Guest guest Posted March 5, 2011 Report Share Posted March 5, 2011 No I only did the meds I take. learned that bata blocker this about with FUROSEMIDE MONITOR: Although they are often combined in clinical practice, diuretics and beta-blockers may increase the risk of hyperglycemia and hypertriglyceridemia in some patients, especially in patients with diabetes or latent diabetes. In addition, the risk of QT interval prolongation and arrhythmias (e.g. torsades de pointes) due to sotalol may be increased by potassium-depleting diuretics. MANAGEMENT: Monitoring of serum potassium levels, blood pressure, and blood glucose is recommended during coadministration. Patients should be advised to seek medical assistance if they experience dizziness, weakness, fainting, fast or irregular heartbeats, or loss of blood glucose control. > > > > > > > > > > > > > > My doctor just called with the results of last week's aldosterone suppresion test/oral sodium loading test. As expected, my aldo was off the charts high, both serum and urine. (I can post numbers when I have a hard copy in front of me, if anyone is interested.) The interesting thing my doctor observed was that I did not excrete a lot of sodium - he believes it's because my diet is very low sodium. (I believe it's still trapped in my body in the form of the extra 2 pounds I've been carrying around since the test!) > > > > > > > > > > > > > > This gives me the go-ahead for AVS, or, interestingly, he said I could skip the AVS and have the adrenalectomy. I want to be good and certain that the culprit is my left adrenal before surgery, so I think I'm going through with the AVS first. I'm aware of the high risk of inconclusive results, and the risks of the procedure in general. > > > > > > > > > > > > > > This brings up two questions: how common is it to skip the AVS entirely? I only heard of that recently from another member here; I had been under the impression that standard protocol was AVS before surgery. > > > > > > > > > > > > > > And, long shot I know, but - anybody here have their AVS done at UCLA? Or anywhere in the greater Los Angeles area? If you have an interventional radiologist in the area that you'd recommend, please let me know. Thanks! > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > - msmith1928 > > > > > > > 45, female, 5'3 " , 120 lbs, 1cm left adrenal nodule, aldosterone 42.3, renin 0.5, potassium <2.9 (when not taking supplements); 25mg spiro caused gynecomastia, no meds currently except 20MEQ K 2x/day; low sodium, fructose- and grain-free diet > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted March 5, 2011 Report Share Posted March 5, 2011 Hey man, (wait a minute, " " is gender neutral so I hope I guessed right, if not please forgive me!) you have to realize some of us aren't rookies in this game - we just didn't know what game we were playing so we fought it the old fashion way!(I figure in the neighborhood of 35m yrs. for me!) It took up to 7 BP meds & Potassium Suppl.! It's in my Conn's story (under 's conns Story) if you want to see them! Taking Metoprolol at 200mg twice a day keeps me in the high 60's to around 80. I actually get to check that quite often since it is the second number on my Oximeter, which was clipped to my finger for about 1 hour this morning! Depressed, Who in Hell said I wasn't depressed! Thanks for your input, it helps me see just how much they may have been trying to kill me with meds! > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > My doctor just called with the results of last week's aldosterone suppresion test/oral sodium loading test. As expected, my aldo was off the charts high, both serum and urine. (I can post numbers when I have a hard copy in front of me, if anyone is interested.) The interesting thing my doctor observed was that I did not excrete a lot of sodium - he believes it's because my diet is very low sodium. (I believe it's still trapped in my body in the form of the extra 2 pounds I've been carrying around since the test!) > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > This gives me the go-ahead for AVS, or, interestingly, he said I could skip the AVS and have the adrenalectomy. I want to be good and certain that the culprit is my left adrenal before surgery, so I think I'm going through with the AVS first. I'm aware of the high risk of inconclusive results, and the risks of the procedure in general. > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > This brings up two questions: how common is it to skip the AVS entirely? I only heard of that recently from another member here; I had been under the impression that standard protocol was AVS before surgery. > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > And, long shot I know, but - anybody here have their AVS done at UCLA? Or anywhere in the greater Los Angeles area? If you have an interventional radiologist in the area that you'd recommend, please let me know. Thanks! > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > - msmith1928 > > > > > > > > 45, female, 5'3 " , 120 lbs, 1cm left adrenal nodule, aldosterone 42.3, renin 0.5, potassium <2.9 (when not taking supplements); 25mg spiro caused gynecomastia, no meds currently except 20MEQ K 2x/day; low sodium, fructose- and grain-free diet > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted March 6, 2011 Report Share Posted March 6, 2011 I'm also interested in the actual stats on 'much less'. If the recommendation of the AAES (if that's how they're known) is to skip AVS if you're under 40, I presume they base this on some data that supports that (my yet-to-be-supported 97%?)? Especially as over 40 they clearly recommend AVS first so it's not that they're anti-AVS. And is it even more näive to imagine that my position is currently a lifetime of drugs vs. surgery that may or may not lead to cure. And if it doesn't lead to cure, then I have a lifetime of drugs (either immediately or whenever I get a recurrence on the other side). If surgery is not successful, does that mean a higher drug requirement than if I just opt for drugs straight off? Or is it a question of life expectancy? What downside have I missed? I get the clear risk that the growth on one side could be benign and co-incidentally the other, apparently clear, side could be the trouble maker (or it could be bilateral) but if I can get a justification for 97%, that's a 3% risk I'm willing to take (topside risk given that even AVS will not necessarily give a clear picture). Especially if the only downside of the risk is a lifetime of drugs. I'm not ignoring DASH and all that but I see that as supplementary in every scenario - it's not going to effect a cure for me. Hester > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > My doctor just called with the results of last week's > > > aldosterone suppresion test/oral sodium loading test. As expected, > > > my aldo was off the charts high, both serum and urine. (I can post > > > numbers when I have a hard copy in front of me, if anyone is > > > interested.) The interesting thing my doctor observed was that I did > > > not excrete a lot of sodium - he believes it's because my diet is > > > very low sodium. (I believe it's still trapped in my body in the > > > form of the extra 2 pounds I've been carrying around since the test!) > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > This gives me the go-ahead for AVS, or, interestingly, he > > > said I could skip the AVS and have the adrenalectomy. I want to be > > > good and certain that the culprit is my left adrenal before surgery, > > > so I think I'm going through with the AVS first. I'm aware of the > > > high risk of inconclusive results, and the risks of the procedure in > > > general. > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > This brings up two questions: how common is it to skip the > > > AVS entirely? I only heard of that recently from another member > > > here; I had been under the impression that standard protocol was AVS > > > before surgery. > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > And, long shot I know, but - anybody here have their AVS > > > done at UCLA? Or anywhere in the greater Los Angeles area? If you > > > have an interventional radiologist in the area that you'd recommend, > > > please let me know. Thanks! > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > - msmith1928 > > > > > > > > 45, female, 5'3 " , 120 lbs, 1cm left adrenal nodule, > > > aldosterone 42.3, renin 0.5, potassium <2.9 (when not taking > > > supplements); 25mg spiro caused gynecomastia, no meds currently > > > except 20MEQ K 2x/day; low sodium, fructose- and grain-free diet > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted March 7, 2011 Report Share Posted March 7, 2011 So what stats do you know that support the chance of cure being much lower without AVS? Because surely the only cure is removal of the correct gland (drugs presumably not being regarded as a cure). So the 'much less' implies that there are many, many cases of the wrong adrenal gland being removed despite MRI/CT scans indicating growths on that side and not the other. Is that the case? Just pursuing this because I can't find much data (although that I do find indicates the outcome of surgery is likely to be positive) so I'd love to see more! Thanks, Hester > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > My doctor just called with the results of last week's > > > > > aldosterone suppresion test/oral sodium loading test. As > > expected, > > > > > my aldo was off the charts high, both serum and urine. (I can > > post > > > > > numbers when I have a hard copy in front of me, if anyone is > > > > > interested.) The interesting thing my doctor observed was that > > I did > > > > > not excrete a lot of sodium - he believes it's because my diet > > is > > > > > very low sodium. (I believe it's still trapped in my body in the > > > > > form of the extra 2 pounds I've been carrying around since the > > test!) > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > This gives me the go-ahead for AVS, or, > > interestingly, he > > > > > said I could skip the AVS and have the adrenalectomy. I want > > to be > > > > > good and certain that the culprit is my left adrenal before > > surgery, > > > > > so I think I'm going through with the AVS first. I'm aware of > > the > > > > > high risk of inconclusive results, and the risks of the > > procedure in > > > > > general. > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > This brings up two questions: how common is it to > > skip the > > > > > AVS entirely? I only heard of that recently from another member > > > > > here; I had been under the impression that standard protocol > > was AVS > > > > > before surgery. > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > And, long shot I know, but - anybody here have their > > AVS > > > > > done at UCLA? Or anywhere in the greater Los Angeles area? If > > you > > > > > have an interventional radiologist in the area that you'd > > recommend, > > > > > please let me know. Thanks! > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > - msmith1928 > > > > > > > > > > 45, female, 5'3 " , 120 lbs, 1cm left adrenal nodule, > > > > > aldosterone 42.3, renin 0.5, potassium <2.9 (when not taking > > > > > supplements); 25mg spiro caused gynecomastia, no meds currently > > > > > except 20MEQ K 2x/day; low sodium, fructose- and grain-free diet > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted March 7, 2011 Report Share Posted March 7, 2011 Are you asking Dr Grim this or ? > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > My doctor just called with the results of last week's > > > > > > aldosterone suppresion test/oral sodium loading test. As > > > expected, > > > > > > my aldo was off the charts high, both serum and urine. (I can > > > post > > > > > > numbers when I have a hard copy in front of me, if anyone is > > > > > > interested.) The interesting thing my doctor observed was that > > > I did > > > > > > not excrete a lot of sodium - he believes it's because my diet > > > is > > > > > > very low sodium. (I believe it's still trapped in my body in the > > > > > > form of the extra 2 pounds I've been carrying around since the > > > test!) > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > This gives me the go-ahead for AVS, or, > > > interestingly, he > > > > > > said I could skip the AVS and have the adrenalectomy. I want > > > to be > > > > > > good and certain that the culprit is my left adrenal before > > > surgery, > > > > > > so I think I'm going through with the AVS first. I'm aware of > > > the > > > > > > high risk of inconclusive results, and the risks of the > > > procedure in > > > > > > general. > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > This brings up two questions: how common is it to > > > skip the > > > > > > AVS entirely? I only heard of that recently from another member > > > > > > here; I had been under the impression that standard protocol > > > was AVS > > > > > > before surgery. > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > And, long shot I know, but - anybody here have their > > > AVS > > > > > > done at UCLA? Or anywhere in the greater Los Angeles area? If > > > you > > > > > > have an interventional radiologist in the area that you'd > > > recommend, > > > > > > please let me know. Thanks! > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > - msmith1928 > > > > > > > > > > > 45, female, 5'3 " , 120 lbs, 1cm left adrenal nodule, > > > > > > aldosterone 42.3, renin 0.5, potassium <2.9 (when not taking > > > > > > supplements); 25mg spiro caused gynecomastia, no meds currently > > > > > > except 20MEQ K 2x/day; low sodium, fructose- and grain-free diet > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted March 7, 2011 Report Share Posted March 7, 2011 Dr Grim - going back to the quote 'Yep and the chances of cure are much less than if you have AVS done.' > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > My doctor just called with the results of last week's > > > > > > > aldosterone suppresion test/oral sodium loading test. As > > > > expected, > > > > > > > my aldo was off the charts high, both serum and urine. (I can > > > > post > > > > > > > numbers when I have a hard copy in front of me, if anyone is > > > > > > > interested.) The interesting thing my doctor observed was that > > > > I did > > > > > > > not excrete a lot of sodium - he believes it's because my diet > > > > is > > > > > > > very low sodium. (I believe it's still trapped in my body in the > > > > > > > form of the extra 2 pounds I've been carrying around since the > > > > test!) > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > This gives me the go-ahead for AVS, or, > > > > interestingly, he > > > > > > > said I could skip the AVS and have the adrenalectomy. I want > > > > to be > > > > > > > good and certain that the culprit is my left adrenal before > > > > surgery, > > > > > > > so I think I'm going through with the AVS first. I'm aware of > > > > the > > > > > > > high risk of inconclusive results, and the risks of the > > > > procedure in > > > > > > > general. > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > This brings up two questions: how common is it to > > > > skip the > > > > > > > AVS entirely? I only heard of that recently from another member > > > > > > > here; I had been under the impression that standard protocol > > > > was AVS > > > > > > > before surgery. > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > And, long shot I know, but - anybody here have their > > > > AVS > > > > > > > done at UCLA? Or anywhere in the greater Los Angeles area? If > > > > you > > > > > > > have an interventional radiologist in the area that you'd > > > > recommend, > > > > > > > please let me know. Thanks! > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > - msmith1928 > > > > > > > > > > > > 45, female, 5'3 " , 120 lbs, 1cm left adrenal nodule, > > > > > > > aldosterone 42.3, renin 0.5, potassium <2.9 (when not taking > > > > > > > supplements); 25mg spiro caused gynecomastia, no meds currently > > > > > > > except 20MEQ K 2x/day; low sodium, fructose- and grain-free diet > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted March 7, 2011 Report Share Posted March 7, 2011 Obviously Dr. Grim, I'm an Expert at nothing! (Definition of " Expert " : " Ex " = past and " spert " is a drip under pressure! (who-sed-dat) > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > My doctor just called with the results of last week's > > > > > > > aldosterone suppresion test/oral sodium loading test. As > > > > expected, > > > > > > > my aldo was off the charts high, both serum and urine. (I can > > > > post > > > > > > > numbers when I have a hard copy in front of me, if anyone is > > > > > > > interested.) The interesting thing my doctor observed was that > > > > I did > > > > > > > not excrete a lot of sodium - he believes it's because my diet > > > > is > > > > > > > very low sodium. (I believe it's still trapped in my body in the > > > > > > > form of the extra 2 pounds I've been carrying around since the > > > > test!) > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > This gives me the go-ahead for AVS, or, > > > > interestingly, he > > > > > > > said I could skip the AVS and have the adrenalectomy. I want > > > > to be > > > > > > > good and certain that the culprit is my left adrenal before > > > > surgery, > > > > > > > so I think I'm going through with the AVS first. I'm aware of > > > > the > > > > > > > high risk of inconclusive results, and the risks of the > > > > procedure in > > > > > > > general. > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > This brings up two questions: how common is it to > > > > skip the > > > > > > > AVS entirely? I only heard of that recently from another member > > > > > > > here; I had been under the impression that standard protocol > > > > was AVS > > > > > > > before surgery. > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > And, long shot I know, but - anybody here have their > > > > AVS > > > > > > > done at UCLA? Or anywhere in the greater Los Angeles area? If > > > > you > > > > > > > have an interventional radiologist in the area that you'd > > > > recommend, > > > > > > > please let me know. Thanks! > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > - msmith1928 > > > > > > > > > > > > 45, female, 5'3 " , 120 lbs, 1cm left adrenal nodule, > > > > > > > aldosterone 42.3, renin 0.5, potassium <2.9 (when not taking > > > > > > > supplements); 25mg spiro caused gynecomastia, no meds currently > > > > > > > except 20MEQ K 2x/day; low sodium, fructose- and grain-free diet > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted March 7, 2011 Report Share Posted March 7, 2011 Most likey not going to find much on the 40 year old cut off on doing AVS. What would change this just based on age? > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > My doctor just called with the results of last week's > > > > > > > > > aldosterone suppresion test/oral sodium loading test. As > > > > > > expected, > > > > > > > > > my aldo was off the charts high, both serum and urine. (I can > > > > > > post > > > > > > > > > numbers when I have a hard copy in front of me, if anyone is > > > > > > > > > interested.) The interesting thing my doctor observed was that > > > > > > I did > > > > > > > > > not excrete a lot of sodium - he believes it's because my diet > > > > > > is > > > > > > > > > very low sodium. (I believe it's still trapped in my body in the > > > > > > > > > form of the extra 2 pounds I've been carrying around since the > > > > > > test!) > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > This gives me the go-ahead for AVS, or, > > > > > > interestingly, he > > > > > > > > > said I could skip the AVS and have the adrenalectomy. I want > > > > > > to be > > > > > > > > > good and certain that the culprit is my left adrenal before > > > > > > surgery, > > > > > > > > > so I think I'm going through with the AVS first. I'm aware of > > > > > > the > > > > > > > > > high risk of inconclusive results, and the risks of the > > > > > > procedure in > > > > > > > > > general. > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > This brings up two questions: how common is it to > > > > > > skip the > > > > > > > > > AVS entirely? I only heard of that recently from another member > > > > > > > > > here; I had been under the impression that standard protocol > > > > > > was AVS > > > > > > > > > before surgery. > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > And, long shot I know, but - anybody here have their > > > > > > AVS > > > > > > > > > done at UCLA? Or anywhere in the greater Los Angeles area? If > > > > > > you > > > > > > > > > have an interventional radiologist in the area that you'd > > > > > > recommend, > > > > > > > > > please let me know. Thanks! > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > - msmith1928 > > > > > > > > > > > > > > 45, female, 5'3 " , 120 lbs, 1cm left adrenal nodule, > > > > > > > > > aldosterone 42.3, renin 0.5, potassium <2.9 (when not taking > > > > > > > > > supplements); 25mg spiro caused gynecomastia, no meds currently > > > > > > > > > except 20MEQ K 2x/day; low sodium, fructose- and grain-free diet > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted March 8, 2011 Report Share Posted March 8, 2011 Aha - but I am but a recently diagnosed novice to all this - and therein lies the problem. Which is why I've turned up here to this support group. So when I read scary facts like 'your chances of cure are much less than if you have an AVS done' when I'm planning on surgery without going through AVS first, I question the expert about what that's based on. I have in forefront of my mind your experience and assume you know what those stats are (or at least which research has quantified it) as well as the qualitative summary. I will, of course, start searching pub med immediately but isn't the point of this support group to allow non-medics like myself to get in touch with experts for advice rather than having to trawl through the research? Hester > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > My doctor just called with the results of last week's > > > > > > > > > aldosterone suppresion test/oral sodium loading test. As > > > > > > expected, > > > > > > > > > my aldo was off the charts high, both serum and urine. (I can > > > > > > post > > > > > > > > > numbers when I have a hard copy in front of me, if anyone is > > > > > > > > > interested.) The interesting thing my doctor observed was that > > > > > > I did > > > > > > > > > not excrete a lot of sodium - he believes it's because my diet > > > > > > is > > > > > > > > > very low sodium. (I believe it's still trapped in my body in the > > > > > > > > > form of the extra 2 pounds I've been carrying around since the > > > > > > test!) > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > This gives me the go-ahead for AVS, or, > > > > > > interestingly, he > > > > > > > > > said I could skip the AVS and have the adrenalectomy. I want > > > > > > to be > > > > > > > > > good and certain that the culprit is my left adrenal before > > > > > > surgery, > > > > > > > > > so I think I'm going through with the AVS first. I'm aware of > > > > > > the > > > > > > > > > high risk of inconclusive results, and the risks of the > > > > > > procedure in > > > > > > > > > general. > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > This brings up two questions: how common is it to > > > > > > skip the > > > > > > > > > AVS entirely? I only heard of that recently from another member > > > > > > > > > here; I had been under the impression that standard protocol > > > > > > was AVS > > > > > > > > > before surgery. > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > And, long shot I know, but - anybody here have their > > > > > > AVS > > > > > > > > > done at UCLA? Or anywhere in the greater Los Angeles area? If > > > > > > you > > > > > > > > > have an interventional radiologist in the area that you'd > > > > > > recommend, > > > > > > > > > please let me know. Thanks! > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > - msmith1928 > > > > > > > > > > > > > > 45, female, 5'3 " , 120 lbs, 1cm left adrenal nodule, > > > > > > > > > aldosterone 42.3, renin 0.5, potassium <2.9 (when not taking > > > > > > > > > supplements); 25mg spiro caused gynecomastia, no meds currently > > > > > > > > > except 20MEQ K 2x/day; low sodium, fructose- and grain-free diet > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted March 8, 2011 Report Share Posted March 8, 2011 There is this study that was done a few years ago Fat Cells Linked to Hypertension By Reinberg, HealthDay Reporter HealthDayNews -- A team of scientists working with human fat cells called adipocytes has discovered a direct link between these cells and hormones known to increase blood pressure. " Fat cells secrete products that directly stimulate the release of aldosterone, which is responsible for high blood pressure, " says lead researcher Monika Ehrhart-Bornstein, from the German Diabetes Center at Heinrich Heine University in Dusseldorf. " It is known that high blood pressure is present with obesity, but the connection between the two has remained unknown, " she adds. It once was thought that fat tissue only stored lipids. However, new research has found fat tissue also secretes hormones. And it is also known a malfunction in the adrenal gland is linked to obesity. This malfunction leads to an excessive release of aldosterone, a blood pressure-elevating steroid that causes the kidneys to hold on to salt. While this relationship was known, how fat itself contributed to high blood pressure was not. Ehrhart-Bornstein and her colleagues studied whether hormones secreted by fat cells affected the production of aldosterone from the adrenal gland. In experiments with human cells, her team found that when products secreted by fat cells were combined with cells from the adrenal gland, these fat cell products caused a sevenfold increase in aldosterone secretion. These findings indicate that " fat cells are directly responsible for this increase in blood pressure, " Ehrhart-Bornstein says. However, which specific factors in fat cells causes this release of aldosterone is still not known, she adds. The new study appears in this week's issue of the Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences. Ehrhart-Bornstein and her team are busy at work trying to identify which of these previously unidentified fat cell secretions might be responsible. Until these factors have been identified, there are no direct clinical implications to the findings, she cautions. However, in the future it could lead to new approaches for treating high blood pressure. Dr. Theodore Goodfriend, a professor of medicine at the University of Wisconsin, has a different theory on the relationship between fat tissue and high blood pressure. He says " people with visceral obesity -- that is abdominal obesity -- are more likely than lean people and more likely than people with lower-body obesity to have high blood pressure. " He adds the link between abdominal fat and high blood pressure is mysterious. " But I think it is the result of a 'factor' or chemical released from abdominal fat that is further transformed by the liver. " The factor stimulates the adrenal gland to make aldosterone, Goodfriend says. " We have found an association of visceral obesity with elevated aldosterone in some patients, " he adds. " This factor is more often found in people with visceral fat, because that fat drains to the liver directly, whereas other fat stores drain into the general circulation, " Goodfriend notes. He also points out that the authors of the new study " apparently feel they have found a factor released by fat cells that does not have to be further transformed by the liver. But they haven't identified their factor. " Goodfriend advises that " clinicians could benefit from their and my research by thinking of using aldosterone antagonists, such as spironolactone or eplerenone, in hypertensive patients with upper body obesity. We have found those drugs very useful in stubborn cases. " > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > My doctor just called with the results of last week's > > > > > > > > > > aldosterone suppresion test/oral sodium loading test. As > > > > > > > expected, > > > > > > > > > > my aldo was off the charts high, both serum and urine. (I can > > > > > > > post > > > > > > > > > > numbers when I have a hard copy in front of me, if anyone is > > > > > > > > > > interested.) The interesting thing my doctor observed was that > > > > > > > I did > > > > > > > > > > not excrete a lot of sodium - he believes it's because my diet > > > > > > > is > > > > > > > > > > very low sodium. (I believe it's still trapped in my body in the > > > > > > > > > > form of the extra 2 pounds I've been carrying around since the > > > > > > > test!) > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > This gives me the go-ahead for AVS, or, > > > > > > > interestingly, he > > > > > > > > > > said I could skip the AVS and have the adrenalectomy. I want > > > > > > > to be > > > > > > > > > > good and certain that the culprit is my left adrenal before > > > > > > > surgery, > > > > > > > > > > so I think I'm going through with the AVS first. I'm aware of > > > > > > > the > > > > > > > > > > high risk of inconclusive results, and the risks of the > > > > > > > procedure in > > > > > > > > > > general. > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > This brings up two questions: how common is it to > > > > > > > skip the > > > > > > > > > > AVS entirely? I only heard of that recently from another member > > > > > > > > > > here; I had been under the impression that standard protocol > > > > > > > was AVS > > > > > > > > > > before surgery. > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > And, long shot I know, but - anybody here have their > > > > > > > AVS > > > > > > > > > > done at UCLA? Or anywhere in the greater Los Angeles area? If > > > > > > > you > > > > > > > > > > have an interventional radiologist in the area that you'd > > > > > > > recommend, > > > > > > > > > > please let me know. Thanks! > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > - msmith1928 > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > 45, female, 5'3 " , 120 lbs, 1cm left adrenal nodule, > > > > > > > > > > aldosterone 42.3, renin 0.5, potassium <2.9 (when not taking > > > > > > > > > > supplements); 25mg spiro caused gynecomastia, no meds currently > > > > > > > > > > except 20MEQ K 2x/day; low sodium, fructose- and grain-free diet > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted March 8, 2011 Report Share Posted March 8, 2011 Huh? Have I missed the link between the dangers of skipping AVS and some random article on fat cells/high blood pressure? Or have you replied to the wrong post? I'm of normal BMI if that's of any interest..... H > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > My doctor just called with the results of last week's > > > > > > > > > > > aldosterone suppresion test/oral sodium loading test. As > > > > > > > > expected, > > > > > > > > > > > my aldo was off the charts high, both serum and urine. (I can > > > > > > > > post > > > > > > > > > > > numbers when I have a hard copy in front of me, if anyone is > > > > > > > > > > > interested.) The interesting thing my doctor observed was that > > > > > > > > I did > > > > > > > > > > > not excrete a lot of sodium - he believes it's because my diet > > > > > > > > is > > > > > > > > > > > very low sodium. (I believe it's still trapped in my body in the > > > > > > > > > > > form of the extra 2 pounds I've been carrying around since the > > > > > > > > test!) > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > This gives me the go-ahead for AVS, or, > > > > > > > > interestingly, he > > > > > > > > > > > said I could skip the AVS and have the adrenalectomy. I want > > > > > > > > to be > > > > > > > > > > > good and certain that the culprit is my left adrenal before > > > > > > > > surgery, > > > > > > > > > > > so I think I'm going through with the AVS first. I'm aware of > > > > > > > > the > > > > > > > > > > > high risk of inconclusive results, and the risks of the > > > > > > > > procedure in > > > > > > > > > > > general. > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > This brings up two questions: how common is it to > > > > > > > > skip the > > > > > > > > > > > AVS entirely? I only heard of that recently from another member > > > > > > > > > > > here; I had been under the impression that standard protocol > > > > > > > > was AVS > > > > > > > > > > > before surgery. > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > And, long shot I know, but - anybody here have their > > > > > > > > AVS > > > > > > > > > > > done at UCLA? Or anywhere in the greater Los Angeles area? If > > > > > > > > you > > > > > > > > > > > have an interventional radiologist in the area that you'd > > > > > > > > recommend, > > > > > > > > > > > please let me know. Thanks! > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > - msmith1928 > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > 45, female, 5'3 " , 120 lbs, 1cm left adrenal nodule, > > > > > > > > > > > aldosterone 42.3, renin 0.5, potassium <2.9 (when not taking > > > > > > > > > > > supplements); 25mg spiro caused gynecomastia, no meds currently > > > > > > > > > > > except 20MEQ K 2x/day; low sodium, fructose- and grain-free diet > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted March 8, 2011 Report Share Posted March 8, 2011 The link would be there are other reasons to have high ALDO. > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > My doctor just called with the results of last week's > > > > > > > > > > > > aldosterone suppresion test/oral sodium loading test. As > > > > > > > > > expected, > > > > > > > > > > > > my aldo was off the charts high, both serum and urine. (I can > > > > > > > > > post > > > > > > > > > > > > numbers when I have a hard copy in front of me, if anyone is > > > > > > > > > > > > interested.) The interesting thing my doctor observed was that > > > > > > > > > I did > > > > > > > > > > > > not excrete a lot of sodium - he believes it's because my diet > > > > > > > > > is > > > > > > > > > > > > very low sodium. (I believe it's still trapped in my body in the > > > > > > > > > > > > form of the extra 2 pounds I've been carrying around since the > > > > > > > > > test!) > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > This gives me the go-ahead for AVS, or, > > > > > > > > > interestingly, he > > > > > > > > > > > > said I could skip the AVS and have the adrenalectomy. I want > > > > > > > > > to be > > > > > > > > > > > > good and certain that the culprit is my left adrenal before > > > > > > > > > surgery, > > > > > > > > > > > > so I think I'm going through with the AVS first. I'm aware of > > > > > > > > > the > > > > > > > > > > > > high risk of inconclusive results, and the risks of the > > > > > > > > > procedure in > > > > > > > > > > > > general. > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > This brings up two questions: how common is it to > > > > > > > > > skip the > > > > > > > > > > > > AVS entirely? I only heard of that recently from another member > > > > > > > > > > > > here; I had been under the impression that standard protocol > > > > > > > > > was AVS > > > > > > > > > > > > before surgery. > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > And, long shot I know, but - anybody here have their > > > > > > > > > AVS > > > > > > > > > > > > done at UCLA? Or anywhere in the greater Los Angeles area? If > > > > > > > > > you > > > > > > > > > > > > have an interventional radiologist in the area that you'd > > > > > > > > > recommend, > > > > > > > > > > > > please let me know. Thanks! > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > - msmith1928 > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > 45, female, 5'3 " , 120 lbs, 1cm left adrenal nodule, > > > > > > > > > > > > aldosterone 42.3, renin 0.5, potassium <2.9 (when not taking > > > > > > > > > > > > supplements); 25mg spiro caused gynecomastia, no meds currently > > > > > > > > > > > > except 20MEQ K 2x/day; low sodium, fructose- and grain-free diet > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted March 8, 2011 Report Share Posted March 8, 2011 Right, but since this thread was a discussion of AVS, it doesn't really fit here. This is a great example of when to start a new thread. > > > > Huh? Have I missed the link between the dangers of skipping AVS and some random article on fat cells/high blood pressure? Or have you replied to the wrong post? I'm of normal BMI if that's of any interest..... Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted March 8, 2011 Report Share Posted March 8, 2011 And unmeasurably low renin & low potassium & seriously high bp (with sudden onset within the last 18 months), unresponsive to bp drugs & a 21mm mass on left adrenal....? Still leaning towards skipping AVS and just taking a punt on that mass being the cause. H > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > My doctor just called with the results of last week's > > > > > > > > > > > > > aldosterone suppresion test/oral sodium loading test. As > > > > > > > > > > expected, > > > > > > > > > > > > > my aldo was off the charts high, both serum and urine. (I can > > > > > > > > > > post > > > > > > > > > > > > > numbers when I have a hard copy in front of me, if anyone is > > > > > > > > > > > > > interested.) The interesting thing my doctor observed was that > > > > > > > > > > I did > > > > > > > > > > > > > not excrete a lot of sodium - he believes it's because my diet > > > > > > > > > > is > > > > > > > > > > > > > very low sodium. (I believe it's still trapped in my body in the > > > > > > > > > > > > > form of the extra 2 pounds I've been carrying around since the > > > > > > > > > > test!) > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > This gives me the go-ahead for AVS, or, > > > > > > > > > > interestingly, he > > > > > > > > > > > > > said I could skip the AVS and have the adrenalectomy. I want > > > > > > > > > > to be > > > > > > > > > > > > > good and certain that the culprit is my left adrenal before > > > > > > > > > > surgery, > > > > > > > > > > > > > so I think I'm going through with the AVS first. I'm aware of > > > > > > > > > > the > > > > > > > > > > > > > high risk of inconclusive results, and the risks of the > > > > > > > > > > procedure in > > > > > > > > > > > > > general. > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > This brings up two questions: how common is it to > > > > > > > > > > skip the > > > > > > > > > > > > > AVS entirely? I only heard of that recently from another member > > > > > > > > > > > > > here; I had been under the impression that standard protocol > > > > > > > > > > was AVS > > > > > > > > > > > > > before surgery. > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > And, long shot I know, but - anybody here have their > > > > > > > > > > AVS > > > > > > > > > > > > > done at UCLA? Or anywhere in the greater Los Angeles area? If > > > > > > > > > > you > > > > > > > > > > > > > have an interventional radiologist in the area that you'd > > > > > > > > > > recommend, > > > > > > > > > > > > > please let me know. Thanks! > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > - msmith1928 > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > 45, female, 5'3 " , 120 lbs, 1cm left adrenal nodule, > > > > > > > > > > > > > aldosterone 42.3, renin 0.5, potassium <2.9 (when not taking > > > > > > > > > > > > > supplements); 25mg spiro caused gynecomastia, no meds currently > > > > > > > > > > > > > except 20MEQ K 2x/day; low sodium, fructose- and grain-free diet > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted March 8, 2011 Report Share Posted March 8, 2011 The reason to do AVS is to find out source of high ALDO. > > > > > > Huh? Have I missed the link between the dangers of skipping AVS and some random article on fat cells/high blood pressure? Or have you replied to the wrong post? I'm of normal BMI if that's of any interest..... > Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted March 8, 2011 Report Share Posted March 8, 2011 Yep. That's why I plan to have AVS. > > > > > > > > Huh? Have I missed the link between the dangers of skipping AVS and some random article on fat cells/high blood pressure? Or have you replied to the wrong post? I'm of normal BMI if that's of any interest..... > > > Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted March 9, 2011 Report Share Posted March 9, 2011 Especially if you are walking across the street to have an AVS! (that's a haha, and the beat goes on!) > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > By the information in this link. Any one less then 40 and > > > > > > > > > > > > > > tests show > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > they have PA has CT done to see if there is a tumor. If tumor > > > > > > > > > > > > > > shows > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > automaticiy have it removed with out doing AVS. > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted March 9, 2011 Report Share Posted March 9, 2011 Mine was an MRI, I presume better resolution than a CT? Not sure what PET is beyond a plastic bottle. I saw the previous post & accept there is a risk - just think it's minimal but may regret that later. H > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > My doctor just called with the results of last week's > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > aldosterone suppresion test/oral sodium loading test. As > > > > > > > > > > > > expected, > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > my aldo was off the charts high, both serum and urine. (I can > > > > > > > > > > > > post > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > numbers when I have a hard copy in front of me, if anyone is > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > interested.) The interesting thing my doctor observed was that > > > > > > > > > > > > I did > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > not excrete a lot of sodium - he believes it's because my diet > > > > > > > > > > > > is > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > very low sodium. (I believe it's still trapped in my body in the > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > form of the extra 2 pounds I've been carrying around since the > > > > > > > > > > > > test!) > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > This gives me the go-ahead for AVS, or, > > > > > > > > > > > > interestingly, he > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > said I could skip the AVS and have the adrenalectomy. I want > > > > > > > > > > > > to be > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > good and certain that the culprit is my left adrenal before > > > > > > > > > > > > surgery, > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > so I think I'm going through with the AVS first. I'm aware of > > > > > > > > > > > > the > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > high risk of inconclusive results, and the risks of the > > > > > > > > > > > > procedure in > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > general. > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > This brings up two questions: how common is it to > > > > > > > > > > > > skip the > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > AVS entirely? I only heard of that recently from another member > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > here; I had been under the impression that standard protocol > > > > > > > > > > > > was AVS > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > before surgery. > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > And, long shot I know, but - anybody here have their > > > > > > > > > > > > AVS > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > done at UCLA? Or anywhere in the greater Los Angeles area? If > > > > > > > > > > > > you > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > have an interventional radiologist in the area that you'd > > > > > > > > > > > > recommend, > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > please let me know. Thanks! > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > - msmith1928 > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > 45, female, 5'3 " , 120 lbs, 1cm left adrenal nodule, > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > aldosterone 42.3, renin 0.5, potassium <2.9 (when not taking > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > supplements); 25mg spiro caused gynecomastia, no meds currently > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > except 20MEQ K 2x/day; low sodium, fructose- and grain-free diet > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted March 9, 2011 Report Share Posted March 9, 2011 Sorry but my job as a patient is to ask questions of any doctor - and you seem to actively encourage that of any of us visiting our regular consultants. Unfortunately as a newbie, I have no idea what your 40 years experience covers (side suggestion - it might be useful to have profiles of all the experts that contribute to this site somewhere - unless I've missed them in the morass of files/links/database etc.). So despite your wealth of experience, I still think it's not helpful to make a generalised statement such as 'Yep and the chances of cure are much less than if you have AVS done.' without some reference to where that data came from, who has researched into it, that type of thing. Presumably all stuff that you know off the top of your head as the expert in your field. Hester > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > Hester, First, everyone has to make this decision for > > > > > > > > > > > themself. I recently explained on this site how I made my > > > > > > > > decision. > > > > > > > > > > > I even provided some of the sites I researched to come to my > > > > > > > > > > > conclusion. Rather than ask you to trust me, I suggest you visit > > > > > > > > > > > this site: > > > > > > > > > > > > > > http://www.endocrinesurgery.org/patient_education/adrenal/hyperaldosteronism_dia\ gnosis.shtml > > > > > > > > > > > (it is easiest to go to page 2) > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > Marie, you might do a quick review, Remember THE 40 YEAR > > > > > > > > OLD > > > > > > > > > > > TEST? I believe somebody was over 40! (I draw the conclision > > > > > > > > that > > > > > > > > > > > " us old farts " like to grow non-functioning adnomas just keep > > > > > > > > the > > > > > > > > > > > doctors employed! ;>) > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > Good Luck, Keep us posted, we care > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted March 9, 2011 Report Share Posted March 9, 2011 Dr Grim's CURRICULUM VITAE used to be in the files but doesn't seem to be ther now. > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > Hester, First, everyone has to make this decision for > > > > > > > > > > > > themself. I recently explained on this site how I made my > > > > > > > > > decision. > > > > > > > > > > > > I even provided some of the sites I researched to come to my > > > > > > > > > > > > conclusion. Rather than ask you to trust me, I suggest you visit > > > > > > > > > > > > this site: > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > http://www.endocrinesurgery.org/patient_education/adrenal/hyperaldosteronism_dia\ gnosis.shtml > > > > > > > > > > > > (it is easiest to go to page 2) > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > Marie, you might do a quick review, Remember THE 40 YEAR > > > > > > > > > OLD > > > > > > > > > > > > TEST? I believe somebody was over 40! (I draw the conclision > > > > > > > > > that > > > > > > > > > > > > " us old farts " like to grow non-functioning adnomas just keep > > > > > > > > > the > > > > > > > > > > > > doctors employed! ;>) > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > Good Luck, Keep us posted, we care > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted March 10, 2011 Report Share Posted March 10, 2011 There are some on here that only had the tumor removed so they still have both glands. Believe there is one hospital in England where this is routinely done. Belive someone posted this information. > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > Hester, First, everyone has to make this decision for > > > > > > > > > > > > themself. I recently explained on this site how I made my > > > > > > > > > decision. > > > > > > > > > > > > I even provided some of the sites I researched to come to my > > > > > > > > > > > > conclusion. Rather than ask you to trust me, I suggest you visit > > > > > > > > > > > > this site: > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > http://www.endocrinesurgery.org/patient_education/adrenal/hyperaldosteronism_dia\ gnosis.shtml > > > > > > > > > > > > (it is easiest to go to page 2) > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > Marie, you might do a quick review, Remember THE 40 YEAR > > > > > > > > > OLD > > > > > > > > > > > > TEST? I believe somebody was over 40! (I draw the conclision > > > > > > > > > that > > > > > > > > > > > > " us old farts " like to grow non-functioning adnomas just keep > > > > > > > > > the > > > > > > > > > > > > doctors employed! ;>) > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > Good Luck, Keep us posted, we care > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted March 10, 2011 Report Share Posted March 10, 2011 Can I assume from this that if you take the meds. route the Rx you get will be the same 2.5 yrs. later? Over time do you have to make any adjustments? I think I understand what the bare numbers are telling us but without delving into what might have chaged over time they may just be bare numbers! > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > , > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > Thanks for that link. It does support the advice I'm getting > > > > Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted March 10, 2011 Report Share Posted March 10, 2011 Since Meds are your treatment of choice, what has been your experience? > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > Again, I want to make sure you know that I have no ownership > > > > > > > > > > > > in > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > this decision so you do what you feel is best for you. I only > > > > > > > > > > > > hope I > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > can provide you some good unbiased information to help you > > > > > > > > > > > > with the > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > process. > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > I can tell you I had a few years writing statistical > > > > > > > > > > > > programs for > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > a large insurance company so I am pretty good at figuring out > > > > > > > > > > > > how to > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > " work the numbers " . The group that came up with that chart I > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > provided you apparently certify all the Endocrine Surgeons of > > > > > > > > > > > > North > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > and South America as well as some international countries, > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > trustworthy I guess! > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > To the numbers: What is the distribution of tumors, by age? > > > > > > > > > > > > (Us > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > older individuals have more time to grow extra parts!) I > > > > > > > > > > > > personally > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > am beginning to think this is important enough that I consider > > > > > > > > > > > > any > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > survey that can't or doesn't is ambigious at best! I know one > > > > > > > > > > > > of our > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > surveys asks age at first notification, it might be fun to > > > > > > > > > > > > check it > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > out. > Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted March 10, 2011 Report Share Posted March 10, 2011 About how many PT did you see at the VA? This would real good information on % of possible PT with PA. Were you there as PCP or hypertension expert? > > > > > > > > > > My doctor just called with the results of last week's > > aldosterone suppresion test/oral sodium loading test. As expected, > > my aldo was off the charts high, both serum and urine. (I can post > > numbers when I have a hard copy in front of me, if anyone is > > interested.) The interesting thing my doctor observed was that I did > > not excrete a lot of sodium - he believes it's because my diet is > > very low sodium. (I believe it's still trapped in my body in the > > form of the extra 2 pounds I've been carrying around since the test!) > > > > > > > > > > This gives me the go-ahead for AVS, or, interestingly, he said > > I could skip the AVS and have the adrenalectomy. I want to be good > > and certain that the culprit is my left adrenal before surgery, so I > > think I'm going through with the AVS first. I'm aware of the high > > risk of inconclusive results, and the risks of the procedure in > > general. > > > > > > > > > > This brings up two questions: how common is it to skip the AVS > > entirely? I only heard of that recently from another member here; I > > had been under the impression that standard protocol was AVS before > > surgery. > > > > > > > > > > And, long shot I know, but - anybody here have their AVS done > > at UCLA? Or anywhere in the greater Los Angeles area? If you have an > > interventional radiologist in the area that you'd recommend, please > > let me know. Thanks! > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > - msmith1928 > > > > > 45, female, 5'3 " , 120 lbs, 1cm left adrenal nodule, > > aldosterone 42.3, renin 0.5, potassium <2.9 (when not taking > > supplements); 25mg spiro caused gynecomastia, no meds currently > > except 20MEQ K 2x/day; low sodium, fructose- and grain-free diet > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted March 10, 2011 Report Share Posted March 10, 2011 How many out of the 200 had hypertension? > > > > > > > > > > > > > > My doctor just called with the results of last week's > > > > aldosterone suppresion test/oral sodium loading test. As expected, > > > > my aldo was off the charts high, both serum and urine. (I can post > > > > numbers when I have a hard copy in front of me, if anyone is > > > > interested.) The interesting thing my doctor observed was that I did > > > > not excrete a lot of sodium - he believes it's because my diet is > > > > very low sodium. (I believe it's still trapped in my body in the > > > > form of the extra 2 pounds I've been carrying around since the test!) > > > > > > > > > > > > > > This gives me the go-ahead for AVS, or, interestingly, he said > > > > I could skip the AVS and have the adrenalectomy. I want to be good > > > > and certain that the culprit is my left adrenal before surgery, so I > > > > think I'm going through with the AVS first. I'm aware of the high > > > > risk of inconclusive results, and the risks of the procedure in > > > > general. > > > > > > > > > > > > > > This brings up two questions: how common is it to skip the AVS > > > > entirely? I only heard of that recently from another member here; I > > > > had been under the impression that standard protocol was AVS before > > > > surgery. > > > > > > > > > > > > > > And, long shot I know, but - anybody here have their AVS done > > > > at UCLA? Or anywhere in the greater Los Angeles area? If you have an > > > > interventional radiologist in the area that you'd recommend, please > > > > let me know. Thanks! > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > - msmith1928 > > > > > > > 45, female, 5'3 " , 120 lbs, 1cm left adrenal nodule, > > > > aldosterone 42.3, renin 0.5, potassium <2.9 (when not taking > > > > supplements); 25mg spiro caused gynecomastia, no meds currently > > > > except 20MEQ K 2x/day; low sodium, fructose- and grain-free diet > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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