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Post by Karen on Feb 15, 2011 22:00:25 GMT -5
I wanted to add that my treatment was going well. My doc added another adrenal support supplement and things were going fine, until winter hit and some big stress hit. Sent me back to square one, but I've also learned that my thyroid is way off, and I think that coupled with the winter (thyroid issues can get worse then!) and the stress, well, my body couldn't cope.
Adrenal and thyroid issues often go hand and hand, and thyroid issues often can't get resolved in the long run until the adrenal issues are straightened out. Why? Because when the thyroid starts working properly when the adrenals aren't, the adrenals tell the body to slow production on the thyroid because they're too stressed to handle it! Grrr...
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Post by omaklackey on Feb 15, 2011 22:04:41 GMT -5
So with my heart palpatations one of the things that matched my symptoms was a very rare tumor that causes cortisol levels and the adrenal gland to not function. I knew this thread was here and couldn't find it when the test came up. the test they did was a blood test and then this very wacky 24 urine test that was a joke since it was full after only nine hours, so should they have done the spit test then? Is that the better way to test?
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Post by Karen on Feb 15, 2011 22:08:12 GMT -5
I've heard of both the urine and spit test, but I don't think insurance covers the spit test. The spit test shows cortisol levels at 4 times during the day (at least the one I took), whereas the urine test looks at the average.
What blood test did they do? What type of tumor?
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Post by omaklackey on Feb 16, 2011 0:42:47 GMT -5
pheochromocytoma... it actuallly fit my symptoms pretty good but I wasn't impressed with the way they tested cortisol. It didn't seem accurate. I'm not sure what the numbers were. They once again need to be reminded to send the labs to me. Do you happen to have a name for the spit test?
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Post by Karen on Feb 16, 2011 7:15:53 GMT -5
I don't, I got it from my doc so I couldn't tell you. But any self-respecting complementary doc should know. Be sure to get the numbers - adrenal issues are most often ignored unless they are to the extreme - Addisons or Cushings disease - but a lot of people fall into the non-disease state but still not well.
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Post by hellsbells on Feb 16, 2011 15:29:18 GMT -5
There's actually a short thread somewhere on Cushings. I suspected it at one point and did the loooong urine test.
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Post by omaklackey on Feb 16, 2011 16:18:40 GMT -5
Now he did say it was slightly low but within normal so... ? I wonder if that may be partially why I'm so tired all the time. When I go back to next Tuesday I will make a point of asking! And your taking an over counter supplement right? It would be worth it to try something and see what happens.
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Post by Karen on Feb 16, 2011 18:23:08 GMT -5
Hmm, might be worth looking into more... There's a BIG difference between normal and optimal. I hate when docs just look at test results but don't look at symptoms!
There's a book that my friend bought after she found out her levels were low - "Adrenal Fatigue" - and it offers a lot of suggestions. Yes, I take 2 over the counter supplements, but from what I can tell, they're mostly offered through medical practitioners and they certainly aren't cheap! But, the book offers lists of supplements that can give the same effect. Basically, you're just providing your body with the nutrients it needs to produce more cortisol.
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Post by Karen on Mar 19, 2011 15:31:38 GMT -5
Someone asked what the name of the test was. I'm re-testing to see how/if things have improved so... here it is! The company is Genova Diagnostics. The test is adrenocortex stress profile. Don't know if you can buy it on your own or if you have to go through a health care provider. It's typically not covered by insurance, though, and it's about $120 out of pocket.
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Post by Heather on Mar 20, 2011 21:05:41 GMT -5
Wow, I just went down that list of symptoms and more than half fit me. That's really scary. I think I will talk to my naturopath about it next time I see him.
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Post by Karen on Mar 20, 2011 21:18:13 GMT -5
Good luck! Good news is that some lifestyle changes & otc supplements it can get better! Adrenal & thyroid issues often go together but adrenals need to get sorted first or they'll try to over-ride thyroid meds... Just something to keep in mind. Hope you get some answers!
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Post by Karen on Apr 27, 2011 19:52:32 GMT -5
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Post by Karen on Jul 7, 2011 17:16:03 GMT -5
I got this from my compounding pharmacy's monthly emails. As always, it's exactly what I needed to see, and is a good overall synopsis hypoadrenalism. Anyone that's tired and under a lot of stress, whether it's due to illness, work, family, or a combination of some/all for a prolonged period of time should read this! www.womensinternational.com/connections/hypoadrenalism.html
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Post by hellsbells on Jul 8, 2011 9:44:15 GMT -5
I'm taking that to my GP next visit! Did you go back on the hydrocortisone?
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Post by Karen on Jul 8, 2011 9:51:13 GMT -5
Nope, going to attempt that again after my month of supplements. Theres a chance I reacted so bad because my enzyme activity was low or something like that. The intent is to start really low and gradually up my dose. I may request a compounded formula this time as I usually react poorly to all the fillers and extras...
Hope your GP listens! Honestly, I think my endocrinologist should have done some reading... Good luck!
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