Revealing symptoms to my Family Physician, he had my blood checked. The results came back: excess prolactin. He diagnosed this as probably a prolactinoma pituitary tumor (non-cancerous) and set an appointment for me to have an MRI (magnetic resonance imaging). That test verified I had a macroadenoma pituitary tumor. I was referred to an endocrinologist.
The scenario I portray above happened to me, but many have experienced this. Males usually do not recognize they have a problem until they develop a macroadenoma or large tumor. Females often learn of their problem earlier, and are diagnosed with a microadenoma or smaller-sized tumor.
I was started on bromocriptine (later changed to cabergoline), and in a short time, my prolactin level came down to normal. This is typical. In my case, however, additional testing revealed complications. I had an elevated sugar, a slightly low thyroid, an unhealthy cholesterol profile, and an abnormal growth-hormone level! In addition, I was prescribed Vitamin D.
What would you do if you found that a condition you were initially told was a common one treatable by one pill a day, turned out to have a number of complications? Perhaps you would do the same as I did. You would cooperate closely with your physician who cared about your welfare and offered sound medical advice?
I was put on a strict diet and was given a couple of new prescriptions. I will receive another MRI, and will undergo a glucose-tolerance test. I will cooperate. I am not paranoid that the medical profession is trying to make money at my expense. I will not worry that I will die if I continue to see a specialist. I will do my very best to lose weight and modify my lifestyle.
My father died in a hospital after having been in it for a lengthy period of time. It was never truly known what he died of, though a cause of death was given. While I realize that all medical decisions boil down to my responsibility to make decisions, I also know the medical industry has come a long way in the past twenty and more years. I also know the kind of doctors I have put my confidence in. I look forward with positive anticipation to a better quality of life modern medicine offers, while I put my everlasting hope in him who is able to raise even the dead.
