MIA - I've Got A Good Excuse!

I know I know - I have been seriously MIA around here. I randomly poke my head in a drop a comment when I feel like I have something to contribute. But honestly - I have been really busy taking care of some personal stuff. Someone posted a few weeks ago about a lack of sex drive and I popped in then and started to tell you all that I had been tested for homrone inbalances because of not having my period and a low libido. I got the results back and they indicated an increase in a hormone that is regulated by my pituitary gland. My OB sent me for an MRI and to see an endocronologist. The MRI results came back 2 days later and my OB called me personally and said that I have a very large tumor and he wanted me to see an Neurosurgeon that day instead of waiting to see the endocronologist. Things went downhill even farther after seeing the Neurosurgeon. I have a very large (about 3.5 cm) tumor on my pituitary gland (or other taking it over). It surrounds my Carotid artery which is the main blood vessel to the brain. It is also secreting Human Growth Hormone. Giving me a very rare condition called Acromegaly. A condition so rare that I am the first patient my surgeon has scene with the condition. The Human Growth Hormone has caused my hands and feet to grow several sizes larger over the past few years (something I attributed to pregnancy and weight gain but had become concerned about when they did not decrease with my weight loss). It has also caused my nose to widen and other changes in my facial features which will never be undone. It has caused my bone mass and muscle mass to become much more dense and all of my soft tissue to swell. It has basically royally screwed me up hormonally. And as you can imagine - this has made it more difficult for me to continue to loose weight. They are urgently wanting to remove it surgically because it is also putting pressure on my optic nerve and affecting my field of vision. If it puts too much pressure on the optic nerve then I can loose my vision permanently. My surgeon wants to remove it on the 14th but I am seeing aother surgeon on Thursday for a second opinion. Plus he has much more experience with these types of tumors. So as you can imagine. My WLS has been on the back burner and I am totally coping with food. It doesn't help me like myself right now - but I am really having a very hard time - obviously. Sorry for such a downer entry. I will eloborate more when I can - but I have just been so busy and not really feeling like I have a lot to contribute considering my serious issues eating and eating and eating lately.

Hi Amy - I'm so sorry!!! You poor thing! You have been through so much in such a short amount of time, its no wonder you would want to eat. Please let us know what we can do to help you feel better, in any way we can. Post as often as you need to, and don't worry about being a downer. Let us know what the second doctor says. Take care, Heather

SINCERE HUGS

(((((((((((((((((((Oh Amy))))))))))))))) You really have been going through it haven't you. I want to support you in any way I can, so please (and I know others will agree here) post as often or as little as you need to. Don't feel you have to contribute, this is a time when we are here for you, to help you stand and walk through this time with you. If you feel like ranting, rant, if you feel like sounding off, come here and sound off. We'll listen and respond to all you want, whether it's highs or lows. And as you say, your weight management can take a back burner for the moment. I know you are strong and can get through this. Just deal with one thing at a time, take one day at a time. You are in my thoughts and prayers.

Amy I am so very sorry that you are going through this....You will be in my heart and prayers every day. (((((((((((HUGS)))))))))))))) Jean

Hey Amy! If you find that one of the better/best surgeons are in New York, you can either stay at my home and i'll drive you where you need to go or I'll find you a place, the choice is yours. I'm a snob, I think the best surgeons are in New York. Your life is topsy turvey right now, let the weight loss be, you'll do what needs to be done and we'll be here to support you. Do we have your new address, I know i've got the old one from the holiday list but i'd love the new one too if that's ok with you. I work in a catholic charities hospital so i'm going to put you on our prayer chain and father Brian and the gang at Tagaste Monastery will pray until i tell them to stop (G*D Bless Them) so girl you know you're not going to go through this alone....every step you take every move you make....whoopsie wrong song, but you get the idea! Hugs, ANDI

Amy I am sorry to hear about whats going on with you... I agree with what everyone else said. Please dont hesitate to let us be your support system. Use us as u need to, we will be here for you. Take care of yourself and prayers are with you.. You will be ok...

Oh Amy, I am so sorry sweetie! Gosh, what a mess you're dealing with right now ... no wonder you are stressed! You've been such a bright spot in my life ... I feel like such a heel for sending you those e-mails with my stupid complaints! You must think I'm a real idiot or something! I truly hope for the best for you. Please keep us posted as to your progress. We all care about you very much! Deanna

Amy!!! You sure do have a good excuse!!! The things you are going through sure puts my problems into perspective. I am so glad you are getting a second opinion from a surgeon who has more experience in that surgery!! May I ask if you have a thyroid disorder? I do, & I know somewhere in my research it links the two problems of thyroid & pituitary tumor-both which causes weight gain. Its too bad that the dr's do not check for the pituitary problems when we have thyroid problems. If I were you I would try not to worry too much about the weight loss right now! (I know easier said than done). Just be sure to get your vitamins in so you can be as healthy & strong as you need to be for your upcoming surgery!!! Your tool will still be there when you are well & ready to get back on the weight loss wagon!!! You have always been a bright star here on this board with your support & recipies!!! We love & appreciate you!! & you come to us when you need us!!!! ((((MAJOR HUGS)))) ~Missy~