Suspect Adrenal Insufficiency but doctors ignoring symptoms

[greglh]

Hello. I am new to the group. I have been diagnosed with 2 autoimmune disorders (Graves' Disease and Vitiligo) in addition to asthma, acid reflux, sleep apnea, severe inhaled allergies especially ragweed and fall mold),  depression (potential misdiagnosis), mild vasovagal syncope, chronic fatigue. I also had surgery in 2012 to remove severely inflamed sinus tissue.
I have been misdiagnosed with anxiety and panic disorder (these conditions were caused by long-term use of the benzodiazepine Xanax which I am now free of with no anxiety or panic attacks). I also suspect my diagnosis of depression to be false also. I am taking dextroamphetamine for my fatigue. When my fatigue lifts so does my depression.

I do not handle stress well (either physical or emotional) and my fatigue has been getting worse in the past 3-4 years. I suspect an adrenal insufficiency but my endo who is managing my Graves' Disease and checks my T4, T3, and TSH levels regularly does not perform cortisol or ACTH tests unless I ask. I did have a cortisol test last year. I'm not sure of the exact value but I believe it came back as low normal. Because it was in the "normal range" my endo told me I don't have primary or secondary adrenal insufficiency and sent me on my way with a "clean bill of health."

I feel as if my fatigue is getting worse but am not thrilled with going back to the doctor only to have my tests come back normal (at least according to the ranges set by the medical organization he works for). Generally I am told I need to see a psychiatrist and get on some more psychiatric meds or stop using some I am on!?! I've gone through over 10 years with the psychiatric community only to be put on many drugs that have not helped at all and caused a ton of problems getting off of (especially Xanax which was a long and drawn out nightmare).

Need some advice on how to find a doctor that will listen to me and not just perform the minimal tests and tell me I'm perfectly healthy.

[iamg7]

Also, Graves can cause very intense fatigue. Are you on any medication? If so, have you talked to your doc about it not working as it should?

[iamg7]

I definitely feel you, I've been told it's depression many times- which is ridiculous, that they would just disregard someone who is telling them something is wrong with their body and has abnormal results to prove it. I'm sorry you have to go through that. Anyway, maybe ask your endo if you could get 24 hr salivary cortisol and a stim test done? Tell them why you suspect you might need to get it tested. Some docs don't do well with people who say 'I've done some research, and', but you know what? It's YOUR body and you deserve to ask for what you need. I'm rooting for you!