Hello All: My name is Marcia Akers. I am a 54 year old female who has always been healthy and very active until about 18 months ago when I started having a lot of symptoms (see below). Also, at that time I was disgnosed with Hashimoto's thyroid disease for which I take Levoxyl and I take a low dose of Lexapro (10 mg). I have been reading the boards for a couple of weeks and gathered a lot of information in preparation for my appointments with Dr. Vance (endo) and Dr. Laws (neurosurgeon) at UVa today. I left with more questions than answers. I have a small (4mm) nonfunctioning pituitary tumor which was discovered when I had an MRI after pretty much insisting to my pcp to "Tell me I don't have a brain tumor." My hormone levels appear to be okay except my IGF1 is 70. Low normal is 87 for my age, according to Dr. Vance. I am exhausted, sleep poorly, have frequent headaches, high cholesterol, muscle weakness, poor concentration, depression and anxiety. Dr. Vance says she cannot say for sure that I have growth hormone deficiency until she does the ITT, but won't do that until after surgery. Dr. Laws says it's best to remove the tumor while it is still small, but there is no great urgency to remove it. They both say there are no guarantees that the growth hormone will correct itself or that I will feel any better after surgery. However, Dr. Laws is willing to do surgery if I want it, and Dr. Vance won't do anything more until I do. Please give me your thoughts on whether I should have the surgery or wait and hope I can get to feeling better without it. Dr. Laws says they will do another MRI in six months if I don't have it. Thanks so much for your help! MarciaAkers |
