Aldosterone jumping around Dr. no longer sure about PA

[Guest guest]

Hello!

I have been feeling ill for 5+ years. I was diagnosed with PA in August of 2010,

after 3 high aldosterone tests (21, 58, 257). I then started spironolactone and

after 3 weeks I was feeling much better and my aldosterone returned to normal

range. My PCP sent me to an endocrinologist who ran some more tests as I didn't

have low K or high blood pressure although I have had some spikes in bp. The

endo did one test while I was on the spiro and it was elevated (38) and then off

the spiro and it was low (2). The endo thought dehydration and bad lab values

explained the aldosterone results. This explanation didn't seem quite right to

me as if the spiro was causing dehydration as the dr. suggested, I wouldn't have

had normal values on it. Also, two lab errors seemed unlikely to me--but I guess

you never know. My PCP also was a bit baffled by the endo's conclusion. So my

PCP has kept me off the spiro and since then I have been feeling quite ill

again. My PCP plans to monitor the aldosterone through electrolytes and see how

it all goes. I am wondering if PA is possible in someone with no high bp and no

low K? Also, can aldosterone be measured by looking at electrolytes? I apologize

if the answers to these questions are posted under the files on this site, but I

have only looked through a couple on here so far.

I greatly appreciate any information and advice that any of you have to offer.

Thanks!