RE: A Quick Comment/Question

January 18, 2012

It sounds to me like you think you've somehow joined a pity-party group and feel like we should all just suck it up. Here's what I think is wrong with that impression: most people in this group have all worked through our illness, in my case (and many others too) for many years. It is a matter of degree, or stage of the illness. No one should judge another persons degree of disability with PA. It can be at an early or moderate stage allowing life to continue semi-normally, but if it become critical at a certain point where working just becomes impossible. I made it through until retirement age, although I would have stuck it out for another six months if I'd been able to.All during my illness I have continued to either work, care for my children and now grandchildren, help care for a dying relative, keep house, including cooking a once a

week big family dinner (now a low sodium family dinner) and work my volunteer job. Many others here do the same, but we're not on this site to discuss muscling our way through life. You are not the only one who has pushed through adversity to try and live as normal a life as possible.This group is here to educate us and help us find our way to live with what we have. The stories you read here often allow us to vent our emotions, but they also give a sense of validation to others who have had the same symptoms. If someone wants to vent, that's fine with me. I know where they're coming from and I'm not going to judge that they have taken on a victim mentality. Far from it. It has been my experience that most of us who stay with this group are fighters, not victims. We all have "real" lives which are not defined by our illness. We are all much more than our diagnosis, and I don't see

any discussion on this site as being "counterproductive".DianneF- 69, bi-lateral adenomas, have probably had undiagnosed PA for over 25 years, CKD brought on by contrast dye used during CT scan, and most definitely NOT a victim. From: amazingkeltic <rainbowdayz@...>Subject: A Quick Comment/Questionhyperaldosteronism Date: Wednesday, January 18, 2012, 10:34 AM

In reflection, it is highly likely that I've had PA since I was 19 (the time of my first 'nervous breakdown'). Anxiety, panic, agoraphobia, etc., ruled my life off and on for the next 20 years. Even with an adenoma finally revealed, no one ever considered PA. Given my background, all the psych issues made sense and I assigned the HTN, etc., to that stress. So I had normal times and abdormal times... feeling okay times, and feeling like shit times. But in the whole big middle of all of it, I raised 4 kids, graduated magna cum-laude, worked 2-3 jobs until graduation, etc. Translated: I fought feeling the way I did and just bulled my way to the other side.

So here's the question: It seems like many here have taken on the identity of victimized PA patient and have imbedded themselves in this singular identity. Why is that? Everyone here is much more than a diagnosis. Sure... many have had no answers. For me, it's been 45 years in the making. But, if all I have left is this tag, I might as well dig a hole and jump in.

What I have learned over the years is that my response to what befalls me can make things a whole lot worse. When panic and anxiety settle in, I observe it and let it run its course. Then I go back to the 'real' things that define me.

I suppose what I'm saying is that I am much more than this diagnosis and investing at this level is counterproductive as I see it.

Your thoughts?

Regards,

Barbara

January 18, 2012

I say, Barbara, that we all have our ways of dealing. Most of us here are majorly pissed at the ineptocracy that has taken much of our lives. How better to help new people here than to tell them what is? Val From: hyperaldosteronism [mailto:hyperaldosteronism ] On Behalf Of amazingkelticIn reflection, it is highly likely that I've had PA since I was 19 (the time of my first 'nervous breakdown'). Anxiety, panic, agoraphobia, etc., ruled my life off and on for the next 20 years. Even with an adenoma finally revealed, no one ever considered PA. Given my background, all the psych issues made sense and I assigned the HTN, etc., to that stress. So I had normal times and abdormal times... feeling okay times, and feeling like shit times. But in the whole big middle of all of it, I raised 4 kids, graduated magna cum-laude, worked 2-3 jobs until graduation, etc. Translated: I fought feeling the way I did and just bulled my way to the other side.So here's the question: It seems like many here have taken on the identity of victimized PA patient and have imbedded themselves in this singular identity. Why is that? Everyone here is much more than a diagnosis. Sure... many have had no answers. For me, it's been 45 years in the making. But, if all I have left is this tag, I might as well dig a hole and jump in. What I have learned over the years is that my response to what befalls me can make things a whole lot worse. When panic and anxiety settle in, I observe it and let it run its course. Then I go back to the 'real' things that define me.I suppose what I'm saying is that I am much more than this diagnosis and investing at this level is counterproductive as I see it. Your thoughts?Regards,Barbara

January 20, 2012

Val,

I agree with what you are saying... support groups are so important when one

feels isolated and alone, particularly when it comes to health issues. And, yes,

it is maddening to go for help and get nothing more than a pat on the head as

the providers roll their eyes when your back is turned. At this point, the

doctor hopping begins as we look for answers. Our medical record follows us and

within that record is a label... hypochondriac, malingerer, seeker, psychotic,

you name it... it follows. As an afflicted critical care nurse, I've seen it

from both sides.

And within this steeping pot of insanity is an idividual who feels sick, is

symptomatic and who is afraid... and the fear is death. Will we get help before

time runs out. The panic and anxiety naturally follows. However, we never focus

on the fact that we make it to the other side of yet another 'episode',

'attack', or 'happening' time and time again. And the focus becomes, 'I am dying

and it is up to me to stop it'.

It wasn't until it dawned on me that I kept surviving episode after episode and

that my fear of death was only worsening the adrenal related symptoms I had.

Part of this becomes a mind over matter situation and once we have regained a

measure of control over our sanity, a more lucid journey to answers begins.

And so, the burden is on each one of us to do the research, to ask the correct

questions, and to keep a handle on the emotions that drives the labeling again

and again and again. That can only happen when we acknowledge that we are

stubborn enough to live into the answers.

In no way was I implying that this site and interaction is counterproductive. It

was the fear of death behaviors to which I was referring. We are clearly all

survivors and we are intelligent enough to use knowledge and insight to regain

control of our runaway lives.

Barbara

I say, Barbara, that we all have our ways of dealing. Most of us here are

majorly pissed at the ineptocracy that has taken much of our lives. How better

to help new people here than to tell them what is?

Val

From: hyperaldosteronism

[mailto:hyperaldosteronism ] On Behalf Of amazingkeltic

In reflection, it is highly likely that I've had PA since I was 19 (the time of

my first 'nervous breakdown'). Anxiety, panic, agoraphobia, etc., ruled my life

off and on for the next 20 years. Even with an adenoma finally revealed, no one

ever considered PA. Given my background, all the psych issues made sense and I

assigned the HTN, etc., to that stress. So I had normal times and abdormal

times... feeling okay times, and feeling like shit times. But in the whole big

middle of all of it, I raised 4 kids, graduated magna cum-laude, worked 2-3 jobs

until graduation, etc. Translated: I fought feeling the way I did and just

bulled my way to the other side.

So here's the question: It seems like many here have taken on the identity of

victimized PA patient and have imbedded themselves in this singular identity.

Why is that? Everyone here is much more than a diagnosis. Sure... many have had

no answers. For me, it's been 45 years in the making. But, if all I have left is

this tag, I might as well dig a hole and jump in.

What I have learned over the years is that my response to what befalls me can

make things a whole lot worse. When panic and anxiety settle in, I observe it

and let it run its course. Then I go back to the 'real' things that define me.

I suppose what I'm saying is that I am much more than this diagnosis and

investing at this level is counterproductive as I see it.

Your thoughts?

Regards,

Barbara

January 24, 2012

BTW, about the fear of death.I experience it from very early childhood. It's a terrible, terrible horror, that appeared on the edge of sleep and awake, always about 40 minutes after getting asleep. It occurred periodically during my whole long life. I asked many people about this feeling and just two of them knew what I am talking about. It's not logical understanding the fact that all of us are mortal, it's more like animal's feeling. It's most horrible terror that I ever experienced in my life. I don't have this feeling anymore. Might it be related to aldosteron's or cortisol spikes? Or I just don't have it anymore because I am old now? Are anybody in

this group know what I am talking about? Natalia From: amazingkeltic <rainbowdayz@...> hyperaldosteronism Sent: Friday, January 20, 2012 6:47 PM Subject: Re: A Quick Comment/Question

Val,

I agree with what you are saying... support groups are so important when one feels isolated and alone, particularly when it comes to health issues. And, yes, it is maddening to go for help and get nothing more than a pat on the head as the providers roll their eyes when your back is turned. At this point, the doctor hopping begins as we look for answers. Our medical record follows us and within that record is a label... hypochondriac, malingerer, seeker, psychotic, you name it... it follows. As an afflicted critical care nurse, I've seen it from both sides.

And within this steeping pot of insanity is an idividual who feels sick, is symptomatic and who is afraid... and the fear is death. Will we get help before time runs out. The panic and anxiety naturally follows. However, we never focus on the fact that we make it to the other side of yet another 'episode', 'attack', or 'happening' time and time again. And the focus becomes, 'I am dying and it is up to me to stop it'.

It wasn't until it dawned on me that I kept surviving episode after episode and that my fear of death was only worsening the adrenal related symptoms I had. Part of this becomes a mind over matter situation and once we have regained a measure of control over our sanity, a more lucid journey to answers begins.

And so, the burden is on each one of us to do the research, to ask the correct questions, and to keep a handle on the emotions that drives the labeling again and again and again. That can only happen when we acknowledge that we are stubborn enough to live into the answers.

In no way was I implying that this site and interaction is counterproductive. It was the fear of death behaviors to which I was referring. We are clearly all survivors and we are intelligent enough to use knowledge and insight to regain control of our runaway lives.

Barbara

I say, Barbara, that we all have our ways of dealing. Most of us here are majorly pissed at the ineptocracy that has taken much of our lives. How better to help new people here than to tell them what is?

Val

From: hyperaldosteronism

[mailto:hyperaldosteronism ] On Behalf Of amazingkeltic

In reflection, it is highly likely that I've had PA since I was 19 (the time of my first 'nervous breakdown'). Anxiety, panic, agoraphobia, etc., ruled my life off and on for the next 20 years. Even with an adenoma finally revealed, no one ever considered PA. Given my background, all the psych issues made sense and I assigned the HTN, etc., to that stress. So I had normal times and abdormal times... feeling okay times, and feeling like shit times. But in the whole big middle of all of it, I raised 4 kids, graduated magna cum-laude, worked 2-3 jobs until graduation, etc. Translated: I fought feeling the way I did and just bulled my way to the other side.

So here's the question: It seems like many here have taken on the identity of victimized PA patient and have imbedded themselves in this singular identity. Why is that? Everyone here is much more than a diagnosis. Sure... many have had no answers. For me, it's been 45 years in the making. But, if all I have left is this tag, I might as well dig a hole and jump in.

What I have learned over the years is that my response to what befalls me can make things a whole lot worse. When panic and anxiety settle in, I observe it and let it run its course. Then I go back to the 'real' things that define me.

I suppose what I'm saying is that I am much more than this diagnosis and investing at this level is counterproductive as I see it.

Your thoughts?

Regards,

Barbara

January 24, 2012

I certainly had this odd sense of impending doom with the hyperthyroidism - which is a common concern with that, but I have fought insomnia issues for years and years beyond that.

I do fall asleep, but within minutes I often wake, breathless, my heart racing and pounding, and I am very startled, and panicked - seems it occurs just as I doze off and cross the sleep threshhold. Often I get the impression or shadow from some object in the room like someone is standing there, when no one is there, and I bound up from the bed. It never happened young only during all these PA years. It is annoying to say the least.. Sometimes I repeat that a few times and then I am up for hours, never really getting to sleep.

From: Natalia Kamneva <natalia_kamneva@...>Subject: Re: Re: A Quick Comment/Question"hyperaldosteronism " <hyperaldosteronism >Date: Tuesday, January 24, 2012, 1:57 PM

BTW, about the fear of death.

I experience it from very early childhood. It's a terrible, terrible horror, that appeared on the edge of sleep and awake, always about 40 minutes after getting asleep. It occurred periodically during my whole long life. I asked many people about this feeling and just two of them knew what I am talking about. It's not logical understanding the fact that all of us are mortal, it's more like animal's feeling. It's most horrible terror that I ever experienced in my life.

I don't have this feeling anymore. Might it be related to aldosteron's or cortisol spikes?

Or I just don't have it anymore because I am old now?

Are anybody in this group know what I am talking about?

Natalia

From: amazingkeltic <rainbowdayz@...>hyperaldosteronism Sent: Friday, January 20, 2012 6:47 PMSubject: Re: A Quick Comment/Question

Val,I agree with what you are saying... support groups are so important when one feels isolated and alone, particularly when it comes to health issues. And, yes, it is maddening to go for help and get nothing more than a pat on the head as the providers roll their eyes when your back is turned. At this point, the doctor hopping begins as we look for answers. Our medical record follows us and within that record is a label... hypochondriac, malingerer, seeker, psychotic, you name it... it follows. As an afflicted critical care nurse, I've seen it from both sides.And within this steeping pot of insanity is an idividual who feels sick, is symptomatic and who is afraid... and the fear is death. Will we get help before time runs out. The panic and anxiety naturally follows. However, we never focus on the fact that we make it to the other side of yet another 'episode', 'attack', or 'happening' time and time again. And the focus becomes, 'I

am dying and it is up to me to stop it'.It wasn't until it dawned on me that I kept surviving episode after episode and that my fear of death was only worsening the adrenal related symptoms I had. Part of this becomes a mind over matter situation and once we have regained a measure of control over our sanity, a more lucid journey to answers begins. And so, the burden is on each one of us to do the research, to ask the correct questions, and to keep a handle on the emotions that drives the labeling again and again and again. That can only happen when we acknowledge that we are stubborn enough to live into the answers.In no way was I implying that this site and interaction is counterproductive. It was the fear of death behaviors to which I was referring. We are clearly all survivors and we are intelligent enough to use knowledge and insight to regain control of our runaway lives.Barbara I say, Barbara, that we all have our ways of dealing. Most of us here are majorly pissed at the ineptocracy that has taken much of our lives. How better to help new people here than to tell them what is?ValFrom: hyperaldosteronism [mailto:hyperaldosteronism ] On Behalf Of amazingkelticIn

reflection, it is highly likely that I've had PA since I was 19 (the time of my first 'nervous breakdown'). Anxiety, panic, agoraphobia, etc., ruled my life off and on for the next 20 years. Even with an adenoma finally revealed, no one ever considered PA. Given my background, all the psych issues made sense and I assigned the HTN, etc., to that stress. So I had normal times and abdormal times... feeling okay times, and feeling like shit times. But in the whole big middle of all of it, I raised 4 kids, graduated magna cum-laude, worked 2-3 jobs until graduation, etc. Translated: I fought feeling the way I did and just bulled my way to the other side.So here's the question: It seems like many here have taken on the identity of victimized PA patient and have imbedded themselves in this singular identity. Why is that? Everyone here is much more than a diagnosis. Sure... many have had no answers. For me, it's been 45 years in the making. But, if all

I have left is this tag, I might as well dig a hole and jump in. What I have learned over the years is that my response to what befalls me can make things a whole lot worse. When panic and anxiety settle in, I observe it and let it run its course. Then I go back to the 'real' things that define me.I suppose what I'm saying is that I am much more than this diagnosis and investing at this level is counterproductive as I see it. Your thoughts?Regards,Barbara

January 24, 2012

It is interesting to note that all Manifestations of God advise that one should expect and look forward to death in the same manner that a traveler expects and prepares for his/her travel J Max. BTW, about the fear of death. I experience it from very early childhood. It's a terrible, terrible horror, that appeared on the edge of sleep and awake, always about 40 minutes after getting asleep. It occurred periodically during my whole long life. I asked many people about this feeling and just two of them knew what I am talking about. It's not logical understanding the fact that all of us are mortal, it's more like animal's feeling. It's most horrible terror that I ever experienced in my life. I don't have this feeling anymore. Might it be related to aldosteron's or cortisol spikes? Or I just don't have it anymore because I am old now? Are anybody in this group know what I am talking about? Natalia

January 24, 2012

Seems similar, but I don't have heart racing and pounding. I have only terrible fear of recognizing that I am mortal. Dr. Grim, might it be related to PA and hormones? Natalia From: Bingham <jlkbbk2003@...> hyperaldosteronism Sent: Tuesday, January 24, 2012 3:13 PM Subject: Re: Re: A Quick Comment/Question

I certainly had this odd sense of impending doom with the hyperthyroidism - which is a common concern with that, but I have fought insomnia issues for years and years beyond that.

I do fall asleep, but within minutes I often wake, breathless, my heart racing and pounding, and I am very startled, and panicked - seems it occurs just as I doze off and cross the sleep threshhold. Often I get the impression or shadow from some object in the room like someone is standing there, when no one is there, and I bound up from the bed. It never happened young only during all these PA years. It is annoying to say the least.. Sometimes I repeat that a few times and then I am up for hours, never really getting to sleep.

From: Natalia Kamneva <natalia_kamneva@...>Subject: Re: Re: A Quick Comment/Question"hyperaldosteronism " <hyperaldosteronism >Date: Tuesday, January 24, 2012, 1:57 PM

BTW, about the fear of death.

I experience it from very early childhood. It's a terrible, terrible horror, that appeared on the edge of sleep and awake, always about 40 minutes after getting asleep. It occurred periodically during my whole long life. I asked many people about this feeling and just two of them knew what I am talking about. It's not logical understanding the fact that all of us are mortal, it's more like animal's feeling. It's most horrible terror that I ever experienced in my life.

I don't have this feeling anymore. Might it be related to aldosteron's or cortisol spikes?

Or I just don't have it anymore because I am old now?

Are anybody in this group know what I am talking about?

Natalia

From: amazingkeltic <rainbowdayz@...>hyperaldosteronism Sent: Friday, January 20, 2012 6:47 PMSubject: Re: A Quick Comment/Question

Val,I agree with what you are saying... support groups are so important when one feels isolated and alone, particularly when it comes to health issues. And, yes, it is maddening to go for help and get nothing more than a pat on the head as the providers roll their eyes when your back is turned. At this point, the doctor hopping begins as we look for answers. Our medical record follows us and within that record is a label... hypochondriac, malingerer, seeker, psychotic, you name it... it follows. As an afflicted critical care nurse, I've seen it from both sides.And within this steeping pot of insanity is an idividual who feels sick, is symptomatic and who is afraid... and the fear is death. Will we get help before time runs out. The panic and anxiety naturally follows. However, we never focus on the fact that we make it to the other side of yet another 'episode', 'attack', or 'happening' time and time again. And the focus becomes, 'I

am dying and it is up to me to stop it'.It wasn't until it dawned on me that I kept surviving episode after episode and that my fear of death was only worsening the adrenal related symptoms I had. Part of this becomes a mind over matter situation and once we have regained a measure of control over our sanity, a more lucid journey to answers begins. And so, the burden is on each one of us to do the research, to ask the correct questions, and to keep a handle on the emotions that drives the labeling again and again and again. That can only happen when we acknowledge that we are stubborn enough to live into the answers.In no way was I implying that this site and interaction is counterproductive. It was the fear of death behaviors to which I was referring. We are clearly all survivors and we are intelligent enough to use knowledge and insight to regain control of our runaway lives.Barbara I say, Barbara, that we all have our ways of dealing. Most of us here are majorly pissed at the ineptocracy that has taken much of our lives. How better to help new people here than to tell them what is?ValFrom: hyperaldosteronism [mailto:hyperaldosteronism ] On Behalf Of amazingkelticIn

reflection, it is highly likely that I've had PA since I was 19 (the time of my first 'nervous breakdown'). Anxiety, panic, agoraphobia, etc., ruled my life off and on for the next 20 years. Even with an adenoma finally revealed, no one ever considered PA. Given my background, all the psych issues made sense and I assigned the HTN, etc., to that stress. So I had normal times and abdormal times... feeling okay times, and feeling like shit times. But in the whole big middle of all of it, I raised 4 kids, graduated magna cum-laude, worked 2-3 jobs until graduation, etc. Translated: I fought feeling the way I did and just bulled my way to the other side.So here's the question: It seems like many here have taken on the identity of victimized PA patient and have imbedded themselves in this singular identity. Why is that? Everyone here is much more than a diagnosis. Sure... many have had no answers. For me, it's been 45 years in the making. But, if all

I have left is this tag, I might as well dig a hole and jump in. What I have learned over the years is that my response to what befalls me can make things a whole lot worse. When panic and anxiety settle in, I observe it and let it run its course. Then I go back to the 'real' things that define me.I suppose what I'm saying is that I am much more than this diagnosis and investing at this level is counterproductive as I see it. Your thoughts?Regards,Barbara

January 24, 2012

Max, the feeling that I am talking about is completely not controlled. It's not logical, it's an horror. Natalia From: Study Circle <studycircle@...> hyperaldosteronism Sent: Tuesday, January 24, 2012 5:38 PM Subject: RE: Re: A Quick Comment/Question

It is interesting to note that all Manifestations of God advise that one should expect and look forward to death in the same manner that a traveler expects and prepares for his/her travel J Max. BTW, about the fear of

death. I experience it from very early childhood. It's a terrible, terrible horror, that appeared on the edge of sleep and awake, always about 40 minutes after getting asleep. It occurred periodically during my whole long life. I asked many people about this feeling and just two of them knew what I am talking about. It's not logical understanding the fact that all of us are mortal, it's more like animal's feeling. It's most horrible terror that I ever experienced in my life. I don't have this feeling anymore. Might it be related to aldosteron's or cortisol spikes? Or I just don't have it anymore because I am old now? Are anybody in this group know what I am talking about? Natalia

January 24, 2012

It's difficult to know if it's bad habits. Hard exercise and I do seem to sleep better, and without a doubt since PA has been treated it's nothing like it was, but making the time for exercise is tough to do as I teach night classes and get home late. But I was also a paramedic with one eye open for many years so I wonder if did I just pick up bad tendencies I will always live with.

I do hear EVERYTHING at night (and when my PA was at it's peak I SMELLED everything to,) so I sleep with a fan next to me for the din. Not sure if this was an acquired trait listening for an alarm all those years. Then I came out and worked the ER for years as a PA and once again I would mainly work 6p to 6a sleeping between patients and so I was restless. I'd sure love to solve it.

I am sure there's some explanation for it, but when my PA was out-of-control my sense of smell was so powerful - like a superpower if I had known what to use it for. But resolved when the PA was treated. I have a strong sniffer still, but not like before. Weird uh?

From: Natalia Kamneva <natalia_kamneva@...>Subject: Re: Re: A Quick Comment/Question"hyperaldosteronism " <hyperaldosteronism >Date: Tuesday, January 24, 2012, 1:57 PM

BTW, about the fear of death.

I experience it from very early childhood. It's a terrible, terrible horror, that appeared on the edge of sleep and awake, always about 40 minutes after getting asleep. It occurred periodically during my whole long life. I asked many people about this feeling and just two of them knew what I am talking about. It's not logical understanding the fact that all of us are mortal, it's more like animal's feeling. It's most horrible terror that I ever experienced in my life.

I don't have this feeling anymore. Might it be related to aldosteron's or cortisol spikes?

Or I just don't have it anymore because I am old now?

Are anybody in this group know what I am talking about?

Natalia

From: amazingkeltic <rainbowdayz@...>hyperaldosteronism Sent: Friday, January 20, 2012 6:47 PMSubject: Re: A Quick Comment/Question

Val,I agree with what you are saying... support groups are so important when one feels isolated and alone, particularly when it comes to health issues. And, yes, it is maddening to go for help and get nothing more than a pat on the head as the providers roll their eyes when your back is turned. At this point, the doctor hopping begins as we look for answers. Our medical record follows us and within that record is a label... hypochondriac, malingerer, seeker, psychotic, you name it... it follows. As an afflicted critical care nurse, I've seen it from both sides.And within this steeping pot of insanity is an idividual who feels sick, is symptomatic and who is afraid... and the fear is death. Will we get help before time runs out. The panic and anxiety naturally follows. However, we never focus on the fact that we make it to the other side of yet another 'episode', 'attack', or 'happening' time and time again. And the focus becomes, 'I

am dying and it is up to me to stop it'.It wasn't until it dawned on me that I kept surviving episode after episode and that my fear of death was only worsening the adrenal related symptoms I had. Part of this becomes a mind over matter situation and once we have regained a measure of control over our sanity, a more lucid journey to answers begins. And so, the burden is on each one of us to do the research, to ask the correct questions, and to keep a handle on the emotions that drives the labeling again and again and again. That can only happen when we acknowledge that we are stubborn enough to live into the answers.In no way was I implying that this site and interaction is counterproductive. It was the fear of death behaviors to which I was referring. We are clearly all survivors and we are intelligent enough to use knowledge and insight to regain control of our runaway lives.Barbara I say, Barbara, that we all have our ways of dealing. Most of us here are majorly pissed at the ineptocracy that has taken much of our lives. How better to help new people here than to tell them what is?ValFrom: hyperaldosteronism [mailto:hyperaldosteronism ] On Behalf Of amazingkelticIn reflection, it is highly likely that I've had PA since I was 19 (the time of my first 'nervous breakdown'). Anxiety, panic, agoraphobia, etc., ruled my life off and on

for the next 20 years. Even with an adenoma finally revealed, no one ever considered PA. Given my background, all the psych issues made sense and I assigned the HTN, etc., to that stress. So I had normal times and abdormal times... feeling okay times, and feeling like shit times. But in the whole big middle of all of it, I raised 4 kids, graduated magna cum-laude, worked 2-3 jobs until graduation, etc. Translated: I fought feeling the way I did and just bulled my way to the other side.So here's the question: It seems like many here have taken on the identity of victimized PA patient and have imbedded themselves in this singular identity. Why is that? Everyone here is much more than a diagnosis. Sure... many have had no answers. For me, it's been 45 years in the making. But, if all I have left is this tag, I might as well dig a hole and jump in. What I have learned over the years is that my response to what befalls me can make things a

whole lot worse. When panic and anxiety settle in, I observe it and let it run its course. Then I go back to the 'real' things that define me.I suppose what I'm saying is that I am much more than this diagnosis and investing at this level is counterproductive as I see it. Your thoughts?Regards,Barbara

January 24, 2012

i

From: Natalia Kamneva <natalia_kamneva@...>Subject: Re: Re: A Quick Comment/Question"hyperaldosteronism " <hyperaldosteronism >Date: Tuesday, January 24, 2012, 1:57 PM

BTW, about the fear of death.

I experience it from very early childhood. It's a terrible, terrible horror, that appeared on the edge of sleep and awake, always about 40 minutes after getting asleep. It occurred periodically during my whole long life. I asked many people about this feeling and just two of them knew what I am talking about. It's not logical understanding the fact that all of us are mortal, it's more like animal's feeling. It's most horrible terror that I ever experienced in my life.

I don't have this feeling anymore. Might it be related to aldosteron's or cortisol spikes?

Or I just don't have it anymore because I am old now?

Are anybody in this group know what I am talking about?

Natalia

From: amazingkeltic <rainbowdayz@...>hyperaldosteronism Sent: Friday, January 20, 2012 6:47 PMSubject: Re: A Quick Comment/Question

Val,I agree with what you are saying... support groups are so important when one feels isolated and alone, particularly when it comes to health issues. And, yes, it is maddening to go for help and get nothing more than a pat on the head as the providers roll their eyes when your back is turned. At this point, the doctor hopping begins as we look for answers. Our medical record follows us and within that record is a label... hypochondriac, malingerer, seeker, psychotic, you name it... it follows. As an afflicted critical care nurse, I've seen it from both sides.And within this steeping pot of insanity is an idividual who feels sick, is symptomatic and who is afraid... and the fear is death. Will we get help before time runs out. The panic and anxiety naturally follows. However, we never focus on the fact that we make it to the other side of yet another 'episode', 'attack', or 'happening' time and time again. And the focus becomes, 'I

am dying and it is up to me to stop it'.It wasn't until it dawned on me that I kept surviving episode after episode and that my fear of death was only worsening the adrenal related symptoms I had. Part of this becomes a mind over matter situation and once we have regained a measure of control over our sanity, a more lucid journey to answers begins. And so, the burden is on each one of us to do the research, to ask the correct questions, and to keep a handle on the emotions that drives the labeling again and again and again. That can only happen when we acknowledge that we are stubborn enough to live into the answers.In no way was I implying that this site and interaction is counterproductive. It was the fear of death behaviors to which I was referring. We are clearly all survivors and we are intelligent enough to use knowledge and insight to regain control of our runaway lives.Barbara I say, Barbara, that we all have our ways of dealing. Most of us here are majorly pissed at the ineptocracy that has taken much of our lives. How better to help new people here than to tell them what is?ValFrom: hyperaldosteronism [mailto:hyperaldosteronism ] On Behalf Of amazingkelticIn reflection, it is highly likely that I've had PA since I was 19 (the time of my first 'nervous breakdown'). Anxiety, panic, agoraphobia, etc., ruled my life off and on

for the next 20 years. Even with an adenoma finally revealed, no one ever considered PA. Given my background, all the psych issues made sense and I assigned the HTN, etc., to that stress. So I had normal times and abdormal times... feeling okay times, and feeling like shit times. But in the whole big middle of all of it, I raised 4 kids, graduated magna cum-laude, worked 2-3 jobs until graduation, etc. Translated: I fought feeling the way I did and just bulled my way to the other side.So here's the question: It seems like many here have taken on the identity of victimized PA patient and have imbedded themselves in this singular identity. Why is that? Everyone here is much more than a diagnosis. Sure... many have had no answers. For me, it's been 45 years in the making. But, if all I have left is this tag, I might as well dig a hole and jump in. What I have learned over the years is that my response to what befalls me can make things a

whole lot worse. When panic and anxiety settle in, I observe it and let it run its course. Then I go back to the 'real' things that define me.I suppose what I'm saying is that I am much more than this diagnosis and investing at this level is counterproductive as I see it. Your thoughts?Regards,Barbara

January 24, 2012

I am convinced that many dance on the threshhold closer than we know sometimes, particularly in or around sleep, for reasons unknown, but whatever forces or for our own general physical well-being we don't reach that threshhold

From: Natalia Kamneva <natalia_kamneva@...>Subject: Re: Re: A Quick Comment/Question"hyperaldosteronism " <hyperaldosteronism >Date: Tuesday, January 24, 2012, 1:57 PM

BTW, about the fear of death.

I experience it from very early childhood. It's a terrible, terrible horror, that appeared on the edge of sleep and awake, always about 40 minutes after getting asleep. It occurred periodically during my whole long life. I asked many people about this feeling and just two of them knew what I am talking about. It's not logical understanding the fact that all of us are mortal, it's more like animal's feeling. It's most horrible terror that I ever experienced in my life.

I don't have this feeling anymore. Might it be related to aldosteron's or cortisol spikes?

Or I just don't have it anymore because I am old now?

Are anybody in this group know what I am talking about?

Natalia

From: amazingkeltic <rainbowdayz@...>hyperaldosteronism Sent: Friday, January 20, 2012 6:47 PMSubject: Re: A Quick Comment/Question

Val,I agree with what you are saying... support groups are so important when one feels isolated and alone, particularly when it comes to health issues. And, yes, it is maddening to go for help and get nothing more than a pat on the head as the providers roll their eyes when your back is turned. At this point, the doctor hopping begins as we look for answers. Our medical record follows us and within that record is a label... hypochondriac, malingerer, seeker, psychotic, you name it... it follows. As an afflicted critical care nurse, I've seen it from both sides.And within this steeping pot of insanity is an idividual who feels sick, is symptomatic and who is afraid... and the fear is death. Will we get help before time runs out. The panic and anxiety naturally follows. However, we never focus on the fact that we make it to the other side of yet another 'episode', 'attack', or 'happening' time and time again. And the focus becomes, 'I

am dying and it is up to me to stop it'.It wasn't until it dawned on me that I kept surviving episode after episode and that my fear of death was only worsening the adrenal related symptoms I had. Part of this becomes a mind over matter situation and once we have regained a measure of control over our sanity, a more lucid journey to answers begins. And so, the burden is on each one of us to do the research, to ask the correct questions, and to keep a handle on the emotions that drives the labeling again and again and again. That can only happen when we acknowledge that we are stubborn enough to live into the answers.In no way was I implying that this site and interaction is counterproductive. It was the fear of death behaviors to which I was referring. We are clearly all survivors and we are intelligent enough to use knowledge and insight to regain control of our runaway lives.Barbara I say, Barbara, that we all have our ways of dealing. Most of us here are majorly pissed at the ineptocracy that has taken much of our lives. How better to help new people here than to tell them what is?ValFrom: hyperaldosteronism [mailto:hyperaldosteronism ] On Behalf Of amazingkelticIn reflection, it is highly likely that I've had PA since I was 19 (the time of my first 'nervous breakdown'). Anxiety, panic, agoraphobia, etc., ruled my life off and on

for the next 20 years. Even with an adenoma finally revealed, no one ever considered PA. Given my background, all the psych issues made sense and I assigned the HTN, etc., to that stress. So I had normal times and abdormal times... feeling okay times, and feeling like shit times. But in the whole big middle of all of it, I raised 4 kids, graduated magna cum-laude, worked 2-3 jobs until graduation, etc. Translated: I fought feeling the way I did and just bulled my way to the other side.So here's the question: It seems like many here have taken on the identity of victimized PA patient and have imbedded themselves in this singular identity. Why is that? Everyone here is much more than a diagnosis. Sure... many have had no answers. For me, it's been 45 years in the making. But, if all I have left is this tag, I might as well dig a hole and jump in. What I have learned over the years is that my response to what befalls me can make things a

whole lot worse. When panic and anxiety settle in, I observe it and let it run its course. Then I go back to the 'real' things that define me.I suppose what I'm saying is that I am much more than this diagnosis and investing at this level is counterproductive as I see it. Your thoughts?Regards,Barbara

January 25, 2012

I have seen the feeling on impending doom As well a change of personality listed

as Sx of PA. The question is it that High Aldo and salt is the cause or that we

are just unwell for so long.

>

> I say, Barbara, that we all have our ways of dealing. Most of us here are

majorly pissed at the ineptocracy that has taken much of our lives. How better

to help new people here than to tell them what is?

>

> Val

>

> From: hyperaldosteronism

> [mailto:hyperaldosteronism ] On Behalf Of amazingkeltic

>

> In reflection, it is highly likely that I've had PA since I was 19 (the time

of my first 'nervous breakdown'). Anxiety, panic, agoraphobia, etc., ruled my

life off and on for the next 20 years. Even with an adenoma finally revealed, no

one ever considered PA. Given my background, all the psych issues made sense and

I assigned the HTN, etc., to that stress. So I had normal times and abdormal

times... feeling okay times, and feeling like shit times. But in the whole big

middle of all of it, I raised 4 kids, graduated magna cum-laude, worked 2-3 jobs

until graduation, etc. Translated: I fought feeling the way I did and just

bulled my way to the other side.

>

> So here's the question: It seems like many here have taken on the identity of

victimized PA patient and have imbedded themselves in this singular identity.

Why is that? Everyone here is much more than a diagnosis. Sure... many have had

no answers. For me, it's been 45 years in the making. But, if all I have left is

this tag, I might as well dig a hole and jump in.

>

> What I have learned over the years is that my response to what befalls me can

make things a whole lot worse. When panic and anxiety settle in, I observe it

and let it run its course. Then I go back to the 'real' things that define me.

>

> I suppose what I'm saying is that I am much more than this diagnosis and

investing at this level is counterproductive as I see it.

>

> Your thoughts?

>

> Regards,

>

> Barbara

>

January 25, 2012