Pheochromocytoma - Could This Be It?

I had an appointment with a new neurologist yesterday to - once again - discuss my mystery symptoms. Though I've been seeing a cardiologist, as well (for the sudden rapid heartbeats), my internist suggested I follow up with a neurologist. For the first time EVER in 20 years, he asked if I had ever had my urine tested for these symptoms. I told him I hadn't. He was surprised that no one had ever suggested it.

There is an adrenal disease called Pheochromocytoma. Its extremely rare (only 800 people are diagnosed with it per year in the U.S.). However, it presents with EXACTLY the same symptoms that I have had for 20 years. Basically its a tumor in your adrenal glands, which are the glands that release epinephrine (adrenaline) and norepinephrine (noradrenalin) into your body.

A friend of mine who is a chiropractor, had simultaneously suggested that I might be having sudden surges of norepinephrine, which would be causing my symptoms and "episodes" (or "Head Things" as I have so fondly called them over the years).

Now I don't know if this is the answer, but for the first time EVER, I feel confident that something is going to be found. Odd, right, that I'm hoping something will be "found." Well when you're a person who has been suffering from something debilitating for so long, ANY answer is a good answer. You just simply want an answer.

For details on Pheochromocytoma, there's a great support group / website called Pheochromocytoma.org. If you've had symptoms like mine (sudden rapid heartbeat, sudden surges in the head, weakness in limbs, pounding headaches, night sweats, nausea and vomiting), you might want to check into it. It's rare, and - from my experience - not a lot of doctors even venture into ruling this in or out for these symptoms. Everyone automatically jumps to "you're having panic attacks."

So fingers crossed. I hope this is it for me. I want an answer once and for all.