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seeing GP tomorrow - possible adrenal crisis

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Posted 1/13/2016 11:05 PM (GMT 0)
I've been self adminstering bee venom therapy with live bee stings since September. Have seen some improvement, though as of about one month ago started to feel increased fatigue. I've heard this is common to experience a few months in so I soldiered on.

I went slightly above the protocol, doing 13 stings 3X per week, as opposed to the 10 most people do. I seemed to tolerate this well.

I saw a new doctor on Jan 4, an internist who treats Lyme. He says in his opinion I most likely have Lyme. This was a relief, as no doctor has thought so thus far. He ordered some more tests and said he'd see me again in early Feb. He needs more tests before he can scrip me anything.

The itnernist recommended a magnesium supplement. I started it on Jan 5. I did my bee stings again on Jan 8 and immediately had a reaction, something like anaphylaxis. Slowed breathing, dizziness, racing heart, etc. Since then I've had debilitating fatigue, way worse than ever before, with dizziness and pain in my kidneys.

My concern: My adrenals were already taxed due to Lyme. The bee venom was an extra stress. The magnesium pushed it over the top (apparently you can't take mag. if you have Addison's/similar). I'm worried I've damaged my adrenals. I considered going to ER the other night.

Seeing my GP tomorro--not the LLMD internist. Hoping to get my adrenals checked.

Thoughts?
Posted 1/13/2016 11:33 PM (GMT 0)
So sorry to hear of that scary reaction you had! And, yikes about your current state :(

The 24-hr saliva test for adrenals seems preferred by many.

The alternate is timed blood draws for pretty much the same purpose.

Some GP's just do an AM cortisol test along with a few other adrenal hormones.

Here's some info that includes symptoms associated with adrenal dysfunction, tests you can do for yourself and information about the saliva testing:

www.stopthethyroidmadness.com/adrenal-info/

Please let us know how things go!
Posted 1/14/2016 12:01 AM (GMT 0)
I did the 4-tube adrenal test. Basically collecting saliva at 4 times in one day. Apparently it's the most effective test for adrenals as it gives a full picture of how your levels are from morning till evening. I'll be getting the results in my next follow up with my ND.

How did you find internist Toronto M? Good experience? This is the one in Toronto right?

Also, I take magnesium bisglycinate everyday and haven't had any issues, in fact it helped with my sound sensitivity when it was severe.
Posted 1/14/2016 12:03 AM (GMT 0)
Definitely look into the saliva test - that you do 4 times a day.

But, in the mean time, the regular blood cortisol - should show if you are really low. (but it will be a total cortisol) You may as well get that one done while you are waiting for the saliva test kit.
Kidney problems are associated with Addison's.

I had high cortisol in the first few months of symptoms...
Posted 1/14/2016 12:37 AM (GMT 0)
I did the four point saliva test exactly one year ago and it was normal. Back in 2013 it was low.

Not sure what my GP is gonna say. Worried hr won't take things seriously.

The internist seems good. Heard about him from another Lyme patient. We'll see..
Posted 1/14/2016 1:10 AM (GMT 0)
I'm so sorry that you are having such a rough time!!

You said, "apparently you can't take mag. if you have Addison's/similar" That's not true though. I have severe adrenal fatigue (one step above Addison's) and I take 2 types of magnesium daily.

I'm not saying that it's not your adrenals, only that it's not the magnesium. I hope that you find your answers soon.
Posted 1/14/2016 1:17 AM (GMT 0)
Thanks. Can I ask how you were diagnosed with your adrenal problem? And I could've sworn I read somewhere magnesium is contraindicated for Addisons..
Posted 1/14/2016 1:54 AM (GMT 0)
I was diagnosed by symptoms and blood tests. I honestly thought my doc was half off her rocker when she said she figured out how to read blood tests accurately for adrenals, but I'm recovering, so I have to believe her.

And I'm not saying that you didn't read that, I'm only saying that I have severe adrenal fatigue and take 2 different forms of magnesium. My doc knows about one, and she put me on the other. This doesn't mean she can't be wrong though either.

I would encourage you to get a hold of your doctor though and explain what all you took and what happened.
Posted 1/14/2016 8:19 AM (GMT 0)
Toronto M,

I read somewhere but do not know where(I do not store links, aso.) that adrenal insufficiency is linked to high histamine levels induced by herxes.And you have to correct those.

So as far as MCAD, many people with our conditions have an altered adrenal function and high histamine levels and have to adress both.And surely BVT gives some kind of histamine overproduction.So consider this, too.

Sorry that I am no help in linking the info.
Posted 1/15/2016 12:55 AM (GMT 0)
Thanks! I've heard the high histamine levels is a common issue w/ BVT and Lyme. Need to clean up my diet as well.

Saw GP. He's sending me for cortisol, potassium, sodium, magnesium level testing. Going tomorrow..
Posted 1/15/2016 1:11 AM (GMT 0)
Great!! Did he have any ideas about what might have happened?
Posted 1/15/2016 3:49 AM (GMT 0)
No, but he seemed to think the possible adrenal issue is worth investigating... he asked if my urine was bright, glowing greenish-yellow, which it is :/

Gonna have to wait til next week for results. Sucks but I don't seem to be in "crisis" like I was a few days ago.
Posted 1/15/2016 2:56 PM (GMT 0)
Well, I'm glad you are no longer 'in crisis'! I know how horrible that is. I hope that all goes well - and if you don't mind, do let us know why he asked about the color of your urine! I'd be interested in knowing what he believes that indicates!
Posted 1/15/2016 2:58 PM (GMT 0)
He didn't specify, but I assume it has something to do with the adrenals..
Posted 1/15/2016 3:02 PM (GMT 0)
Interesting - thank you!! I've noticed my urine like that previously as well, which is why I was asking.
Posted 1/15/2016 11:09 PM (GMT 0)
How are you supporting adrenals?...i am doing l tyrosine for histamine and amber rose recommends 3000mg c a day...im craving salt like mad also to only sting mwf and give yourself a chance to heal..borrelia doesnt take a break
Posted 1/15/2016 11:35 PM (GMT 0)
3000 - 4000 mg of vitamin C. L tyrosine and ALCAR. Just started on Cortrex by Thorne.
Posted 1/17/2016 4:53 PM (GMT 0)

bluelyme said...
How are you supporting adrenals?...i am doing l tyrosine for histamine and amber rose recommends 3000mg c a day...im craving salt like mad also to only sting mwf and give yourself a chance to heal..borrelia doesnt take a break

Be sure that you are NOT using regular table salt any longer. Get the pink stuff (LOL!) - Himalayan salt and allow yourself the extra salt. I used to crave salt so badly that I would take up to a full teaspoon in the palm of my hand and just lick it up. Very satisfying if your body is desperate for it. But my blood sodium was also quite low.

Another thing you can do - and it sounds weird, so bear with me - but take a teaspoon of local, raw honey and add the Himalayan salt (approx 1/4 tsp) to it each night. It's like satisfying a serious, deep down craving you never realized you even had!! The honey is supposed to "feed" the liver over night, while the salt helps the adrenals.
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