I'm Scared . . .

[EvenStrongerNow]

I originally got the MRI at an offsite location not connected to my doctor's office. This is what their report said: FINDINGS: There is a subtle focal area of hypo-enhancement involving the posterior aspect of the pituitary gland measuring 2 mm which may represent a pituitary microadenoma. Clinical correlation is recommended. Followup MRI imaging of the pituitary performed without and with IV contrast in six months is recommended for reassessment.

Did we all jump the gun and just assume there was a tumor based on this report stating, "which may represent a pituitary micro adenoma"??

Ugh.

 

[JEKBreatheandBelieve]

Sounds confusing. Do you have another face-to-face appointment with your doctor lined up? Maybe it would be helpful to talk about what is going on in person.

 

[GWhizz]

Maybe a 2nd opinion would be an option if you're not fully happy with her ambiguous diagnosis? I know that risperdal can elevate prolactin levels due to its action on the pituitary so she is correct in advising you to wait until it will be out of your system and then test your prolactin levels again. Whether there is a tumour there or not, it is unlikely they would remove it. Though I understand you want to know the exact cause of the elevated hormone so that you can deal with it appropriately. I agree with the above, ask to meet her face to face and go from there. Have you emailed back your confusion?

 

[Deleted member 19804]

I'm not an expert at all here (and not even a native English speaker), but what I gather from what your doctor told you is that there very probably is no tumor (anymore), but they're keeping a close eye on you just in case. I think it's the "better safe than sorry" kind of scenario, so you probably really don't have to assume that you have a tumor.

Again, I am NOT an expert whatsoever, this is just my interpretation of what you just reported. I agree with @JEKBreatheandBelieve and @GWhizz here; if you don't understand what your doctor says, feel free to ask for further explanation. Whether it be from your current doctor or a new one.

Hope you'll get some clarity about this soon.

 

[EvenStrongerNow]

I decided to trust her judgment and I had an ultrasound done last Thursday at her request to have a look at my ovaries, etc. I am waiting to hear back the results. Thanks so much for the support.

 

[EvenStrongerNow]

Update: Anxiety has calmed down to a bearable level. I should be at the end of the withdrawal by the end of this week. I got a message back from my Endocrinologist--she had to consult with a reproductive endo regarding my ultrasound. She said I do not have PCOS so they are referring me out to a reproductive endo to evaluate my ovaries further and my uterus and try to induce my menses.

Also, I had an appointment with a primary care doctor today. She was young, super compassionate, very competent and listened to me. She was so thorough and I felt very comfortable with her. She drew some more blood because she wants a more comprehensive look at my thyroid since I have two aunts with Hashimotos disease and a grandma with thyroid issues. She also wants to check for vitamin deficiencies. At some point, she wants to check my cortisol levels and run a scan on my adrenals to make sure nothing is sitting on top of them.

She prescribed me 10mg of Lexapro. Finally someone gave me an SSRI to try! I will start taking it tomorrow morning.