I have a problem where everytime I have a stressful day at work and my adrenaline gets going, I get really fatigued the next day or two, to the point I will sleep for 10-12 hrs. I also have exercise intolerance. It seems any time my adrenaline goes, I'm so extremely exhausted. any suggestions? I mentioned it to my dr but he is sending me to a rhuemy again. I also have fm & rls.

Going crazy..any suggestions would be appreciated.

Michelle

Ask for a referral to an endo. Ask him for the ACTH stimulation test to check for addisons.

I have an appt tomorrow I will definitely ask. I have beed researching addisions on the web and other posts on this one. Do you recommend a saliva test? I have had a positive ana twice and now have vomiting so somethings going on... does any of it sound like it could be addisions or some other adrenal problem?

Here are the tests you need. Be sure the ACTH test is done correctly. I wouldn't rely on the saliva test, but many have had it done.

Diagnostic Testing for Addison's Disease


TEST 1: Electrolyte profile:

OBJECT: To determine if the patient exhibits a normal serum (blood) sodium and potassium levels.

THE TEST: A blood draw followed by automated determination of sodium and potassium levels as well as other standard blood markers.

NORMAL RESULT (will vary somewhat from lab to lab): Sodium 135-150 mEq/L; Potassium 3.5-5.2 mEq/L

PRIMARY ADDISONIAN: Will show significantly below normal values of sodium and a elevated (above normal) levels of potassium.

REASON FOR ABNORMALITY: Low or no production of aldosterone from the adrenal cortex. This steroidal hormone regulates our mineral balance and is called a mineralocorticoid. Primary Addisonians lose sodium and retain potassium. Abnormal values here, in additon to physical signs and symptoms, require the next test.


TEST 2: The ACTH stimulation test:

OBJECT: To determine if the patient's adrenal glands can respond to the ACTH message from the pituitary to increase cortisol production in the adrenal cortex.

THE TEST: The test is usually given first thing in the morning when normal cortisol levels are highest. Blood is withdrawn from the patient to establish a baseline (No instructions regarding necessity for fasting). The patient is given 250 micrograms (ug) of ACTH (Cortrosyn, Cosyntropin, or Synacthen) by injection in saline at one time. Blood is drawn at 30 minutes and/or 60 minutes and the serum cortisol level is determined.

NORMAL RESULTS: Normal pre-injection levels of cortisol are 5-25 ug/dL (138-690 nmol/L). The value should double at 30-60 minutes with a minimum of 20 ug/dL (552 nmol/L). PRIMARY ADDISONIAN: There will be no or little increase in cortisol levels upon ACTH injection. Notes: It is stated in several places that a single test of cortisol levels, or even 24 h urinary levels of cortisol and its metabolites, are NOT DIAGNOSTIC! In the normal individual cortisol levels are seen to pulse. Low cortisol production in either the serum or the urine after ACTH stimulation is diagnostic of Addisons disease.

SECONDARY ADDISONIAN (Pituitary malfunction): Low cortisol production can be seen if the patient has "functional adrenal cortical atrophy" due to prolonged absence of normal ACTH secretion. This type of patient would not show the typical hyper-pigmentation of primary Addisons.

REASON FOR ABNORMALITY: Due to autoimmune, or other destruction of enzymatic (biocatalytic) machinery of the adrenal gland, there is no response to ACTH and no production of cortisol and other adrenal steroids necessary for life. If this test gives normal results and the patient has other signs and symptoms then one of the following tests is required.

I thank you for you knowledge. I forgot, I had to see my pulmonary dr today that treats my rls, not my regular dr, but I did ask him and he said to talk to my regular dr. so when I go back to him I will definitely ask to see an endo for this test. I have a rheumy appt in october, he is sending me to a different one for a second opinion. Just sooo tired :yawn: of going back and forth!

Again, thanks

Michelle