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my story
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From:
![]() ![]() alcark
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I first noticed symptoms when I was about 17. The first symptoms were
irregular periods, weight gain, headaches. I saw my OB/GYN on more than one
occasion for these problems. They kept telling me that it was my weight so
I was convinced. (The Dr. is always right, huh?)
At one point my prolactin levels were slightly elevated also. They tried
parlodel but never once thought to issue an MRI. That was around 1998.
My vision slowly started to change. It first started to blur. I saw my eye
doctor two times for this. He was convinced that my vitreous was detaching.
(This normally happens to senior citizens, I am only 19 years old. Hmmm.)
When I started to see double, I knew something was terribly wrong so I went
to see an ophthalmologist by the name of Timothy Schmitt. I had a visual
fields test and within 5 minutes he told me his suspicions, a pituitary
Tumor! A what? Brain tumor? I felt sick. He convinced me that these were
almost always treatable. I was terrified.
I had an MRI the next day. Sure enough it was there. Approx 2.5 x 3 cm. I
then saw a neurosurgeon and an endocrinologist. After extensive testing
they determined that mine was non-functioning. I had surgery 3 weeks after
diagnosis.
I had transphenoidal resectomy to remove the tumor. They removed all of the
visual tumor and I had radiation treatments due to the size. I now take
Growth hormone injections and estrogen/progesterone replacement. My thyroid
and cortisol are all at normal levels. (knock on wood!) My vision returned
to normal after surgery. I did lose the peripheral vision in my right eye.
If only my doctors had been educated more about my condition and knew what
symptoms to look for, my vision and what pituitary function I lost might
have been saved, but if you think about the what if's, you will go crazy.
I pray everyday that the tumor does not return. I am very thankful for the
Doctor that diagnosed me and the surgeon and endocrinologist that are still
helping me. I had a great team of doctors and I am very happy to be alive.
Anyone that wants to e-mail me and share their stories I welcome to do so.
I love to hear other's stories.
A. Clark
Louisville, KY 40203
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