ACTH Stimulation Test- The next Day???

[dustybrown]

I had my ACTH Stimulation test done yesterday morning. I had a slight bit of a stomach ache when they performed it and a bit of a headache for a couple of hours. I won't get my results until the 14th and have to be all nervous about it until then. Well. I went to bed early last night. This morning I woke up and to my astonishment, I actually feel pretty good and I am in a fairly good mood too, which is REALLY bizarre???? Perhaps this is all in my head, but has anyone else here had this same experience? And did it mean anything to your outcome of your test?

[dustybrown]

Adrenal Fatigue is not considered a real medical problem, BUT Secondary Adrenal Insufficiency is. The problem is that many Endocrinologist don't appear to be properly trained to identify or treat the problem. I think there is a fine line between the two problems and also there is the issue with what system is causing the dysfunction. If they acknowledge the disease then they have to investigate the system other than the adrenal gland, which means diving deep into the problem and the pituitary gland and possibly offering some kind of long term care of some sort.

I will let you know what the new doctor says and if he's willing to do the saliva test. Let me know how your ACTH test turns out.  

[Heather5661]

My baseline cortisol level was 11.8 back in July, which is what concerned my doctor to run an ACTH. I remember him saying that below 15 is low. I haven't gotten my results from fridays tests back yet. If it comes back as "normal" (or normal to the doctor) then I'm going to have the saliva test done as well. I read that you pretty much have to go to a natureopathic doctor to be treated or even considered for adrenal insufficiency because regular MD's don't see it as a problem. It also said that the saliva test is the best to have done because it will tell you how much cortisol you have that can actually be used by your body, the blood test only shows bound cortisol which gives no indication if that cortisol is actually available to enter the tissues. Many people test "normal" on blood cortisol yet very low on saliva. The website I found went through all the symptoms I've experienced, almost in order over this past year. It was a HUGE A-ha moment. Here is the site; http://www.naturalnews.com/024985_cortisol_blood_adrenal_fatigue.html

Let me know how your saliva test results turn out. I'll keep you posted when I get my blood results.

[dustybrown]

I got my results back within about a week and they showed that I was normal, or at least that is what the endo that I saw said, but I am not so sure. My values did double, but my baseline was below normal, so I think there is a possibility that I may suffer from Secondary Adrenal Insufficiency.

I am going to seek another opinion and perhaps have a saliva test done- maybe even next week. From what I understand a baseline cortisol below 15 is very low, but I could be wrong. I just need to be sure. My results are below. If you are curious.

Cortisol Baseline: 11.9 mcg/dl
Cortisol 30 min: 22.2 mcg/dl
Cortisol 60 min: 25.8 mcg/dl

[Heather5661]

Hi,
I just had the ACTH test done today and I will agree with you that I felt "normal" finally afterwards. I have felt HORRIBLE up until I had the injection. I felt like I could run a marathon and get a lot accomplished. I had energy again, I had my thoughts under control, my eyes looked brighter and healthier, my vision improved, I just felt great! I also felt fine after eating, which I've been getting adrenaline rushes after eating and then boughts of confusion and disorientation. I'm wondering if it means we are very low in our cortisol. I'm hoping this test shows something because I've been dealing with this for a year now. I just want some answers, and I know it's not all in my head, and I know it isn't because of some mental disorder like the doctors like to label. When do you get your tests results back?

[oliviamarie12345]

yay i had a terrible headache afterwards

[Leigh1234]

I felt horrible with each of my stim tests (had to have a few - long story). Sent me to the verge of crisis each time - horrible pain in my hips, nausea, low BP, confusion, the works. Took a really long time to recover. My last 2 endos told me this was probably because of my size (tiny). The 250mg test is actually contraindicated in certain pediatric wards due to risk of adrenal hemmorhage.

I've spoken with many primary AD people who have felt miserable during/after their stim tests. Apparently those with secondary AI can sometimes feel better - presumably because they've had the cortisol all along, just no way to "set it free". Just my assumption there...

Hope you got the results of your test by now and are either feeling better on your own, or getting the treatment you need.

Leigh

[dustybrown]

Is it normal to get very tired from the ACTH test??? Because I did. The night of my test I was so extremely tired and fatigued I went to bed very early. I did get a stomach ache right away too and a headache. That's not a crisis sign either is it??? I am so confused???? Also, I've been eating nothing but chips and chocolate since the test. I hope I am ok. My BP is still really low, but normal. It was 97/56, so it was up from the hospital (thank god). Still getting dizzy spells though...

[kitonthemoon]

Hi......

an viral infection would surely increase of the occurence of a crisis.  A scary thing for a mum to watch her kid to go through.   I never had ACTH test done, as my doc was afraid that I won't wake up from it..  Hope your son is managing his Addison well.

There are usually pre-crisis signs..like sleepiness, abdominal pains, etc.  ..so I could take precautions as much as I could.

Please let us know the test result after 14th, Dusty.  

Lots huggies,
Kit

[mumofR]

They think my boy had a viral infection as well hence the crisis!
I don't know how he felt when he had the first one as he was pretty unwell the whole time anyway.

Sorry to hear the good feeling has worn off!! I guess you have to enjoy those times when you can.

[dustybrown]

I am sorry to hear about your son. He must have been very ill. I felt pretty good yesterday morning, but towards the end of the day my neck was hurting really bad and I could hardly move. Perhaps I was speaking too soon!!!! I am back to feeling like my normal cruddy self. No crisis though! So that's good.

[mumofR]

WOW! When my son had his last test he went in to crisis the following morning! LOL! He was fine during it and for the rest of the day but the following morning saw an emergency trip to hospital!

Enjoy feeling well!