To ShannieK RE: Addison's

[Jimlow]

Shanon, They definately look at the antibodies, from what I understand, when diagnosing Addison's but an interesting fact is that a certain percent (don't remember what it was) of Hashi's patients, test positive for adrenal antibodies but doesn't mean they have Addison's. Here again, is one of those weird "iffys". I believe they look at how far elevated they are, plus symptoms and the cortisol/other adrenal hormone levels being low.
You already tested for low cortisol, so a positive antibodies test, might be enough for a diagnoses but they will of course know how to determine this.
This thing about a percentage of ALL Hashi's people having adrenal antibodies, again shows the connections these diseases have with eachother.
I hope you don't have it and I hope AR and I don't either but we know if any of us do, there is good treatment for it!
One thing that amazed me, is that your 24-hour urinary cortisol was so close to my level (mine- "10.7"). Men's is supposed to run higher than women's, so is making me seriously think about an antibodies test, this week!

[ShannieK]

Hi, I'm glad that you are going in for the test.  I go in tomorrow to have the blood drawn and than will meet with my doctor on the 16th, same day you have the test done, should be able to compare some results that might help us all.  Thanks again for all of your encouragement.  You're the best!!!!!!!!!!

[Jimlow]

Shanon,
I just got through pre-paying for an "adrenal antibodies" test, which I go in to get blood drawn for, on Aug 16th !
It will be interesting for us three (you, me & AR), to compare our results.
I agree that it was strange that my Endo. didn't suggest an adrenal antibodies first, instead of that expensive "ACTH Stim." test but I'm getting it done soon and will be a relief.

[ShannieK]

Thanks for getting back.  I think it would be a good idea for you to get checked on your antibodies, I'm surprised with you going through the stimulation test and all, that no one thought to check all of that first.  Got some more intresting results, I guess they all come in spurts. Ha ha!!!  They tested my blood cortisol and it was fine, they tested DHEA and it was fine, they tested testosterone, it was fine.  Only the urine cortisol was alittle low, the range they gave me was 10-45. and my urine one was a 9.4.  Than that dang ACTH came back real high.  I was suppose to go in this morning and test for the antibodies, but my 4 year old daughter had an asthma attack last night, which really stressed me out and than I was up all night.  Didn't think this would have been the ideal time to have all those cortisol tests redone.  I really want them to be accurate. Again I really appreciate you getting on here to help and support me, and I only hope that the different info I find out from my doctors helps you find the answers that you need as well.  I'm hoping that I don't have an auto immune form of this, I would rather choose to be alittle off!!!  I don't think I want another progressive disease that takes so many medication alterings just to level out and feel normal.  But I will definatley keep you posted on all of this.  This endo I found really seems to know her stuff and what she's looking for and how to test, so I feel alot better, that I finally have a dr. that seems to understand me, and just doesn't look at me and shake their head.  Thanks again.  Shannon