Pituitary Cyst, brain fog symptoms

[dlsd80]

So, my dr. randomly found what they say is a Pituitary cyst back in November. I initially went for the MRI because I've been getting vertigo for the past 3 years and my mother had died of a brain tumor. In any case, the other symptom that has been terrible and started developing around the same time (4 years ago) is brain fog. Not just the feeling of cloudiness and a dream state, but serious forgetfulness. I cannot form sentences a lot of the time because I cannot gather the words to use...simple words. This is so terrifying and frustrating and depressing all at once. I used to be a very smart individual but can barely hold conversations now. When I brought this to the attention to the Neurologist I visited (for approximately 1.5 minutes) she concluded that nope that's nothing, and the vertigo is not having to do with it either. She then pushed me out of the room for another patient.

I told some friends about this and they all think I should seek a second opinion mostly because that dr was so vague and not at all helpful. But maybe I'm worrying over these symptoms when they could have nothing to do with the brain fog? I've been researching and some ideas as to why someone gets brain fog is due to their endogenous opioids released, which comes from the Pituitary gland. These opioids are released when someone is over exerting the brain, so to speak, so much that the brain needs a break, and these cause a fog in the brain to help eliminate some of the pressure/stress. Almost acting like alcohol.

In any case, should I get a second opinion? Either way I need to see a dr about the brain fog. It's getting so bad. I'm only 32 and feel like I have the dementia of a 89 year old. :(

[rumpled]

Pit tumors are not in the same class as brain tumors - the pituitary hangs below the brain. The issues, for the most part (but not always) come from the hormones that either are too low or too high while most brain tumors come from mass effect or interfering with brain function - the hormones do that, but differently. Only the really large, and rarer, pit tumors have mass effect.

I can tell you that symptoms vary and no one has all the classic symptoms - and they cannot ask you two or three and diagnose you. I missed on several biggies but still had Cushing's - and I know more people like me that people that look like the classic pic.

It is a learning experience - you have to get good imaging AND good testing to know what is going on.

[dlsd80]

Wow. :( Sorry you had to go through so much. Hopefully you're doing better now.

The scary part of all this was that they kept telling me it was a cyst, not because it looked like one or they biopsied or anything but because my symptoms didn't match up with a tumor, or tests for that matter that now I'm learning could be invalid like you're saying. And as far as symptoms...they only asked if I had certain ones. Based on that alone they had their answer. I don't buy it!

I've had a tumor before on my foot. I've also read once you've had one, you're more prone to get them compared to someone who hasn't? Also there is history of brain tumor in my family. So, all this was pretty scary and they just blew me off. But you trust them, because they're doctors. So frustrating!
Thank you again rumpled. Although you went through lots of BS it seems, it's a learning experience. I appreciate all of the advice.

[rumpled]

Unless your apt. was at 7am, your testing was pretty much... invalid. My doc want FASTING (he even keeps upping the hours from 8 now it is 12!) and 8am draws. It was law error that held me back for years. YEARS.

It is difficult as there is pressure to just go along but while I will accept that for the flu, I will not for my endocrine stuff at all. I did and it messed me up for life.

Read up, ask and hopefully we can get you on the right track. Even the cysts can be troublesome (just ask horselip!) so they have to really know their stuff.

[dlsd80]

Thank you SO much for your advice and information. I truly appreciate it. I definitely like to do my own research because to be quite honest, I don't always trust most doctors I've seen...it's all very generalized. Everything you said makes sense.

I know when I did blood work for the pituitary levels, they just sent me right over after my neurological appointment. Told me that fasting didn't matter for it.

Thanks again!!

[dlsd80]

Also, my blood was tested for certain levels of things. Of course I can't remember at the moment, but all pituitary related. Everything seemed to be normal.