k2626
07-09-2008, 05:24 PM
Hi all. I have been all over these boards trying to find out what is wrong with me. I am hoping for some feedback....
I have been tired and have been getting dizzy spells on and off for a few months.
About 3/4 weeks ago I started having migratory bone/joint pain-mainly in feet, ankles and spine. Sometimes the pain will last an hour (on feet/ankles) and other times the pain is shooting. My feet also have a vibrating feeling at times. My joints are now popping like crazy, and popping out of the socket
My cuts seem to be taking longer to heal. My bowels have been a mess, lately I go every time after I eat. Its important to note I have been under ton of stress as my dad is dying.
I have had the following blood tests-
2 CBC
Merc poisioning
Lymphnoma
Celiacs
Mono
West nile
D
All came back fine except I am low on D-but not dramatically.
I know something is wrong, but obviously have no clue what could be going on. Of course I am concerned it could be this due to the migratory bone/joint pain and popping.
Any feedback is appreciated....
I have been tired and have been getting dizzy spells on and off for a few months.
About 3/4 weeks ago I started having migratory bone/joint pain-mainly in feet, ankles and spine. Sometimes the pain will last an hour (on feet/ankles) and other times the pain is shooting. My feet also have a vibrating feeling at times. My joints are now popping like crazy, and popping out of the socket
My cuts seem to be taking longer to heal. My bowels have been a mess, lately I go every time after I eat. Its important to note I have been under ton of stress as my dad is dying.
I have had the following blood tests-
2 CBC
Merc poisioning
Lymphnoma
Celiacs
Mono
West nile
D
All came back fine except I am low on D-but not dramatically.
I know something is wrong, but obviously have no clue what could be going on. Of course I am concerned it could be this due to the migratory bone/joint pain and popping.
Any feedback is appreciated....
Sponsor
pinkpixies
07-09-2008, 08:06 PM
Could be anxiety raising cortisol levels and creating pain? Anxiety could also explain the dizziness and bowel problems. Maybe you could try taking up yoga or something like that to help relax you?
k2626
07-09-2008, 08:19 PM
I dont think its anxiety, I dont think the joint popping would cause that. Plus, I know how I feel when I am anxious. I am starting to think maybe lyme or leukimia---I know that blood work does not really mean anything too much if it comes back "normal", right???
I am going for another opinion tomorrow. I am very nervous...
I am going for another opinion tomorrow. I am very nervous...
pinkpixies
07-09-2008, 08:31 PM
since when is joint popping a big deal? cuz I've had that all my life. >.<
k2626
07-09-2008, 08:42 PM
Well, its totally new to me. I mean they pop every minute, I had to stop going to the gym because they are coming out of the socket. I NEVER had this problem until after I had this pain. I am 33 feeling like I am going on 93. I am very concerned I have luekemia given my digestive issues, bone pain, and extreme fatigue.
pinkpixies
07-09-2008, 08:49 PM
Maybe I have it too then? LOL I have all the same symptoms.
T4T3hell
07-09-2008, 10:06 PM
Do some research on Endocrine diseases like:
Cushings
Addisons
Thyroid
Low Growth Hormone
(Primary---where it's your thyroid gland that is goofed up---and secondary---where your pituitary is messed up).
Pituitary Tumors---these are more common than once thought---they estimate 25% of the population has them. The lucky ones find out before they get real sick or die. The unlucky ones don't get dx'd.
Quote:Well, its totally new to me. I mean they pop every minute, I had to stop going to the gym because they are coming out of the socket. I NEVER had this problem until after I had this pain. I am 33 feeling like I am going on 93. I am very concerned I have luekemia given my digestive issues, bone pain, and extreme fatigue.Unquote
I've got the popping joints too---and last week, my joints (knees especially) got all whacked out of line---I tore my ACL when pregnant (I stepped backwards and totally blew everything out).
I'm pretty sure that it was due to undx'd thyroid problems.
I'd had problems with "loose joints" all my life. Now all of a sudden---I'm having problems with the swelling. Again---Thyroid.
Cushings makes you feel and look like a million years old. I started feeling like this when I was about 33. I'm 52 and have finally gotten some answers in the last couple of years.
Recently, doctors think that I may have had complicated endocrine problems for all my life. I went from a really skinny kid to a fat chick. I gained 11 lbs in one weekend.
I finally have found a doctor who listens to me---and he knows what hes' doing. Thank goodness for smart guys!!!
It's sad when your 85 yo mother has more energy than you.
Hope this helps---keep us posted.
Cushings
Addisons
Thyroid
Low Growth Hormone
(Primary---where it's your thyroid gland that is goofed up---and secondary---where your pituitary is messed up).
Pituitary Tumors---these are more common than once thought---they estimate 25% of the population has them. The lucky ones find out before they get real sick or die. The unlucky ones don't get dx'd.
Quote:Well, its totally new to me. I mean they pop every minute, I had to stop going to the gym because they are coming out of the socket. I NEVER had this problem until after I had this pain. I am 33 feeling like I am going on 93. I am very concerned I have luekemia given my digestive issues, bone pain, and extreme fatigue.Unquote
I've got the popping joints too---and last week, my joints (knees especially) got all whacked out of line---I tore my ACL when pregnant (I stepped backwards and totally blew everything out).
I'm pretty sure that it was due to undx'd thyroid problems.
I'd had problems with "loose joints" all my life. Now all of a sudden---I'm having problems with the swelling. Again---Thyroid.
Cushings makes you feel and look like a million years old. I started feeling like this when I was about 33. I'm 52 and have finally gotten some answers in the last couple of years.
Recently, doctors think that I may have had complicated endocrine problems for all my life. I went from a really skinny kid to a fat chick. I gained 11 lbs in one weekend.
I finally have found a doctor who listens to me---and he knows what hes' doing. Thank goodness for smart guys!!!
It's sad when your 85 yo mother has more energy than you.
Hope this helps---keep us posted.
T4T3hell
07-09-2008, 10:09 PM
Do some research on Endocrine diseases like:
Cushings
Addisons
Hypopituitarism
Low Growth Hormone
Thyroid
(Primary---where it's your thyroid gland that is goofed up---and secondary---where your pituitary is messed up).
Pituitary Tumors---these are more common than once thought---they estimate 25% of the population has them. The lucky ones find out before they get real sick or die. The unlucky ones don't get dx'd.
Quote:Well, its totally new to me. I mean they pop every minute, I had to stop going to the gym because they are coming out of the socket. I NEVER had this problem until after I had this pain. I am 33 feeling like I am going on 93. I am very concerned I have luekemia given my digestive issues, bone pain, and extreme fatigue.Unquote
I've got the popping joints too---and last week, my joints (knees especially) got all whacked out of line---I tore my ACL when pregnant (I stepped backwards and totally blew everything out).
I'm pretty sure that it was due to undx'd thyroid problems.
I'd had problems with "loose joints" all my life. Now all of a sudden---I'm having problems with the swelling. Again---Thyroid.
Cushings makes you feel and look like a million years old. I started feeling like this when I was about 33. I'm 52 and have finally gotten some answers in the last couple of years.
Recently, doctors think that I may have had complicated endocrine problems for all my life. I went from a really skinny kid to a fat chick. I gained 11 lbs in one weekend.
I finally have found a doctor who listens to me---and he knows what hes' doing. Thank goodness for smart guys!!!
It's sad when your 85 yo mother has more energy than you.
Hope this helps---keep us posted.
Cushings
Addisons
Hypopituitarism
Low Growth Hormone
Thyroid
(Primary---where it's your thyroid gland that is goofed up---and secondary---where your pituitary is messed up).
Pituitary Tumors---these are more common than once thought---they estimate 25% of the population has them. The lucky ones find out before they get real sick or die. The unlucky ones don't get dx'd.
Quote:Well, its totally new to me. I mean they pop every minute, I had to stop going to the gym because they are coming out of the socket. I NEVER had this problem until after I had this pain. I am 33 feeling like I am going on 93. I am very concerned I have luekemia given my digestive issues, bone pain, and extreme fatigue.Unquote
I've got the popping joints too---and last week, my joints (knees especially) got all whacked out of line---I tore my ACL when pregnant (I stepped backwards and totally blew everything out).
I'm pretty sure that it was due to undx'd thyroid problems.
I'd had problems with "loose joints" all my life. Now all of a sudden---I'm having problems with the swelling. Again---Thyroid.
Cushings makes you feel and look like a million years old. I started feeling like this when I was about 33. I'm 52 and have finally gotten some answers in the last couple of years.
Recently, doctors think that I may have had complicated endocrine problems for all my life. I went from a really skinny kid to a fat chick. I gained 11 lbs in one weekend.
I finally have found a doctor who listens to me---and he knows what hes' doing. Thank goodness for smart guys!!!
It's sad when your 85 yo mother has more energy than you.
Hope this helps---keep us posted.
k2626
07-09-2008, 10:39 PM
Thanks T4, what kind of blood tests should I request to get this done? Going to my other dr tomorrow..
I have my thyroid checked, but I assume there can be more in depth tests?
I have my thyroid checked, but I assume there can be more in depth tests?
T4T3hell
07-10-2008, 02:36 AM
Not sure how your doctor reacts when you bring things up...
if they are ok with it---then you need to start out with some Urine Free Cortisol's and a dex test.
The problem with Cushings--is that there is no "golden", infallible test. It's a very difficult diagnosis--even for the doctors who work with it all the time.
I know some folks who've tested for years---and some doctors don't want to stick their neck out for patients who request lots of tests for a "rare" disease.
Information and Resources
Font Size
A
A
A
Overnight Dexamethasone Suppression Test
The overnight dexamethasone suppression test checks to see how taking a corticosteroid medicine (called dexamethasone) changes the levels of the hormone cortisol in the blood. This test checks for a condition in which large amounts of cortisol are produced by the adrenal glands (Cushing's syndrome).
Normally, when the pituitary glands make less adrenocorticotropic hormone (ACTH), the adrenal glands make less cortisol. See an illustration of the pituitary gland or the adrenal glands. Dexamethasone, which is like cortisol, decreases the amount of ACTH released by the pituitary gland, which in turn decreases the amount of cortisol released by the adrenal glands.
After taking a dose of dexamethasone, cortisol levels often stay abnormally high in people who have Cushing's syndrome. Occasionally other conditions (such as major depression, alcoholism, stress, obesity, kidney failure, pregnancy, or uncontrolled diabetes) can keep cortisol levels from decreasing after taking a dose of dexamethasone.
The night before the blood test, you will take a pill containing dexamethasone. The next morning, the cortisol level in your blood will be measured. If your cortisol level remains high, Cushing's syndrome may be the cause.
Occasionally an ACTH test may be done at the same time as the cortisol test.
Why It Is Done
An overnight dexamethasone suppression test is done to check for a condition in which large amounts of cortisol are produced by the adrenal glands (Cushing's syndrome).
How To Prepare
You will not be able to eat or drink anything for 10 to 12 hours before the morning blood test.
Many medicines can change the results of this test. Be sure to tell your doctor about all the nonprescription and prescription medicines you take. You may be asked to stop taking some medicines (such as birth control pills, aspirin, morphine, methadone, lithium, monoamine oxidase inhibitors [MAOIs], and diuretics) for 24 to 48 hours before your blood is drawn.
Talk to your doctor about any concerns you have regarding the need for the test, its risks, how it will be done, or what the results will mean. To help you understand the importance of this test, fill out the medical test information form(What is a PDF document?).
How It Is Done
The night before your blood is drawn (usually at 11:00 p.m.), you will swallow a pill containing 1 milligram (mg) of dexamethasone. The next morning (usually at 8:00 a.m.), a health professional will draw a sample of your blood. Take the pill with milk or an antacid to help prevent an upset stomach or heartburn.
-----------------------------------------------------------------
UFC's are Urine Free Cortisol tests...you have to save your pee for a 24 hour period of time so they can see if you are producing too much cortisol.
With blood---you have to have your blood drawn at midnight...
With saliva tests---you have to "chew" a wad of cotton...
There are also saliva tests and blood tests. Some people have Cushings---and will have a high test result in one form---like urine--but not in blood or saliva.
And other people will never have a positive Urine---but not a blood...or a saliva...
So, that's another reason it's a difficult disease to figure out...
Good luck with stuff.
if they are ok with it---then you need to start out with some Urine Free Cortisol's and a dex test.
The problem with Cushings--is that there is no "golden", infallible test. It's a very difficult diagnosis--even for the doctors who work with it all the time.
I know some folks who've tested for years---and some doctors don't want to stick their neck out for patients who request lots of tests for a "rare" disease.
Information and Resources
Font Size
A
A
A
Overnight Dexamethasone Suppression Test
The overnight dexamethasone suppression test checks to see how taking a corticosteroid medicine (called dexamethasone) changes the levels of the hormone cortisol in the blood. This test checks for a condition in which large amounts of cortisol are produced by the adrenal glands (Cushing's syndrome).
Normally, when the pituitary glands make less adrenocorticotropic hormone (ACTH), the adrenal glands make less cortisol. See an illustration of the pituitary gland or the adrenal glands. Dexamethasone, which is like cortisol, decreases the amount of ACTH released by the pituitary gland, which in turn decreases the amount of cortisol released by the adrenal glands.
After taking a dose of dexamethasone, cortisol levels often stay abnormally high in people who have Cushing's syndrome. Occasionally other conditions (such as major depression, alcoholism, stress, obesity, kidney failure, pregnancy, or uncontrolled diabetes) can keep cortisol levels from decreasing after taking a dose of dexamethasone.
The night before the blood test, you will take a pill containing dexamethasone. The next morning, the cortisol level in your blood will be measured. If your cortisol level remains high, Cushing's syndrome may be the cause.
Occasionally an ACTH test may be done at the same time as the cortisol test.
Why It Is Done
An overnight dexamethasone suppression test is done to check for a condition in which large amounts of cortisol are produced by the adrenal glands (Cushing's syndrome).
How To Prepare
You will not be able to eat or drink anything for 10 to 12 hours before the morning blood test.
Many medicines can change the results of this test. Be sure to tell your doctor about all the nonprescription and prescription medicines you take. You may be asked to stop taking some medicines (such as birth control pills, aspirin, morphine, methadone, lithium, monoamine oxidase inhibitors [MAOIs], and diuretics) for 24 to 48 hours before your blood is drawn.
Talk to your doctor about any concerns you have regarding the need for the test, its risks, how it will be done, or what the results will mean. To help you understand the importance of this test, fill out the medical test information form(What is a PDF document?).
How It Is Done
The night before your blood is drawn (usually at 11:00 p.m.), you will swallow a pill containing 1 milligram (mg) of dexamethasone. The next morning (usually at 8:00 a.m.), a health professional will draw a sample of your blood. Take the pill with milk or an antacid to help prevent an upset stomach or heartburn.
-----------------------------------------------------------------
UFC's are Urine Free Cortisol tests...you have to save your pee for a 24 hour period of time so they can see if you are producing too much cortisol.
With blood---you have to have your blood drawn at midnight...
With saliva tests---you have to "chew" a wad of cotton...
There are also saliva tests and blood tests. Some people have Cushings---and will have a high test result in one form---like urine--but not in blood or saliva.
And other people will never have a positive Urine---but not a blood...or a saliva...
So, that's another reason it's a difficult disease to figure out...
Good luck with stuff.
k2626
07-10-2008, 03:49 PM
Hmm well the odd thing is I am losing weight! Now the past three days I cant even keep anything in my stomach
T4T3hell
07-10-2008, 04:11 PM
How much does your weigh fluctuate?
Do you feel nauseated, are you vomiting, running to the bathroom?
You may want to start charting your symptoms to see if they follow a pattern.
With Cushings---high blood pressure is a symptom.
With low adrenal function---you will have low blood pressure.
I've been known to lose and gain as much as 6 lbs in one day.
Nothing is different---I think part of it is fluid retention/loss...
Figuring out a pattern helps.
Good luck.
Do you feel nauseated, are you vomiting, running to the bathroom?
You may want to start charting your symptoms to see if they follow a pattern.
With Cushings---high blood pressure is a symptom.
With low adrenal function---you will have low blood pressure.
I've been known to lose and gain as much as 6 lbs in one day.
Nothing is different---I think part of it is fluid retention/loss...
Figuring out a pattern helps.
Good luck.
pinkpixies
07-10-2008, 04:58 PM
6 pounds is a normal weight fluctuation...it's just water. If you drank soda or ate something high in sodium or if it's hot and humid...you water wegiht will go up a lot. The heat alone can cause up to five pounds of water weight.