Having recently started somatropin (GH) injections for low IGF-1 levels, I'll share what I learned from the doctor. I'm hypopit from a tumor removed a few years ago, and have regrowth and a new sinus tumor (most likely according to the doc residual "drop off" from pit tumor removal) Muscle wasting and body pain is the main symptom I have from low IGF-1, my muscles weaken quickly, I was losing a lot of distance in my golf (and can't play anymore at all)...I can't even weed whack anymore...my strength lasts all of a half hour if I'm doing something very light duty, and a few minutes if it involves anything more that a few pounds. My arm muscles even ache from typing (and I'm a computer programmer!) Prior to starting the injections, I had to meet with my nurse and a rep from Lily at the endo's office for an educational session on mixing and administering it. Lily (the drug mfg) sent me a bunch of educational literature beforehand, and in it I read that there is a suspected connection between low IGF-1and fibromyalgia. While at my educational session, I was told to report immediately the following symptoms: Joint pain, muscle pain or weakness, swelling of extremities or fluid retention, changes in vision and headaches. I was floored! I said to the nurse "Uh, I have all of that now, isn't that why I'm starting this stuff?" They chuckled and told me that too high IGF-1 from pit malfunction has a lot of the same symtoms as too low from pit malfunction. There are differences of what each one ultimately causes if not corrected, too high = overgrowth and bone problems etc and too low = muscle wasting etc. "Normal" levels are the key. I still don't understand how I'd report anything I've been whining about for 2 years now as a side effect <chuckle> of too much GH...but I'm sure the bloodwork will be able to tell :) I hope sharing that helps clear up some of the questions. Take Care! Lisa W |
