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Adrenal fatigue

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Posted 1/10/2012 1:06 AM (GMT 0)
I've been slowly tapering 2.5mg per week of pred (from 20mg).  I finally finished last Friday but have been suffering 'withdrawal' for a couple of weeks now.    I've also been on Methotrexate for 3 months which seems to have really screwd up my resistance, unable to shake off a bad cough for over a month and cold sores that take way too long to heal.     This coupled with the extreme tiredness and lack of energy is making my life a living hell.   I told my GI last week and he told me this is "what to expect and that I will have to be patient and my energy will eventually return once my adrenal glands start to function normally"   I asked him if there was anything that he could prescribe to kick-start my adrenalin and he said no.

Is this true?  I wonder if there is something otc to help with this fatigue that is becoming depressing. 

He has booked me in for a flex sig this Friday and he will take a look at the extent of my inflammation.  I'm still having about 6 bm's (some urgent) a day.   Given my compromised immune system I'm beginning to wonder if I'm paying too high a price by continuing with the Methotrexate.

Posted 1/10/2012 1:59 AM (GMT 0)
My doctor just put me on entocort EC today for that reason. (Not to kick start the adrenaline) for the exhaustion,
and Im symptomatic when I taper. I cant get below 15mg of prednisone. It supposedly has far fewer side effects
than prednisone.

Carlie
Posted 1/10/2012 2:00 AM (GMT 0)
Sorry, I can't answer the question about adrenal fatigue but you might want to consult an endocrinolgoist? Or a naturopath?
Was the mtx prescribed for UC or CD? I was specifically told that it's not indicated for UC but then a previous GI wanted us to try it after my daughter proved intolerant to aza?
Thanks
Posted 1/10/2012 2:05 AM (GMT 0)
My GI was willing to let me try MTX for my UC because I don't tolerate 6mp well but she wouldn't let me try LDN. I guess in her eyes, MTX is a more hopeful solution but I haven't seen too many people on this board using MTX for UC.

I was worried about adrenal fatigue too and I think the only way to address the concern is to see an endocrinologist. I didn't see one and now I am doing better but i had a really rough time tapering off prednisone.
Posted 1/10/2012 2:25 AM (GMT 0)
Its been over 2 years since I tapered off the pred and I still have the fatigue. Not really found anything to help with it.
Posted 1/10/2012 3:33 AM (GMT 0)
I had this problem last time I went off prednisone and I am about to go through it again! The things I found helped most were nutrition and light exercise.

I looked up what vitamins and minerals were good for adrenal health and tried to consume foods that were good sources so I was giving my adrenals the best chance for recovery. I tried to stay away from supplements as my main sources. I think vitamin C, Vitamin E, and B Vitamins are all important for adrenal function. I also remember minerals like magnesium and zinc were important. It is funny because when I was off the pred is when I started incorporating the Spinach and Sunflower seed protocol because both had good sources of stuff for your adrenals.

I also found light exercise helped me, but I mean light. The few times I did a work out like I would normally do it was too much and seemed to make things worse. But when I did the stationary bike for 20 minutes or a light walk it seemed to help.
Posted 1/10/2012 3:38 AM (GMT 0)
Oh, I don't know if it is good for the adrenals or not, but something I took then and I just started again is taking liquid chlorophyll. It helps with anemia and oxygen in the blood and it definitely helps with my fatigue. I notice a difference when I take 1 serving a day. Just don't take more than what the bottle recommends or it can have a clean out affect! But I have never had a problem as long as I take just 1 serving a day.
Posted 1/10/2012 4:00 AM (GMT 0)
I actually met with my naturopathic doctor a few weeks ago and I asked the same question about adrenal fatigue. She told me to get Licorice Root and simmer in water to make a tea. Licorice Root is glycyrrhizinated which helps stimulate the adrenal glands and keep cortisol in your system longer (which is a great thing for anyone who is trying to taper off prednisone slowly). Look in your area for an herb store that supplies fresh natural herbs, not store bought junk. Shouldn't cost more than a few bucks$ for a ton.

I've been taking my doctors recommended herbs (listed in my signature) to make teas, and I feel like my energy has been great, aside from all of the stomach pains, changes in diet, weight, bowel movements, blood etc.. that come with our troubling conditions.
Posted 1/10/2012 4:34 AM (GMT 0)
omg, I feel the same exact way I am currently taking 50 mg of 6 mp and keep getting fly like symptoms, and extreme lethargy. I am thinking o get a B12shot this wk because I can't function at all. the thing is though the drug works,so I have to keep taking it.
Posted 1/10/2012 10:56 PM (GMT 0)
thanks guys.  I guess I'll have to be patient.
Posted 1/10/2012 11:03 PM (GMT 0)
I have always been exhausted. I wish I could get to the root of it.
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