robotic Assisted Laproscopic Adrenalectomy, 12.15.10 How many adrenalectomies ?Tiped sad Send form miiPhone ;-)May your pressure be low!CE Grim MDSpecializing in DifficultHypertension One thing I've learned through my experience with all this is I keep copies of ALL my records. You would be surprised what doctors can overlook when they look at your labs so often. I'm planning on calling my doc today to discuss taking me off all my meds. I'll let you know how that goes.And Dr. Link has done over 500 robotic assisted Laproscopic surgeries. We researched the daylights out of him before I went for my first appt. Thanks Dr. Grim!JuliTo: hyperaldosteronism Cc: Clarence Grim Sent: Tue, December 21, 2010 12:32:39 AMSubject: Re: 40y F, Post Robotic Assisted Laproscopic Adrenalectomy, 12.15.10 Suggest discussing stopping spiro, K and HCTZ with your team. Not needed if the got it.Be sure to send us a copy of the patholoy report.And keep a copy for you and your family.How many has his team done now?CE Grim MDOn December 15, 2010 I had a Robotic Assisted Laproscopic Adrenalectomy performed by Dr. Link at Mercy Hospital in Oklahoma City. First let me say, I would HIGHLY recommend Dr. Link and the staff at Mercy Hospital. Per Dr. Link, the procedure went very well and said I had the "perfect anatomy" for this. It was funny to see the excitement in his eyes when he talked about it. He said prep for the procedure took 50 minutes and the procedure itself took 50 minutes. My surgery was at 7am on December 15 and I left the hospital the next day around 10am. The only requirements I had to meet to be discharged, per the doctor, were 1) my pain had to be reasonably controlled with oral meds and 2) had to be able to drink without throwing up. I had some nausea during my hospital stay but realized after a few doses of Toradol, that's what was causing the nausea. Dr. Link said that's a very strange side effect. Why start being normal now??I have 6 small (1/2-1 1/2 inch)incisions on the right front side of my abdomen closed by staples. The pain was not terrible but I have a high pain tolerance, thank you Lord! I get my staples out on December 23. I had a BMP done on Friday, December 17 and another one today (Dec 20). I should note they kept me on all my meds for the time being (100 meq/day Effervescent K, Spiro/HCTZ 25/25 daily, Spiro, 75mg/daily). My K has hovered between 3.6-4.0 for the last several months. I never got a higher K reading than 4.1. My K was 4.2 on 12/17 and 4.8 on 12/20! On top of that my sodium is down (hovered around 141) to 136. My calcium was the only thing low on my 12/17 lab. It was 8.4 but it quickly went back to normal for me on the 12/20 lab, 9.5. My BUN,creatinine, glucose, chloride, GFR, etc were all perfect for me. And as an added bonus, my blood pressure was LOW today...which means it's regulating itself. I'll keep everyone updated. Just wanted to share my experience so far.Juli

[Guest guest]

This is what the pathology reports says:

Final Diagnosis: R Adrenal Gland - Adrenal Cortical Adenoma, 1.7 cm in diameter

Gross Description:

The specimen is received in formalin labeled "Pack, right adrenal", and consists of an adrenalectomy specimen measuring 6.7 x 3.5 x1.8 cm. The external surface will be inked black. On cut section, there is nodule in the cortex measuring 1.7 cm. The nodule will be sectioned and totally submitted in cassettes #1-#3, while the remaining adrenal cortex and medully will be totally submitted in cassettes #4-#10.

Microscopic Description:

Blocks #1-#3 demonstrate the partly circumscribed adrenal cortical adenoma in the cortex. This is composed of adrenal cortical cells, most of which are well lipidized clear cells, admixed with smaller clusters of compact cells. There is no miotic activity or nuclear pleomorphism. The surrounding adrenal cortex and medulla are histologically unremarkable.

To: hyperaldosteronism Cc: Clarence Grim Sent: Thu, December 23, 2010 7:06:00 PMSubject: Re: 40y F, Post Robotic Assisted Laproscopic Adrenalectomy, 12.15.10

What you want to know is what did the rest of the adrenal gland look like? Many pathologists have not seem many Conn's and are blinded by the big tumor. You may want an independent reader with lots of experience looking at the gland.

I think your surgery is on the adrenal not on the Kidney.

CE Grim MD

[Guest guest]

Looks like you most likely have a cure have a cure.Keep us posted.CE Grim MDThis is what the pathology reports says: Final Diagnosis: R Adrenal Gland - Adrenal Cortical Adenoma, 1.7 cm in diameter Gross Description:The specimen is received in formalin labeled "Pack, right adrenal", and consists of an adrenalectomy specimen measuring 6.7 x 3.5 x1.8 cm. The external surface will be inked black. On cut section, there is nodule in the cortex measuring 1.7 cm. The nodule will be sectioned and totally submitted in cassettes #1-#3, while the remaining adrenal cortex and medully will be totally submitted in cassettes #4-#10. Microscopic Description: Blocks #1-#3 demonstrate the partly circumscribed adrenal cortical adenoma in the cortex. This is composed of adrenal cortical cells, most of which are well lipidized clear cells, admixed with smaller clusters of compact cells. There is no miotic activity or nuclear pleomorphism. The surrounding adrenal cortex and medulla are histologically unremarkable.To: hyperaldosteronism Cc: Clarence Grim Sent: Thu, December 23, 2010 7:06:00 PMSubject: Re: 40y F, Post Robotic Assisted Laproscopic Adrenalectomy, 12.15.10 What you want to know is what did the rest of the adrenal gland look like? Many pathologists have not seem many Conn's and are blinded by the big tumor. You may want an independent reader with lots of experience looking at the gland.I think your surgery is on the adrenal not on the Kidney.CE Grim MD

[Guest guest]

That's so great to hear from you! And I will keep you all updated.

Thanks and Merry Christmas to everyone!

To: hyperaldosteronism Cc: Clarence Grim Sent: Thu, December 23, 2010 11:53:29 PMSubject: Re: 40y F, Post Robotic Assisted Laproscopic Adrenalectomy, 12.15.10

Looks like you most likely have a cure have a cure.

Keep us posted.

CE Grim MD

This is what the pathology reports says:

Final Diagnosis: R Adrenal Gland - Adrenal Cortical Adenoma, 1.7 cm in diameter

Gross Description:

The specimen is received in formalin labeled "Pack, right adrenal", and consists of an adrenalectomy specimen measuring 6.7 x 3.5 x1.8 cm. The external surface will be inked black. On cut section, there is nodule in the cortex measuring 1.7 cm. The nodule will be sectioned and totally submitted in cassettes #1-#3, while the remaining adrenal cortex and medully will be totally submitted in cassettes #4-#10.

Microscopic Description:

Blocks #1-#3 demonstrate the partly circumscribed adrenal cortical adenoma in the cortex. This is composed of adrenal cortical cells, most of which are well lipidized clear cells, admixed with smaller clusters of compact cells. There is no miotic activity or nuclear pleomorphism. The surrounding adrenal cortex and medulla are histologically unremarkable.

To: hyperaldosteronism Cc: Clarence Grim Sent: Thu, December 23, 2010 7:06:00

PMSubject: Re: 40y F, Post Robotic Assisted Laproscopic Adrenalectomy, 12.15.10

What you want to know is what did the rest of the adrenal gland look like? Many pathologists have not seem many Conn's and are blinded by the big tumor. You may want an independent reader with lots of experience looking at the gland.

I think your surgery is on the adrenal not on the Kidney.

CE Grim MD

[Guest guest]

12 Days Post Op

Doc cut my K dose in half to 50 meq/day five days ago and I'm still on Spiro 75mg/day and Spiro/HCTZ 25/25 daily.

Here are my labs from today after the lower dose of K for 5 days:

Sodium 137

Potassium 4.1

Chloride 100

CO2 25.0

Anion Gap 15.9

Glucose 81

BUN 14

Creatinine .91

eGFR >60

BUN Creat Ratio 15

Calcium 9.0

Feeling better every day. Still no heart palpitations, muscle aches or cramps either. I walked through the mall with my family the other day and I did it without that familiar ache/weakness in my legs. It's amazing!! Before I could only walk a very short distance before my legs started to ache and I felt like I couldn't keep walking.

I also am figuring out what a normal person feels like as far as trips to the bathroom. When I don't have to go 10-15 times a day and 4-5 times at night, I automatically think my kidney function is down and wait for the swelling to come. NO swelling any more at all and I my trips to the bathroom are MUCH fewer. ]

I have a very positive outlook on life now. It's only going to get better!

Juli

Subject: Re: 40y F, Post Robotic Assisted Laproscopic Adrenalectomy, 12.15.10To: hyperaldosteronism Cc: "Clarence Grim" Date: Thursday, December 23, 2010, 10:53 PM

Looks like you most likely have a cure have a cure.

Keep us posted.

CE Grim MD

..

[Guest guest]

From abbiebelated merry christmas,happy holidays and happy new year to all ...

[Guest guest]

Excellent. Most would have stopped all meds by now. But work with your team. Tiped sad Send form miiPhone ;-)May your pressure be low!CE Grim MDSpecializing in DifficultHypertension

12 Days Post Op

Doc cut my K dose in half to 50 meq/day five days ago and I'm still on Spiro 75mg/day and Spiro/HCTZ 25/25 daily.

Here are my labs from today after the lower dose of K for 5 days:

Sodium 137

Potassium 4.1

Chloride 100

CO2 25.0

Anion Gap 15.9

Glucose 81

BUN 14

Creatinine .91

eGFR >60

BUN Creat Ratio 15

Calcium 9.0

Feeling better every day. Still no heart palpitations, muscle aches or cramps either. I walked through the mall with my family the other day and I did it without that familiar ache/weakness in my legs. It's amazing!! Before I could only walk a very short distance before my legs started to ache and I felt like I couldn't keep walking.

I also am figuring out what a normal person feels like as far as trips to the bathroom. When I don't have to go 10-15 times a day and 4-5 times at night, I automatically think my kidney function is down and wait for the swelling to come. NO swelling any more at all and I my trips to the bathroom are MUCH fewer. ]

I have a very positive outlook on life now. It's only going to get better!

Juli

Subject: Re: 40y F, Post Robotic Assisted Laproscopic Adrenalectomy, 12.15.10To: hyperaldosteronism Cc: "Clarence Grim" Date: Thursday, December 23, 2010, 10:53 PM

Looks like you most likely have a cure have a cure.

Keep us posted.

CE Grim MD

..

[Guest guest]

Juli

I am glad you are doing so well. It looks like you are on the road to

recovery.

polymac

>

>

>

> Subject: Re: 40y F, Post Robotic Assisted Laproscopic

Adrenalectomy, 12.15.10

> To: hyperaldosteronism

> Cc: " Clarence Grim "

> Date: Thursday, December 23, 2010, 10:53 PM

>

>

>  

>

>

>

> Looks like you most likely have a cure have a cure.

>

>

> Keep us posted.

>

>

> CE Grim MD

>

>

>

> .

>

[Guest guest]

We need to start a file entitled Successful Surgery for PA. We may have one and I forgot. Can someone check.The folder should be Successful surgery for Conn's 2008-2009-2010- Juli's story would be Juli's story 12/2010 minimally invasive surgery x side, single adenoma on path.It would also be great if each person could update their file every 1 year so we can get a long idea of success or not as most studies dont have long term followup and we would be unique. Of the others that have had surgery I can recallJeffsomeone who has a picture of a very large abdominal incision. So any others out there who have surgery stories can add to this file.CE Grim MD JuliI am glad you are doing so well. It looks like you are on the road torecovery. polymac> > > > Subject: Re: 40y F, Post Robotic Assisted Laproscopic Adrenalectomy, 12.15.10> To: hyperaldosteronism > Cc: "Clarence Grim" > Date: Thursday, December 23, 2010, 10:53 PM> > > > > > > Looks like you most likely have a cure have a cure.> > > Keep us posted.> > > CE Grim MD> > > > .>

[Guest guest]

this is a photo of large abdominal incision.

http://groups.yahoo.com/group/hyperaldosteronism/photos/album/2044170190/pic/193\

5259948/view?picmode= & mode=tn & order=ordinal & start=1 & count=20 & dir=asc

> > >

> > >

> > > From: Clarence Grim <lowerbp2@>

> > > Subject: Re: 40y F, Post Robotic Assisted

> > Laproscopic Adrenalectomy, 12.15.10

> > > To: hyperaldosteronism

> > > Cc: " Clarence Grim " <lowerbp2@>

> > > Date: Thursday, December 23, 2010, 10:53 PM

> > >

> > >

> > >

> > >

> > >

> > >

> > > Looks like you most likely have a cure have a cure.

> > >

> > >

> > > Keep us posted.

> > >

> > >

> > > CE Grim MD

> > >

> > >

> > >

> > > .

> > >

> >

> >

> >

>