Chris's blog: ""

It was about 5 years now that it happened. I can remember almost everything but what lead to the event. I must of came to the breaking point in my life as ever time before I called for help of went to the hospital for help myself. Plus a few of the other times I didnt call for help. I just woke up the next day feeling great no affect of the pills.Until one night!!! I went out to go do something to do somethings for fun. But I didnt make it that far doing anything fun that is. I found my self in the hospital parking lot walking towards the ER. Dont even know how I got there or why I was even there. Next thing I'm on the ground not able to move. People come running and screaming for help from the ER. Well that point on was a blur. I was in and out of it. Until getting in the ER. Then it all happened. My heart stopped. It is a scary thing to hear and see everything going on. But not being able to do anything about it. I heard everything and the one thing that scared me the most was a statement that was told to my parents. They told my mother and father that, I was very lucky that they brought me back to life. Because the normally do not get the heart started after it stops electrically like mine did. Then to make it even more scary than it allready was. They said if I had been thirty seconds later. They would not of been able to do anything. That was a big wake up call for me. Now I try to keep my slef if check all the time. If I start to think negtive. I ask for help or go get help. Not to say that is 100% full proff as I black out with the situation that happened. But I hope to catch it before it gets there again. That is where my next post will help any one else that is there. As there is a lot of help out there. So if you feel depressed of like your going to do something to hurt yourself get help. Call a friend, 911 or what ever.

What Is NF? Neurofibromatosis encompasses a set of distinct genetic disorders that cause tumors to grow along various types of nerves and, in addition, can affect the development of non-nervous tissues such as bones and skin. Neurofibromatosis causes tumors to grow anywhere on or in the body. Types Of Neurofibromatosis. Types Of Neurofibromatosis: Neurofibromatosis (NF) has been classified into three distinct types: NF1, NF2 and Schwannomatosis. Neurofibromatosis 1 (NF1): Also known as von Recklinghausen NF or Peripheral NF. Occurring in 1:3,000 births, NF1 is characterized by multiple cafe-au-lait spots and neurofibromas on or under the skin. Enlargement and deformation of bones and curvature of the spine (scoliosis) may also occur. Occasionally, tumors may develop in the brain, on cranial nerves, or on the spinal cord. About 50% of people with NF also have learning disabilities. Neurofibromatosis 2 (NF2): Also known as Bilateral Acoustic NF (BAN), is much rarer occurring in 1:25,000 births. NF2 is characterized by multiple tumors on the cranial and spinal nerves, and by other lesions of the brain and spinal cord. Tumors affecting both of the auditory nerves are the hallmark. Hearing loss beginning in the teens or early twenties is generally the first symptom. Schwannomatosis: A rare form of NF that has only recently been recognized and appears to affect around 1:40,000 individuals. It is less well understood than NF1 and NF2, and features may vary greatly between patients.

Genetics: A Primer Below, we present some genetics terms and principles to help you understand how NF is inherited. What is a Gene? Our body is made up of millions of cells. Each cell contains a set of chemical structures known as chromosomes. There are 46 chromosomes, arranged in 23 pairs, in each cell in the body. One chromosome of each pair was contributed by the father, and the other by the mother. A gene is a small section of a chromosome. Genes also come in pairs. About 100,000 genes are arranged in a very specific order on the 23 chromosome pairs. One of these pairs, called the sex chromosomes, differs in males and females; the other 22 pairs, called autosomes, are the same in both sexes. What Do Genes Do? Genes direct cell behavior. When a gene is activated, a variety of events can occur in the cell, depending on the particular function of that gene. Some genes are responsible for obvious traits such as eye color; others control the production of substances essential to chemical processes inside our bodies. Certain genes simply act as on-off switches for other genes. These reactions are like orders to the cell. They are all the instructions needed for the first cell to develop into a human being and for the body to carry on all the functions of life. What Is A Gene Mutation? A mutation is a change. Gene mutations have occurred since the beginning of time and continue to do so. Most mutations are not detectable, and some are not harmful. When a "mutagen" (an agent that causes a mutation) alters the structure of a gene, the gene's "instructions" to the cell are changed or even stopped completely. An alteration of this kind can have serious effects, and may result in a genetic disorder. NF is the result of such a changed gene. NF is an "autosomal dominant" disorder. "Autosomal" means that the NF gene is located on one of the 22 pairs of chromosomes called "autosomes." (NF1 is located on chromosome 17; NF2 on chromosome 22.) Since these chromosomes are the same in males and females, the gene can be present in either sex, and it can be passed on from either a mother or a father to a son or a daughter. The term "dominant" means that the presence of only one changed or affected gene causes the disorder to appear; the action of the unaffected gene which is paired with the dominant gene cannot prevent the disorder. Because one gene is enough to cause the disorder, NF can be passed from one generation to the next when only one parent has the gene. "Recessive" disorders, on the other hand, generally occur only in the presence of a pair of affected genes, each inherited from one of the affected individual's parents. Why are the odds always 50-50 for a child to inherit NF from an affected parent? The explanation for this lies in the process that brings egg cells and sperm cells to maturity. These cells carry our genetic heritage from one generation to the next. Before reaching maturity each of these cells contains 23 pairs of chromosomes, the full complement of genetic material just like any other body cell. As they approach maturity, however, these cells go through a special process (called "meiosis") that results in each egg or sperm having a single chromosome from each pair half of its original genetic material.

Scoliosis is a lateral (toward the side) curvature in the normally straight vertical line of the spine. The normal spine curves gently backward in the upper back and gently inward in the lower back. When viewed from the side, the spine should show a mild roundness in the upper back and shows a degree of swayback (inward curvature) in the lower back. When a person with a normal spine is viewed from the front or back, the spine appears to be straight. When a person with scoliosis is viewed from the front or back, the spine appears to be curved. What Causes Scoliosis? There are many types and causes of scoliosis, including: Congenital scoliosis. A result of a bone abnormality present at birth. Neuromuscular scoliosis. A result of abnormal muscles or nerves, frequently seen in people with spina bifida or cerebral palsy or in those with various conditions that are accompanied by, or result in, paralysis. Degenerative scoliosis. This may result from traumatic (from an injury or illness) bone collapse, previous major back surgery or osteoporosis (thining of the bones). Idiopathic scoliosis. The most common type of scoliosis, idiopathic scoliosis, has no specific identifiable cause. There are many theories, but none have been found to be conclusive. There is, however, strong evidence that idiopathic scoliosis is inherited. Who Gets Scoliosis? Approximately 2% to 3% of Americans at age 16 has scoliosis. Less than 0.1% has curves measuring greater than 40 degrees, which is the point at which surgery becomes a consideration. Overall, girls are more likely to be affected than boys. Idiopathic scoliosis is most commonly a condition of adolescence affecting those ages 10 through 16. Idiopathic scoliosis may progress during the "growth spurt" years, but usually will not progress to adulthood. How Is Scoliosis Diagnosed? Most curves are initially detected on school screening exams, by a child's pediatrician or family doctor, or by a parent. Some clues that a child may have scoliosis include uneven shoulders, a prominent shoulder blade, uneven waist or leaning to one side. The diagnosis of scoliosis and the determination of the type of scoliosis are then made by a careful bone exam and an X-ray to evaluate the magnitude of the curve. How Is Scoliosis Treated? The majority of adolescents with significant idiopathic scoliosis are observed at regular intervals (usually every four to six months), including a physical exam and a low radiation X-ray. Treatments include: Bracing is the usual treatment choice for adolescents who have a spinal curve between 25 to 40 degrees -- particularly if their bones are still maturing and if they have at least two years of growth remaining. The purpose of bracing is to halt progression of the curve. It may provide a temporary correction, but usually the curve will assume its original magnitude when bracing is eliminated. Surgery. Those who have curves beyond 40 to 50 degrees are often considered for surgery. The goal is to make sure the curve does not get worse, but surgery does not perfectly straighten the spine. During the procedure, metallic implants are utilized to correct some of the curvature and hold it in the correct position until bone graft, placed at the time of surgery, consolidates and creates a rigid fusion in the area of the curve. Surgery usually involves joining the vertebrae together permanently -- called spinal fusion. In young children, another technique that does not involve fusion may be used since fusion stops growth of the fused part of the spine. In this case, a brace must always be worn after surgery.

I hade one of this tumors and it was removed. But it has come back. I got all this info from a few different sites. There is a lot of information on this on the net. I tryed to give as much as I could here. Pheochromocytomas are tumors of the adrenal gland, which produce excess adrenaline...:namespace prefix Pheochromocytomas arise from the central portion of the adrenal gland, which is called the adrenal medulla. The adrenal medulla is responsible for the normal production of adrenaline which our body requires to help maintain blood pressure and to help cope with stressful situations. A tumor, which arises from the adrenal medulla and overproduces adrenaline, can be a deadly tumor because of the severe elevation in blood pressure it causes. List of symptoms of Pheochromocytoma Symptoms varies greatly with each patient. Stereotyped textbook cases of Pheochromocytoma are rare. Symptoms can include: Headaches Nausea Vomiting Weight loss or gain Hypertension Hyperglycemia Diabetes Diabetes-like symptoms Palpitations Angina Chest Pain Clammy skin Cold skin Anxiety Nervousness Panic Tremors Feeling of impending doom Rapid pulse Rapid breathing Breathing difficulty Vision disturbance Impaired vision Orthostatic hypotension Fainting Sweating Flushing Abdominal pain Flank pain Constipation Heat Intolerance Paresthesia (tingling, prickling, numbness or burning sensations) Who Should Be Examined For A Pheochromocyoma? Patients with very difficult to control hypertension Patients requiring more than 4 blood pressure medications Patients with onset of hypertension before the age of 35 Patients with onset of hypertension after the age of 60 Patients with signs or symptoms of pheochromocytoma (above) Diagnosing Pheochromocytomas The diagnosis of pheochromocytoma hinges on the treating physician entertaining the diagnosis in the first place. Making the diagnosis is usually straightforward by performing the following tests: 24 hour urinary catacholamines and metanephrines. This study is designed to measure production of the different types of adrenaline compounds that the adrenal makes. Since the body gets rid of these hormones in the urine, we simply collect a patient's urine for 24 hours and determine if they are over-produced. This test measures different types of adrenaline (epinephrine, norepinephrine, dopamine) as well as the break-down products of these compounds which the liver and kidney have degraded. Since these compounds are concentrated in the urine, this test is very good at making the diagnosis of pheochromocytoma. Serum catacholamines. This study measures adrenaline compounds in the blood. It is not as sensitive a test for pheochromocytoma as the 24 hour urine test (sometimes the urine test will be positive and the blood test will be negative), but it still can give important information if it shows elevated adrenaline levels. Ultrasound. This is the fastest, cheapest, and most readily available test to look at the kidneys and adrenals. But, it is the least accurate, so it is usually not used as much as the CT scan. Can be used to examine any type of adrenal tumor. CT Scan. The CT scan (also called CAT scan) is very accurate at examining the adrenal glands and other abdominal structures and can be used on any type of adrenal tumor. Like the other 3 tests in this group, the CT scan is painless. It will take about 30 minutes to complete. MRI Scan. The MRI (also called an MR scan or NMR scan) is very similar to the CT scan in the type of information and pictures it provides. The scan takes about an hour and uses magnetic fields to generate pictures of body structures rather than x-rays like the CT scan or sound waves like the ultrasound MIBG Scan. The MIBG scan is used only to detect the presence and location of adrenal pheochromocytomas. This test does NOT detect any other type of adrenal tumor. MIBG is another nuclear medicine scan which takes advantage of the fact that endocrine cells make hormones.. Just like the sestamibi scan which makes hyperactive parathyroids radioactive so they can be seen on special x-ray film, the MIBG scan shows pheos. A special radioactive dye is given to a patient which is a precursor for adrenaline (the hormone made by the adrenal medulla). This dye is concentrated in the hyperactive endocrine tissue which comprises the pheo and it can be seen on x-ray film. The picture on the right shows a bright pheo in the patient's left adrenal gland. To make the picture easier to interpret, the radiologist gave the patient a second radioactive dye which is absorbed by the kidney. The computer interprets the dye in both kidneys as black areas, which accounts for the two "empty" areas on the scan. The pheo, therefore is the bright spot (the adrenal) on the top side of the left (empty) kidney. This test takes about an hour a day for 3 or 4 days. Note: X-rays are typically read as if we were looking at the patient, therefore, the patients left side will be on the right side of the picture we are viewing. PET Scan (Is How They Found Mine) Surgical Treatment of Pheochromocytomas All pheochromocytomas should be removed surgically. The vast majority of patients can be treated with the new technique of minimally invasive Laparoscopic Adrenalectomy. This is now the preferred method for removing pheochromocytomas and is available in most hospitals in the U.S. Who is a Candidate For Laparoscopic Adrenalectomy? Tumors less than 10 cm in diameter (~ 4 inches). Tumors larger than this are more likely to be cancerous and therefore require better exposure and a more aggressive operation. Tumors larger than this also pose a technical problem because the surgeon has difficulty seeing around it with the camera. Tumors which secrete hormone. These masses are ideally suited for this approach. Pheochromocytomas. Pheochromocytomas are tumors which arise from the central zone of the adrenal gland (the medulla) and secrete epinephrine (adrenaline). Since they are usually small and benign, they can be removed with great success using this minimally invasive approach. Tumors which do not secrete hormone...if they are greater than 4 cm (~ 1 3/4 inches). Laparoscopic adrenalectomy is the perfect approach to these masses which would otherwise necessitate numerous repeated CAT scans and often life-long follow-up by a physician. Tumors which have NO characteristics of malignancy. Laparoscopic removal of the adrenal gland is not appropriate for any cancerous tumors or those which have clinical / radiologic characteristics of malignancy. Pheochromocytomas are often referred to as the "ten percent tumor" because they do many things about ten percent of the time. The following is a fairly exhaustive list of these characteristics: 10 percent of all Pheochromocytomas are: Malignant (90% are benign) Bilateral (found in both adrenal glands: 90% are arise in just one of the two adrenal glands) Extra-Adrenal (found within nervous tissue outside of the adrenal glands ... see below) In Children (90% are in adults) Familial (10% will have a family member with the same type of tumor) Recur (10% or slightly less, will come back 5 to 10 years later) Associated with MEN syndromes (patients with rare syndromes of endocrine tumors.) Present with a stroke (10% of these tumors are found after the patient has a stroke)