nevermind, apparently my adrenal glands are perfectly fine. now i'm back to being entirely lost :(
Thanks for the responses :)
I'm now awaiting the results for the Cortrisyl injection test to find if I have Addison's or what type of adrenal problem. I just can't gauge how big of a deal this is, if it's serious or not. Or if it could possible cure my POTS! I've read on the internet that it's manageable but can be fatal if an adrenal crisis is not treated immediately... do any of you have any experience with that?
I have hypocortisolemia, but ACTH stim test was negative (no Addison's). I'm not on any treatment to adress the hypocortisolemia in particular. I don't know that it's particularly uncommon to have low cortisol in dysautonomia patients; I don't have information about hypocortisolemia in POTS in particular. It seems to be common in CFS and fibromyalgia, so my guess is "it's a fatigue thing."
One thing to realize is that even if you *did* test positive for Addison's (a positive ACTH stim test), fludrocortisone (Florinef) would be one of the components of the treatment. So those dysautonomia patients who are on fludro are already "half" on treatment for this. This may be enough for some, others may need another steroid in addition (while some may have undesirable side effects from that as it is too much or the wrong thing for them). The trick there is finding a good endo who can figure out the right answer for you. As jonesnc alluded, that's no simple task! (Maybe I should try again ... I gave up after three strikes, LOL.) I'm not even sure something different on the endo side of things would help me, though.
Sorry I can't offer more info on this. At least you know now it's not "rare" to have hypocortisolemia with dysautonomia. (If you google the two terms, you'll have no shortage of hits.)
One of my doctors thinks that the dysautonomia is a result of adrenal insufficiency. I do not have POTS specifically - my symptoms are low blood pressure and low pulse rate when I stand that doesn't recover (among many other things). The doctor is treating the adrenal insufficiency with pregnenolone (a natural steroid hormone) and has me on a special diet based on testing of my metabolism she ordered. The treatment for my adrenal insufficiency along with the beta blocker and Florinef for my pulse and blood pressure has helped me regain some of my energy and I am living a somewhat normal life.
My understanding is that your adrenals can recover, it just takes awhile. The right diet, medication, and a lifestyle change all contribute. There are some good books out there on adrenal insufficiency and you have to find the right doctor. Many endocrinologists don't believe it exists (I went to 3 before I found one). Sounds like you have someone who can help you. Good luck!