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Please Help - Adrenal Issue

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Thyroid Disorders
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Posted 6/24/2011 3:45 AM (GMT 0)
I recently had a 24hr urine collection done by an endo to measure my adrenal and thyroid function. When the results came back he never called to tell me whether or not they were okay and as of yet he has not returned my call. (He is the only endo in town) However upon talking to another doctor I know who isn't an endo but does specializes in hormone therapy, told me that I was practically in adrenal failure. Now I am not sure who to believe. Would any of you be willing to look at my labs and give me some sort of sense as to what they mean?

ACTH, Plasma 17.3pg/ml (reference 7.2-63.3)
Coritisol, Serum 14.3pg/ml (reference 2.3-19.4) (AM reference 6.2-19.4) (PM reference 2.3-11.9)
Cortisol, Urinary Free <1ug/l (reference undefined)
Cortisol, Urinary Free 24 hr <2ug/24hr (reference 0-50

I have multiple symptoms also. Severe fatigue, weakness, joint pain, headaches, low blood pressure, no appetite, vomit frequently especially in the mornings and sometime I continue to feel sick all day, low grade fevers, memory loss, irritability, abdominal issues, underskin rashes, weird skin color, low salt, low potassium, and sometimes I fight with the urge to just faint. I really can't find much info myself on these lab ranges especially because every lab is different. I have seem multiple different doctors to try and figure out whats going on with me. Right Now I am under the care of a rheumy and an infectious disesae specialist, however no one seems to be able to pinpoint exactly what is wrong with me. I would appreciate any thoughts or ideas anyone might have. Thank you all for listening.
Posted 6/24/2011 4:47 PM (GMT 0)
Maybe their looking at the cortisol serum? I'm not sure....
Posted 6/24/2011 7:25 PM (GMT 0)
MaggieMay, I really don't know much about adrenal insufficiency. Based on the reference figures, all of your levels are in the normal range on these tests. If you have a primary care physician, you might discuss the results of the tests with him, or with your rheumatologist. Hope you find some answers that can help you.
Posted 6/25/2011 4:19 PM (GMT 0)
Maggie,

As previously noted, the lab results are not conclusive and can be read differently depending on who is doing the reading. That said, however, I can tell you that based on your symptoms alone, I would be concerned about your thyroid levels and your adrenals.

I know this because I was hospitalized in January and February of this year while the docs tried to figure out what was going on with me. Long story short: my adrenals were under-performing and I have hypothyroidism (low producing thyroid). I am now on Prednisone (tapering off that) and Synthroid (thyroid meds). It does take some tweeking of the meds but once you are on the correct dosage you will notice a huge improvement in your health.

Also, the vomiting you are experiencing would seem to indicate that you could be on the verge (if not there already) of being dehyrated. Your sodium and potassium levels are also low which is extremely dangerous.

I am not trying to scare you, I am trying to save you from the nightmare that I went through while the docs at the hospital tried to figure it out. They missed it in January causing me to be re-admitted in February so they could finally figure it out.

If your endo won't return your calls, show up at his/her office unannounced. Tell the receptionist or nurse your situation and that you haven't heard from the doctor yet about your test results and ask for their help in understanding what is going on. If need be, schedule another appt with the endo so he/she has to meet with you face to face. For all you know, the endo isn't receiving the messages that you have called.

lGood luck.
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