Anyone have or had a Pheochromocytoma?

[John88]

So I had an appointment last week and told my doc about anxiety/panic problems I've been having. He gave me 2 week trial Cymbalta and 30 Lorazepam pills until it kicks in. He noticed my blood pressure was high even though I've been taking Clonidine (152/XXX). He increased Clonidine dosage to 0.1mg twice a day, and told me to come back in a few days for just a blood pressure reading.

So I went in today, took a lorazepam before going in to calm me down. Took the blood pressure reading it was at 172/102... The nurse then said I must see the doctor immediately. So 10 minutes later checked it again, it was 183/XXX and my head was hurting. I spoke with my doctor and he is now thinking I might have a rare tumor called a Pheochromocytoma. So now I'm doing a 24-hour urine test and have to go in for blood tests tomorrow. He also said I now have to take Clonidine + Cozaar to treat the blood pressure for the time being (this combo is making me VERY sleepy), and he scheduled 2 appointments for next week, saying my blood pressure needs to be closely monitored at this point.

So i'm pretty worried right now. I'm wondering if any of you have or had a Pheochromocytoma that is causing your GAD/SAD/Panic/profuse sweating?


Also, can someone help me understand this:

"One diagnostic test used in the past for a pheochromocytoma is to administer clonidine, a centrally-acting alpha-2 agonist used to treat high blood pressure. Clonidine mimics catecholamines in the brain, causing it to reduce the activity of the sympathetic nerves controlling the adrenal medulla. A healthy adrenal medulla will respond to the clonidine suppression test by reducing catecholamine production; the lack of a response is evidence of pheochromocytoma."

Does this mean if Clonidine doesn't work to lower blood pressure, there is greater possibility of having a Pheochromocytoma? Because I've been taking Clonidine for months now, and it seems to be NOT working for me.

 

[ImNotMyIllness]

So I had an appointment last week and told my doc about anxiety/panic problems I've been having. He gave me 2 week trial Cymbalta and 30 Lorazepam pills until it kicks in. He noticed my blood pressure was high even though I've been taking Clonidine (152/XXX). He increased Clonidine dosage to 0.1mg twice a day, and told me to come back in a few days for just a blood pressure reading.

So I went in today, took a lorazepam before going in to calm me down. Took the blood pressure reading it was at 172/102... The nurse then said I must see the doctor immediately. So 10 minutes later checked it again, it was 183/XXX and my head was hurting. I spoke with my doctor and he is now thinking I might have a rare tumor called a Pheochromocytoma. So now I'm doing a 24-hour urine test and have to go in for blood tests tomorrow. He also said I now have to take Clonidine + Cozaar to treat the blood pressure for the time being (this combo is making me VERY sleepy), and he scheduled 2 appointments for next week, saying my blood pressure needs to be closely monitored at this point.

So i'm pretty worried right now. I'm wondering if any of you have or had a Pheochromocytoma that is causing your GAD/SAD/Panic/profuse sweating?


Also, can someone help me understand this:

"One diagnostic test used in the past for a pheochromocytoma is to administer clonidine, a centrally-acting alpha-2 agonist used to treat high blood pressure. Clonidine mimics catecholamines in the brain, causing it to reduce the activity of the sympathetic nerves controlling the adrenal medulla. A healthy adrenal medulla will respond to the clonidine suppression test by reducing catecholamine production; the lack of a response is evidence of pheochromocytoma."

Does this mean if Clonidine doesn't work to lower blood pressure, there is greater possibility of having a Pheochromocytoma? Because I've been taking Clonidine for months now, and it seems to be NOT working for me.

It's best not to speculate. It will only make you worry more! Try to relax as much as you can and wait for the results. Do anything to liven up your spirits and take your mind off of it. Thinking about it, will make you feel worse.

My thoughts and wishes are with you. I hope it's nothing serious! Hang in there. Take a hot bath and just try to relax.

 

[mismeek]

I hope its nothing serious! You just need to rest and take it easy, no more worrying!

 

[John88]

So went back to the doc today. Blood pressure was at 152/96, still a bit high. Test results for Pheo won't be available until later this week. He doubled my blood pressure meds again! Now I take 2mg clonidine 2x per day and 50mg Cozaar 2x per day. He changed my Cymbalta back to 25mg Zoloft. I requested a higher dosage and he changed to 50mg.

As soon as I sat down in the waiting room, my head started dripping sweat profusely. People began to look, so I stepped out for a couple minutes out of embarassment. This happenned even though I took a Ativan too. This sweating problem really is unbearably embarassing for me. Everyone is in winter clothes while I'm in thin ass shorts and tshirt sweating my ass off. Honestly if my mom wasant there today, I wouldve just left...

 

[R3K]

focus on the little things you can control, don't trip on what the doctor saying with all these farflung prognoses'. i went in a few years ago cause of what i thought was a damn heart attack to the emergency room and after a swift analysis they said i had some crazy heart lining infection called pericarditis.

went to my reg doc later, he said we gotta figure out if it's really pericarditis - put me on some antacids, and it basically went away. it still bugs occasionally, but i now know what causes it, soda and late night chowdowns :kickingmyself:. so i just focus on limiting my soda/coffee intake cause that's the battle before me right now. i ain't worryin about the whole war in general. just take it one battle at a time.