ACTH Reactions

Has anyone had a bad reaction to the ACTH stimulation test? I need to have it done and I have trypanophobia (fear of injections) amongst a slew of other phobias. I think my endocrinologist uses 250mcg of cosyntropin.

[rumpled]

I only got cold and they gave me a blanket.

Some flush - the worst I have heard and only in one or two people at most was nausea.

There should be only one IV and all the testing can be done via the one. Try to remain calm so the test gets the stim from the test, not the anxiety....

[rumpled]

I only got cold and they gave me a blanket.

Some flush - the worst I have heard and only in one or two people at most was nausea.

There should be only one IV and all the testing can be done via the one. Try to remain calm so the test gets the stim from the test, not the anxiety....

[coco727272]

I had the test and I didn't experience any symptoms. I was very anxious when the cosyntropin was injected but I think I calmed down 30 minutes later...I hope I did anyway:(.

[rumpled]

Let us know the results. Glad you had a nice, calm test despite misgivings.

[woody444]

I had the test last year and collapsed soon after the injection. I don't feel I've had a satisfactory explanation, but apparently it is extremely rare to have this response.

[coco727272]

Sorry that you experienced that.  I'm not sure what would've caused the fainting.  Had you been diagnosed with AI or Addison's prior to the test?

I forgot to mention my results:
Time    ACTH  Cortisol
0 min  16.4       4.4
30 mins          20.8
60 mins          24.1

My endocrinologist did not give me a diagnosis of Addison's because I reacted to the cosyntropin, but I was told by someone in a group that I belong to, that I failed the test before I started it.  My baseline cortisol was very low and after the injection I produced what a normal healthy person produces before the injection.

[rumpled]

You were below range - but your adrenals did react to the *stress* of the agent so technically, you are ok.

If though you have low sodium readings and consistent low cortisol readings, I hope the doc keeps an eye on you - as this may change in the future... that can happen (or like me, I was always low in the morning and high at night - I had the opposite disease!).