Re: Should I get a new doctor?

[Guest guest]

Not many PCP or so called experts understand what to look for when it comes to

hyperaldosteronism. So finding a PCP that will also under stand

hyperaldosteronism is like looking for a needle in a haystack.

Diabetes can be caused by hyperaldosteronism.

>

> Hi,

> Just wondering if I should be shopping for a new doctor. I have been on bp

meds, 6 of them everyday for 17 years. Went to see an endocrinologist for my

diabetes and he saw my blood test results and started testing for

hyperaldosteronism. Found a tumor and have been working my way to surgery or

medication. Should I be concerned that my doc was unaware that low K and hi BP

should be looked into further. At one point I was taking 10 potassium pills a

day to keep me on my feet. Now I wonder who the fool was me or him? Any

thoughts would be appreciated. I feel like I lost out on 17 years of my life

not mention the cost etc.

> Jill

>

[Guest guest]

Hi Jill,

Many of us here have similar stories. I spent 9 of the last 10 years in the care

of several primary care doctors who just kept piling on the wrong kind of BP

meds. Finally I got sick of it and changed doctors, which led to a diagnosis

(left adrenal adenoma) and resolution (adrenalectomy 2 weeks ago) in under a

year. So I know how you feel about losing many years of your life, and I'm sorry

to hear that it's happened to yet another person. I think I was on as many as 6

meds at one time also - and at a $30 per prescription copay for each, I

constantly look back and wish there was a way to recover all the wasted money!

I'm assuming you're talking about shopping for a new primary care doc? Sounds

like your endo is on the right track so that one you should keep As for the

other - tough call. If I were in your situation I'd talk to the primary care

doctor and educate him so it doesn't happen to another patient. If he's

unwilling to listen, then by all means, it's time to switch. If he's willing to

listen and work with you and the endo to understand your case, and you like him

well enough, maybe you won't need to switch.

Hope that helps!

-msmith1928

Nulliparous female, 46, 5'3 " , 116 lbs, polymenorrhea, hyperinsulinemia,

hereditary fructose intolerance, lactose intolerance, gluten intolerance

(probable celiac). Current meds: singulair 10mg, norethindrone .35mg to regulate

polymenorrhea, fexofenadine 180mg as needed. Low sodium, fructose- and

grain-free diet. CT showed 1cm left adrenal nodule, AVS determined disease is

unilateral, had left laparoscopic adrenalectomy on 10/13/2011.

>

> Hi,

> Just wondering if I should be shopping for a new doctor. I have been on bp

meds, 6 of them everyday for 17 years. Went to see an endocrinologist for my

diabetes and he saw my blood test results and started testing for

hyperaldosteronism. Found a tumor and have been working my way to surgery or

medication. Should I be concerned that my doc was unaware that low K and hi BP

should be looked into further. At one point I was taking 10 potassium pills a

day to keep me on my feet. Now I wonder who the fool was me or him? Any

thoughts would be appreciated. I feel like I lost out on 17 years of my life

not mention the cost etc.

> Jill

>

[Guest guest]

Many of us here have " been there, done that " not that it makes you feel any

better. I've had HTN for well over 30 yrs and even had a ct-scan in 2005 that

showed and adrenal adnoma but nobody noticed! Finally a specialist came in, I'm

treated at a VA Hospital, and he put me on Spirolactone. That was 2010 and BP

resolved almost immediately!

To answer your question, if you have been with this doctor and are otherwise

satisfied I wouldn't change if you think he will listen. You did real good to

find an Endo who knows what is going on. Between your Endo and this group you

should be in good hands!

- 65 yo super ob. male - 12mm X 13mm rt. a.adnoma with previous rt. flank

pain. Treating with Meds. And DASH. . Current BP(last week ave): 131/76 HR 60

Other Issues/Opportunities: OSA w Bi-Pap settings 13/19, DM2, and PTSD.

Meds: Duloxetine hcl 80 MG, Metoprolol Tartrate 200 MG, 81mg asprin, Metformin

2000MG and Spironolactone 50 MG.

>

> Hi,

> Just wondering if I should be shopping for a new doctor. I have been on bp

meds, 6 of them everyday for 17 years. Went to see an endocrinologist for my

diabetes and he saw my blood test results and started testing for

hyperaldosteronism. Found a tumor and have been working my way to surgery or

medication. Should I be concerned that my doc was unaware that low K and hi BP

should be looked into further. At one point I was taking 10 potassium pills a

day to keep me on my feet. Now I wonder who the fool was me or him? Any

thoughts would be appreciated. I feel like I lost out on 17 years of my life

not mention the cost etc.

> Jill

>

[Guest guest]

One thing that might change the wasted years is to make a complaint to the

medical board of what ever state the Dr is licensed in.If nothing else The Dr

has to respond to the state about the complaint making the Dr at least aware of

the problem. One can always sue the Dr or medical center where the Dr works.

> >

> > Hi,

> > Just wondering if I should be shopping for a new doctor. I have been on bp

meds, 6 of them everyday for 17 years. Went to see an endocrinologist for my

diabetes and he saw my blood test results and started testing for

hyperaldosteronism. Found a tumor and have been working my way to surgery or

medication. Should I be concerned that my doc was unaware that low K and hi BP

should be looked into further. At one point I was taking 10 potassium pills a

day to keep me on my feet. Now I wonder who the fool was me or him? Any

thoughts would be appreciated. I feel like I lost out on 17 years of my life

not mention the cost etc.

> > Jill

> >

>

[Guest guest]

Have them start you on spironolactone unless they are doing some testing right now. Mite be like many of us. I was on 5 meds, cardiologist had a hunch started spiro and in 2 doses had first normal BP in at least 5 yearsSent from my Palm Pre on the Now Network from Sprint

Hi,

Just wondering if I should be shopping for a new doctor. I have been on bp meds, 6 of them everyday for 17 years. Went to see an endocrinologist for my diabetes and he saw my blood test results and started testing for hyperaldosteronism. Found a tumor and have been working my way to surgery or medication. Should I be concerned that my doc was unaware that low K and hi BP should be looked into further. At one point I was taking 10 potassium pills a day to keep me on my feet. Now I wonder who the fool was me or him? Any thoughts would be appreciated. I feel like I lost out on 17 years of my life not mention the cost etc.

Jill