41y F, 1 y Post R Adrenalectomy (Robotic Surgery)

December 30, 2011

Hello all,

I was a member of this group up until about a year ago. I rejoined to update

everyone on my condition since my Adrenalectomy on December 15, 2011, due to a

right adrenal adenoma. To put it simply, I honestly have trouble remembering

how sick I truly was and how bad I felt prior to the surgery. I feel amazing!

My doctor weened me off of my medicine slowly...have to admit that I did that

mostly on my own and just told her I was doing it. After about 7 weeks, I was

completely off all medications. Keep in mind that prior to the surgery, I was

taking daily meds of 100meq effervescent K, 100mg Spiro/HCTZ and 50mg Spiro and

was lucky to maintain a K level of 3.5-3.6. My K level now stays steady at 3.8!

Before I could not mow the lawn (even a little), work out, walk very far or do

anything that required much physical exertion...Heaven forbid I do something

that made me sweat!! It would take 2-3 days to recover from any of the above.

I can now work out, mow the lawn, etc with NO issues to deal with

afterwards...ok except fatigue because I'm fat and out of shape since I haven't

been able to exercise in 10 years. ) I joined a gym recently and last night I

worked out for an hour including doing 5 miles on bicycle. I felt great after

and I feel great today....it's truly a blessing!!

My blood pressure is high normal but I suspect that will continue to decrease as

I lose this weight and get in better shape. I do have borderline left

ventricular hypertrophy but who would expect to come out of a ten year ordeal

fighting to keep their K level up and come out without any residual issues? I'm

not symptomatic and am working on aerobic exercise to improve my heart health.

I have to tell you all that one of the STRANGEST things that went away after my

surgery is my EXTREME CRAVING for salt! Dr. Grim, I know you preach on dashing

and reduced salt intake...I swear I could NOT do that no matter how hard I

tried. I mean I would use excessive amounts of salt. But after the surgery,

that literally disappeared. I very seldom salt anything now because I don't

crave it any longer.

In summary, I have my life back. God is good and so were my doctors!

Juli

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