Archive for the ‘Regular Check-ups’ Category

Hi everyone,  I hope your all having a lovely day and Welcome to those new to my site. If you have any questions, suggestions for new content, any concerns, comments etc, do not hesitate to contact me via the contact page, GuestBook, or on Facebook / Twitter. Please browse the pages at your leisure and enjoy Toll-Art Therapy.

Ok now here’s a brief update on my progress. (Please refer to previous posts for further background knowledge and information) . I had my most recent visit with the endocrinologist. I attended the appointment on my own, with excellent news. All my results are normal (for the first time in many years)  with the exception of the Prolactin levels dropping by 200, but still out of the normal range but stable. I have lost 2 kg, which is a little concerning but its because of my stress and anxiety. The endocrinologists solution ( i’m not to pleased with) is to gain 5-10kg to have a better chance at fertility (although a child can risk my health) and being healthier with my hormone levels. Grrrrr……..so frustrating when she doesn’t listen when I have told her several times I do not ever want to have kids!!!!!!! Also to try and reduce the anxiety and stress , which has increased over the past few months, is to get some counselling,  or as a second option is to go on anxiety medication (which can elivate my hormone levels). I will have a think about both options and continue to use Rescue Remedy.

Another positive is my next appointment will be in 6 months and no MRI every 12 months, instead will be in 18months time!!! Yay!

That’s it from me for now. Will update you again soon.

I wish you all Peace, Hope, Happiness and Good Health.

 I hope you all had a lovely Christmas and celebrated the new year with new beginnings.

I had a wonderful Christmas with my family and a friends.  Filled with yummy food and lots of fun and laughs. Also working in retail was a busy time for me.

Its been a busy start to the year with my job and being on placement in Community Service taking up most of my time. But I still managed to try to catch up with family and friends (even if I don’t see in person Facebook is excellent for this. )

An update on my health. First I want to mention that its coming up to 5 years on 25 January since I had the Pituitary Macroadenoma removed via Transsphenoidal Surgery!  Wow the time has surly flown with a few ups and downs. Coming up on February  12 is my 6 monthly checkup with the endocrinologist. I will schedule a boodtest in the next week or 2 with a visit to the local doctor for my results. My anxiety has been really bad but I try to keep that under control with Rescue Remedy and Exercise. Although my weight , as mentioned in my previous post, has dropped to 43.5 kg. I think because I have a few things on and no time to rest. Apart from the anxiety, I have been a tired, low blood preassure and feeling dizzy or confused sometimes. I think this is mostly symptoms of the anxiety but I will surely mention this to the endocrinologist on my next visit.

On a happy note. Coming up in February I will be also be turning 30 and  have a small celebration with my family .  I’m really looking forward to having a girls night out filled with fun and laughs.This will also be 10 years with my bf and 4 years of sharing my life with my cat. They are my best friends, and i’m so grateful to have had by my side to love, care, support and relax with anytime I need that pick me up and comfort.

I’m very thankful to have love, comfort and support from my family and friends throughout my journey and lifes ups and downs. I hope you all have the support and love from similar people in your life.

That’s it from me for now. I hope you are all traveling well on your journey. Thinking of you always. Sending Peace, Hope and Harmony to you all. Will update again soon.

Good morning. Birds chirping,  9 degrees and the sun is trying to peer out from the clouds on this overcast day in Australia. Going to be a good day

I hope your all going well on your journey. Stay strong and just know that there is always support from Toll-Art Therapy.

Here’s an update on my journey. I had my routine visit / check-up with my endocrinologist. I took my mum with me for support, as I never go to these appointments on my on because I don’t know what to expect.

My results are reasonably good. MRI scan showed no changes to the Pituitary Gland apart from the abnormality from surgery / tumor removal, which is normal.

Now for the blood test results. ~ Thyroid – good, Growth Hormone – good , Cortisol – levels have reduced from 681 nmol/L to  573 nmol/L, Prolactin – level up again (range 0-500) from 1226 miU/L to 1319 miU/L 

The endocrinologist isn’t to concerned to much as levels have only changed slightly. Still not good but will keep monitoring and any new symptoms or increase in current symptoms to notify the endocrinologist to discuss medication.

Also doing the routine check of my blood pressure which is normal.  The endocrinologist is a little concerned because when I stepped on the scales my weight has reduced from 47.5kg to 44.5kg (2 Kilos is not healthy for my frame. ) I don’t mind because its easy to find clothes that fit but its not intentional. I exercise for at least an hour daily, drink 3-4 cups of herbal tea, eat regular meals with the occasional splurge in chocolate / sugar etc. depending on the cravings.

Although my frame of mind is not good at the moment. My anxiety is really bad sometimes and Rescue Remedy Drops and Pastels help when its hard to cope but I think I might look into some relaxation methods including possible yoga or meditation classes.

At the moment I have taken on 2 courses of study being Community Service and Counselling. I’m enjoying learning new skills including trying to help yourself so as you can assist others in crisis, but the Anxiety has increased with this extra pressure. I need to get the Anxiety under better control.

Well that’s it from me for now. Better get back to my studies. I hope for some positive results in a few months. My next endocrinologist appointment is scheduled for February. I’ll keep you updated on any other changes.

I hope you all are going well on your journey. Also hope I am helping people further by telling my story. Any feedback or comments regarding my content is always welcome. Feel free to visit my Facebook and Twitter fan pages.

Peace, Love, Harmony and Hope to you all.

I hope you are all going well on your journey of health. I have had a busy week. I  visited my local doctor regarding a few health concerns.

Anxiety has been under control with Rescue Remedy, relaxation, meditation and looking into Yoga. Although some days are worse than others.

Yesterday I had my yearly MRI appointment ( 3 months earlier because of my not so good previous results.) My Mum came with me to have the scan as I don’t look forward to having them after a previous bad experience. This MRI scan was different from my last year scan. I’m usually quite relaxed, but from the beginning of the scan, as I laid down on the bed before I entered the tunnel, I had really bad anxiety and throughout the entire scan. I’m so glad that’s over for another year I hope. I’m staying positive for great results next month with my specialist.

I also saw the Physiotherapist today. My TOS (Thoracic Outlet Syndrome) is playing up, causing muscle spasms and nerve issues in my neck, shoulders and back. The Physiotherapist I usually see is on holidays so it was a fill in Physio with a different approach to my health concern. Although her approach was quite thorough, and i’m in quite excruciating pain in my neck, shoulders and down my whole back, I feel that with resting at home this weekend, pain medicine (Nurophen Zavance), Bath Muscle Relaxant Salts, and no housework I will be feeling better in a few days until my next physio session.

Apart from a few other health concerns I have been feeling tired, forgetful and a little dizzy some days. I have also lost 2 kilos (Currently at  44.5kg) since my previous visit.  Not sure if this has anything to do with the Pituitary but I will certainly mention this to the specialist on my next visit.

On the plus side I have decided to enroll in a couple of courses as well as looking for some part time employment, to build up my confidence, keep my mind focused on other things, to eliminate feeling depressed and anxious all the time, and encourage more positive social skills.

Well that’s it from me for now. I hope I haven’t bored anyone with this long post.

I hope you all have a great weekend. Will write more again soon.

PEACE, HOPE & HARMONY to you all.

Hi Everyone, Well lots has been happening since my last post.

2010 ended with a great Christmas gift. I found employment a week before Christmas working in the health industry. A huge relief after a long couple of years unemployed

My health seems to be on track and going well. Although I have been getting anxiety,  a few headaches, a little dizzy and tired  lately. I’m due to see the endocrinologist in April so will see how I go when I have another blood-test.

I had my eyes tested at the optometrists yesterday, with a slight change in my vision but the pressure test is all good so nothing to worry about there. I will be get my new glasses next week and wear them on more regular occasions if required.

I also celebrated my 29th Birthday this week. Although there was a delay with celebrations due to floods in my area and road closures in and out of my town. I had the best lunch out with family over the weekend (once the roads and the water  had cleared). I also really enjoyed a lovely dinner with my partner on Tuesday night.

I’ll update you on any new progress soon. Have a lovely weekend and I will be in touch again.  Harmony and Hope to you all.

Hi everyone.  Well I had my regular check-up with the Endocrinologist this morning. Let’s just say I did a little happy dance on the inside. YAY!!! WOOOHHOOOO!!!!!! My recent blood test from the 18th of September was excellent. My Prolactin levels have dropped rapidly from 1200 miu/L to 686 miu/L. The levels are almost within the normal range of 0-600 miu/L.  (They haven’t been close to this since 2007.) All my other hormone levels eg. FSH, LH, E2, Cortisol, GH, IGFI, TSH, T4 and T3 are perfect. Although my growth hormone is a little lower than it should be, the endocrinologist is not to concerned as it’s more important in childhood. The MRI scan showed that everything is looking normal with the Pituitary Gland, only a small section left on the side due to the tumor removal. Maybe all the eating healthy (Gluten Free / Wheat Free / Dairy Free) , with the occasional splurge of Cadbury’s Chocolate, and taking Zinc, Magnesium and St John’s Wart vitamins have mad some difference to my results. Will most certainly keep it up!

Before my next appointment the endocrinologist has given me a referral to see a Gynocoligist as there may be a slight problem with my ovaries. Nothing too worry about as yet. Also I will have a regular blood test testing all the hormones again.  The overall Best News is that my usual check-ups with the endocrinologist are every 3-4 months. Now my next check-up will be in 6 months. Hopefully it may turn into once a year check-ups

I have an appointment every 4 months with my Endocrinologist. A week before each appointment I have a blood test to check all my hormone levels : FSH, LH, E2, Prolactin, Cortisol, GH, IGFI, TSH, T4 and T3. Also once a year I have an MRI scan to follow up on any irregular activity of the pituitary.

I’m due to see the Endocrinologist on the 1st of October, 2010.

I had my usual 4 monthly check-up with the Endocrinologist and all my levels were going good except the level of the Prolactin having gone up another 2oom/l to being 1200m/l. The Endocrinologist is a little concerned that the levels are continuing to rise again and the new symptom I have developed required more investigating. I have been getting Anxiety and Depression for a few months so this may be due to my elevated levels of Prolactin or something else. I have a referral for my regular blood test checking all my hormone levels and an MRI scan of the pituitary scheduled before my next appointment in 4 months time.

In February 2010 I had a 4 monthly check-up with the Endocrinologist. With my blood test showing all my hormone levels are going good except for the elevation of  Prolactin to 980m/l  and the estrogen and testosterone levels irregular with a slight elevation in my testosterone and a decrease in my estrogen. Also my period is irregular still. Nothing to concerning but if I want to  regulate these hormones I need to go on the pill (which I have tried several and I have too many side-effects) which is not an option. The Endocrinologist wants me to have another blood test and if it bothers me too much and I want to regulate my menstrual cycle she will refer me to another hormone specialist. I’ll focus on the Prolactin as my menstrual cycle is not to concerning at the moment.

In October 2009 it had been 4 months since my previous appointment with the Endocrinologist and it was time for my next check-up and first consultation with the new Endocrinologist. I had a blood test a week before to check how my hormone levels are functioning, a Pap Smear and an Ultrasound to check on my ovaries, and an MRI to see how the Pituitary was going. I sat in the waiting room holding my scans nervously waiting to be called in and fingers crossed everything is all good. I was called in and showed the endocrinologist my scans as she read my results. I was a little concerned when the endocrinologist said that with the blood test results there was a slight increase in my hormone levels again. My hormone levels functioning showed the main hormone Prolactin with a reading of 774 mIU/L (regular range of 0-500), my estrogen levels are very low and my testosterone levels were a little elevated. The Pap Smear came back all clear, but the ultrasound showed a cyst growing on my right ovary the endocrinologist said she will have to keep an eye on that and have another scan in a few months. The MRI showed the Pituitary a little swollen as this could be still from the surgery and may stay like this due to the tumour being removed from the side. Also because my menstrual cycle is still irregular she wants to try to regulate this with the Pill (which I’m allergic to or possible HRT). I’m not too concerned as yet. Will focus on the other hormones as higher priority. Also to monitor how my entire endocrine system is functioning and producing hormones she gave me another blood test form with all the hormones including Prolactin, Cortisol, Thyroid, Growth Hormone, Follicle Stimulating Hormone (FSH), Luteinizing Hormone (LH), glucose, insulin, iron etc. The endocrinologist wanted to see me again in 4 months time in hope for more answers.