Do I have it? How do I get diagnosed?

[hippie4lyfe]

I Have crohn's disease but have been extremely fatigued, dizzy, tired, and lack energy, crave salty foods, and have more energy after 6pm but the doctors say that my blood tests are fine and that my medications wont cause this.

I just don't get it, there must be a reason!

I heard adrenal fatigue is hard to diagnose and most doctors don't see an issue, any recommendations?  I had an entire blood test done, I am desperate for answers!

[Marin600]

Think you mean ACTH.  Google ACT and ACTH.  Also google:  cat scan and thyroid or thyroid tests.  Several of the suggested sites on the web pages will explain the tests:  how they work, what they eliminate; what they're looking for; when additional testing is recommended; how long the tests take, etc.

Anyone with compromised adrenal glands should also get an overview of thyroid and pituitary problems in order to be able to quickly recognize the problems if they later begin to show up, instead of waiting for a drastic situation that could have been alleviated months or years earlier, if only the adrenal patient had known about the cross connect.  

Having Crohn's, you're susceptible to about anything that comes down the pike.  Please at least skim  the books I suggested to you.  If you improve your Crohn's problem, you'll minimize your susceptibility to other complications.  It is even possible to eliminate Crohn's in some instances.  You're always going to be stuck with the adrenal problem, but it's easier to manage it if you don't have other problems to fight against at the same time.  

Tell us what happened.

[hippie4lyfe]

my doctor suggested an ACT which I was told is a blood test that takes 1 hour?  How can a blood test take 1 hour?

Also, they want me to get a cat scan of my thryoid.  are these normal ways to check?

[Marin600]

Hi. Hope we can point you in the right direction.

Here are some books that might benefit you:

Adrenal Fatigue:  The 21st Century Stress Syndrome, by James L. Wilson, ND, DC,
      PhD---especially helpful if you can find only doctors who recognize the two extremes
      of adrendal fatigue, and nothing in between; how to get saliva testing, also
Patient Heal Thyself, by Jordan S. Rubin, NMD, CNC---Once near death from Crohn's,
      he learned to heal himself and has devoted his life to informing others of healthy
      eating, healthy living, and being responsible for their health.
Sick and Tired, by Robert O. Young, PhD
The pH Miracle, by Robert O. Young, PhD, and Shelley Redford Young
The Missing Diagnosis, by Orian C. Truss, MD
The Yeast Connection, A Medical Breakthrough, by William G. Crook, MD

You understand, of course, that although you can learn from forums and begin a healthier lifestyle on your own, you need to see a physician for testing and diagnosis.

Tahoma Clinic in Kent, WA, understands the various degrees of adrenal functioning (Dr. Jonathan V. Wright, Director).

Let us hear what you find out about your condition.  Good luck.

[hippie4lyfe]

thank you for replying, would you suggest i see an endocrinologist or another type of doctor?

[stella5349]

Sometimes blood work does not uncover adrenal fatigue. Most labs look for severe cases of cortisol issues like Addison's and Cushings.

The doctor I have - looks at saliva testing - a 24 hrs - test you do at home and send off to a lab that looks at precise measures of cortisol to decide if you have any certain levels of adrenal dysfunction.

Also - in addition to adrenal testing - precise testing and reading on thyroid function needs to be looked at - along with accurate readings of FSH/LH - estrogen, progesterone and testosterone levels.

There is a reason for you symptoms, the right doctor can help you overcome them.