Visit the Microscopic Colitis Foundation Website
I have one and I've been doing searches to learn a little something about this. I'll have a second CT scan in two weeks to check my lungs (because of the pneumonia) and we'll get another look at this cyst and my adrenal gland.
In the mean time I recall reading about adrenal fatigue here, and because you guys are a treasure trove of knowledge I'm hoping someone has some information about this issue.
I have been doing very well! Every day I get a little stronger and have more energy. I had a good visit with my GP today and updated him about my dietary changes and the results so far. He was wonderful during my hospital stay...when the renal people started saying I'd only have 23% of my kidneys he said he didn't believe it. He was certain I'd make a complete recovery because he knows what a fighter I am. He came every day to encourage me. I'm very lucky, I did make a complete recovery much to the kidney doctors surprise. He was pleased of course.
I'm about 30 pounds lighter than I was last month at this time. It's ok because I was plump and I like being able to get back into some of the cloths I haven't been able to wear. I don't know what to expect from CC in this regard. I'm thinking that as long as I'm not having a flare and the big D I will be able to maintain enough weight. Is that true?
I've been having Normans for about a week and a half...woot!! I'm very careful about what I eat but I've been able to expand my menu safely and I have to be careful that I don't get too cocky and blow it.
I don't say very much but I'm here, reading your stories and thoughts. I've read almost everything that is here and I Thank You for maintaining this forum and sharing your experience and knowledge with those like me.
Cyst on an adrenal gland...
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Congratulations on recovering with full kidney function. That's worth a lot, obviously, and it's a sign that you're in generally good health.
Regarding your question about maintaining weight - yes, without any D, your digestive system should be working pretty much normally, so you should be able to maintain, (or gain weight), in a reasonably normal way.
Adrenal cysts are pretty rare, and as you are probably aware, the adrenal glands are perched on top of each kidney, and they secrete hormones that help regulate things such as blood pressure, heart rate, and the process of perspiration. They also secrete corticosteroids, which, in partnership with the hypothalamus, (in the brain), are involved in regulating the levels of salt in the body, and other hormones.
Most adrenal cysts are known as endothelial cysts, and they are benign and usually cause no symptoms. There are several other types, of course, some of which can become malignant, but those are less common. For benign cysts, which cause no symptoms, the usual treatment is to simply monitor them, to watch for changes in size, or changes in hormonal levels, blood pressure, or heart rate. If they become large enough, they sometimes cause pain, and they can be easily removed by a minimally-invasive laparoscopic procedure.
I hope the scheduled scan returns good results.
Tex
Regarding your question about maintaining weight - yes, without any D, your digestive system should be working pretty much normally, so you should be able to maintain, (or gain weight), in a reasonably normal way.
Adrenal cysts are pretty rare, and as you are probably aware, the adrenal glands are perched on top of each kidney, and they secrete hormones that help regulate things such as blood pressure, heart rate, and the process of perspiration. They also secrete corticosteroids, which, in partnership with the hypothalamus, (in the brain), are involved in regulating the levels of salt in the body, and other hormones.
Most adrenal cysts are known as endothelial cysts, and they are benign and usually cause no symptoms. There are several other types, of course, some of which can become malignant, but those are less common. For benign cysts, which cause no symptoms, the usual treatment is to simply monitor them, to watch for changes in size, or changes in hormonal levels, blood pressure, or heart rate. If they become large enough, they sometimes cause pain, and they can be easily removed by a minimally-invasive laparoscopic procedure.
I hope the scheduled scan returns good results.
Tex
It is suspected that some of the hardest material known to science can be found in the skulls of GI specialists who insist that diet has nothing to do with the treatment of microscopic colitis.
I can't offer any info, but wanted to say thanks for taking the time to post. I am exhausted all the time and find it very difficult to keep up with this very active board. I am like you - I try to read and keep up, even if I'm not up to posting. I don't know how all the regulars do it. As for Tex....well, he's a regular Superman. Where would we be without him? I admire him so much!
Robbie
Ant,
The corticosteroids mentioned there are in the form of cortisol, of course, also known as hydrocortisone, which is a steroid hormone. Cortisol is released in response to stress, and to a low blood level of glucocortocoids, since it's primary functions are to increase blood sugar, suppress the immune system, and enhance metabolism.
So yes, reduced cortisol output allows the immune system to be more active. Also, hydrocortisone helps to prevent the release of substances into the body that cause inflammation, so if hydrocortisone levels are suppressed, then those inflammatory agents may be allowed to run amuck.
Tex
The corticosteroids mentioned there are in the form of cortisol, of course, also known as hydrocortisone, which is a steroid hormone. Cortisol is released in response to stress, and to a low blood level of glucocortocoids, since it's primary functions are to increase blood sugar, suppress the immune system, and enhance metabolism.
So yes, reduced cortisol output allows the immune system to be more active. Also, hydrocortisone helps to prevent the release of substances into the body that cause inflammation, so if hydrocortisone levels are suppressed, then those inflammatory agents may be allowed to run amuck.
Tex
It is suspected that some of the hardest material known to science can be found in the skulls of GI specialists who insist that diet has nothing to do with the treatment of microscopic colitis.
Tex, I also read where these are hardly ever 'found' in most people unless it's incidental...like mine (the CT scan was done in the ER for the pneumonia) and never cause any problem. Now the last may or may not be true..I've had odd and unexplained 'issues' for most of my life, rashes, night sweats, gurgling tummy, gas, pain etc. it makes me wonder how many others may have such things. I've gotten good results by going on 'the diet' and I think the gluten was major.
Robbie, I've been reading about your problems and I'm surprised your able to do anything. What a horrible situation for you. It also points out how we need single payer so those that need care don't have to go bankrupt...but that's another issue. I hope your situation improves and you find the answers you are looking for. It may be a stupid suggestion but the only bleeding issue I've ever known about was my father when he had bleeding ulcers, he bled up and down. Good luck to you. Oh...I agree with you about the folks here and of course Tex IS superman!
Ant your observation about cortisol is on the money from what I've been able to find out. Hopefully it's nothing much and we can just keep an eye on it.
Thanks everyone.
I've stepped back to my very conservative diet to correct the effects of my exuberant diet of the past few days...no D but I don't want to push it...I have an appetite and I'm hungry for the first time in over a month...back to the trenches.
Robbie, I've been reading about your problems and I'm surprised your able to do anything. What a horrible situation for you. It also points out how we need single payer so those that need care don't have to go bankrupt...but that's another issue. I hope your situation improves and you find the answers you are looking for. It may be a stupid suggestion but the only bleeding issue I've ever known about was my father when he had bleeding ulcers, he bled up and down. Good luck to you. Oh...I agree with you about the folks here and of course Tex IS superman!
Ant your observation about cortisol is on the money from what I've been able to find out. Hopefully it's nothing much and we can just keep an eye on it.
Thanks everyone.
I've stepped back to my very conservative diet to correct the effects of my exuberant diet of the past few days...no D but I don't want to push it...I have an appetite and I'm hungry for the first time in over a month...back to the trenches.
You're right - they may be "rare", simply because doctors rarely find them. But the reason why they rarely find them, is because they don't look for them. And of course, they never look for them, because they're "rare".GRB wrote:Tex, I also read where these are hardly ever 'found' in most people unless it's incidental...like mine (the CT scan was done in the ER for the pneumonia) and never cause any problem. Now the last may or may not be true..I've had odd and unexplained 'issues' for most of my life, rashes, night sweats, gurgling tummy, gas, pain etc. it makes me wonder how many others may have such things.
That's the way that MC stayed "rare", for decades. Now, that they actually look for it, it's obvious that it's not so rare, after all. 
Tex
It is suspected that some of the hardest material known to science can be found in the skulls of GI specialists who insist that diet has nothing to do with the treatment of microscopic colitis.
Hi Everyone!
It's been a while but I thought you'd like to know that the scan showed the 'mass' has gotten smaller...so I guess there is little to worry about in that regard.
I'm still gluten and casein free and feeling very well. I have a lot of stress in my life but seem to be hanging in there. I'm still taking two entocourt and the doc want's me to get off but isn't being a poop about it...lol
I have a lot of reading to do so I can catch up with everyone.
Gay
It's been a while but I thought you'd like to know that the scan showed the 'mass' has gotten smaller...so I guess there is little to worry about in that regard.
I'm still gluten and casein free and feeling very well. I have a lot of stress in my life but seem to be hanging in there. I'm still taking two entocourt and the doc want's me to get off but isn't being a poop about it...lol
I have a lot of reading to do so I can catch up with everyone.
Gay
Hi Gay,
That's great news, and a real relief - it doesn't get any better than that.
Thanks for the update. Updates always provide a valuable learning opportunity for the rest of us. I hope your health continues to improve.
Tex
That's great news, and a real relief - it doesn't get any better than that.
Thanks for the update. Updates always provide a valuable learning opportunity for the rest of us. I hope your health continues to improve.
Tex
It is suspected that some of the hardest material known to science can be found in the skulls of GI specialists who insist that diet has nothing to do with the treatment of microscopic colitis.