Hypoglycemia is a condition I was diagnosed with back in Baltimore several years ago when I was dealing with Conn's. The doctor who told me I had it didn't fill me in on all of the symptoms, he just kind of lumped them all in with Conn's and told me to always eat regularly if I felt weak or like I was going to pass out. He never went over all the other triggers, which could have saved me from some dangerous situations.
Once again, this is where you have to do your own research. I wish I had, but was so consumed with the problems I was suffering with Conn's, that I couldn't tell what symptom was causing what. Most doctors I saw thought Conn's was the culprit that was robbing me of stamina and doing strange things to my head. Things got so tricky with feeling horrible that I never looked into the fact that hypoglycemia could have compounded the symptoms of Conn's. Conned again, it seems.
The definition of Hypoglycemia is insulin shock or Low blood sugar. Insulin is a hormone that reduces blood sugar. It is produced by the pancreas in response to increased glucose levels in the blood.
Blood sugar below 70 mg/dL is considered low. Blood sugar at or below this level can harm you. And I am lucky to be alive after having some really scary episodes of this.
The most common causes of low blood sugar in people without diabetes are:
Insulinoma - a tumor in the pancreas, produces too much insulin
Skipping meals
Waiting to eat your meals, or eating at off times
Exercising more or at a different time than usual
Drinking alcohol
Symptoms you may have when your blood sugar gets too low include:
Double vision or blurry vision
Fast or pounding heartbeat
Feeling cranky or acting aggressive
Feeling nervous
Headache
Hunger
Shaking or trembling
Sleeping trouble
Sweating
Tingling or numbness of the skin
Tiredness or weakness
Unclear thinking
http://www.blogger.com/img/blank.gif
Sometimes your blood sugar may be too low, even if you do not have symptoms. If your blood sugar gets too low, you may:
Faint
Have a seizure
Go into a coma
After finding a great doctor (Dr. Erica Elliott-she is fantastic) in Santa Fe, who has educated me, I am learning so much. But I had to go through some hellish situations before I found her. For years, I have had weird problems like: feeling like I'm going to pass out while driving, almost falling asleep sometimes when I've had plenty of sleep the night before, crashing big time after eating sugary foods, and feeling wasted after only a few sips of wine (a real killer at high altitude-- like where I moved to in Santa Fe). Rule of thumb-always eat while drinking. Always.
My mother's genetic counselor believes my maternal side has a genetic mutation of the endocrine system as we all have auto-immune diseases http://www.blogger.com/img/blank.gifincluding: diabetes, thyroid cancer, hyperaldosteronism (Conn's), Alopecia, Graves disease and Shingles. It's definitely curious.
Regarding my own endocrine disorders... hypoglycemia mixed with Conn's had me teetering in dangerous territory. After being educated by Dr. Elliott...everything has changed, including: my diet, I'm starting to learn so much more about my body, and fight or flight responses mechanism.
If you suffer from hypoglycemia as well as Conn's, I would be interested to hear from you. I know since my surgery, this condition has appeared more frequently, am unsure of the correlation with having only one adrenal gland. If only there was more research and data to help guide us through these often stormy hormonal seas. Living with one adrenal sometimes is effortless, but other times the stress can really level you.
Saturday, 26 November 2011
Wednesday, 16 November 2011
Almost 3 years after surgery....
...and yes, the hypertension is gone, the potassium is pretty good most times and I am physically stronger. However, this past year has been quite challenging health-wise.
After moving to the southwest from the east coast to "heal" more from surgery, instead of continuing the healing process, I've ended up becoming sick several times. Perhaps the altitude, perhaps the dryness, but I've had four sinus infections, bronchitis and a case of pneumonia in early October after moving into my new house downtown. And now I find my sodium levels are off, electrolytes mixed with estrogen imbalance + Hypoglycemia = daunting and scary at times.
When I moved from my first house rental in August 2011, it was discovered that there was black mold in the bathroom, which can be deadly for a person with an auto-immune condition. It was there the entire six months I lived there, which is probably why I had chronic sinus infections. I had no idea black mold could survive in a desert. But it is pretty prevalent here.
The good news is I FINALLY found the right doctor, an environmental family practitioner who specializes in auto-immune, adrenal and rare diseases, like Conn's Syndrome. Her name is Dr. Erica Elliott, and she practices in Santa Fe, NM. I went to see her for the first time in September, and she understood exactly what I've been through with Conn's and hypoglycemia and hormone imbalance. She also has a lot of experience with the effects of toxins in the home and is helping me get through my symptoms. Thankfully, she is aware that living with one adrenal gland is a difficult journey at times.
As far as the electrolyte/hormone/hypoglycemia issues, Dr. Elliott is treating me with supplements and has put me on a strict diet...no yeast, gluten or sugar. She's informed me alcohol can be deadly to me. I only drink wine, and after a glass, maybe two at the most, I've noticed sometimes I crash and am majorly out of sorts, especially if I'm dehydrated or don't eat. I had no idea how bad hypoglycemia can affect me and had a horrible experience at the end of October with just one glass of wine.
So, my life is changing still, even after all this time. I am learning what works, what doesn't. Those who have had the surgery to remove the tumor and are thriving make me happy for them. But so many have contacted me and told me they too are struggling with other problems. Your surgeon will say you are cured, but they don't know what's in store after the adrenal is gone. Little information available here. It's seems we are learning as we go along. I thank God I found a smart doctor who researches.
Dealing with one adrenal is unknown territory, but achieving balance in my body, mind and soul is my mission. I think Dr. Elliott will get me there, but know I still have a bit more healing to do.
After moving to the southwest from the east coast to "heal" more from surgery, instead of continuing the healing process, I've ended up becoming sick several times. Perhaps the altitude, perhaps the dryness, but I've had four sinus infections, bronchitis and a case of pneumonia in early October after moving into my new house downtown. And now I find my sodium levels are off, electrolytes mixed with estrogen imbalance + Hypoglycemia = daunting and scary at times.
When I moved from my first house rental in August 2011, it was discovered that there was black mold in the bathroom, which can be deadly for a person with an auto-immune condition. It was there the entire six months I lived there, which is probably why I had chronic sinus infections. I had no idea black mold could survive in a desert. But it is pretty prevalent here.
The good news is I FINALLY found the right doctor, an environmental family practitioner who specializes in auto-immune, adrenal and rare diseases, like Conn's Syndrome. Her name is Dr. Erica Elliott, and she practices in Santa Fe, NM. I went to see her for the first time in September, and she understood exactly what I've been through with Conn's and hypoglycemia and hormone imbalance. She also has a lot of experience with the effects of toxins in the home and is helping me get through my symptoms. Thankfully, she is aware that living with one adrenal gland is a difficult journey at times.
As far as the electrolyte/hormone/hypoglycemia issues, Dr. Elliott is treating me with supplements and has put me on a strict diet...no yeast, gluten or sugar. She's informed me alcohol can be deadly to me. I only drink wine, and after a glass, maybe two at the most, I've noticed sometimes I crash and am majorly out of sorts, especially if I'm dehydrated or don't eat. I had no idea how bad hypoglycemia can affect me and had a horrible experience at the end of October with just one glass of wine.
So, my life is changing still, even after all this time. I am learning what works, what doesn't. Those who have had the surgery to remove the tumor and are thriving make me happy for them. But so many have contacted me and told me they too are struggling with other problems. Your surgeon will say you are cured, but they don't know what's in store after the adrenal is gone. Little information available here. It's seems we are learning as we go along. I thank God I found a smart doctor who researches.
Dealing with one adrenal is unknown territory, but achieving balance in my body, mind and soul is my mission. I think Dr. Elliott will get me there, but know I still have a bit more healing to do.
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