Cushing's Syndrome Support Group

Based on what you've written, I take it you're not having any Cushing symptoms. That being said, adrenal adenomas are usually benign and cause no problems or symptoms. I've read that on autopsy many are found, and they are not related to the cause of death, they're just there, doing no harm. Your Endo is being cautious and making sure none of the hormone levels associated with the adrenals are elevated. He's doing follow up CT's to make sure there is no change.

I don't think it's unreasonable to ask your GP to call for the results. I think it's unreasonable to ask someone to wait so long to get results!

This I am sure of: take a deep breath and try to relax. Staying in a state of stress will cause you more harm than the adenomas. They're just sitting there minding their own business, doing nothing. And the fact that your asymptomatic could be why the Endo is not too concerned about the wait for information.

If there is a problem with your hormone levels, the most invasive thing would be to do surgery to remove the adenomas. Again, based on what you've said and the history of adenomas, this is most likely not in your future.

Please let us know what the results are. You've got my curiosity up now!

Again, try to relax.

Hi,
Forgot to mention the symptoms I've been experiencing as well which are:
Depression and Anxiety-feel stressed all the time.
He said my blood pressure was slightly high
Puffy face
Weight gain around stomach
Skin peeling from palms of hands...not painful...as if I've been sunbathing and I'm peeling???
Tired all the time.

What do you think??? Sounds a bit dodgy doesn't it....lol!!!

Hi, Dave.

You are having some symptoms of adrenal malfunction. Based on the weight gain in the middle, swollen face, tired all the time and mood swings, I'd say your cortisol levels are elevated. I don't remember how peeling skin plays in to the picture. Are you having any trouble sleeping? Do you have any pain anywhere?

Did the blood work include an ACTH level? If that is elevated, it indicates the elevated cortisol levels are being influenced by an ACTH producing tumor, most likely in the pituitary gland.

The first thing I would do is find out the test results. If there's no ACTH level result, I'd ask to have one done. There may be no reason from the Endo's stand point to have one done, but I can't think what it would be. But I assure you, he knows more than I do. My problem with Endo's is they don't see enough patients with our symptoms, they see diabetes patients mostly. Different problems all together. They have to pull out medical books and read how to treat us. I can't tell you how many medical journals I'm in. (If only they would pay me!! LOL) We are a rare breed, indeed!

I would ask for an MRI of the Pituitary gland just to make sure there was no trouble there.

I don't know how much advice is in there that you can use, if any, but don't let them put you off too long on some kind of treatment. The adenomas may not be the problem at all. It could be a tumor in your pituitary.

I know I've only muddied the water more, but there are no cut and dried answers to this problem. You have to find the source of the excess cortisol, if it's elevated. Then you have to stop it from producing too much.

Be patient. I know that's not easy. But all of this could be moot depending on the test results. I'd love to hear what they are when you get them.

Hi - of course I will.No, he i don't think he's ordered one but would think he probably will do if the other results come back heightened.
The other symptom I have is red spots on my chest that don't seem to want to clear up and spots on both sides of my neck???
Anyway as soon as I find something out I will keep you posted.
I've dropped the urine samples off at the lab today and don't see the Endo till the 8th of September which i'm sure will come back quick.
Thanks again for your help,

Dave xx