Small Tumor on Adrenal Gland

[Jewels597]

I was found in 2006 to have a small tumor on one of my adrenal glands.  Since then all my blond beautiful hair fell out, Most of my eyebrows stopped growing, as well as the hair under my arms.  My hair grew back curly dark and is turning white.  I also lost 60 lbs in 2 and 1/2 years. 40 in 6 mos.  I have gained some back because of being on prednisone for Arthritis.  Should I have another scan?  The endcrinologist didn't know what to do.  My ACTH Suppression and the opposite tests were normal.  I was sent to an internist who couldn't figure it out.  Because of neuro problems he wanted me to be seen at the University of Britsh Columbia Canada, because he thinks I have MS.  There is so much going on.  My surgeon friend, still thinks that my adrenal system is screwed and is really worried about it.  He felt that they should have done a biopsy.  Has anyone else been in this poistion.

Feeling crummy in Canada

Jewels 597

[rumpled]

Can you find a good endocrinologist? One that treats pituitary problems? Did they look there? Pit lesions can cause adrenal lesions, but not the other way around. Did they do comprehensive testing on the adrenals - not just cortisol and ACTH but the other hormones like DHEA sulfate, renin. aldosterone? Metephrines? Did you do a lot of 24 hour urine tests? How is your calcium? Do you crave salt? How is your blood pressure?

The adrenals do so much more than cortisol - but BP, androgens and all - so if you were not tested correctly, other disoders were not detected such as pheo or pituitary issues.

Look at your testing. Find another endo if you need to.

[Marin600]

Hi, Jewels.  Apparently no one watching the thread has been in your shoes.  When the dr doesn't know what to do, get a new one!  It's my understanding that getting med care in Canada takes a while.  Is there any way you could travel to the States?  There's supposed to be a good Women's Clinic in New England that sees a lot of thryoid and adrenal patients.  I'm partial, generally, to holistic clinics where drugs and surgery are used only when natural remedies are not feasible, but I also think highly of Mayo Clinic in Rochester, MN.  There are a lot of ms-like symptoms resulting from vitamin-mineral deficiencies.  Above all, you need to find someone who sees a lot of adrenal-thyroid problems to begin with, hopefully someone who has experience in recognizing the gradations of adrenal problems, not just the extremes of Cushing's and Addison's.  Read the rest of the threads here, and in the thyroid forum for additional ideas for researching.
Good luck to you.  When you're finally back on the road to health, check in and let us know how you got there.  Sincere best wishes to you.