Pituitary tumor symptoms and conditions

I have been taking Lamictal since October of 2007. I experienced some of the symptoms (muscle pain in the head and neck) before I started the medication. I have experienced panic attacks since July of 2005. I have had mild heart palpations since I was in my mid 20's (I'm 36 now). I have had what I would consider a below normal energy level since my mid 20's also. Ok so like everyone else I am thinking I'm a hypochondriac! However, I was diagnosed August 28th 2007 with having Lyme’s Disease and also Hyper-Thyroid (same time, same lab-work). Two weeks later I was diagnosed with Bi-Polar Disorder (this is one thing I knew I was battling but didn't know how to handle it). My physiatrist started me on Lamictal and I did the standard ramp up to 200mg. I also was started on a 90 day treatment of Dyoxicycline for the Lyme’s and Methimazole for the Hyper-Thyroid. I was very very weak and was only able to stay awake for short periods of time (4 to 5 hours max). Just an fyi, I am not overweight, lazy or unmotivated. I have the physical appearance of perfect health. This, I think works against me as the Dr's seem to think I'm just whining. Mater of fact; my Primary Care Physician never tested me for Lyme’s. I went to an Urgent Care Center which tested me for Lyme’s disease and I came back positive (they also tested my Thyroid levels and found the problem with my THS levels) I told my Dr the results and he insisted I have same test done again. Guess what, new tests, same results.
My symptoms today are very similar to what I have seen posted many times. Muscle pain (entire body, some areas worse than others), heart arrhythmia, racing heartbeat, intense palpitations, nausea, foggy “un-plugged” mind, fatigue, weak muscles, muscle cramping (especially after repetitive motion, such as strumming a guitar), panic attacks (much more severe) and the latest addition to the group, Insomnia. Muscles pain in my head, fore-head, jaw, temple, neck (front and back), shoulders, is terrible to say the least. The pressure in my fore-head (right under my brow) makes me feel like I need to close my eyes or rest (resting does not relieve anything). The front of my neck is so tight at times it feels like my jaw is being pried down. I could go on and on.
On my quest to find out what else is going on with my body I have had 2 Echocardiogram’s on my heart and abdomen, 2Nuclear Stress Tests, blood work out the wa-zoo, MRI of my brain, 2 CT’s of my Head and Neck, Chest X-rays, Endoscopy, Colonoscopy, and all revealing nothing.
Most doctor’s I have encountered seem to want to treat the symptoms, not the problem/disease. I believe I know why; we (the ones who are there for solutions) tell them what the symptoms are (how we feel). We of course are thinking “this will help with a diagnosis of the problem/disease”, when in fact (I feel); the doctor’s thought process stops there. They don't know what’s wrong with you but they do know what your symptoms are so....bingo, let's treat the symptoms. Don’t misunderstand what I am saying. I’m not saying, “Most doctor’s don’t know what they are doing” or “don’t take your meds”. I am saying you and I are one of the 20 to 30 patients most doctor’s see daily (100+ weekly). They may be caring and good people but they are just as human and fallible as you and I. My advice is this; (and I am taking my own advice) don’t always “pop” into your body what the doctor suggests/prescribes, without doing your own research. Heck most of us won’t buy a car or more importantly, send our kids off to a college with out doing your own research (we just don’t trust those shinny brochures). Your body and your health are worth you doing your own research. Just keep in mind, Pharmaceutical Reps are always at your Dr.’s office (sit in the waiting room for 10 minutes and I’m sure you will see one). Reps are paid to do one thing; encourage (push) the Dr.’s to promote use of the Pharmaceutical Companies drugs.
My wife and I have been doing our own research on Lamictal (after a year of taking this stuff) and the side effects associated with this drug. We have searched through many (many,many) web sites for information and we have talked with pharmacists and Dr’s for opinions. Although I’m am not thoroughly convinced that Lamictal is the cause of all of my symptoms, my wife and I have decided to lower my Lamictal slowly from 200mg to 100mg. I am now taking 150mg daily (three days now) and plan on staying at this level for a total of two weeks before lowering to 100mg. I do fear dropping the dosage to quickly (potential side effects) or lapsing into a mania. To help avoid a manic episode my wife and my immediate family are all “up-to-date” with my course of action. They are on “Red Alert” and have promised to keep a close eye on my behavior patterns and moods. (I don't want to put them through another hyper-mania episode, its much too devastating). I do want so badly to feel healthy and alive again and at this point I am rather frustrated with the Dr.'s ability to help me achieve this goal. Remember it is called “Practicing” Medicine. So now I’m going to practice a little, very carefully and cautiously.
As a foot note; I have recently (past two weeks) been re-tested for Lyme's with a negative response. I am keeping in mind Lyme's test are very inaccurate (still hoping this one is accurate). My thyroid is under control and normal, so.... let's see if dropping below 150mg of Lamictal will eliminate some of these other symptoms. I will keep you posted.
Erik

You girls have no idea how thankful I am that I found this site. Short history - I'm 33 with four children and was diagnosed with a dermoid cyst on my right ovary and a fluid filled cyst on my left 04 November 2004. My gyn put me on Yasmin because she said that my symptoms were typical of high estrogen levels and that by boosting my progestin the cysts would dissolve. She said that without a blood draw so I insisted on one and she ordered it but also told me to start the Yasmin anyway. I wouldn't be taking the white pills, however, she wanted me to continue the next pack to keep the progestin level high. I started that assuming I was doing the right thing. Three weeks later I heard nothing about my blood draw so I called. My estrogen level was fine which meant I had no idea what caused my cysts or what would make them go away. SO, I called the doctor who said I'd have to make a consultation appointment and that ended up being 30 Jan. 2006. Yes, I have to wait three more weeks to see her. I'm NOT happy, but I am also very sick.

For four years I've been HEAVILY involved in kickboxing and weight lifting and now I can barely get out of bed. I've been throwing up like I'm pregnant, nauseous like I'm pregnant, getting migraines like I have a tumor, and appetite? HA! I can't stand the sight or smell of food. Girls, you talk about an eater ~ I can get down! Sadly, I haven't worked out since October because of the cysts making it painful so I decided to hit the gym last night and I even went light on my weights. Nope. Left early...had to puke. In addition to having PTSD and OCD, I now have depression because I'm so SICK all the time.

Someone, please tell me that this will go away or that I'm doing the right (or even wrong) thing. I read that someone's back looked like a warzone. OMG, my FACE does. I'm VERY picky about my face and hair ~ my hair has fallen out in bird nest clumps and my face is a map of the US. It's SO depressing. WHY? I'm 33 and I've NEVER had a health problem and now with two STUPID little cysts, my world has crumbled.

So, is this Yasmin side effects? The vomiting, migraines, my eyes not being able to move without losing equilibrium, my face becoming a connect the dots trick, food becoming the enemy...it really feels like I'm pregnant but TRUST that I've not had sex. It's too painful from the cysts.

HHEELLPP...

Love in advance -
KiDS

I HAD AN INFUSSION OF REMICADE AND CANT STOP RIDING MY BIKE AND DOING THINGS,,I HAVE NEVER FELT THIS GOOD IN 15 YEARS, i have crohns,,MENERIS DISEASE,HAD A PITUITARY TUMOR REMOVED ON 3/13/02,I FEEL GREAT,,AND I GO FOR MY 2ND TREATMENT ON 2/11/03