Adrenal Q&A with Dr. Tobias Carling of the Hospital for Endocrine Surgery - April 2024

[@ckrardin]

Dr. Carling is awesome and I am speaking as a patient. I suffered from undiagnosed hyperaldosteronism for 15+ years. I was out of state at the time but found him and researched him, his procedures, I qualified for the “Mini Back” procedure which he performed. It has been life changing! Yes! I resent that I had to suffer the consequences of long term high blood pressure but immediately following my partial adrenalectomy my blood pressure was normal, it was amazing. I strongly recommend him and agree with his answer regarding questioning a potential surgeon performing the partial or whole adrenalectomy. I just wish more Endocrinologists were educated and aware, as well as Dr. Carling is, of these serious endocrine issues. I probably was seen by a total of 6 Endocrinologists that never picked up on this and my own primary care and cardiologist should have been easy to see as potassium and sodium are parts of a standard CMP blood test, then you add in the high blood pressure (at the time I was on 5 different BP meds). Please keep this in mind and share this info with family and friends. Thank you so much Dr. Carling!

[@davidbaity7399]

Dr Carling removed a tumor from my right adrenal gland in Dec 2022 and it changed my life. My high blood pressure was becoming untreatable with medications - I was on five medications including beta blockers. My aldosterone was 28x higher than normal at the time of the surgery. A year after the surgery, I am down to a single blood pressure medication, and I hope diet and exercise will get me off the final one. Thank you, Dr Carling!

[@ckrardin]

He also did my Surgery and my symptoms and treatments pre surgery were similar to your, whew 😅

[@martinadirusso9478]

I had adrenal cortex carcinoma and cushing syndrome in 2003. My tumor was the size of a mens fist. I had 11 fractured ribs, muscle loss and everything else you get with cushings. They removed my left adrenal gland. I was misdiagnosed for over one year, they just put me on diets. Miraculously, i survived. Today, i still have bad osteoporosis , lots of compression fractures ( kyphosis), muscle loss. I also developed hyperthyroidism, and have a 3 cm nodule, getting a biopsy this week. My cortisol level (24 hour urin test) was at 0.6 I’ve seen different endocrinologists over the years, but no one really knows what to do. I‘m pretty much on my own, eating better, supplements. I‘m very happy i discovered your channel. I‘m still learning every day.

[@BourbonHunter93]

My adrenal adenoma was found after a routine physical potassium was at 2.5 ... Later confirmations with a CT scan with and without contrast we're done and also the dexodomethazone 1 mg tablet came back suppressed so only aldo..My adrenal was overproducing aldosterone and I was given a spironolactone 50mg twice per day and neutralized my aldosterone very well and keep my blood pressure at 120 over 80 for the most part and I was given other blood pressure medication.

[@maleighjohnson7020]

Thank you so much for this video!

[@MarbleForkBand]

Cortisol Levels after surgery. @13:12 Great answer. Thanks!

[@dcaldwell8165]

The Norman Pararthyroid is Great! Had surgery there myself almost a year ago.

[@RRAWDOGG]

I just got the adrenalectomy procedure done 3 days ago. I am in recovery.

[@ReginaKiperman-Kiselgof-e3l]

I hope you are doing well by now. May i ask a question? What was the size of the tumor?

[@monahanalla5160]

Hi Doctor I had my left adrenalectomy 30 years ago. Now I represent the same features again , I have 2 adenomas on my right adrenal but my doctor says they are shrinking plus no positive cortisol test . If the low dose dexamethasone suppression test depressed my cortisol level from 240 mmol to 200 mmol, is that normal result as well?.

[@janesjourney9564]

I had an adrenalectomy for Cushing’s a decade ago, and I am one that did not have a very good long term recovery. It was with a sense of relief, when I came across your studies on the PRKACA gene mutation...that something more could be going on. Do you routinely test your patients? Are these patients given guidance, especially on nutrition? Do you recommend information sources for your patients? I am hopeful this test will become mainstream and routine - to benefit these people. PS Yes, I still see an endocrinologist. And it’s astonishing how fast I burn through protein foods, and supplements such as B12 and D3. Malnutrition is no joke.

[@JLCME]

What is the likelihood a benign, non hormone producing adrenal adenoma starts to produce hormones years later?

[@nataschaheinlein2162]

My husband was diagnosed with metastatic melanoma on adrenal gland. CT scan shows growth over 10cm. Any treatment?

[@carlingadrenalcenter]

Dr. Carling would need to look further into the details of your case to give advice. If you fill out the new patient form at this link, he will contact you shortly: www.adrenal.com/surgery

[@dq2623]

Hi doc , I have a question I don’t know if it’s a valid question but I’m curious . I was diagnosed with generalized anxiety 7 years ago anyhow I get these adrenaline in my left side of my abdomen even when I’m just sitting in the couch not anxious about anything . At night at bed just watching tv or on my phone this adrenaline just pours out and like it stays tense in my left side of my chest . So anyway I was thinking of seeing an endocrinologist to check if maybe I have a tumor that’s letting these adrenaline come out . I do have anxiety no question but I wonder if this feeling is also adding to anxiety . What’s your take on this I appreciate your opinion . Thank you doc

[@MiLadyShayttv]

Hi Dr, is there a website I can reach your team at? I have had a Buffalo hump since I was a child. Stunted growth, elongated jaw, hair growth on face, abdomen, thighs, hyperhidrosis, extreme fatigue. I had a blood test with a level of ACTH over 1500 and cortisol in the morning of 24.7 and sometimes higher. I’m desperately looking for someone to help as my problems are getting worse.

[@carlingadrenalcenter]

Hello, yes you can contact us at www.adrenal.com/surgery If you fill out the new patient form at that link, Dr. Carling will reach out to you shortly to discuss the details of your case.

[@Justscrapping1]

Living in 🔥 since 2007 with cushings syndrome excess cortisol from adrenal adenomas, my bones are breaking for no reason (leg, ankle and hand in one year), my teeth broke off from the gum line, they were white, clean and normal taken care of, but they just crumbled out.i have long white langue hair that grows all over my face, i got fat, moon face, red rash face, hair on head fell out, i went from normal low blood pressure my whole life to no high normal bp now, central sleep apnea, fear of going to another doctor who never follows through. I lost my 40s to cushings and now im losing my 50s. If you take my insurance, how long is the weight time?

[@joytoywarcollector]

Doctor, I live in fort lauderdale and the endocrinologists here are perplexed at my case. Initial CT showed 2 adenomas. The one measuring 1.7cm after a second CT 8 months apart is now 2.1 cm. But I have empty sella syndrome. No tumors on brain. My estrone and estrogen as well as estradiol keep going up and up. Currently at 190 estrone level. I am about to make an appointment with your clinic as doctors here believe I should be seen by either a university or someone with a lot of experience in adrenal glands. I also have normal hormones for all other endocrine except for one which is the precursor hormone to many others. Endocrinologist here believe it is suppressed due to estrogen levels. I am a man by the way. So it seems I have a functional adenoma secreting femalizing hormones.

[@carlingadrenalcenter]

Yes, I would suggest reaching out to us. If you fill out the new patient form at this link, I will contact you shortly to discuss the details of your case: www.adrenal.com/surgery

[@joytoywarcollector]

@@carlingadrenalcenter I did early this AM

[@princessadora]

is it very common to have low acth in pituitary cushings? cortisol still reading normal but it's my only test so far that shows anything. (i feel sure i have pit cushings as symptoms started after major head injury) . my thyroid panel keeps going down as well i'm just on the verge of hypothyroidism

[@princessadora]

dr carling do you have to wait for cushings dx before seeing a patient? or is initial testing something you do? i am looking to come to the states ASAP for a full round of testing and keto to relieve symptoms. i have had this 20 years and need to get straight to surgery, i am bed ridden almost full time (NZ)

[@carlingadrenalcenter]

Thanks for reaching out. You will have to get a work-up done locally and then reach back out to us when completed. We need a CT of abdomen and adrenal hormone lab work. Thank you!

[@BellabooItaly22]

How Many MEN 2A with RET Proto-oncogene positive patients do you have?

[@ikeasanders6211]

Dr. Carling i am 44yrs old. I have a left incidental nodule measuring 3cm no symptoms can you please let me know what should I do?

[@carlingadrenalcenter]

Hello, thanks for questions. Dr Carling actually answered it today during his Live Q&A. You can view it here: kzbin.info/www/bejne/hmTcmHudeMdrhsU

[@Hull-1215]

I’m not even sure how I came across this video but I was clearly meant to. I have a very small adenoma and the endocrinologist basically said I was wasting her time. I’ve gained a substantial amount of weight in 4 months, extreme fatigue and can not lose a pound for my life. I’m insulin resistance as well. Is there anywhere I can find help or information as I’m clearly not going to get it here.

[@dcaldwell8165]

Dr. Carling I have a family member who has reccently diagnosed with Cancer of both Adrenal Glands and has been told that it has spread and surgery isn't an option. Can you tell me if this always the case? They had one kidney removed in the 90's due to cancer as well.

[@carlingadrenalcenter]

I would need to evaluate the records further. If they fill out a new patient form at this link, I will contact them to discuss the details: www.adrenal.com/surgery

[@adelaidalara2901]

I have an adrenal gland nodule 1.5 x 1.3 on my left afrenal gland.. cedars siani had me as a patient at thier ambulatory clinic .kick me out cause my insurance 😢.. knock me out of work 3 years ago. My fraternal aunt has cushing in which i just found out .im in florida right now gonna travel back to los angeles.i had a crisis . I dont think im gonna make cause i have all the symtoms 😢

[@adelaidalara2901]

The student doctor refused to believe that my tumor was making me sick .i got the medical work up paperwork and the student doctor did not test me for pheo .he state this on the medical records .. i applied at mayo clinic but i have medical out of lis angeles calif

[@maleighjohnson7020]

Can someone have Cushing Syndrome and pheochromocytoma?

[@maleighjohnson7020]

I have developed nervous body shaking (all over but especially in the neck area) but I also have had stomach swelling with shallow breathing, back pain on middle of left side of back. I have also had purple stretch marks, especially on right breast for 1-2 years. I was struggling enormously in January 2024 but started taking progesterone and immediately got some relief but still have some stomach enlargement and nervous shaking (neck seems weak and painful now, too) I am 58 (59 end of May 2024) and have a small benign complex cyst on left ovary and a small (2.3cm) benign mass on right adrenal gland. I’m trying to determine if symptoms are from left complex cyst on left ovary or from the mass on right adrenal gland or both. Why did the progesterone help an post menopausal woman of 8 years if it wasn’t adrenal fatigue? But the back pain before taking it (accompanied with abdominal swelling and shallow breathing) was on the left side, side of complex ovarian cyst…🤷🏻‍♀️

[@carlingadrenalcenter]

Hello, thanks for questions. Dr Carling actually answered it today during his Live Q&A. You can view it here: kzbin.info/www/bejne/hmTcmHudeMdrhsU

[@LindaHagstrom-d8p]

Difficult to hear you. Move closer to the microphone please

[@LindahHagstrom]

Resolved!