this makes so much sense-- going back to the root cause, rather than pathologizing the symptoms. Love your question, with the last part being so powerful! thank you.
............. and what you would change about your life if you gave yourself permission and you weren’t afraid.
Current cortisol level is 12.4 now, and 4 years ago. History of drug induced Addisons disease in late 90s becauae of a higher dose asthma inhaler prescribed by my internist/allergist. Over a year I started getting a thick neck, puffy face, and severe infections (ecoli, pneumonia). When I asked both my internist and PCP if the inhaler could be causing the symptoms, they assured me there was no medical literature that supported that. Both knowledgeable and highly respected doctors. Wasn't until my derm, a wonderful woman I saw once a year, almost freaked out because I was by then moon faced, that she got me back to my PCP the next day. And an endocrinologist consult advised to dc the inhaler. My cortisol level was actually zero. Good to know I made medical history. Child's dose of asthma inhaler prescribed, and I've been on it since then. How is it you keep bringing up medical topics relevant to my experiences?
In 2012 my partner of thirty-three years left me (he left me for the stereotypic younger blonde). The next two years I could swear I could feel my adrenal gland squirting adrenaline into my body. By 2014 I was almost unconscious - sleeping 18 hours/day, brain fog. My integrative care doctor had me do the cortisol spit test and she said my cortisol was almost low enough to qualify for an Addison’s Disease diagnosis. She ordered a bovine adrenal supplement (to allow me to stay awake and to give a vacation to my adrenals without risking a STOP to their production). It took two years, until 2016, before a second test showed my cortisol was in the normal range, with normal diurnal fluctuations. I did wake up.
Here’s my dilemma. I have an inflammatory disease (mast cell activation syndrome) that virtually prohibits any medical implants - but the pain from my deteriorated hip has literally disabled me. I have tried many many anti-inflammatory drugs and supplements but the only thing that actually reduced my pain to a tolerable level is low-dose prednisone. I know about the risks of long-term use and have a plan for prevention, detection and control of most. I am wondering if I have a substantial risk of adrenal damage if I take 4mg or less of prednisone long term. I tried this for four weeks and had near-normal energy plus new feelings of happiness. Is there an unusually high risk to my adrenals? I see this as my only hope. The past six years have been nothing but pain and immobility.
I’m actually going to talk to an endocrinologist about my chronically high cortisol today! I have a chronic, degenerative condition, so my high cortisol shouldn’t come as a surprise to anyone. But I do all the things for managing it without the pills and potions, and I need help!
I have a family history of all sorts of adrenal & thyroid diseases, which I think must be the proverbial sticky wicket. I hope they can help! (When I did a dec suppression test, I felt fantastic the next day not having all that cortisol pumping! Someone help me get more of that, please!)
Environmental factors cause cortisol release as well, think air fresheners, perfume, cosmetic products, laundry products. Remove all of those and your cortisol will go down. The world, our air, our food, and water, is becoming increasingly polluted without our permission or ability to avoid it, and the result is stress on the body. Please encourage everyone you meet to go fragrance free, choose non-toxic products, and just use less in general.
this makes so much sense-- going back to the root cause, rather than pathologizing the symptoms. Love your question, with the last part being so powerful! thank you.
............. and what you would change about your life if you gave yourself permission and you weren’t afraid.
Current cortisol level is 12.4 now, and 4 years ago. History of drug induced Addisons disease in late 90s becauae of a higher dose asthma inhaler prescribed by my internist/allergist. Over a year I started getting a thick neck, puffy face, and severe infections (ecoli, pneumonia). When I asked both my internist and PCP if the inhaler could be causing the symptoms, they assured me there was no medical literature that supported that. Both knowledgeable and highly respected doctors. Wasn't until my derm, a wonderful woman I saw once a year, almost freaked out because I was by then moon faced, that she got me back to my PCP the next day. And an endocrinologist consult advised to dc the inhaler. My cortisol level was actually zero. Good to know I made medical history. Child's dose of asthma inhaler prescribed, and I've been on it since then. How is it you keep bringing up medical topics relevant to my experiences?
Thanks for sharing this, Robin!! and I don’t know - maybe you are the perfect reader!! :)
Cortisol is like inflammation. People toss it around like a buzzword without understanding what it is.
So will Prednisone last long enough for a 1:45 half marathon…kidding but curious. I can’t imagine my doc would prescribe it.
In 2012 my partner of thirty-three years left me (he left me for the stereotypic younger blonde). The next two years I could swear I could feel my adrenal gland squirting adrenaline into my body. By 2014 I was almost unconscious - sleeping 18 hours/day, brain fog. My integrative care doctor had me do the cortisol spit test and she said my cortisol was almost low enough to qualify for an Addison’s Disease diagnosis. She ordered a bovine adrenal supplement (to allow me to stay awake and to give a vacation to my adrenals without risking a STOP to their production). It took two years, until 2016, before a second test showed my cortisol was in the normal range, with normal diurnal fluctuations. I did wake up.
Here’s my dilemma. I have an inflammatory disease (mast cell activation syndrome) that virtually prohibits any medical implants - but the pain from my deteriorated hip has literally disabled me. I have tried many many anti-inflammatory drugs and supplements but the only thing that actually reduced my pain to a tolerable level is low-dose prednisone. I know about the risks of long-term use and have a plan for prevention, detection and control of most. I am wondering if I have a substantial risk of adrenal damage if I take 4mg or less of prednisone long term. I tried this for four weeks and had near-normal energy plus new feelings of happiness. Is there an unusually high risk to my adrenals? I see this as my only hope. The past six years have been nothing but pain and immobility.
Mine was near nil in the morning. It took a naturopath, paid out of pocket, to diagnose it. The test alone cost $200.
Recently had my cortisol tested at Sonora Quest
For $42.00.
I’m actually going to talk to an endocrinologist about my chronically high cortisol today! I have a chronic, degenerative condition, so my high cortisol shouldn’t come as a surprise to anyone. But I do all the things for managing it without the pills and potions, and I need help!
I have a family history of all sorts of adrenal & thyroid diseases, which I think must be the proverbial sticky wicket. I hope they can help! (When I did a dec suppression test, I felt fantastic the next day not having all that cortisol pumping! Someone help me get more of that, please!)
Environmental factors cause cortisol release as well, think air fresheners, perfume, cosmetic products, laundry products. Remove all of those and your cortisol will go down. The world, our air, our food, and water, is becoming increasingly polluted without our permission or ability to avoid it, and the result is stress on the body. Please encourage everyone you meet to go fragrance free, choose non-toxic products, and just use less in general.