Hi,
I was diagnosed with an adrenal tumor/hyperaldosteronism back in May. I have learned a lot since then but still have many questions. One thing I know is that many drs, including endocrinologists, do not know as much about this condition as you'd think. I would like to know if others who suffer from this have had any emotional side-effects like I have. I have become depressed waiting to find out the results of my tests, only to find out I need more tests, the fatigue has affected my work and personal life, and my diet has had a major overhaul which I'm still catching up to. I've also been really defensive as my chemical balance has been thrown off from continued dropped potassium levels. Anyone else feel the effects of the fight/flight gland wars?
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Hyperaldosteronism help
- By flowerspy
- Posted November 17, 2008 at 1:15 pm · 7 replies
- In Finding emotional support
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Explore topics in this discussion:
Cancer Dizziness Hyperaldosteronism Surgery Stroke Chronic fatigue syndrome Weakness Memory Insomnia Conn's syndrome Cortisol Polyuria Spironolactone
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- By waitinggame
- Posted November 12, 2009 at 3:10 pm
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Can anyone help me? I believe I have high aldosterone but my test results haven't come back yet. I battled epstein barr 6 years ago leading to chronic fatigue syndrome. I eventually went into severe adrenal fatigue and my thryoid got low.
Back in May a naturapathic doctor pulled me off of the HIGH doses of thyroid (T3) I was put on, and healed my adrenal glands (cortisol levels are fin), but now I experience excessive water weight gain with higher then normal blood pressure, severe bloating, nausea, weakness, and sometimes tingling or numbless in extremities. When the water weight is bad I feel like my head is going to blow off! I gained six pounds from last monday to this previous Monday. I am only 5 feet tall, and run 4 miles a day. I eat VERY healthy. My potassium, blood sugars, cortisol, and sodium levels have so far come back fine (according to my endo). But my naturopathic doctor said that doesn't matter. She is the one who suspects the high aldosterone. She put me on spiro 3 different times and all the water weight and bloating went away. BP returned to normal. If it's not Conn's what could this possibly be? I'm scared after all this testing that he will tell me my levels are fine.
Please help. Does anyone know if having severe adrenal fatigue could have caused my aldosterone levels to raise even though I'm not in adrenal fatigue anymore?
Thank you!
- By MichaelBUS
- Posted October 7, 2009 at 8:58 am
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Pat, its actually not adrenalin that is rushing, its your blood pressure increasing because the aldosterone is making your kidney's retain salt and water to raise your blood pressure. When you can feel it, its dangerous. Cut way back on salt while you wait for surgery. Also, be careful of hidden salt. Chicken breasts are notorious for being salt loaded. Stick to steak and chicken thighs. There is now a good salt substitute out there called No Salt. When I use it and avoid salt, my BP is controlled. When I eat salty food (bacon, cheese) control slips.
- By PATK
- Posted October 7, 2009 at 6:25 am
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my conn syndrome went undiscovered and undiagnosed for 46yrs. i have always know i had a adrenaline rush unlike people around me. i have heart problems and a major one is low potassium. feb. 09 i thought i was dying and had my wife rush me to a nearby hospital. they found my levels were 1.4 and they're supposed to be 4.0 a resident got a nephrologist involved and nothing wrong with my kidneys although they found cysts on both of them. in aug a follow up cat scan i finally found out they were benign. as i was leaving the dr. asked me if i ever heard of conn syndrome, i said no. last week i had an arteriogram they actually went through the vein and found conn syndrome. i am waiting scheduling for surgery. in talking with people i have remembered times in my life when i knew something was going on with adreneline. i called it the fight or flight juice. i have every symptom of the disease bar none and they aren't good. headaches, dizziness high bp, low potasium. numbness partial paralysis(i was checked for stroke this summer also. my bp will go wildly up and down throughout the day and night. i can feel exactly when it starts but thought it was my heart all along. the diagnosis sure explains alot in my life. i was elated wen i got the results and have it. now i can possibly get rid of some things negative health wise. all i know is when you have adreneline rushes all day and night it sure leaves you tired and quick to snap at people
- By metalmom
- Posted June 6, 2009 at 11:44 pm
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Dear flowerspy,
I also was diagnosed with hyperaldosteronism. however, at this point and time I do not have any adrenal tumors. I have been on a medication for several months and it seems to help a little. According to my nephrologist this is genetic and can be passed on to children. My sister had the adrenal cortical cancer and now I am finding out I have a similiar disease. As far as, fatigue it can be difficult to accomplish anything when it is in full swing. Some days I feel good others not so well. Everyday is differrent and I just take it one day at a time.
- By kappi98a
- Posted February 7, 2009 at 10:45 am
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Please visit the Yahoo support group. Dr. Grim shed some light on insulin metabolism as a result of Conn Syndrome. It can be found under the thread entitled ' Conn Syndrome, Spironolactone, and Weight Gain'.
Have you found any new info/research on Conn Syndrome?
- By flowerspy
- Posted January 28, 2009 at 11:47 am
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Hi Kappi98-
Thanks for your response. I know what you are experiencing and you have my complete sympathy. There was a longer discussion from this entry you responded to with many others offering advice and feedback--but it seems to have disappeared. I'm having a time of it trying to figure out this site.
In the meantime, thanks for visiting my blog! I would love it if you left your comments on it--like you said together we can help each other! I find it helps others reading the blog as well as the comments to see which route is best for them, or at least it starts a forum.
Take care kappi98. I'm sending you positive energy from Maryland! F.S.
- By kappi98a
- Posted January 27, 2009 at 11:24 pm
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Flowerspy,
I was also diagnosed in May/June of 2008. I credit a competent endocrinologist with ending my 15 year battle with undiagnosed Conn Syndrome. (Thank God someone knows about this rare condition). I am unable to have surgery due to bilateral adenomas.
You have described the emotional side effects of this condition superbly! I am becoming more irritable and short-tempered as the condition progresses. Though I am taking Spiro and my bp is finally controlled, I sometimes feel as if I am experiencing male PMS! Memory lapses, cramping calf muscles, and extreme fatigue ( along with insomnia, polyuria, and persisent anxiety/depression) seem to be the side effects of the glandular wars. Most people just don't understand how much we battle through this condition on a daily basis. I used to be kind, patient, and understanding naturally but now must work to achieve these personal characteristics.
Your blog has greatly helped me know that I am not the only one out there who is fighting the good fight. I will send you any new information that I find. Feel free to contact me if you need to! Together, we can beat this condition!
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