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What is causing my Adrenaline- like surges?
In October/ November I came down with virus- like symptoms and took a long time to recover. In December, I got the H1N1 inactivated vaccine. That was followed by cold symptoms. Then, something else began to happen.
My symptoms started with an adrenaline- like surges causing a fight/ flight response that began usually in the evening. It presented with heart palpitations, pounding heart, shakiness, breaking out into a sweat, nausea, dizziness, anxiety, and and urge to evacuate my bowel. Then, it got more and more frequent until the surges were almost constant. My appetite went away, and I could not eat and have lost 22lbs in the last two months.
The doctors suspected thyroid or endocrine problems and increased my dosage of Atenolol. My TSH, T3 free, T4 free, TPO, and thyroid antibodies were considered within normal limits, however my thyroid scan showed an elevated increased uptake @ 24 hours. I have a niece who had Hashimoto's and have a cousin who also has lupus and had Grave's disease.
I found that my blood pressure began to rise with each adrenaline- like surge and at one point reached 170/ 101. The endocrinologist suspected a pheochromocytoma and did lab work (urine and blood). After I completed the tests, I was started on an alpha blocker (Cardura) to help with the symptoms. When the lab tests came back within normal limits, I was tested for Cortisol and ACTH and they also came back WNL. My endocrinologist sent me back over to the care of my Internist and recommended that I be checked out by a gastroenterologist and a cardiologist who couldn't find any cause for my symptoms. Now my blood pressure is generally normotensive during the day, with occasional breakthrough spikes, and I still wake every hour or two through the night, but generally am able to go back to sleep after I recover. A 5-H1AA 24 hour urine test for Carcinoid tumor was negative. I have begun to be able to eat more, but appetite goes away on bad days and I have been subsisting on nutritional drinks but I continue to lose weight. The diarrhea has become normal to constipated. Because of the lack of appetite, nausea and occasional upset stomach, I have stopped taking some medications that could be hurting my stomach.
A CT of the abdomen and pelvis was done and showed a 9- 10 mm pulmonary lung nodule on the left most probably post- infection with a recommendation to repeat the test in 3- 6 mo. There was a cyst in the spleen but no other abnormalities were noted.
I have Lupus and fibromyalgia, osteopenia, had a small brainstem stroke 5 years ago, have history of rib fractures, IBS, GERD. I was on a two year course of Forteo (Parathyroid hormone) and after I quit taking the Forteo, I began losing weight with a decreased appetite for a total of 45 lbs.
Had also stopped taking Lexapro in reducing doses prior to all this because it seemed to stop working. I was taking it because of the mood swing side effect of the Prednisone and to help with my fibromyalgia (which is quiet, now). Even though it was weaned, I developed withdrawal symptoms of big mood swings.
Also prior to this, I was having a hyperstartle reflex to noises such as slamming doors or shouting, and this continues. Does this sound like an endocrine problem and what would be the next step in finding the cause?
My symptoms started with an adrenaline- like surges causing a fight/ flight response that began usually in the evening. It presented with heart palpitations, pounding heart, shakiness, breaking out into a sweat, nausea, dizziness, anxiety, and and urge to evacuate my bowel. Then, it got more and more frequent until the surges were almost constant. My appetite went away, and I could not eat and have lost 22lbs in the last two months.
The doctors suspected thyroid or endocrine problems and increased my dosage of Atenolol. My TSH, T3 free, T4 free, TPO, and thyroid antibodies were considered within normal limits, however my thyroid scan showed an elevated increased uptake @ 24 hours. I have a niece who had Hashimoto's and have a cousin who also has lupus and had Grave's disease.
I found that my blood pressure began to rise with each adrenaline- like surge and at one point reached 170/ 101. The endocrinologist suspected a pheochromocytoma and did lab work (urine and blood). After I completed the tests, I was started on an alpha blocker (Cardura) to help with the symptoms. When the lab tests came back within normal limits, I was tested for Cortisol and ACTH and they also came back WNL. My endocrinologist sent me back over to the care of my Internist and recommended that I be checked out by a gastroenterologist and a cardiologist who couldn't find any cause for my symptoms. Now my blood pressure is generally normotensive during the day, with occasional breakthrough spikes, and I still wake every hour or two through the night, but generally am able to go back to sleep after I recover. A 5-H1AA 24 hour urine test for Carcinoid tumor was negative. I have begun to be able to eat more, but appetite goes away on bad days and I have been subsisting on nutritional drinks but I continue to lose weight. The diarrhea has become normal to constipated. Because of the lack of appetite, nausea and occasional upset stomach, I have stopped taking some medications that could be hurting my stomach.
A CT of the abdomen and pelvis was done and showed a 9- 10 mm pulmonary lung nodule on the left most probably post- infection with a recommendation to repeat the test in 3- 6 mo. There was a cyst in the spleen but no other abnormalities were noted.
I have Lupus and fibromyalgia, osteopenia, had a small brainstem stroke 5 years ago, have history of rib fractures, IBS, GERD. I was on a two year course of Forteo (Parathyroid hormone) and after I quit taking the Forteo, I began losing weight with a decreased appetite for a total of 45 lbs.
Had also stopped taking Lexapro in reducing doses prior to all this because it seemed to stop working. I was taking it because of the mood swing side effect of the Prednisone and to help with my fibromyalgia (which is quiet, now). Even though it was weaned, I developed withdrawal symptoms of big mood swings.
Also prior to this, I was having a hyperstartle reflex to noises such as slamming doors or shouting, and this continues. Does this sound like an endocrine problem and what would be the next step in finding the cause?
I suggest you find a qualified Institute for Functional Medicine (IFM) or American College for Advancement in Medicine (ACAM) doctor or find a doctor using this link: https://thyroidnation.com/thyroid-friendly-doctors/
Truly, it's a combination of screwed up brain/adrenal signaling, but nothing requiring surgery or medication for the adrenaline, but you probably do have hypo or hyperthyroidism, but any regular doctor will only order TSH, hence the IFM, ACAM, or other thyroid-friendly doctor necessity.
I had this same problem, and, the solution for me were very specific calming herbs along with thyroid hormone. It will solve your problem.
Truly, it's a combination of screwed up brain/adrenal signaling, but nothing requiring surgery or medication for the adrenaline, but you probably do have hypo or hyperthyroidism, but any regular doctor will only order TSH, hence the IFM, ACAM, or other thyroid-friendly doctor necessity.
I had this same problem, and, the solution for me were very specific calming herbs along with thyroid hormone. It will solve your problem.
Oy! I just wrote a long answer and lost it somehow....
So your symptoms describe exactly what I suffered with for 5 weeks recently. I have Hashimotos and assumed when the diarrhea and adrenaline surges started that I was hyperthyroid as I lost 20 lbs and thought maybe due to that I should lower my dose. I was on 125 synthroid and I RAN to my doctor and asked to be switched back to 60 of dessicated thyroid. However my labs we're fine and even slightly more hypo than in the past. I literally thought I was dying and prepared for a bad diagnosis. I did a 24 hour urine which showed my adrenaline was elevated (about twice normal?) then they re-did it and by then it had come down but my symptoms remained. So I was tested for pheochromocytoma as well as other tumor marker tests and celiac diastase, all came back normal as did an abdominal ultrasound. My endocrinologist said if symptoms remain in a month he would send me for detailed imaging tests. However my symptoms for the past 2 weeks have gone away and I've gone from diarrhea to constipation. Maybe my system is just readjusting? I had been on an antidepressant for a long time and gone off over a year ago and was fine. However when this nightmare started I went back on because I thought I was dying and I was willing to try anything. My most recent thought was maybe Crohn's disease as my gums were hurting. During this I also had abdominal pain off and on and flushing in my face with increase in blood pressure and heart rate, weakness in arms and legs, zero appetite, nausea/vomiting and probably some other lovely symptoms I can't recall. I just wanted to let you know you're not alone and give you hope as my symptoms have gone away. So maybe either the thyroid med change or the antidepressant did it? My ending also said there are rare virus' that can cause such symptoms that take 4-8 weeks to clear. It bothers me not knowing what caused it but I guess that happens sometimes. Wishing you well! Also, for the adrenaline surged my doctor gave me Ativan and that helped. I still don't sleep well and have a hard time getting back to sleep which never happened before this. I occasionally take 50 mg of gravol for that. But not every day as it has its own side effects. If I ever find out what caused this or if it comes back I'll reply again. Hang in there!
So your symptoms describe exactly what I suffered with for 5 weeks recently. I have Hashimotos and assumed when the diarrhea and adrenaline surges started that I was hyperthyroid as I lost 20 lbs and thought maybe due to that I should lower my dose. I was on 125 synthroid and I RAN to my doctor and asked to be switched back to 60 of dessicated thyroid. However my labs we're fine and even slightly more hypo than in the past. I literally thought I was dying and prepared for a bad diagnosis. I did a 24 hour urine which showed my adrenaline was elevated (about twice normal?) then they re-did it and by then it had come down but my symptoms remained. So I was tested for pheochromocytoma as well as other tumor marker tests and celiac diastase, all came back normal as did an abdominal ultrasound. My endocrinologist said if symptoms remain in a month he would send me for detailed imaging tests. However my symptoms for the past 2 weeks have gone away and I've gone from diarrhea to constipation. Maybe my system is just readjusting? I had been on an antidepressant for a long time and gone off over a year ago and was fine. However when this nightmare started I went back on because I thought I was dying and I was willing to try anything. My most recent thought was maybe Crohn's disease as my gums were hurting. During this I also had abdominal pain off and on and flushing in my face with increase in blood pressure and heart rate, weakness in arms and legs, zero appetite, nausea/vomiting and probably some other lovely symptoms I can't recall. I just wanted to let you know you're not alone and give you hope as my symptoms have gone away. So maybe either the thyroid med change or the antidepressant did it? My ending also said there are rare virus' that can cause such symptoms that take 4-8 weeks to clear. It bothers me not knowing what caused it but I guess that happens sometimes. Wishing you well! Also, for the adrenaline surged my doctor gave me Ativan and that helped. I still don't sleep well and have a hard time getting back to sleep which never happened before this. I occasionally take 50 mg of gravol for that. But not every day as it has its own side effects. If I ever find out what caused this or if it comes back I'll reply again. Hang in there!
1 Comments
Low cortisol. Cortisol will suppress adreneline. If its low, adreneline surges. Taking thyroid uses up cortisol.
I suffer from intractable slow-transit constipation. The causes are unknown but probably multiple: a total hysterectomy, pelvic organ prolapse, anterior spinal fusion at L4-5 (2001), 5 bouts of clostridium difficile (2001 - 2009); total bowel blockages due to scar-tissue adhesions, followed by surgery with incision at anterior fusion site (2008 and 2009), removal of amelanotic melanoma, 5 lymph nodes (non-cancerous) and left eyebrow (2013); spinal fusion at L3-4 (rear entry only, 2014); removal of ruptured disc at L2-3 and removal of arthritic growths in spine (2015), osteoarthritis everywhere starting in 2000, opioid therapy since 2000, with 5 -month break in 2014, and currently off since late July 2015. I need 2000 mg daily of docusate sodium (stool softener) to move bowels, but still need to push. I have difficulty sleeping and usually drop off, only with medication, around 12:30 a.m. Beginning around 5 a.m., I get adrenalin rushes with feeling that bowel wants to empty, but it won't. This goes on until about 7 a.m., when the bowel begins to empty in about 3 sessions, aided by movement, eating and exercise. The adrenalin rushes stop. I still feel somewhat constipated, but am reasonably comfortable for the rest of the daylight hours, despite sacroiliac-joint dysfunction and concomitant pain, controlled by gentle stretching exercise. In short, I've lived in pretty constant misery since 2000, but the constipation and nightly adrenalin rushes are the worst. My vitamin D levels are fine. Thyroid has not been tested. Gallbladder testing is scheduled, but I'm skeptical that the answer lies there. Wish I could help you, but I need help myself!
Going to the doctor tomorrow and will probably have new blood work done. I take .075 mg. of Synthroid (generic brand Levothyroxin) daily, and the blood test done in January of this year says TSH 0.768 uLU/ml. The Vitamin D says 30ng/ml and there is no results for B12 or Iron, only hemoglobin. I have some arthritis, borderline sugar problems if I eat sweets, had a mild heart attack in 2002 with no treatment due to panic disorder fright of treatment, had skin cancer in 2002 (melanoma) surgically removed, had uterine fibroid tumors removed, left uterus intact, removed 1 ovary, was told years ago that I have mitral valve prolapse. Aside from this, I'm great. Very tired, having depression off and on. Angry and still searching for the answer just to stop the adrenalin rush. I tried increasing my Inderal with my doctor's guidance but I couldn't breathe on a higher dose of 20mg.
You have many issues, but why don't we have a look at your thyroid related test results and see if anything pops out. Please post your thyroid test results and reference ranges shown on the lab report. Also please post your Vitamin D, B12 and ferritin (iron) test results, if any, along with ranges. What other symptoms do you have? What brand of thyroid med, and what daily dosage do you take?
I have been tormented with this problem since I was 22 years old, and I am now 65, still having adrenalin rushes that have just started again and panic attacks that hit me for no reason that I am aware of, right out of the clear blue sky. This is absolute torment to have to live with. I would love to have the remedy to stop the adrenalin rush that is devastating. I have been on thyroid medicine since I was 17 years old, had to have a parathyroid gland surgically removed, and have heart issues and I do not retain vitamin D. I see such a similar thread in my symptoms and those of others who have posted on here. Interesting, isn't it, that the similar health issues seem to crop up over and over. Wish I had the answer to fixing this devastating disorder. I was housebound for 3 years, and have gone through every conceivable treatment, take Inderal, Synthroid, Paxil, Buspar and still am starting to have renewed symptoms. Miserable way to have to live. Seems to me if we could block the adrenalin release, it would stop the horrible symptoms. Help from any source would be wonderful.
I suggest you take vitamin D-3 2000 units will help depression and vitamin B 100 will give you energy and help with pain
i had the same symptoms i have no thyroid and was in a supression therapy (induced hyperthyroidism) i had an overdosage. i am now feeling better when my dr reduced the dosage. i now have to see if i am still under supression. Lupus has also to do with the imune system and the thyroid is very sensitive to stress, etc.. it sounds like this virus might have distressed your thyroid. changes does not always show right away in your blood samples. sometimes it needs mire time to show or your thyroid will solve that by herself also with time. she is unpredictable! i would look for the best endocrinogist in my zone. he will know what is going on speacially in relation to lupus. please take care with your blood preassure, since that too is a symptom of hiperthyroidsm. I am not a Dr. i am a patient myself. God bless you :)
I am having the same issues mixed with wheezing breaths at times. Have you gotten better or figured out the problem? My doctors are stumped and keep trying to tell me it's anxiety. I know it's not
have your vitamin d levels checked, I have been having those same problems, am up at 2 am with symptoms, last year in march went to hospital, told I was having panic attack. Now a year later having same problems. Gynecologist checked all my hormone levels and were fine, my vitamin d level however is at 23 should be 30-150, 50 or more being best.
I have the exact same symptons as you do in your first paragraph...dizziness..feeling faint..shackinness...sweating..very bad nausea..feel the urge to empty my bowel...scared to stand up tingling in myhand and arms..irregular heartbeat..slurred speech when happening...very very thirsty..had an echo and halter monitor checked out ok...seems to be getting worse more often im very tired afterwards if you could please email me maybe we can findout whats wrong between allour drs....***@**** to hear fromyou this is very diusabiliabling can hardy function in every day life...hope to hear from you soon......
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