Acromegaly Support Group

Acromegaly (from Greek akros "high" and megas "large" - extremities enlargement) is a hormonal disorder that results when the pituitary gland produces excess growth hormone (hGH). Acromegaly most commonly affects middle-aged adults and can result in serious illness and premature death. Join the group to discuss symptoms, diagnosis, and treatments.

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Endocrine System
/ Acromegaly Support Group

I'm Curious

ChrissyB
ChrissyB

Hi everyone.  I'm a 60 year old woman and I had my pituitary adenoma partially removed on May 25th.  Part of it was wrapped around my carotid artery so my doctor couldn't remove that part of course.


I had my first injection of Somatuline Depot at the beginning of November.  My HGH levels were 815.  I just had bloodwork done and they went down to 627.  I'm having my second injection on Friday, Dec 1st. Just 2 days away.  I'm curious if anyone knows if that is a good drop in the HGH levels for the first month of treatment?  


  I'm hoping it's a good drop but I've had a bad couple of years health wise so I don't know.  


I was excited to find this support group here because I don't know anyone else in my area with acromegaly.  My doctor has only one other patient that has it.


  I remember learning about it as a little kid when I was in 4th or 5th grade and it scared me.  I remember praying to God to not let me get it.  Well, I didn't get it then but I got it later.  


Anyway, if someone knows about the levels I'd appreciate some feedback please.  Thanks so very much!!


Chrissy

Chili1978
Chili1978
I don’t have any experience personally with those injections but personally I’d be motivated by any significant drop in levels, which yours are. More to the point though how are you feeling since the first jab? Have your symptoms improved?
ChrissyB
ChrissyB
Thank you so much for responding. I haven't really noticed much of a change in anything since my 1st shot. I'm still tired all the time and I still get a lot of migraines. Plus, I don't know what else I have that is related to the acromegaly. But I joined a support group on Facebook today which is teaching me a lot that I didn't know.
I did call the doctor's office back though and asked them if the drop of 188 points was a significant drop after just one injection of the medication. The nurse said that it is a great start!! It made me real happy!
I have me 2nd shot on Friday. The doctor is going to do more blood work in 8 weeks. They are hoping for the numbers to go down even more by then. I should have 2 to 3 more shots by then. So hopefully the GH levels will have dropped a lot.
The nurse told me that my goal numbers will be between 53 -287 so I have quite a way to go. But, I'm optimistic!!!
Thanks so very much for responding to me!!!! I so appreciate it!! Have a wonderful day!!!
Chrissy