Val and I are getting prepped for our holiday vacation. We wish it’s somewhere grand and all but we’re happy enough to be going back to our family and friends in Iloilo. That would also mean that we won’t have daily Internet access. So let me do this, while I still can..
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Once we got home from our 2nd visit to the doctor, Val prepped our dinner while I looked up for “pituitary adenoma” in Google. The relief I felt back in the clinic was suddenly replaced by an awful combination of confusion and anxiety. I was confused because I thought, things are going to be OK and worse, I was overwhelmed with fear that I could be terribly sick.
Pituitary adenoma, as I found out, is a tumor that grows in the pituitary gland. It is however benign, meaning, it is not cancerous and it doesn’t spread to other parts of the body. I’m not sure if I should be assuaged by this information. I’m still a little worried. Thanks to my dear husband who’s always there to remind me to stay positive and strong.
At least, I can pretty well understand now where my headaches are coming from. Pituitary growths often lead to vision problems because it is located near the eyes. And that’s exactly where I often feel the painful throbbing whenever I have a fit of headache.
Furthermore, there are several types of pituitary tumors. They are classified according to the type of hormone that is being secreted by the tumor. And because of my elevated prolactin levels, I can assume that what I have is prolactinoma, sometimes referred to as lactotrophic adenoma. It is the most common type of pituitary tumor.
The cause of pituitary tumors remains unknown until now, but it has been shown that stress can significantly raise prolactin levels. So, of all times, now is definitely not the time for me to be stressed.
My doctor prescribed Bromocriptine (Parlodel) to help bring my prolactin level down. I’ve started with 1/2 of 2.5 mg tablet once a day, which should go on for 15 days. After that, I will have to take half tablet in the morning and another half in the evening. It is advised that bromocriptine treatment should start slowly to avoid side effects. The most common being cold sensitivity in fingers and toes; constipation; diarrhea; dizziness; drowsiness; dry mouth; fatigue; headache; indigestion; lightheadedness; loss of appetite; nausea; stomach cramps; stuffy nose; vomiting.
My doctor has warned me of the possible side effects and having done my research, I was already well aware of what to expect. I had a bad case of nasal congestion and headaches on my first day of treatment. The same thing happened on the 2nd day but not as bad. I’m already on my 5th day and I’m glad I have adjusted well already.
It was time to see the doctor again. Having completed my lab tests and researched on the relevance of the results to my condition, I was pretty anxious to hear what my ob-gyn has to say.
My pap smear was normal, thank God. My follicle stimulating hormone (FSH) is good too! But my prolactin level is elevated. My doctor said I probably have pituitary adenoma. Then she told me that I can simply take a medicine to lower my prolactin level. Without any idea what pituitary adenoma is, I was somewhat relieved. She was also very positive about getting me pregnant. Then, she explained the result of my transvaginal ultrasound. It revealed that I have polycystic ovary syndrome. And although I have my period every month, it doesn’t mean that an ovulation occurs, thus my difficulty in conceiving. With this, she can also prescribe a medicine that will help me ovulate every month and regulate my menstrual cycle. But that will be given when I come back for another visit next month. For now, I just have to focus on bringing my prolactin level down.
I really hope things are going to work out and I’ll be alright.
I’ve finally created my own desktop calendar, yay! I did this a few days ago, I just didn’t have the time to post it because Val and I have been busy with doctor visits. Anyway, here it is…
Thanks to Sir Scrapalot Designs for the Jolly Mini Kit and to geniaBeana Scraps for the Antistatic Alpha. They’re freebies, guys. So if you like them and want to grab them, just head over to their blog.
Fifteen more days ’til Christmas. The weather is rainy and colder, but it doesn’t dampen the spirit of the people. The lights are on and sparkling every night. The kids are everywhere singing Christmas carols. Everyone is shopping for gifts. What a wonderful time of the year! We can’t wait to be home with our family and share the good cheer. I hope everyone is merry, as well.
Val and I are 6 months married today. Yay!
A few days ago, I digiscrapped a photo of him as a groom and showed it to him before we went to mass this morning. He loved it! He likes it a lot when he looks great in the photo. Haha!
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