NET - Insulinoma

Posted by ahtaylor @ahtaylor, Jan 21, 2017

Hello to All,
I am joining this group from the Diabetes/Endocrine group. In July 2015 I was diagnosed with 2 insulinomas – both removed surgically at DUMC in NC. The diagnostic work-up included a 5 day hospital stay (72 hour fast + complications) and the surgery was an 11 day hospital stay (typical stay for a Whipple procedure). About 3 months post surgery, I started having recurrent hypoglycemia symptoms very similar to my pre-op symptoms. Insulinomas are very difficult to diagnose and locate and so far they have not been able to locate a new tumor but do suspect there is regrowth of an old tumor or growth of a new one. That is what will bring me to Mayo next week. Anyone been through insulinoma testing at Mayo? Hopeful to be starting down a path to possibly find a resolution of daily hypoglycemia symptoms but nervous because I have walked down this path once already. Glad to see the new group on NETs. Thanks.

Interested in more discussions like this? Go to the Neuroendocrine Tumors (NETs) Support Group.

I'm going thru same problems with dangerous hypoglycemia. Have had Whipple also. Only thing that helped, caused bad side effects, blood sugar got so high, they had to give me insulin. I ended up on dialysis from fluid retention. Currently doing chemo with capecitabine and telmodar. Not noticing improvement. Hopefully you find out something at mayo. I was referred there but financially I wouldn't be able to get there or do it.

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Don't miss this week's Member Spotlight featuring fellow NETs member @ahtaylor interviewed by none other than NETs mentor @hopeful33250. Learn more about @ahtaylor behind the scenes and what motivates her to help others and find balance in life.

– Giving it All You've Got: Meet @ahtaylor https://connect.mayoclinic.org/blog/about-connect/newsfeed-post/giving-it-all-youve-got-meet-ahtaylor/

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@hoochinmama

Called tried to see an endocrinologist he told me there wasn't enough info on her problem so my referral was denied 😒

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I suggest that you post on the Connect discussion group about Diabetes and endocrinology. Here is the link, https://connect.mayoclinic.org/group/diabetes-and-endocrine-problems/.

Perhaps someone in this discussion group can offer some support and encouragement.

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@hopeful33250

@hoochinmama

On Connect there is a discussion on blood sugar problems which might be more helpful to you. Here is the link, https://connect.mayoclinic.org/group/diabetes-and-endocrine-problems/.

You might post about your daughter's hypoglycemia in that discussion group. There are many members there who can offer you some support.

How is your daughter feeling now? Is she currently seeing an endocrinologist for the hypoglycemia?

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Called tried to see an endocrinologist he told me there wasn't enough info on her problem so my referral was denied 😒

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@hoochinmama

So my daughter has had a few Seizures but they can't find what's wrong. Everything comes back normal, I know she's not epileptic shes had maybe 8 in the last 5 years her last seizure was march of 2022 her fasting sugar shows its high, Doctors just say she is Hypo glycemic

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@hoochinmama

On Connect there is a discussion on blood sugar problems which might be more helpful to you. Here is the link, https://connect.mayoclinic.org/group/diabetes-and-endocrine-problems/.

You might post about your daughter's hypoglycemia in that discussion group. There are many members there who can offer you some support.

How is your daughter feeling now? Is she currently seeing an endocrinologist for the hypoglycemia?

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@hopeful33250

Hello @hoochinmama

I see that you posted a while ago. Do you have a diagnosis or Insulinoma? What would you like to know?

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So my daughter has had a few Seizures but they can't find what's wrong. Everything comes back normal, I know she's not epileptic shes had maybe 8 in the last 5 years her last seizure was march of 2022 her fasting sugar shows its high, Doctors just say she is Hypo glycemic

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@hoochinmama

I need Info On Isulinomas? not sure where else to turn

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Hello @hoochinmama

I see that you posted a while ago. Do you have a diagnosis or Insulinoma? What would you like to know?

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I do not have any symptoms, but I have had a couple of small blood clots. They present as a very painful, red, hot bump. I work in healthcare so I know to go in right away to be seen and treated. And of course, my labs usually scare the pudding out of any new doctor until I give them my history. 🙂

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@jadedprincess

Hello all, I've had the distal pancreatectomy with splenectomy five years ago. I would be glad to answer any questions someone may have about it. My blood sugar is stable. I do have have some digestive issues with certain foods and I have high platelets due to not having a spleen. But I feel great.

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Hi @jadedprincess,

You mentioned having "high platelets" due to not having a spleen. Does this cause any particular symptoms?

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Hello all, I've had the distal pancreatectomy with splenectomy five years ago. I would be glad to answer any questions someone may have about it. My blood sugar is stable. I do have have some digestive issues with certain foods and I have high platelets due to not having a spleen. But I feel great.

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