Pituitary Tumor Madness

[stewaca]

Back in Sept of 2006 after finding high levels of prolactin (dont remember now exactly what the number was) I underwent an MRI and found a 3mm microadenoma by the pituitary gland. My Dr. did not want to do anything for a year and see if the tumor shrunk which it did by .5. Since then I have not seen anyone for it (I know SHAME on ME!) and now without insurance after losing my job back in 08 it is extremely hard finding cheap options for a simple head check. The state has denied my help so now I'm just looking for resources and people who may have the symptoms that I now have. About two months ago I had experienced numbness on my left side of my face and it has only happened twice since. Headaches are horrific and I HATE even popping a Tylenol but I do to get by. The top of my head is sore to the touch. And after being on my feet for about two hours I get very dizzy and a little disoriented. I know the obvious is see a Dr. but perhaps I just would like to hear from any of you what you have had gone thru and any natural remedies to help before I actually get into a clinic would be greatly appreciated.

Thanks!

[rumpled]

As a pituitary patient, I am going to disagree with the doctor (sorry!). I know hundreds and hundreds of people with pituitary tumors - headaches are about 100%. Eye issues are very common. I have a teeny tiny tumor - and I have lost vision in the peripherial fields and I know others like me. That is not common. Dizzy can be from blood pressure issues - which is super common with pituitary issues. Nausea can also be an issue - but it does depend on the type of tumor.

You need a place that treats a lot of pituitaries. Unfortunately, they are seen as small and benign and thus not very important. That attitude kept me from getting diagnosed for over a decade, and the damage done made me permanently disabled. I am an extreme case, but I do know others like me - at least three types of the tumors can kill you so why doctors do not take them more seriously is beyond me.

Get copies of everything - and read up.

[stewaca]

Thanks for the feedback! :) Yes it was with contrast (hate those!) I most definitely plan on seeing a Dr before the end of October is my goal. My symptoms have increased and I have found myself becoming quite lazy these past weeks. I just cant get the energy to finish my mornings let alone a conversation. I completely zone out now while I drive and have become quite concerned. I will take your advice Dr. Santos and contact our local hospitals to see what maybe offered.

Thx again!

[Dr Santos]

Hi,
How are you? A pituitary microadenoma is a benign growth which can form in many organs. The most common  are those found in the adrenal and pituitary glands. The cause really is not known but the symptoms you are experiencing are part of the presentation: headache, dizziness, problems with eyesight, nausea, etc. There are various ways to treat microadenomas such as medication, radiation therapy, and even surgery, but not with natural remedies. Try to check your local hospitals also if there are clinics/doctors with free or minimal cost that may help. Take care and do keep us posted.

[rumpled]

There are not any natural remedies to treat a prolactinoma, sorry.

The size difference in the MRI report can probably be attributed to MRI slices which can differ by 3mm each time - so I would probably say it did not really change size. Was the MRI a dynamic MRI where you got contrast in the machine and images taken during the uptake of contrast? If you were pulled out of the machine, that is not a proper pituitary MRI.

There are a couple of medications that are used to treat a prolactinoma - parlodel and dostinex.

You do need to see a doctor - preferable a neuro-endo - to get proper testing and treatment plus the ongoing monitoring needed for a pituitary patient.