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I came over from the thyroid forum. I was told by this forum to have my adrenalsAddison’s disease Adrenal gland biopsy Adrenalectomy Catecholamines - blood checked before I start on thyroid meds (not that anyone will precribe them.) I want to get the saliva test done but my doctor, but he said I don't a reason to get this test done. I need to have a doctor order the test so my insurance will pay for it.
My symptoms are I'm so tired I can barely function, dizzy, can't sleep, depression, hair loss, allergies, brain fog and constipation much more.
Optimally vit D-3 is better - check that to make sure you are taking that.
As for saliva testing... that very hard to get - especially insurance paid. I can give you some sites that you can order them yourself so you can share them with a doctor, but it will be out of pocket cost for you to do that.
Thanks Stella, I already have the saliva test kit, I got it at a compound pharmacy. I called Diagnos-Techs, and they said Medicare would pay for the test if a doctor prescribes it.
I asked my family doctor and endo and both for the test and they both said I don't need to have the test done. My endo said he doesn't prescribe that kind of test. He says my thyroid results are fine.
I do have an appointment on Nov 2 with another doctor that the Compound Pharmacy told me about. They treat according to Ft3 and Ft4. So, I'm hoping this doctor will order the saliva test for me.
you need to find a holistic medical doctor,( look at Jacob Teitlebaum's website endthefatigue.com and they'll help you find a doctor.) what state, city are you in?
and/or a naturopath, conventional doctors will not cooperate with you, nor do they have the experience to help you.
I have an appointment on Monday Nov 2 with a doctor who treats the thyroid according to Ft3 and Ft4 test results. I found this doctor by asking a Compound Phamacy what doctors they work with.
I was told this doctor will order the Adrenal Stress test. I hope this doctor works out because I'm so tired of going to doctors that do not have a clue about the adrenals and the thyroid.
Jena, can you tell me what your allergy symptoms have been? That is funny you have it too, because out of the blue this last year I developed major allergy symptoms, and I have never had allergies in my life. I found online that if your cortisol (I think that's the one) is low, that can cause allergies.
I have major pressure/popping/crackling and pain in my ears all the time, nasal swelling, nothing helps, sinus sprays, etc., and major headaches from sinus pressure.
Bridget
Bridget, I have had allergies for years. I have been tested and I'm allergic to ragweed, pollen, mold, corn stalks and trees. I was getting allergy shots every 2 weeks and I was taking Sudefed, Claritin and using Flonase and Symbicort.
I recently stopped taking all of this meication. I got so sick of the side effects like dry mouth and constipation. I also read that some of these meds can cause damage to the adrenals.
Now like you, I'm wondering if, a thyroid problem and/or low cortisol could be the reason I have the allergies.
My symptoms are nasal swelling, headaches, nasal congestion, or dripage in my throat, and sometimes itchy ears.
I have just developed the allergies this past year, so that is why I am thinking it has to all be related. Did you find any relief from the allergy medication? I didn't, and I tried everything under the sun! I was also getting allergy shots, but had to have them stopped because I have been having a fast heart rate that wont calm down. That has to also be part of all that is going on with me. Do you have that or high blood pressure? lately I've been thinking I have hyperthyroidism or grave's disease, but am waiting the tests. I think if that's what i have that it may have caused adrenal insuffiency. See if your family doctor will order an ACTH adrenal test.
Bridget
When I first started taking allergy meds and the shots I think it helped some. I have been getting shots for about 8 years. But recently nothing has worked for me. That's why I stopped taking the shots and the meds. I actually feel better since I stopped. But I still have the stuffy nose, the nasal drip, dizzyness, but not as bad as with meds.
I have been trying to find a natural cure or relief. So far I haven't found anything that alleviates the symptoms completely. Right now I have the drip in the back of my throat and it is making me nauseous. I think this drip plays a part in my acid reflux or indigestion also. Do you get indigestion?
As I said before I'm going to do the adrenal saliv test. What is the ACTH test? I will ask the doctor on Monday about doing that test.
Jena
I usually don't have high blood pressure, but about a month ago I went to the doctors for my sinuses, I think they were infected, and my blood pressure was high 166/78. I had been really sick for about a month. The doctor gave me an antibiotic, Z-pack and it really helped. I felt decent for awhile. Now I feel like I'm getting worse again.
Jena, no I don't get indigestion. The acth test is to test your adrenal glands. I haven't had it done but am going to request he does it when I see him on thursday of this next week.
I thought I was getting sinus infections also, because my sinuses were so stuffed and swollena and painful, but after being on antibiotics 3 times we figured out it wasnt it, aso, they did a ct of my sinuses.
What is the adrenal saliva test? what does it test for?
I think we have the same thing, whatever the heck it is!!!
Good luck at your doctor appt and keep us posted
Bridget
Oh, also, if they will, see if they will do an aldosterone/renin level check. That is the only thing so far in my labwork that has come back not all that normal. (it was still within the ranges but very very very low end of low.) If your aldosterone is messed up you can feel really yucky too
Bridget
Bridget, I was told the Adrenal Saliva test is a very accurate way to find out if you have adrenal fatigue. You put saliva in four different tubes at 7:00 a.m., 12:00 p.m., 4:00 p.m. and 11:00 p.m. These time frames can't be done with the blood or urine tests.
I will be doing the test on Tuesday. It will take about a week and a half to get the results. The doctor I'm seeing Monday will probably want to do Thyroid testing again. So I hope within the next two weeks I will know what is going on with me.
Oh, and by the way I did read that Local Honey from the area wherever you live can help allergies. Like taking two tablespoons a day. Because it is made in the area where you live it can combat the allergins that you have to deal with. I just have to find out where I can get some. It would be worth a try.
the saliva test is not very accurate, but it'll give you an idea of where you stand.
in the end most of treating our type of disorders is by trial and error with thyroid meds and low level steroids.; even if all your results are within normal range, a holistic medical doctor will treat you if all of your symptoms pointing in adrenal/thyroid direction.; in fact the numbers for a "normal" thyroid test have just been officially changed. they have been lowered because they feel that so many more people are suffering from thyroid illness and not being treated. If your levels are just slight then you might do just fine with supplements with a naturopath, but it will take a long time. If your levels are extreme or your symptoms extreme, you will probably need meds and supplements to feel any relief in a reasonable time. There are apparently other symptoms of thyroid disorder that most doctors don't even check like greater ankle reflexes, loss of hair even on legs or in the eyebrows. rapid heart rate etc. so good luck with your new doctor.
get used to having patience, because nothing, absolutely nothing about this is going to go fast. it takes a while usually to feel different even if you are treated. I'm sorry for your cancellation. hang in there!
As for saliva testing... that very hard to get - especially insurance paid. I can give you some sites that you can order them yourself so you can share them with a doctor, but it will be out of pocket cost for you to do that.
I asked my family doctor and endo and both for the test and they both said I don't need to have the test done. My endo said he doesn't prescribe that kind of test. He says my thyroid results are fine.
I do have an appointment on Nov 2 with another doctor that the Compound Pharmacy told me about. They treat according to Ft3 and Ft4. So, I'm hoping this doctor will order the saliva test for me.
thanks again, Jena
and/or a naturopath, conventional doctors will not cooperate with you, nor do they have the experience to help you.
Bridget
I have an appointment on Monday Nov 2 with a doctor who treats the thyroid according to Ft3 and Ft4 test results. I found this doctor by asking a Compound Phamacy what doctors they work with.
I was told this doctor will order the Adrenal Stress test. I hope this doctor works out because I'm so tired of going to doctors that do not have a clue about the adrenals and the thyroid.
I'll let you know how I make out.
Jena
I have major pressure/popping/crackling and pain in my ears all the time, nasal swelling, nothing helps, sinus sprays, etc., and major headaches from sinus pressure.
Bridget
I recently stopped taking all of this meication. I got so sick of the side effects like dry mouth and constipation. I also read that some of these meds can cause damage to the adrenals.
Now like you, I'm wondering if, a thyroid problem and/or low cortisol could be the reason I have the allergies.
My symptoms are nasal swelling, headaches, nasal congestion, or dripage in my throat, and sometimes itchy ears.
Bridget
I have been trying to find a natural cure or relief. So far I haven't found anything that alleviates the symptoms completely. Right now I have the drip in the back of my throat and it is making me nauseous. I think this drip plays a part in my acid reflux or indigestion also. Do you get indigestion?
As I said before I'm going to do the adrenal saliv test. What is the ACTH test? I will ask the doctor on Monday about doing that test.
Jena
I usually don't have high blood pressure, but about a month ago I went to the doctors for my sinuses, I think they were infected, and my blood pressure was high 166/78. I had been really sick for about a month. The doctor gave me an antibiotic, Z-pack and it really helped. I felt decent for awhile. Now I feel like I'm getting worse again.
I thought I was getting sinus infections also, because my sinuses were so stuffed and swollena and painful, but after being on antibiotics 3 times we figured out it wasnt it, aso, they did a ct of my sinuses.
What is the adrenal saliva test? what does it test for?
I think we have the same thing, whatever the heck it is!!!
Good luck at your doctor appt and keep us posted
Bridget
Bridget
I will be doing the test on Tuesday. It will take about a week and a half to get the results. The doctor I'm seeing Monday will probably want to do Thyroid testing again. So I hope within the next two weeks I will know what is going on with me.
Oh, and by the way I did read that Local Honey from the area wherever you live can help allergies. Like taking two tablespoons a day. Because it is made in the area where you live it can combat the allergins that you have to deal with. I just have to find out where I can get some. It would be worth a try.
I'll keep you posted. Jena
in the end most of treating our type of disorders is by trial and error with thyroid meds and low level steroids.; even if all your results are within normal range, a holistic medical doctor will treat you if all of your symptoms pointing in adrenal/thyroid direction.; in fact the numbers for a "normal" thyroid test have just been officially changed. they have been lowered because they feel that so many more people are suffering from thyroid illness and not being treated. If your levels are just slight then you might do just fine with supplements with a naturopath, but it will take a long time. If your levels are extreme or your symptoms extreme, you will probably need meds and supplements to feel any relief in a reasonable time. There are apparently other symptoms of thyroid disorder that most doctors don't even check like greater ankle reflexes, loss of hair even on legs or in the eyebrows. rapid heart rate etc. so good luck with your new doctor.