Hi Folks I was recently diagnosed with a "pituitary macroadenoma" I go to the endocrinologist on Thursday next week (12/11). I am assuming it is a prolactinoma since what finally sent me to the MRI was lactation..(and ive had my tubes tied). I have multiple other medical problems, one of which is that i take coumadin, which is a "blood thinner" for recurring pulmonary emboli, Im diabetic(type II), Hypothyroid (since age six), I retain fluid (take maxide for that), have long term depression and at one time was diagnosed with bipolar problems (although I only take prozac now), have high cholesterol (take lovistatin for that), and i have been heavy all my life. What I am wondering now is, could many of the things I have been treated for be part of a pituitary tumor that was undiagnosed for years?Apparently when they found it it was more than 10mm because it is " macro". How fast do these things grow? Throughout half of my adult life, until I was about 30, my periods were very heavy and irregular, In fact i never began my periods till i was almost 15.....last year they were regular but i was having periods so heavy, that my blood count was 7.0.... Ive been treated on and off for depression since i was 15, thyroid since i was 6, For the past year i have had vertigo and my vision has deteriorated..(blurry now).. My libido is almost nonexistent. I have had three bouts of pulmonary emboli (80,93,96), I was diagnosed diabetic in 93 at the same time as the emboli, and Ive also had problems with kidney stones from time to time. Basically, my health has gone to hell in the last ten years, (lots of fatigue,diabetic neuropathy,, etc) Also, are these tumors calcium depleting by any chance? Ive always had fairly strong teeth but my teeth have deteriorated this past year too..I now need expensive dental work and have had to go to UCSF to be able to afford it all...Just got signed on there last month. Im also wondering, I am aware that the pituitary gland controls many functions of the body..could a tumor affect more than one area of the gland? Could I have a prolactinoma that also messes with my thyroid and other hormones? This whole thing has thrown me and my family for a loop...I know Ill probably find out more next Thursday, but Id like to know what you folks think too. Could I possibly have a "combo" tumor that has been there for quite a while?? and how successful is treament for a "macro" tumor. They tell me there is no "erosion" but im not sure exactly what that means either.... Thanks all, sorry I was so long winded! Lisa |
