Does anyone take Growth Hormone?

[ashley]

I'm curious to hear your story if you do. Now that I know I am officially hypopituitary, (labs, symptoms and MRI confirm this) I think I need to have dynamic testing for GH deficiency. I'm sure that will happen soon, but I'm wonder what it's like to take replacement GH. I haven't heard anyone on the board talking about it.
With each replacement of a missing hormone I've felt a little bit better. So I'd like to do the last few tests (GH, LH, FSH, estradiol) to determine if anything else needs to be replaced.

Currently I take
Dexamethasone, Hydrocortisone and DHEA for adrenal insufficiency.
synthroid and time release T3 for hypothyroidism
testosterone and progesterone to correct low levels
added salt for hyporenemic hypoaldosteronism
i also take daily antibiotics and probiotics for Lyme disease (which continues to get better over time)

It's likely that I will also need GH and estradial replacement as well. I'll post those results when I get them, but that will prob. be a few weeks.

I do feel so much better than six months ago, when I was not being properly replaced. Still...I have this feeling that something is still off - maybe it's GH, we'll try to find out. And of course I'll continue to post when I hear from Dr. F re surgery for the tumor.

In the meantime, I'm trying not to obsess over this new information. I have papers to write, classes to teach, miles to run, a little boy to take care of, and a husband to love. I have to remind myself that being sick, while a part of my life, isn't what defines it and that there's so much joy in living even when it's physically difficult.
Ok, it must be getting late. :) I'll stop there.

Thank you to each of you who have taken time to give encouragement, information, and research. I hope I can return the favor.

ashley

[ShannonD]

Ashley,
I have not taken GH, but am curious.  I looked up GH deficiency, and sounds like symptoms are similar to other endocrine deficiencies...fatigue, reduced muscle strength, etc.

What type of lingering symptoms do you have?

I think you should have the testing.  One drawback on GH I think is cost, so you want to see if you can get insurance to cover.

Hope all is well with school, family.
Shannon

[Idaho Dusty]

Ashley,

My friend Kate replaces GH and has addison's and celiac.  I will email her this weekend and ask if she'll post here.

I love your attitude!  You're awesome!

:) Dusty

[ShannonD]

Ashley,
wanted to give you another post from a reputable source, regarding growth hormone.  Also recommending the GHRH-arginine test. I am going to request mine get tested.  I have no idea if I primary or secondary.  I am concerned that I am secondary due to sheehans (blood loss in pregnancy).  Partly because of how my head feels and the pressure that I feel in my pituitary.

I do not really care per se if it is primary vs secondary, other than if I am deficient of GH, I want to know about it to see if insurance will cover.

http://pituitary.mgh.harvard.edu/NCBV11I1.htm#GHD

Take care,
Shannon

[ashley]

Hi Shannon,

Thanks for the link. I emailed Dr. F asking for the test - I'll let you know what he says. Certainly with a pit. adenoma there's a very large chance of GH deficiency...

ashley